We're so Close!

Well, it's time for an August end-of-the-month update.  Over the last month, we have made our home in Michigan, living in Joy's mom's basement.  And we are thankful for the space, the family time, and moments to rest, but we would be lying if we didn't say we were ready to make the half trans-Pacific flight toward the islands.  We've organized our remaining belongings, shipped a few heavier items through priority mail, and are excited about boarding the plane on Monday.  We're a little nervous about two five-hour flights with a 21 month old body of energy (Justice), but at least there's an aisle to run up and down.  Our flight neighbors will love us!

We also wanted to share our fundraising efforts.  Four months ago, we set a goal of $15k to raise annually.  We are thankful to announce that our estimates for the year, through actual giving and pledges, sit at $14,700- only $300 short!  We are so close, even, that we wanted to share what would happen with any extra funds given for this first year.

1). We still need $2000 up front for a vehicle.  We have sold one of our cars, and are still in the process of selling our Ford (please pray for the sale!).  This money will go directly into one vehicle to use on the island, but we are still about $2000 short to meet our need for a reliable family vehicle.  This is a one time need.

2). Our current healthcare level through Christian Healthcare Ministries does not cover midwifery costs.  Using a midwife at home is extremely cost effective in comparison to regular labor and delivery costs at a hospital.  Our out-of-pocket expense is estimated at $3000 for our January baby.

3). Any money donated that exceeds our fundraising goals and the aforementioned needs will roll directly into our fundraising efforts for year two and three.  Because we do not plan to move back to the mainland after the first year, but invest in relationships over multiple years, we need to fundraise $15k annually.

What about your Debt?
Glad you asked! There may be a handful of people who have a particular passion for aiding missionaries in getting out of debt. Indeed, for many pastors and ministers around the world, excessive debt cripples one's ability to minister effectively.  Joy and I do not have a credit card, a mortgage, or any loan other than our student loans.  However, our student loan debt is quite substantial.  If you are interested in helping to alleviate the pressures of our student debt, let's have a conversation!  We'd love to talk to you about it.

I also wanted to share a word about giving through easytithe.  When you visit the online giving portal linked under the "Support the Mission" tab at the top of the blog, you have the option to set up a giving profile or to do a 'quick give.'  This will direct you to a page that has a drop down menu to direct your funds.  For giving toward our annual costs or our one time needs of a CAR and MIDWIFE we ask you find the tab labeled "North/Central Kona Mission."  It should be the last option in the drop down menu.  All giving is tax deductible.

For all those who have supported us through housing, food, prayers, monetary donations, and words of encouragement, we THANK YOU.  We look forward to what God has planned for us, Kona Coast Nazarene, and the West Coast of the Big Island.  Stay tuned to this blog for further updates, ministry news, and family transitions.