Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Next Big LEAP!

 
Three years ago, our lives changed forever.  The familiar became a distant memory and faith became more than just a word…it became reality.

In the three years since taking that initial step, we have experienced just about every emotion a person could imagine...joy, awe, confusion, fear and complete adoration.  But through all of the emotions, one thing has remained constant.  No matter how unclear things around us may seem; our calling has only become more vivid. 

Three years ago we came to a realization.  No matter how crazy, how absurd, how ‘out of the box’ it seemed; we wanted to follow God.  We would rather pack up all our belongings, put the house up for sale, resign from the jobs and move across the country than say ‘no’ when God called us. 

And we’re so glad He gave us the faith to trust Him!

It seems like this would be a nice happy place for this little story to end; right?  Not so much…

You see about a month ago, God began to unveil another calling to us.  Over the past three years, C1 has gained enough individual and church support to pay its monthly bills as well as a small salary of $800 per month to Donn.  We’ve been happy with this scenario and have felt blessed that God has also provided a great job for me that allowed our family to pay our monthly bills.  All was happy…all was good…until …

One morning, as I sat at my desk devising the annual fundraising plan for my employer, something hit me right between the eyes…I spend 40 hours every week raising money for another organization!

As I took a deep breath and tried to understand what God was saying to me, I watched as some pretty big puzzle pieces fell into place in my mind.                                                                              

Since moving here, we have never had time to put into helping C1 get fully funded.  Donn is too busy with the growing ministry and I’ve been swamped with my job, ministry and keeping our family going (as is evidenced by the lack of activity on this blog over the years)!                                        

For the past 18 months, Donn and I have prayed that God would lead a woman to join him at the store front to help “even out” the ministry that he doesn’t feel comfortable doing as a man.                                                                                 

For the past 2 months, our Board of Directors has been praying for someone to come alongside of Donn to help carry the load that the day to day ministry entails. 

 I could hardly believe it.  After all the months that we’d prayed those prayers, I had never realized that God was calling me to fill those roles!  As I sat at my desk that day, I knew our world was about to shift again.

Over the past month, we have prayed tirelessly over this new calling, sought much wise counsel and begged for God to make it clear.  And every time we prayed for wisdom; one thought kept coming to mind; “Do you have the faith to leave the paycheck behind to pursue Me?”  Gulp.

And so, I say again: Three years ago we came to a realization.  No matter how crazy, how absurd, how out of the box’ it seemed; we wanted to follow God…

Three years later, we’re trusting in that same Sovereign God as we take another absurd step into the unknown.  Knowing only one thing…that He has asked us to ‘go’.

And so, as of March 8th I will resign from my position as Marketing & Development Director with Hospice and I will  put all of my efforts into keeping our supporters informed of all that is going on here in Gloversville (through newsletters, blog, phone etc.) while seeking to bring C1 to a fully funded status.

We believe that God has big things in store for this city and its people and we believe that He is saying that we need to get all of our financial needs taken care of so that we can focus on what really matters.  Once the finances are out of the way, I will be freed up for women’s ministry, expanded youth ministry and to help Donn with the day to day needs.

Don’t get us wrong…we’re scared out of our minds.  We have 4 precious lives who look to us daily and the thought of not having money to meet their needs frightens the daylights out of us.  But; the thought of  disobeying God when He asks us to ‘go’ scares us even more.  We’ve taken the leap before…we pray that we’ll have the faith to follow it through again.

And here’s where you come in.  If you are currently a regular monthly supporter of C1, then we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  You have been part of the ground floor of this incredible adventure and we are counting on your ability to continue to partner with us.  We have already factored your support into our budget and we are honored that you believe enough in the work God is doing in Gloversville to be a part of it.  Please pray about continuing to support C1 with the regular amount that you already give.  You are such a blessing.

For those of you who are not regular monthly supporters, this is where we need your help!                                                         

 We are introducing the 150/40 Challenge.

 
 This simply means that we are looking for 150 NEW supporters to come behind us with $40 a month (or higher).  For $40 per month, we can link arms and watch as God unfolds His next steps for this great city and its people.  I can hardly imagine what He will choose to do if we all dive in and take this leap of faith together!  When we reach the goal of 150 new supporters at $40 per month, C1 will be fully funded to both pay Donn a regular salary and continue to pay for the current operations and growing ministry outreach.

And so we’re asking from the bottom of our hearts.  Would you consider partnering with us on this adventure by committing $40 per month?  Of course, as a 501c3 organization, your gifts are tax-deductible.  More importantly, your $40 per month will open the door for God to expand the ministry throughout our city and to those who are hurting.

We are so excited as we take this next step of faith and trust in our Lord to direct the path.  We hope you will join us on this adventure!

For more information, please call 518-725-6058 or visit www.changeof1.com