Treasurer … Spring 2017

by Colleen Charsky

As I was preparing for my term as Treasurer to end, I have spent some time reflecting. I thought it was quite providential that our convention theme verse was Ephesians 4:1b-2 (NIV)

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” In verse 2, Paul continues, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

I don’t believe it was by accident or coincidence that Paul was inspired to include this sentence regarding humility, gentleness, and patience immediately following a sentence regarding being called.

We must continually seek and stay attuned to God’s calling in our lives. Many times, we quickly refuse callings that might be outside our wheelhouse or callings to step down from a position because no one is immediately ready to assume the responsibilities. However, we must obey God’s leadings at all times.

Also, we must enter any new calling with humility, gentleness, and patience waiting to see how the Lord will utilize us in this new position. Equally important we need to be gentle and patient with those individuals who have answered the Lord’s calling and are assuming new responsibilities.

None of us accept a position with the intent of doing a poor job.

I know when Gail Carlsen first asked me to be a one year board member, I first thought “I’m not qualified.” and “I don’t know what I can contribute.”

Gail encouraged me to accept a one year board member position to “try it.” Listening to God’s call and “trying it” led me on an incredible journey of now calling ABWM-NYS my family for over 9 years.

Even though my term is up, I leave the position in the very capable hands of Frankie Barton. Frankie is a member of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church of the Long Island Association. She has been the Treasurer-Elect this past year and served as Chair of the Finance Committee for 2 years prior to that. She has also worked in the Accounts payable department at Barnes & Noble for 27 years.

At the end of the fiscal year (March 31, 2017), these are the balances of the NYS funds:

• NYS General–$11,275.25 (at least $5,000 is designated to replenish investment funds that were withdrawn during a time of need);
• NYS Scholarship–$3,835.14;
• NYS AB Girls–$2,279.60; and
• NYS Leadership Development–$2,279.60.

For 2016-2017 we have received the following contributions to be forwarded to national ministries:

• Love Gift-$4,020.17;
• National-$2,567.37;
• Women & Girls Mission Fund-$515.00;
• National AB Girls- 389.00;
• National Leadership Development-$130.00; and
• Refit-$985.00.

The following offerings were collected at Convention:

• General Fund – $1,071.00;
• National – $1,033.00; and
• Love Gift – $585.35.
• We hosted a silent auction which contributed another $495 to the General Fund.
• We received an offering of $1,209.16 for the Special Project. This brought the total we received for the 2016-2017 NYS Special Project of the ABWM General Fund/Opportunity Fund to $8,250.00.

Thank you for giving generously to each of these funds. We must praise God for enabling us to meet the needs of this organization.

As my term has ended, it has been my pleasure to have been used by God in this capacity. I have enjoyed serving Him though each of you. I thank Jesus for each one of you who have given, served or prayed for this organization.