In Singapore, the Chinese New Year season’s social and business dinners often begin with a dish consisting of salads, dressings, pickles, and raw fish. The name of the dish, Yu Sheng, is a pun that sounds like "year of prosperity." It is traditional for those present to toss the salad together. As they do, certain phrases are repeated to bring about good fortune. Our words may express our hopes for others for the year ahead, but they can’t bring about good fortune. The important issue is — what does God want to see in us in the coming year?

This past year was a difficult year. Although it has improved, the economy is still struggling to recover. More families are finding it more difficult to keep their heads above water as this economy continues to recover at a slow pace. Personally, there were some battles that I had to fight. Some were lost; some were won; some my family and I are still fighting. But one thing that remains constant in all of these things is that God is still in control. Despite these circumstances, God has continued to bless LCCM and this community. For the fourth straight year, God enabled LCCM to meet its operating budget. Praise the Lord!!

As you read through this 2010 Annual Report, please ask yourself the question, "What does God want to see in me in the coming year?" Words, sometimes, just is not good enough to help those that are struggling or are in crisis. We can wish them well and hope that they survive, but its not enough.

James 2:15-16 says, "A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, ‘God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,’ but do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing." The bible says that we are all children of God; so anyone that you meet is a "brother or sister in Christ". The greatest example of our devotion to God is to follow his command, "Love thy neighbor." What better way to love your fellow man than to help them in their time of need.

I am excited about the future of LCCM. My focus in 2011 is to allow God to take this ministry to new heights. I am devoted to the growth of LCCM. I truly believe that God has something great in store for this ministry and for this community.

Please pray with me for clarity of mind and vision so that God always remains in control of LCCM. Please pray for the Board of Directors and Council of Delegates so that every decision made is based on what God has in store for LCCM and Lebanon County. Please pray for the staff and volunteers as they diligently answer Jesus’s command to "feed the hungry and clothe the naked." Please pray that the Lord touches the hearts of the men, women, and youth of our community that are willing and able to give their time, talent and treasure to further the mission of LCCM. Please pray that everyone involved in LCCM is able to do the Lord’s work with love in their hearts. 1 Corinthians 13:3 says, "I may give away everything I have...But I gain nothing if I do not have love." Love is what makes all this happen. Love for God. Love for your neighbor. 1 Corinthians 13:13, "So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is Love."

God Bless You,

TROY E. WILLIAMS
Executive Director