God alone can provide answers in these harsh economic times.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” How many times have we sung these words? As we face the unknown this year, let us sing them more sincerely than ever before.
I had decided not to say too much about the implosion of the world economy, but now I am breaking my silence. I wish to avoid the speculative announcements common in the Internet Age. I always seek the best and the most credible sources for my information.
I will not be surprised if as early as this year the deep recession will have developed into the third world depression since the 1890s. Because of globalism and the magnitude of recent economic developments, it could be a depression of unparalleled magnitude in the history of mankind. There is concern that the US dollar’s and other currencies’ buying power will be greatly reduced. The efforts of the G-20, the 20 largest economies, seem to have achieved little. These summits have not been able to find the solution to the economic implosion.
As president of Hartland, I have responsibility for the funds which God has entrusted to us. I do not have the wisdom—no one on this planet has the wisdom—to know how to handle this situation. Some “experts” say this downturn will last at least 10 years; others say 15 years. The most optimistic say at least 2 years; some are not even willing to hazard a guess.
Therefore, all that the staff and I can do is turn to the Lord for help. He is the Master Economist. Our ministries are working to get out as much free literature as possible to help overseas projects which are doing a dedicated work for the Lord. We are also doing all we can to expedite the remediations at Hartland so that the funds from faithful supporters will not be devalued in this financial crisis.
This is not the time to hold back from God’s work. I pray that we will not be amongst those who hesitate to provide God’s funds for His work.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are not in darkness as to what these world-wide developments mean. This is not a call for panic. It is a call for each one of us to look up, for our redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).
