News of Interest to
Presbyterian Church Business Administrators.

Many of the Presbyterian Church Business Administrator Association in attendance at the Conference spent the first morning spreading"Love in Action around the city of Long Beach, California. Taking a cue from the final keynote speaker at the 2008 Conference, we decided to inject a local service project into this year's Conference. Each participant was given $60 and a few cards explaining that we were visiting Long Beach for the NACBA Conference and wanted to "give back" to the city for hosting us. We set off in groups of 2 or 3 to see who we could find to bless with God's love.

As we met for lunch after a few hours, we shared our stories…pumping and paying for gas for local residents, buying lunch at McDonalds for families, taking baked goods to the local Police department and Assisted Living facility, paying for medication at Wal-Mart, and more. One group bought McDonalds gift vouchers and gave them to the manager at the local Good Will store to give to their customers, another gave money to the Harbor Area Farmer's Market to purchase vouchers that are given to the disabled to buy produce from the market. Still another group gave their money to the Christian Outreach in Action facility, which feeds and shelters the homeless and provides clothing and spiritual guidance to them.

It was interesting to see the reactions of people. Most stared in disbelief, and it even took some convincing for them to accept the gift. Many wondered what they had to do if they accepted it. Some rejected the offer, knowing there would be a catch to receiving it. We heard stories of people who had stopped going to church because they felt betrayed, and others who would not have been able to purchase the medication they needed without the unexpected help. All in all, it was a very rewarding experience-for PCBAA members as well as those who were blessed through us.

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