Well, we're two months into our attempt at fundraising to support our family over the next few years as missionary-pastors. And, we're one month from boarding a plane to begin our new life in Hawaii. We feel it's time to give a little bit of an update on our fundraising goals. But first, a little caveat: raising money for life's necessities is awkward. It's even more awkward when you fundraise for a move to Hawaii. Most everyone has a particular image of what life in Hawaii would be like. It could range from relaxing on the beach, to beautiful sunsets, to world class golf, to daily surfing. Some build their own picture of paying for our "vacation." Usually thoughts like this are prefaced audibly with phrases like, "Well, it must be tough to suffer for Jesus in Hawaii." We can't help what people imagine when they first think about our work in Hawaii. And while we are moving to a wonder of God's creation, we do know that this move already had and will continue to have very real struggles and challenges, which includes living in an area that combines low wages and an incredibly high cost of living. Quite frankly, we would not be able to join God's leading and prompting without the support that many of you give. So we thank you up front.
While it is difficult to ascertain an exact amount given, Joy and I feel fairly confident that $10,200 has been pledged to support the first year of our work in the North and Central Kona Mission zone. We have a goal of about $15,000 annually. We want to be as transparent as possible. When we first started fundraising, we estimated our goal to be about $12k. But since then, we had a wonderful surprise come upon us. In January, we will welcome our second child into this world. We are all kinds of shocked and excited about new life. Yet, it put a little wrinkle in our plans. Joy will no longer be able to work for the first year. Furthermore, our current level with Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) does not cover maternity or midwifery costs. We'll need to pay for the birth out of pocket.
Yet, we're over Two-Thirds of the way to our Goal! We are overwhelmed by the generosity displayed from our family, friends, and church. The past few months have been a whirlwind of hope, anxiety, transition, fear, grace, and faith. We praise the God who provides manna in the desert, spare rooms for rest, breakfast in the morning, and our annual living costs.
We want to share just a few more things. When we arrive in Hawaii, we will begin the search for two very important things: a house and a car. We are about $3000 short of what we will need to purchase a reliable vehicle for our growing family. This is beyond the annual fundraising goal and is a one time need. Also, we are praying for the right place/location/home for our ministry work in the community. Would you please pray that God's place for us in the neighborhood will be opened within our tight budget, and that as we search and interact with those in the community that we can foster new friendships in the process?
We are so thankful for each of you, for your words of encouragement as we said good-bye, for your hospitality, for your prayers, for your support, and for the tears and laughter we've shared. If you're interested in giving, please follow the tab at the top of the blog: Support the Mission. Thank you.
1 comment:
Hawaii is just like any other place, only warmer. People get sick, divorced, have delinquent children, become drug-addicted, have financial failures and die. It is one of the most un-churched areas of the USA. One of the FIRST PLACES America sent missionaries was Hawaii. Although they planted Christianity 150 years ago, the harvest field has been largely neglected in modern times.
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