'Our confidence is not in the economy. It’s in God,' says Moore

LITTLE ROCK - David Moore, president of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF), brought the ABF report during the Wednesday morning session of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Annual Meeting, held Nov. 2, at First Baptist Church, Little Rock.

Moore addressed the Foundation’s views regarding the economy and the future.

Moore said he believes that eternal things will be worth “everything,” while financial things such as bonds and stocks will “ultimately be worth nothing.”

“Therefore we believe that our whole job as a foundation is to try to help people learn how to invest in things that matter, things that last, things that are eternal, things that are going to make a difference.”

However, he also pointed out some short-term concerns, including debts of Europe and the United States, budget deficits and interest rates.

“I do remind you, however, that our confidence is not in the economy. It’s in God,” Moore told messengers. “And we would encourage you to keep fixing your eyes on Jesus and not on the pages of the Wall Street Journal.”

Moore summarized last year’s numbers, saying the ABF grew by about $14.5 million. It was one of the best contribution years, and they were able to distribute more than $14 million.

“The real question, though, is … did the Foundation’s work all last year make any difference in the kingdom of God? What impact did $14 million have on ministry?”

To help answer that question, Moore explained that of the $14 million distributed, 68.5 percent went to ABSC entities, 4 percent went to the Southern Baptist Convention, 2 percent went to other Baptist colleges and seminaries, 7 percent went to other ministries, 0.5 percent went to other charities and 18 percent went to individuals.

He also noted the Foundation was the 13th largest contributor to the Cooperative Program and he hopes to eventually be the largest.

He also pointed to more specific examples of where the money went, but as to whether it made an impact, Moore said, “The bottom line is, truthfully, only eternity will know the answer to that question. But I … represent a group of professional people and support staff in our office who work very hard for you because we believe what we’re doing is making a difference in the kingdom of God.”

He thanked Arkansas Baptists for the privilege of serving.

“I get to work with the most incredible human beings in Arkansas – people who love and understand the generosity of leaving a legacy.”