March 2024 – Headquarter Happenings

By John O’Malley

God recently opened a new door of ministry for my friend. She wrote me about this opportunity and her hesitancy and feelings of inadequacy for the task.

I carefully read her words.

She did not think she was qualified. She did not believe she could do the new assignment. She felt there, indeed, was someone better suited for God’s open door.

Scripture is replete with similar moments for God’s people. Jeremiah, Esther, and Paul come to mind. Jeremiah heard God say, do not say I am a child. Mordecai told Esther, God made you for this moment. Paul’s writings tell us about open doors and adversaries (1 Corinthians. 16:9). He also spoke of open doors for preaching but knew no rest. (2 Corinthians 2:12). Later, Paul spoke of a door but mentioned his prison bonds.

God is in the door opening business. He wants His plan carried out, His purpose fulfilled, and His message delivered. The future of souls lies beyond His open door.

When I replied to my friend who wrote, I said, “God opened a door for you; you don’t have the authority to close God’s open doors.”

Like my teacher friend, you may discover that you have an open door and a heart filled with anxiety over any number of human reactions before you. Beyond the open door at which you are staggering, hesitating, or doubting, there is a God Who sees your horizon; He has prepared the way for you!

Walk. Through. The. Door.

If you wonder if you can trust Him, you can.
If you wonder if He can provide, He can.
If you wonder if He knows what’s ahead, He does.
If you wonder if His plan is better than yours, it is.
You can always trust Him.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

Important Dates to Know

March 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

March 1 – February Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

March 29 – The Office will be closed in celebration of the Resurrection.

April 1 – February Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

April 1 – March Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

April 8-12 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

New Guidelines on Business Meals

US Missionaries are able to claim the cost of business meals related to ministry on their financial reports. This includes instances such as taking a pastor out to discuss your ministry, or counseling with an individual. Please note that the IRS requires you to record the name of the individual(s) and the purpose of the meal in order to establish the ministry purpose of the expense. Please be sure to include this information when completing your Monthly Financial Report.

Meal expenses related to travel may only be listed on the financial reports as a Meal Per-Diem. Missionaries may not claim as an expense the actual cost for meals or snacks purchased when away from home for ministry.

Business meals should not be claimed on the same day that you claim a Meal Per-Diem.

If you have any questions, please contact our office staff.

New Guidelines on Business Gifts

The IRS has updated their guidelines concerning the ability to claim the cost of business gifts. Per the IRS Publication, “You can deduct no more than $25 for business gifts you give directly or indirectly to each person during your tax year.” US Missionaries are able to claim the costs of ministry expenses that are normal and reasonable in the local culture for the establishment of the ministry. However, our CPA has indicated that it is unclear whether the IRS would allow a cultural exception to allow business gift expenses greater than $25 to one individual in the course of the year. As in other cases where there may be individual exceptions to overall guidelines, we would defer questions regarding the deductibility of specific gifts over $25 in value to your personal tax preparer.

Reminders about Receipts

Receipts must be submitted for all ministry expenses on your reports that are equal to USD $75 or more. According to the IRS, “A canceled check, together with a bill from the payee, ordinarily establishes the cost. However, a canceled check by itself doesn’t prove a business expense without other evidence.” Based on this, we do not accept cancelled checks in lieu of receipts. Credit card statements are also not preferred. Although they show date and cost, they typically do not show what was purchased or the business purpose of the expense.

Please be sure that all receipts submitted with your report include the entire receipt or invoice for the item(s). The purpose of a receipt is the outside verification of the expense. Therefore, you should never receipt yourself. Receipts should be obtained at the time the expense occurs.

Upcoming Changes in Tax Laws

We have learned of changes in tax law that may affect some of our missionaries within the next few years. We are providing this information so you can be aware and so that you can contact your tax preparer if you have questions on any of these topics.

Possible tax savings for US citizens living abroad

A recent court ruling pertaining to the interpretation of foreign tax credits and tax treaties has opened opportunities for US citizens living abroad to take advantage of certain tax savings. This particularly applies to those with non-US investments and real estate. This change provides the opportunity to claim foreign tax credits going back as far as 10 years, by filing an amended return. Click here to learn more.

Increase in individual tax rates

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law in 2017 reduced individual tax rates. This law is currently set to expire in December of 2025. If that does happen, individual rates would increase and revert back to the 2017 rates. You may want to take steps now to prepare for this. Click here to learn more.

Personal IRS accounts

The IRS offers personal online accounts that allow you access to information related to your own tax filings including balance, payments, tax records, and more. Click here for further information.

Family Fellowship Week

Family Fellowship Week is about coming together as a missions family to fellowship around the Word of God and with each other. The week is also an opportunity to be reminded of our heritage and of the truths we hold dear. Our theme for Family Fellowship Week 2024 is Truth! Truth is everything. Truth is our Creed. Truth is our Calling. Truth is our Character. Truth is our Conduct. Truth is our Consolation. Truth is our Conviction.

Please pray with us that those attending will be encouraged and strengthened to walk in Truth in their lives and ministries.