Thoughts on Fund Raising

I have always had the idea in my head that the topic of "money" should never be preached from the pulpit.  Yet, there are times when it is necessary to do so.  When there are periods of significant need, true emergencies, and so on, I think that it is appropriate to stand in front of the congregation and talk about financial realities.  As a "part-time" missionary (that's how I'm defining myself at the moment), I have realized that I too must start discussing the reality that I need some financial backing in order to accomplish the things that the Lord has laid before me.  Now I have to tell you . . . I'm not comfortable doing this.  It isn't something that comes naturally -- I'm not a salesman nor a persuasive speaker.  But I've started nonetheless.

I have finished reading Quitter by Jon Acuff (yes, he is related to the country music singer of the same last name) but refer back to it frequently.  One of the comments he makes about being passionate about something is the need to be assertive about the object of your passion.  You have to talk about it  -- go out and "shake the bushes".  I guess that's where I am now.

Novelinda leading the kids in singing at Sierra Bullones church

I've approached a few people already, asking for some simple support for some easy projects.  The immediate feedback was generally supportive, although I haven't received any definite "yes, we will support this" type of comments.  I did receive some "let me see what I can do" responses, which is encouraging.  And I had a couple of people who didn't respond at all.  That's okay -- I don't expect that everyone will jump on board with my interest and conviction to help needy people in the Philippines.

As I said, I'm keeping the projects small for now.  I have some "big" ideas waiting in the wings for the right opportunity, but I think I should test the waters and practice my "pitch" with the smaller projects.  Two of the churches are in need of financial support for their vacation Bible school programs.  I wish they had said something sooner, as their summer schedule starts long before ours does here in the US.  With the amount of time it takes to send a check through the mail, it will be cutting it really close.  But if the Lord wants it to happen, it will happen . . .  something about "just-in-time" answers to prayer.  Be patient.  Have faith.

Balikbayan Box 

I'm going to approach my pastor this week (probably today, as a matter of fact) about getting a book box set up in the foyer of the church.  The Icthus Christian Academy is really in need of books for a library.  I'd like to have five minutes in front of the congregation this Sunday to ask for book donations -- anything that would be appropriate for a Christian school that has kindergarten through high school.  Now if you've ever sent books across country, you'll know that it can be expensive.  One of the nice things about working with the Philippines is the availability of a "balikbayan" box.  Essentially, there is some arrangement with the Philippines that allows large boxes to be sent via container to anywhere in the Philippines for a very reasonable price.  Weight of the items doesn't matter, just so long as the contents are legal and so on.  For $105, I can send a 6 cubic-foot box, with pick-up at the church office and delivery to the school's doorstep.  Hopefully, I can fill a couple of these.  A few boxes of books will not a library make, but each little bit will help.

Anyway, that's the plan for now.  I was going to write today about the difference between American "stuff" and Filipino "stuff", but I think that will wait until tomorrow.  Until then, your assignment is to define "minimalist" . . . then we'll talk about it and "stuff".

P.S.
If anyone has some ideas on employers who would allow me to take off from work a couple of months at a time to go minister in the Philippines, let me know.  There's got to be some business out there who can accommodate my schedule.