The month of May has produced a very good change in the income for the Church in the United States. The first four months had been low, with only a 9% increase over the same period in 1984. This low increase had resulted in part from the first two Holy Day offerings, which were 4% less than last year.
The Pentecost offering was much improved, with almost 14% more than last year. When the three offerings were averaged together, there was an increase of about 4%.
The response to Mr. Armstrong's recent letters to members and co-workers was very good. In fact, it was so good that we ended the month of May with an increase of 24.3% over the previous May. This brought the year-to-date increase to 12.5%, which is 0.5% over the budget.
We are pleased that this has eased our financial situation over a month ago. Thank you for your part. I know each one has an important part in prayer and in sending in tithes and offerings. We can all pray however, I realize that some have no income and cannot help financially. I am sure that their prayers will help produce more donors, co-workers and members who can take care of the financial part.
Even though conditions are improved, there is always the possibility that the departments might overspend because of growth needs. If they do, it will be very difficult to get through the next projected low cash point in September. It will be difficult enough as things stand right now, as we are spending above budget in television time buying, as a result of recent unexpected opportunities. There will also be considerable expense above budget during the rest of this year to print Mr. Armstrong's new book, MYSTERY OF THE AGES. So, please pray that the spending will be in line and that the income will continue to increase.
The annual worldwide audit for 1984 was completed and signed June 3 by Arthur Andersen & Co. We were pleased as usual to receive an unqualified opinion on this combined audit, and for the domestic audits for the College, Church and Foundation.
Arthur Andersen & Co. offices also provide audit opinions for our regional offices in Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Republic of South Africa and West Germany, in addition to the audit work for the Church, College and Foundation operations in the United States.
We receive many benefits as a result of Arthur Andersen & Co.'s work. Besides the formal opinion on our financial statements, the audit process gives us analyses of the finances of God's Work worldwide. We are better able to see where we should make changes to procedures, to better use the blessings and resources that God provides overall, our financial condition is good, and in 1984 we were able to increase our reserves slightly. At the same time, many areas of the Work increased considerably, as reported in THE WORLDWIDE NEWS during the year of 1984.
REPORT FROM THE TREASURER'S OFFICE
Worldwide Church of God