In attempting to implement special projects, many conferences have established various strategies to raise funds to meet the demands of their ministry projects. In one such conference in Canada, they have established what is called the Church Building Investment Fund (CBIF). The idea behind CBIF is that each member systematically contributes two dollars every Sabbath. The monies collected are tallied at the end of a given year by the conference treasury and then redistributed to the congregations to assist in their mortgage elimination. A certain formula is used to determine the amount each church would receive for the period. This process has gone on with much success for decades.
Paul writes, “My friends, we want you to know that the churches in Macedonia have shown others God's gift of undeserved grace. Although they were going through hard times and were very poor, they were glad to give generously. They gave as much as they could afford and even more, simply because they wanted to.” (2 Cor. 8:1-3, CEV). As members of the body of Christ, we have a holy calling to assist each other in carrying out the ministry of the church.
As you worship by returning your tithes and offerings and contributing to the ministries of your conference, Ellen White reminds us that “When you place the Lord first and realize that the Lord's house is dishonored by debt, God will bless you” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 262).
Let’s support our Carolina Youth fund so they can continue to help churches honor the Lord.