December 01, 1979 by

Vote of Confidence "This deadline has been very tough," admitted Dr. Ralph Winter, General Director of the U.S. Center for World Mission. "But even this time the Lord has undertaken for us."

For one month the staff had been in agonizing suspense wondering if the college would foreclose. A staff prayer and fasting retreat had brought confidence that God was in control. And yet the facts were that they were still $94,000 short.

On the afternoon of October 15th college officials called, wanting to know what was happening. Dr. Winter explained the situation, reassured them that the grapevine system was indeed working--the number of donors was steadily increasing--but that we still lacked that large amount.

"We all breathed a sigh of relief," Dr. Winter commented later, "when the college officials told me. Pay as much as you can. We want you to know we won't foreclose. We believe in this project and in the way you're raising the money. We'll be patient."

The Center faces another payment very soon, however, this time only $175,000. It is due December 15. And every quarter after that for four years there is another $175,000 due. "If we could somehow get an extra $100,000 right now, I think our normal process will be sufficient for our next payments." Dr. Winter stated. "Pastors are coming to our aid with Hidden Peoples Sundays. People are loaning the Jericho book and passing the word on by means of our Grapevine letters. But we are still not quite to the point where the normal increment is adequate."