October CP Giving Brings Totals Closer to Goal 11/15/2007 LOUISVILLE – Strong Cooperative Program giving in October has helped CP totals recover from a September budget deficit of $741,637, but giving still remains $505,562 behind budget for the year. According to Lowell Ashby, Business Services Team leader for the KBC, receipts collected in October totaled $2,236,075, which is $977,712 above the $1,258,363 received last month. After the first two months of the 2007-2008 fiscal year, CP receipts are $128,223 or 3.8 percent ahead of last year. October giving was also $577,020, or 3.5 percent, above the $1,659,055 received during the October month of the 2006-2007 fiscal year, he said. “We are grateful for Kentucky Baptists’ willingness to demonstrate their commitment to missions through their ongoing financial support of Cooperative Program ministries in Kentucky, across North America and around the world,” said Bill Mackey, executive director for the KBC. Ashby said $4 million was needed through October for CP giving to meet budgeted projections. Churches have given $3,494,438 through October, leaving yearly totals $505,562, or 12.6 percent, behind budget. The annual budget for CP in the 2007-2008 fiscal year is $24 million. Ashby said $20,505,562 is needed throughout the remainder of the 2007-2008 fiscal year in order to meet budgeted projects. In order for that to be achieved, at least $2,050,556 would need to be received in each of the remaining 10 months. “In order for ministry needs to be met, it is important for the giving to be in a timely manner so the funds can be passed on to those ministries immediately,” said Mackey. “If church members remain faithful in their giving, churches will be able to meet the Cooperative Program ministry needs in 2007-2008.” The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of more than 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative headquarters in Louisville, Ky. including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more. Release prepared by Kristie Randolph, KBC Communications