NEWS//A momentous meeting

“A momentous meeting.” That’s the way 316NOW’s executive director described four Thursdays in June.

The next twelve months of 316NOW’s ministry will take final shape over the four Thursdays in June. That’s when 316NOW’s board of directors assembles online for its annual meeting.

“The pandemic, China’s tightening control of Christianity, and global financial uncertainty have created more fog over the future course of our ministry than we’re experienced before,” said our executive director.

“That’s why these June meetings are especially important. Our board will develop a path forward for each of our divisions. But it will be a plan with enough flexibility to allow us to take advantage of opportunities – and probably some challenges -- we can’t see today.”

The ministry plan for 2020-21 (316NOW operates on a July through June fiscal year) will deal with

• Anticipating ministry goals a decade from now and setting up a strategy to meet them.

• Improving and expanding our online Bible institute.

• Discovering ways to revive our mission trips in China.

• Creating a way to help Chinese homes experience the blessings of Christian family and marriage.

• Raising up a Confessional Lutheran presence in China.

• Recruiting Chinese Christians who work and live outside of China.

• Adequately staffing our ministry.

“Our commitment is to create programs that will best proclaim grace across China NOW and in the future.” said our executive director. “We need the gracious God who directs that future to direct our plans. And we need the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Jesus.”

What you can do: Ask the Spirit to guide 316NOW’s board of directors through its planning process and then to empower 316NOW to take full advantage of the opportunities that the Spirit provides.