tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34337697736744535692024-03-21T09:15:27.329-04:00Gospel FundraisingBiblical encouragement for fundraising ChristiansTomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-47129544674766031232015-09-30T10:33:00.003-04:002024-03-21T07:00:52.949-04:00FAILURE!It had been a good day. I'd been diligent. I faithfully did the work I needed to. I even noticed when I was getting distracted at one point and chose to repent and get back to work. Success!<br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it came time to make some support calls. I had a list of names that I'd prayed over and begun calling.</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">...ring...ring...ring...</span></i></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">...ring...ring...ring...</span></i><br />
<i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ninety minutes later, not a single one of those people had picked up. I could understand a few people not being available. Maybe even most of them. But <i>ALL</i> of them? I stared at my phone pondering what this meant. Was something wrong with my phone? Or the cell network?</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or was there something wrong with me?</span></i></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's a perfectly honest question. But before that question had even fully formed in my mind, another thought - no, not a <i>thought</i>, a <i>truth</i> - slammed into my brain with unbelievable force and startling clarity: <b><i>FAILURE</i></b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the next minutes I frantically tried to cast that thought - no, <i>truth</i> - aside. I wracked my brain for things I'd done that day that proved that I wasn't a failure. I searched my office walls for evidences of success. I wondered whether a few kind words I'd said earlier that day could somehow count. I envisioned myself on the witness stand and felt compelled to defend myself lest I be rightly condemned and justly sentenced.</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet no relief came. Try as I might, there was no legitimate way to counter that thought. That <i>truth</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Then it hit me. I was going about this all the wrong way. I was trying to counter <i>truth</i> by calling it a </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">lie</i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. But it wasn't a lie. It was </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">truth</i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, plain and simple. Inasmuch as my objective was to make support calls and raise funds, I had <i>failed</i>. By definition, that makes me a <i>failure</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But here's the funny thing: <i>nothing had changed</i>.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I <i>AM</i> a failure. I'm nowhere near what I should be. Like a fish in water, so I am in sin. It's around me and inside me. I live and breathe sin; it's all I've ever known. And because sin destroys, even my very best efforts are caked in failure. Sometimes small "successes" shine for a moment, but they are quickly eclipsed by thick layers of failure once again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So... why was I getting so worked up about being a failure? I was a failure yesterday and I'll be a failure tomorrow. The problem was not that I had been a success before and that it was now in jeopardy. The problem was that at some point that day I had begun to think of myself as more than I am. Success has a strange way of blinding us like that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't need to fear becoming a failure; I already was. And I didn't need to fear being sentenced and condemned, either - because Jesus already was. Two thousand years ago, with full and complete knowledge of who I was and what I would be (a failure), Jesus willingly died on the cross so that I would become something more (a son). So now, until the day when Jesus returns, I will always simultaneously be a <i>failure</i> and a <i>son</i>. And by God's grace, He's okay with that.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. . . . God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:6,8</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I <i>had</i> failed. I didn't reach a single person that night. But nothing had changed. I was no more and no less a failure than I was in the hours and years before. And I am just as much a son of God then as I am today - and always will be.</span>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-635955579368825782015-07-17T12:03:00.000-04:002015-07-17T13:59:54.532-04:00Life as a two-talent fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been raising funds for over twelve years. During that time I've met some truly phenomenal fundraisers.<br>
<br>
It takes those fundraisers under three months to raise what took me almost a year and a half. They fearlessly call through their contact list and get appointments while I'd spent countless nights leaving messages and wondering if I'd have anything to do next week. They walk out of a new church with dozens of phone numbers and appointments - and maybe a verbal pledge from the missions committee! I, on the other hand, walk out of a church thrilled if I'd engaged in at least one non-awkward conversation.<br>
<br>
There are some truly phenomenal fundraisers out there. I am not one of them.<br>
<br>
Yet here is something truly remarkable: I'm 100% funded, my donor base is stable and I've found that I actually <i>enjoy</i> fundraising. (I even have a blog on the topic!)<br>
<br>
How is that possible?<br>
<br>
It's because I've learned to be content with life as a two-talent fundraiser.<br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, <b><i>to each according to his ability</i></b>. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' <b><i>His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'</i></b> And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' <b><i>His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'</i></b> He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master . . . I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours'’ But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! . . . Take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.' (Matthew 25:14-24, 26, 28-29 ESV, emphasis mine)</blockquote>
Jesus intended that we'd read this parable and group the three servants into two groups. Here's how I usually do that:<br>
<ol>
<li>Successful: Mr. Five-Talent</li>
<li>Unsuccessful: Mr. Two-Talent & Mr. One-Talent</li>
</ol>
<div>
But that's all wrong! Here's what Jesus actually intends:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Successful: Mr. Five-Talent & Mr. Two-Talent</li>
<li>Unsuccessful: Mr. One-Talent</li>
</ol>
</div>
The reason I get this wrong is because I tend to buy into the idea that being the best is acceptable but being anything less is pathetic. Isn't God worthy of our very best? Shouldn't all His people excel in everything they do? In one sense, yes. But when we consider the story above, <i>Jesus clearly doesn't think that way.</i> It would appear that He's far more interested in <i>faithfulness</i>. Did you do what you were able to do according to your ability? That's how He measures success.<br>
<br>
Can you imagine how discouraged the two-talent guy would be if it were otherwise? What if he actually had to raise five more talents from his two? The parable clearly says that he's only able to handle two! How deflating it is to be held to a standard beyond your ability! If I compare my speaking ability to John Piper, I'll be discouraged. If I compare my batting ability to Albert Pujols, I'll be discouraged. If I expect to raise support like those phenomenal fundraisers, I'll be discouraged. But if I seek to preach God's Word faithfully, I can't fail. If I get up to bat and swing away as best I can, Jesus doesn't count that against me. If I fumble over my words but faithfully do the "ask" anyway, I'll still end up fully funded by God's grace.<br>
<br>
So I've slowly realized over the years that I can be quite content with my two-talent fundraising ability. That's not to say that I shouldn't strive to improve. But I'll probably never speak like Piper or bat like Pujols. And that's okay. I'll do what I can, rely on God's grace and enjoy life as a two-talent fundraiser - all in the joy of my Master.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-87725926258942199742015-06-25T11:11:00.001-04:002015-06-25T11:11:58.905-04:00RUN!!!The Apostle Paul is a manly man. He's the kinda guy you'd love to have as your fundraising mentor. Not only does he regularly preach the gospel, but he also calls us time and time again to do hard things:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." <i>-1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV</i></li>
<li>"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." <i>-Galatians 5:1 ESV</i></li>
<li>"Fight the good fight of the faith." <i>-1 Timothy 6:12 ESV</i></li>
<li>"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." <i>-Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
But there is one place where Paul says to <b style="font-style: italic;">RUN</b>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"Flee from sexual immorality!</i></b> Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." -1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ESV, emphasis mine</blockquote>
These are the words of the same man who told us to be strong, stand firm and fight. This is the same man who triumphantly declared that "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37)! Yet when it comes to sexual immorality, Paul says to <b><i>RUN</i></b>. When the heavyweight champion of Christianity turns tail and runs, we'd better pay attention.<br />
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But wait... why write about fleeing sexual immorality on a blog about fundraising? It's because fundraising can easily leave you feeling weak, defeated and alone. These are perfect conditions for temptations to grow and thrive - and in a culture that is hyper-obsessed with sex, you can rest assured that sexual immorality is already crouching at your door, ready to pounce.<br />
<br />
It was a huge temptation for me during my initial fundraising - and it was a battle that was regularly lost. But those battles didn't <i>have</i> to be lost! The problem was that I didn't <b><i>RUN</i></b>. I tried to fight, on my own, in a very ill-equipped way. I didn't regularly seek God, I didn't regularly seek community, and I kept trying to fix the problem myself. I was sure that I could contain it somehow. But it never worked - and it resulted in great pain to both myself and others.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, Paul offers us a better strategy in the passage above. After telling us to <b><i>RUN</i></b>, Paul reminds us of the gospel: that we were purchased by the blood of Christ and that our bodies are now temples in which God's Spirit dwells. That's incredible! Though our holy God should have utterly destroyed us in our sin, He instead chose to rescue us and live with us forever. Pondering that thought alone does wonders for removing temptations to sin! It winsomely encourages us to run <i>from</i> sexual immorality and run <i>to</i> our Savior. The message of the gospel inherently draws us to seek God, to seek community and to rely on God to provide. It frees us to confess our inadequacies, to depend on God's ever-present grace and, in so doing, to glorify God in our bodies.<br />
<br />
So when you see temptations to sexuality immorality during your fundraising, don't believe the lie that it's something that can be tamed. You can't keep it in a box or cage any more than you can hold fire in your hands (Pr 6:27-29). Don't try to master sexual immorality. <b><i>RUN!</i></b><br />
<br />
Fundraising is hard. Overcoming sexuality immorality is <i>extremely</i> hard. That's why you ought to work diligently at the former, but <b><i>RUN</i></b> as fast and as far as you can from the latter.<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-86796209532084233772015-06-11T16:28:00.000-04:002015-06-11T16:28:59.937-04:00Our responsibility vs God's responsibilityIn Paul David Tripp's best-selling book <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Instruments-Redeemers-Hands-Resources-Changing/dp/0875526071/"><i>Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands</i></a>, we're shown a helpful diagram that helps us understand how fundraising (and many other things!) works:<br />
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Here we see two concentric circles:<br />
<ol>
<li>The <b>Inner Circle of Responsibility</b> represents <u>our</u> responsibilities: things that God has called us to do. We ought to faithfully serve in these roles.</li>
<li>The <b>Outer Circle of Concern</b> represents <u>God's</u> responsibilities: things that God has NOT called us to do, but rather to trust Him for. </li>
</ol>
<div>
If we keep these circles in the proper proportions, we're rightly trusting and obeying. However, our tendency is to inappropriately <b>expand</b> or <b>shrink</b> our Circle of Responsibility. When we <i>expand</i> our circle of responsibility, we find ourselves worried or angry about things that we can't control; we're not trusting God to do His job. When we <i>shrink</i> our Circle of Responsibility, we fail to steward well what God has given to us. We may become lazy, disconnected or spiritually stagnant.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
What does this look like in fundraising? </h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your <b>Inner Circle of Responsibility</b> probably involves things like making phone calls, sending emails, practicing and giving presentations, faithfully asking for large financial gifts, asking for referrals, meeting new people at churches and small groups, sending thank you notes, studying Scripture, praying for God to provide, praying for your donor team, planning out your day/week/month, talking with your fundraising coach, reporting on progress to your sending organization, sending newsletters, eating well and going to bed on time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your <b>Outer Circle of Concern</b> (aka God's responsibilities) includes things like meeting the right people, contacts answering their phones/emails/etc., contacts having time in their schedule to meet, God stirring hearts to give financially, people giving faithfully over time, God providing income for each donor, your car [not] breaking down on the way to an appointment, your health being sustained and reaching your financial support goal in His perfect timing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you inappropriately <b>expand</b> your Circle of Responsibility, you're trying to control things God has not called you to control. You'll become angry when people don't respond the way you want. You'll become jealous of other fundraisers who may be finishing quicker. You'll lay awake worried about where the funds will come from. You'll seek alternative solutions apart from having to trust God, such as lowering your support goal and/or standard of living. Ironically, you'll believe that there's nothing more that you can do (emphasis on the <i>you</i>) and so you'll give up for that day/week/month. Though you'll feel like a victim, you'll actually be struggling with pride. And through it all, God will be graciously but firmly opposing you (James 4:6).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you inappropriately <b>shrink</b> your Circle of Responsibility, you'll probably not notice it right away because it looks and sounds very spiritual. After all, <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/03/what-faith-looks-like.html">you have faith that God will provide</a>! How could that be wrong? In truth, however, you'll miss out on the opportunities God has given to you (emphasis on the <i>you</i>). Perhaps you're regularly sleeping in until 10am - but you could reach quite a few businessmen if you called at 8:10am. Perhaps you're not spending time praying for God to provide. Yes, He is sovereign, but He also <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/12/when-giving-under-compulsion-is-good.html">hears</a> <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2015/01/asking-for-help.html">our</a> <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2015/03/you-do-not-have-because-you-do-not-ask.html">prayers</a> and responds. You may find yourself in the position of the unfaithful servant who fearfully waits for his master to return - and who has even the little that he has taken away from him. (Matthew 25:26-29)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, if anything, this blog focuses more on encouraging and challenging those who <i>expand</i> rather than <i>shrink</i> their circles. That's because, in my experience, most fundraising missionaries and pastors are tempted to expand more than to shrink. But I've personally been guilty of doing both at different times. Perhaps I may doing one right now!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Each of us must consider where we're at. Consider your own tendencies and emotions. Ask trusted friends for feedback. Perhaps pick up a copy of Tripp's book! And ultimately, seek to find the Biblical balance between your responsibility and God's responsibility. Seek to honestly and humbly say with the Apostle Paul:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." (1 Cor 15:10 ESV)</blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-64822448175166429122015-06-04T14:50:00.000-04:002015-06-04T14:50:39.159-04:00Give them hopeOn a recent fundraising trip, I noticed a recurring theme among those I met with: <i>hopelessness</i>.<br />
<br />
"I can't believe that the supreme court allows _________..."<br />
<br />
"My kids aren't walking with the Lord anymore..."<br />
<br />
"My siblings/parents/coworkers/friends refuse to accept Jesus..."<br />
<br />
"It's been so hard to change ____________ at my church..."<br />
<br />
"I feel like no one understands what we're going through..."<br />
<br />
Each of those statements - and dozens more I heard - come from hearts wrought with hopelessness. In the midst of such pain, it's really hard to see clearly. It's hard to reach beyond the hopelessness. It's hard to remember that above the dark storm we're experiencing is a beautiful, sun-drenched cloudscape.<br />
<br />
<i>This is where you, the fundraiser, come in.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk3VjlCNJFEv96N9fMTlt7ISPxS2nWyOrmrH8lA1wzTGx_28R5DxMNr0Kl-6GC68nxVjXKL4MWDEH6Yc0WtBdDFjMDDhuZ-Pqhr902byNZQf4DBm4FsTHLnjj2HZ-p35R8QX1M3rqEFQ/s1600/6768766-above-the-clouds-hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk3VjlCNJFEv96N9fMTlt7ISPxS2nWyOrmrH8lA1wzTGx_28R5DxMNr0Kl-6GC68nxVjXKL4MWDEH6Yc0WtBdDFjMDDhuZ-Pqhr902byNZQf4DBm4FsTHLnjj2HZ-p35R8QX1M3rqEFQ/s400/6768766-above-the-clouds-hd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We often think of ourselves as <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/10/is-fundraising-same-as-begging.html">beggars</a>, but in truth, we are <i>givers</i>. Wherever we go, we freely give the fantastic news that even though the world is ruled by the prince of the power of the air and that rebellious sinners have a great deal of authority, God is not worried. He has absolute power over Satan and all demons. He sets up kings and removes kings. He is unfazed at the defiance of the most rebellious of sinners. Indeed, He is at work in the world winning those very sinners to Himself. <br />
<br />
Consider how David expresses his hope in Psalm 3:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
O Lord, how many are my foes!<br />
Many are rising against me;<br />
many are saying of my soul,<br />
"there is no salvation for him in God!" Selah<br />
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,<br />
my glory, and the lifter of my head.<br />
I cried aloud to the Lord,<br />
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah<br />
I lay down and slept;<br />
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.<br />
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people<br />
who have set themselves against me all around.<br />
<i> Psalm 3:1-6, ESV</i></blockquote>
Friends, like David, we are <i>hope-bearers</i>. We proclaim that no matter how many foes rise up against us, there <i>IS</i> salvation for us in God! He is our shield when we're under attack. He is our glory when our country's glory is fading. He lifts our heads when they are weighed down by discouragement and despair. He sustains us when sleep robs us of our self-awareness and self-protectiveness. Though thousands are against us, those who are with us are more than those who are with them. (2 Kings 6:16)<br />
<br />
As I heard each fear and understood each hopeless phrase while on my recent trip, I purposefully sought to lift my friends' eyes above the clouds. I told them about lives transformed by Jesus. I took them to Scripture that shared of God being with us in the midst of despair. I shared about how dark Good Friday was... but how beautiful Easter Sunday became.<br />
<br />
Fellow fundraiser, you are spending these difficult days raising money in order to give the world <i>hope</i>. Don't be fooled into thinking that that mission doesn't begin until you're at 100% of your support goal; it starts right now! It is your great privilege to lift your donors' eyes above the clouds.<br />
<br />
Give them <i>hope</i>!<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-81280993639139779562015-05-21T15:40:00.000-04:002015-05-21T15:40:51.915-04:00Not done fundraising? That's a good thing.When the support is flowing in, it's easy to see God's goodness in your life. But when things slow to a crawl - or even a standstill - do you still believe He's good?<br />
<br />
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<br />
King David is a man well-versed in enduring hardship, and God often had him wait. Yet consider David's perspective:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord;<br /> I have no good apart from you."<br />The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;<br /> You hold my lot.<br />The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;<br /> indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. (Psalm 16:2,5-6, ESV)</blockquote>
David is convinced that God has given him good, satisfying provisions. David's "chosen portion", "cup", "lot" and "inheritance" are all pleasing to him. In fact, he has no goodness at all except what comes from God.<br />
<br />
Honestly, there are plenty of times when I'm not so sure I believe that. When I spend a night making calls that don't yield any fruit, those lines don't appear very pleasant at all. It feels like they've fallen on dry ground while the lush, green grass I yearn for is off in the distance. If God is holding my lot, why won't He hand it over? I agree that have no good apart from God, but He's obviously keeping it to Himself right now. <i>What's going on, Lord?</i><br />
<br />
Perhaps the problem is in my definition of what is "good". See, I <i>think</i> I know where I want the lines to fall. I can't see how anything else could be as good.<br />
<br />
<i>But God does.</i> <br />
<br />
He holds our "lot" (other translations say "future") and from His perfect vantage point, He's putting the lines in the best possible place that He can imagine. (And He's pretty imaginative!) In fact, if we could see everything as God sees it - and if we were as good and loving as He is - we'd put those lines exactly where He did. And we'd call it <i>beautiful</i>.<br />
<br />
Jesus knew this, which is why He could say, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). He could also ask, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) while also declaring "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46) as He hung on the cross. Jesus knew that things didn't always <i>feel</i> good or <i>look</i> good, but He had no good apart from His Father.<br />
<br />
And neither do we.<br />
<br />
So what would it mean for you and I to believe this? Consider:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Is fundraising taking longer than you wanted?</i> God is holding your lot and your future is secure. And He'll pour it into your lap in His perfect timing.</li>
<li><i>Did your networking opportunity not pan out as you'd hoped and prayed for?</i> The lines have still fallen for you in pleasant places. Your prayers did not go unanswered; rather, you'd have made the same choice if you were so wise and good as God is.</li>
<li><i>Did a donor stop giving?</i> Your inheritance is still breathtakingly beautiful. It hasn't changed a bit.</li>
<li><i>Is it tempting to ignore the Lord and look elsewhere for satisfaction (Ps 16:4)?</i> Sure it is! But don't bother. You'll find no good apart from Him.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Friend, if you're still in the middle of a difficult season of fundraising, don't fret. Though it doesn't feel like it, that's actually a <i>good</i> thing; it's a chosen portion for you from your Creator. And one day, when you get a full view of the inheritance He's prepared for you, you'll have only one word to describe it:<br />
<br />
<i>Beautiful.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-76409186620368816392015-05-14T13:30:00.001-04:002015-05-14T13:30:19.752-04:00Funding ≠ approvalI'm all for large numbers of people attending Christian events. I enjoy hearing stories about hundreds of people coming to Christ at revival meetings. I'm especially excited when ministries get major donors and receive enormous special gifts that allow their ministries to thrive.<br />
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<br />
Yet if that's all I have to go on, I remain skeptical. You can get huge numbers of people at events by offering free beer and pizza. Jesus held revival meetings too, but everyone except His twelve eventually deserted. And I've seen well-funded preachers utterly contradict God's Word.<br />
<br />
Having lots of support come in doesn't mean you're pleasing God. Having little support come in doesn't mean you're displeasing God.<br />
<br />
That seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6), right? Yes! However, in His perfect wisdom, He also allows the proud to thrive and oppress others for a season. Even Satan is permitted to have authority, with permission, in this present age. Thus, results don't necessarily indicate God's approval. They <i>may</i>! But don't assume it.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Why should I fear in times of trouble,<br />
when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,<br />
those who trust in their wealth<br />
and boast of the abundance of their riches?<br />
Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,<br />
when the glory of his house increases.<br />
For when he dies he will carry nothing away;<br />
his glory will not go down after him.<br />
For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed<br />
—and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—<br />
his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,<br />
who will never again see light.<br />
Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (Ps 49:5-6,16-20)</blockquote>
This Psalm, along with many, many other passages, assume that the wicked have some degree of power, wealth or ability. In this instance, wicked men are prospering. They're cheating the psalmist and boasting in it. Here the wealthy man's attitude is considered pompous and he is "without understanding"; his destiny is death with nothing to show for it. He's no better than a beast that perishes. He is not approved.<br />
<br />
What does this mean for us, the fundraisers?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Don't compare yourself to other fundraisers</h2>
<div>
It won't do you any good. God has a plan for them just as He does for you - but it's almost always a different plan. Just because you have little and they have much doesn't mean God is more pleased with them. To the watching world, Herod had far more wealth than Jesus did. Yet he was eaten by worms - just like the beasts that perish (Acts 12:20-23). He was not approved.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Pray for humility at least as much as you pray for support</h2>
<div>
Once you start assuming that you're humble and that God is pleased, you're well on your way to not being humble and not pleasing God. In Psalm 49, God granted riches even to the proud. Their end was not good.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I remember a time when I was struggling to raise a relatively small amount of support. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn't get it in! Or when I gained some amount, I'd lose about the same from another donor. In those times I wanted compassion and understanding from others. Yet not long thereafter I gained not only what I needed, but an excess! I was horrified by my sin a few days later when I found myself saying of a struggling fundraiser, "He's obviously not trying very hard!" Blech!! I began praying for humility immediately and, unsurprisingly, soon lost some support. I thanked God for that. Sure beats dying like the beasts.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Ask trusted friends for their assessment</h2>
<div>
<a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2015/05/what-we-dont-see.html">It's easy for us to be blind</a> to our own motives, fears and sins. Especially when we're doing especially well or especially poorly. If the support is pouring in, that's a perfect time to ask others to hold you accountable to prideful boasting. If the support is trickling in, that's a perfect time to ask others to hold you accountable to prideful complaining. Wounds from a friend can be trusted (Pr 27:6). If you don't have someone who will ask you hard questions and call you out on pride and other sins, make that your first order of business. Don't be caught in your pomp without understanding.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Remember who's doing the work</h2>
<div>
If you keep in mind that every donor and every dollar comes in by sheer grace, you'll be on much firmer ground than if you assume that you're the one doing it. Yes, God uses you to accomplish His fundraising purposes. This is to the glory of His name. But if the glory of <i>your</i> house increases, you'll soon be no better than the beasts that perish - and God will not approve.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-740790930489531732015-05-07T15:50:00.000-04:002015-05-07T15:50:47.481-04:00What we don't see<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjTS8YxnZuizlpslZm7kThUzA499jqd_-uk0XDr5nXbHl3pwLz0ZJC6qH6TCm9T2i8NAda781v-i8luukUBYFulsWG2siZ-NqpT4LTvK8Pfxn9IzqJ7gJ3DZX-lXroQ6gIFMs-aZmyu8/s1600/eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjTS8YxnZuizlpslZm7kThUzA499jqd_-uk0XDr5nXbHl3pwLz0ZJC6qH6TCm9T2i8NAda781v-i8luukUBYFulsWG2siZ-NqpT4LTvK8Pfxn9IzqJ7gJ3DZX-lXroQ6gIFMs-aZmyu8/s320/eye.jpg" width="320" /></a>Recently I stumbled upon my notes for my standard "30-minute church presentation" that I did many dozens of times during my initial fundraising. It brought back all kinds of nostalgia.<br />
<br />
And a great deal of cringing.<br />
<br />
I would never, ever give a presentation like that today. It was hard to follow. It contained awkward jokes and insider language. It focused a ton on me and very little on the Lord Jesus. It spoke of changed lives but did so with very little reference to the gospel - and when the gospel was mentioned, it wasn't clear what I meant by it. And frankly, I sometimes wonder if I could even explain the gospel at that time if I had to!<br />
<br />
What made me cringe the most, however, was how confident I'd been that my presentation <i>rocked</i>. I'd spent many hours rehearsing it, crafting it, perfecting it... or so I'd thought. My critiques in the previous paragraph that are so very clear to me <i>now</i> were not at all clear to me <i>then</i>. The problem was that I didn't see what I didn't see. And I must humbly confess that in that regard, not much has changed.<br />
<br />
<i>I still don't see what I don't see.</i><br />
<br />
Does that sound obvious? Perhaps. But here's the thing: <i>because</i> it's true, it is profoundly <i>NOT</i> obvious at the time. We don't see what we don't see. In short, we're spiritually blind.<br />
<br />
How we respond to this blindness is utterly critical. For we can choose to respond humbly, seeking the help of others who see us more clearly than we see ourselves. God richly blesses that response (see James 4:6, Mt 23:12). However, Jesus uses very strong language when describing those who disregard their blindness and respond instead with pride and hypocrisy. Consider these excerpts from Christ's words in Matthew 23:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Woe to you, blind guides! (16)</li>
<li>You blind fools! (17)</li>
<li>You blind men! (19)</li>
<li>You blind guides! (24)</li>
<li>You blind Pharisee! (26)</li>
</ul>
<div>
In that same passage, Jesus says that these hypocrites will not enter the kingdom of heaven (13), that they are "sons of hell" (15), that they "have neglected weighty matters" (23), that they are "full of greed and self-indulgence" (25), that they are "full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" (27), that they are "full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (28), and much more. (It gets much worse, actually. <a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/59/mat.23.esv">Check it out</a>.) The point is that there is tremendous danger in being spiritually blind <i>but not recognizing it</i>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's how pastor and author Paul Tripp puts it in <i><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Instruments-Redeemers-Hands-People-Helping-ebook/dp/B00LUUWAKW/">Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands</a>:</i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The difference between physical and spiritual blindness is that the former is blatantly obvious while the latter often goes unnoticed. A physically blind person is immediately confronted with his condition. Often, a spiritually blind person not only fails to recognize his blindness, he is convinced that he has excellent vision. A fundamental part of being spiritually blind is that you are blind to your blindness."</blockquote>
<div>
That was the problem with my 30-minute church presentation. I never questioned whether it was good. I just assumed that it was. More than that, I was <i>convinced</i> that it was. <i>And I was wrong.</i> I probably turned off a lot of godly people because of my foolish pride.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That was surely a problem with my 60-minute personal presentation, too. I thought I was doing just fine, but I never asked others for input. Honestly, I didn't really care what they thought. I was contentedly (and blindly) plowing ahead, usually blaming failures on other people, lack of resources or even "God's timing".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No doubt the way I made phone calls was also flawed. I got some feedback on that for the first few calls I made, but that was about it. If someone had offered to help, I'd have assured them that I was just fine. Thanks but no thanks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've read some of the emails I'd formerly sent. (*cringe*) I've reviewed former newsletters. (*cringe again*)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And honestly, I'm not all that certain that the stuff I put out these days is all that much better. But in recent years I've asked more and more people for feedback. And, unsurprisingly, I've had more and more people respond positively to my messages.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Believe me, friends. I know how heart-wrenching it is to ask for feedback. You've poured yourself into these creative works and you're putting it out there for people to tear apart. And they may in fact do that! But take heart: because you are a sinner saved by the grace of Christ, your worth is not at all in your creative perfection. In fact, you were deeply loved <i>before</i> you had any creativity whatsoever. And you <i>are</i> deeply loved regardless of how well you present. And you <i>will be</i> deeply loved as you pick up the pieces of your creation in order to rebuild it, humbly, into something far more beautiful than you'd ever imagined.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So let me ask you: do you think you're a good speaker, writer, presenter, or even fundraiser? How do you know?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Could it be that you don't see what you don't see?</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." -Jesus, Matthew 23:12</blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-67502300533212143282015-05-01T08:55:00.000-04:002015-05-01T08:55:57.991-04:00Ambassadors, not kings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfXVob41SI9UeZf4E38QjdeTdw2WOIRiKkPMY5DnLWpVIbcaxB0En-Gmb0vtO3FGIShoUVSTzJTT3EtOeHBZ8G8grBpK9w3VdYc83jS-yJFrNk-aUsfQo1x-b5VTo8-YLqAfsZMN1EEs/s1600/throne-hire-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfXVob41SI9UeZf4E38QjdeTdw2WOIRiKkPMY5DnLWpVIbcaxB0En-Gmb0vtO3FGIShoUVSTzJTT3EtOeHBZ8G8grBpK9w3VdYc83jS-yJFrNk-aUsfQo1x-b5VTo8-YLqAfsZMN1EEs/s1600/throne-hire-11.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a>My initial fundraising went poorly. Perhaps the biggest reason is that I tried to win donors with <i>my</i> personality and <i>my</i> presentation skills - both of which were substantially limited - so that they would join <i>my</i> support team and help me with <i>my</i> ministry. In other words, I forgot who I was. I was acting as the <i>king</i> and not as the King's <i>ambassador</i>.<br />
<br />
Here's how Paul describes our ambassadorial position:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. <b><i>Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.</i></b> We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. <i>(2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV, emphasis mine)</i></blockquote>
This passage is speaking of us being ambassadors for Christ in regard to reconciliation (salvation). However, what ambassador is sent without adequate supplies for his task? Surely a king would want his ambassador to be fully equipped for whatever mission he is called to fulfill! Indeed, He who sends you on your soul-winning quest has also provided each dollar you need in your preparatory fundraising quest.<br />
<br />
It's easy to forget that, isn't it? We tend to believe that we're on our own to raise funds. We're consider ourselves individual kings and queens of our little fundraising kingdoms. By our own power and cunning we conquer donors and secure dollars. "Is my fundraising doing better than yours? It must be because I am inherently more spiritual or winsome or persistent than you!" The opposite also rings true: "Fundraising is going slowly. I'm not as worthy or capable as the next guy... I'll probably never finish..."<br />
<br />
Tragically, we can carry this same mindset into our ministry post-fundraising as well. The results are always the same: as we preach this treasonous message to ourselves, we become prideful, defensive and resistant to feedback from both man and God. After all, we're <i>KINGS</i>. We don't answer to <i>anyone</i>!<br />
<br />
Furthermore, our message will not be - and can not be - one of weak and broken sinners saved by grace. Subtly or not-so-subtly we will preach a message of strength and self-sufficiency. Yes, I will claim submission to the King of Kings, but in my heart of hearts I'll believe that I myself am He. And if I fail to repent and acknowledge Him as King, He will execute judgment by handing me my own little throne to sit on so that I might experience the ever-increasing wreckage of a godless life (see Romans 1.)<br />
<br />
Yikes.<br />
<br />
Instead, let's consider what position we <i>really</i> have. In humility, let's recognize our <i>true</i> appointed position: we are <i>ambassadors</i>, not kings! What authority do we have that has not been given? Why should one of God's people entrust their resources to <i>us</i>? They shouldn't! But they do well - and do so joyfully - to entrust their resources to <i>Christ</i>. We are the recipients <i>only because of our association with Him</i>. The King has called us. He's already provided with absolute authority. Our role is to procure that provision - and we do so as ambassadors, not kings.<br />
<br />
What does this mean practically?<br />
<br />
It means that your donors are not there for <i>you</i>. They're there for the King's purposes. You are simply the King's ambassador - one who is sent by the King to deliver others' gifts (which He Himself has provided) to the King. He just so happens to give you a degree of stewardship over them as well. But you are an <i>ambassador</i> - not the King.<br />
<br />
It means that when someone declines giving to your ministry, the King did not waste your time. He has called you to deliver a message to them. It is up to them to respond accordingly. You did not fail. Their "rejection" does not meant that you spoke to the wrong person. It may be that your message is meant to lead them to give to the King's purposes elsewhere, or to re-examine their budget in light of the King's assigned priorities, or to communicate further with the King via prayer, or for many other purposes known only to the King and not to you. Because you are an <i>ambassador</i> - not the King.<br />
<br />
It means that fundraising is not primarily about you getting what you want. It is about you serving as the King's ambassador until He assigns you another message in another context. At no point will you cease to be an ambassador and begin being the King. Those who say otherwise are liars. So flee treasonous thoughts. Put away fantasies about being in control. Resist the lies of the King's enemies. He will deal with them severely in His time. As for you, fulfill your mission. Raise your funds. Do it faithfully. Because you are an <i>ambassador</i> - not the King.<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-83439564413537692632015-04-24T09:05:00.000-04:002015-04-30T13:30:35.018-04:00Refresh: Can I try that again?<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i>"Good news refreshes the bones." - Proverbs 15:30b</i></b><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">This is part of an ongoing series called "Refresh" which highlight tales of God providing, especially in amazing, fun and unexpected ways. Details may be modified to protect privacy. May this tale help refresh your bones!</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">- - - - - - - - -</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I'd been raising support for about nine months. I mostly felt like I knew the routine, but every so often I'd show up at a meeting with a new person and I'd become gripped by fear. (Those were most often times when <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2015/03/you-do-not-have-because-you-do-not-ask.html">I wouldn't ask God for help</a> beforehand.)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">This is the story of one of those fear-drenched meetings... and how God overcame it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Jim (not his real name) was a businessman who I'd met while visiting a church. He lived about 20 miles from my home in the middle of nowhere. He's also straight-up Type-A. When I showed up at his home that evening, he greeted me with, "Hello Tony. You can sit there. I've got to run in exactly 29 minutes. Tell me what God's called you to do."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFA7CQIzXutEJqaJBI-WAL_2RSysvPgBhb_b_NpGJlTkd-4ytCQX24eh2NbjOgsw8Y43q99RnMBSIQ5TFJvxT6hnlq5zz5230aWfray4V7-tjXylkH0D3B_Wq8hoVjNyvs6HygEypwWY/s1600/stock-footage-portrait-of-older-businessman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFA7CQIzXutEJqaJBI-WAL_2RSysvPgBhb_b_NpGJlTkd-4ytCQX24eh2NbjOgsw8Y43q99RnMBSIQ5TFJvxT6hnlq5zz5230aWfray4V7-tjXylkH0D3B_Wq8hoVjNyvs6HygEypwWY/s1600/stock-footage-portrait-of-older-businessman.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i>Businessman + direct + less than half an hour = GRIPPING FEAR</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I shared my fearful heart out for the next 20 minutes. At least I hope I did. I barely remember it. I just know that I said "umm" a bunch and repeated myself at least three times. Thankfully I think it was the gospel that I'd repeated. But like I said, I barely remember it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Jim paid attention the whole time but didn't say much until about that 20-minute mark. Then he asked a few questions in rapid-fire succession. They were about what kind of training I'd received (which I think I answered well), what my home church thought (generally supportive but not giving) and what my day-to-day work would look like (I wasn't totally sure, but I talked about other missionaries with my organization.)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Apparently answering those questions took 9 minutes, however, because Jim got up and said, "Sounds like a good thing you're doing, Tony. I've got to get going. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Thanks for driving on out here.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">"</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i>Businessman + direct + LEAVING RIGHT NOW = FEARRRRRRR!!!!</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">As he began to put on his coat, I told him that I'd love it if he'd be willing to pray for my ministry. He quickly agreed and then guided me to the door. As it closed behind me, I knew I'd failed. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I was so scared of this guy that I'd been completely unwilling to ask about money. I sulkily got in my car and started it up. I was just about to pull away when I glanced (for about the 1000th time) at a notecard I kept taped to my dash that said:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." <i>(Joshua 1:9)</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I want to be clear as to what happened next. It was NOT that I stopped being afraid. In fact, I think I became even MORE fearful. But it was no longer Jim that I was scared of. It was the LORD. He had <i><b>commanded</b></i> me, and here I was being frightened and dismayed. Suddenly I felt angry (at myself), sad (at the meeting) and determined (rare!) all at once. In perhaps the quietest whisper of a prayer I'd ever uttered, out came, "You're with me wherever I go. Okay. Be with me now."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">I opened my car door and got out just as Jim began backing his car out of his garage. I jogged up to the passenger-side door and caught his eye. He rolled down the window.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">"Hey Jim. I'm sorry; I didn't quite say what I wanted to say back there." I gestured toward the house. "Can I try that again?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Jim stared at me totally deadpan for the longest second-and-a-half of my life. "What's on your mind, Tony?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i>Businessman + direct + God with me = ...confidence like I'd never had before...</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">"Jim, I told you that I wanted you to pray for me. And that's true, and thank you for being willing. But I'm also looking for financial help to do what God has commanded me to do. Could I count on your help for six thousand dollars a year?"</span><br />
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Another second and a half. A really, really long second and a half. My heart was pounding, but honestly it was more excitement that I'd actually said something rather than fear of [business]man.<br />
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"I'd be happy to, Tony. I'll send in a check tomorrow. Have a good night." Then he drove off.<br />
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I didn't drive away that night for probably 20 more minutes. Instead, I sat in my warm car and spent a lot of time thanking God and actually <i>asking</i> for more courage like that. He answered, and I was done fundraising almost exactly two months later.<br />
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Be strong and courageous, brothers and sisters. God is with you wherever you go!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i>Submitted by "Tony".</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><i>Have a Refresh story to share? <a href="mailto:hallmant@gmail.com">Let me know</a>!</i></span><br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-74886315266639097332015-04-15T16:20:00.001-04:002015-04-16T08:50:46.272-04:00Fundraising visualizedIf you were to visually represent your fundraising, what would you draw?<br />
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A marathon runner? A line chart? A clock? A sad face? Maybe <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/09/treasure-hunt.html">a treasure hunt</a>? <br />
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As for me, my fundraising probably looks most like a drawing that one of my sons made for me recently:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zJlM8FJzhMTdS9PZ_7scY3ahvifWYtGW63gUpLxShYnEXUhOfaiiFy82QHWepBOtFF-6shMQ8gM8Fcto-tfm84qXzmpd0rFkmKPh6SRn0dga8nsAf9fouDoUKZAdTaTgLNwOSCLA48k/s1600/IMG_20150415_145414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zJlM8FJzhMTdS9PZ_7scY3ahvifWYtGW63gUpLxShYnEXUhOfaiiFy82QHWepBOtFF-6shMQ8gM8Fcto-tfm84qXzmpd0rFkmKPh6SRn0dga8nsAf9fouDoUKZAdTaTgLNwOSCLA48k/s1600/IMG_20150415_145414.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you look closely, you'll notice that there is some degree of organization and purpose. Most of the colors have bounds. Some are localized and some spread out more. A couple colors and patterns are repeated. Not too many areas are drawn overtop of others. But beyond that, it's quite random. Nothing really looks like anything we'd recognize in the world. It's valuable because one of my sons did his best to draw something nice for me, but it's not worth much otherwise.<br />
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Yeah, that's what my fundraising usually looks like. I try to stay organized. I try to do each of the things I want to do using each of the "colors" God has given me. I try to vivdly explain my vision in compelling, winsome ways for prospective donors such that they're left in awe and I'm left with monthly pledges. But, if I'm honest, the pictures I paint probably look like the semi-random, mildly colorful doodlings of a child. They're valuable because one of God's sons did his best to draw something nice for Him, but it's not worth much otherwise.<br />
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Yet... the support comes in anyway. Why? Because God doesn't use our immature scrawlings as the basis for our support; He uses the exquisite skills and palette of Jesus Christ. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For by [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through Him and for Him. <i>-Colossians 1:16</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
[Jesus] upholds the universe by the word of His power. <i>-Hebrews 1:3</i></blockquote>
Though my life and work look chaotic, uncertain and occasionally childish, His life and work is flawless, deliberate and absolutely kingly. Though I regularly struggle to say something effective, Jesus spoke words made up of power itself. Though I spend hours and days wondering what in the world to do, Jesus perfectly created the world itself in hours and days.<br />
<br />
God's Son did His best to draw something nice for Him - and whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise - <b><i>that</i></b> is the result. A result that He credits to you and me.<br />
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So it's okay for us to admit that our best fundraising efforts are worth less than a child's scribbles - because Jesus takes that same canvas and powerfully transforms it, moment by moment, to look more like this:<br />
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Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-46329897855340144882015-04-09T10:55:00.000-04:002015-04-09T12:45:25.840-04:00Why I don't need help in fundraisingFundraising is hard. It's TOO hard, in fact, and the basic premises of this blog is that no Christian fundraiser can do it without the Lord's purposeful, ongoing intervention. And so most blog entries are full of reminders about our need for Him. To learn how that need works, we turn to the Bible.<br />
<br />
In the Bible we see many exhortations to confidently trust in Christ's work, to hold fast to the faith, to do good works and, of course, to encourage ourselves when things get rough. Consider this passage from Hebrews:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Therefore, since I have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for me through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since I have a great priest over the house of God, let me draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with my heart sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and my body washed with pure water. Let me hold fast the confession of my hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let me consider how to stir myself up to love and good works, encouraging myself, and all the more as I see the Day drawing near. <i>Hebrews 10:19-25, MSV (Me Standard Version)</i></blockquote>
We are so desperately in need of God's grace during fundraising, and this passage helps us see our need to remember truth and act on it regularly.<br />
<br />
Now, don't misunderstand me. Just because I said that WE are desperate and that WE see OUR need, I don't want you to assume that WE actually need to interact at all. WE (that is, you and I, individually) have everything we need in Christ. Well... and I suppose I need my support team too. And once in a while, hotels. And mechanics. But mostly Jesus. Cause he died for you! And me! Individually!<br />
<br />
There are some Christians who claim that God also gave us <i>community</i> to help address our needs. But you and I (individually) know that's not true! Community was God's design for church services and the occasional small group Bible study, so long as it doesn't get too personal. The point of such a Bible study is so that the person in the group who knows the most about Jesus can explain to the rest of us (individually) how we (individually) should understand it.<br />
<br />
"Community Christians", as I'll call them, will claim that God's trinitarian nature itself is proof of God's approval of community. What they fail to realize is that God is DIFFERENT than us! I mean, you and me, that is. Like, individually. And I'm all for relying on each member of the Trinity for my growth in holiness and my raising of funds. So when I get discouraged, run low on contacts or find myself getting bitter, I just need to force myself to remember what God did for me. Then things get better!<br />
<br />
Well, naturally, things don't get better <i>easily</i>! Cause my heart is deceitful and I'm often blind to my sin. But, not TOTALLY blind, of course. I see most of it. Or, at least a good bit of it. Cause I've confessed to plenty of sin and every once in a while I yell at someone. So I just ask God to help me see it, and every few months I do. Like when I yell at someone and then remember it next time I pray. I'm still trying to figure out why I yell here and there, but I'm sure it will come to me as I seek Christ. I'll just keep "considering how to stir myself up to love and good works" and "encouraging myself" as Hebrews says. The yelling will eventually go away. Just like my other sins.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, those Community Christians don't really know what they (together!) are talking about. They read translations written by OTHER Christians. Did you know that most translations are written by big groups of so-called scholars? If they were really scholars, they'd each write their OWN translation. Now, I realize I'm a little hypocritical here, cause I don't ACTUALLY know Hebrew or Greek. But I'm working on teaching myself. And then I'll know for sure what the Bible really says. So I'm not worried. I already know most of it, and I don't need others telling me what it says.<br />
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Okay, so the main point of today's post is that I don't need help in fundraising because Jesus is enough. Hopefully I've made that point clear to us. I mean, you. Clear to you. Cause I already figured it out. And now you have too. So, get back to work, and remember: rely on Jesus and no one else - and keep encouraging yourself in that, doing so all the more as you see the Day drawing near! What a day that will be for us!<br />
<br />
Individually, of course.<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
<i>(Aren't you glad that Hebrews isn't quite written that way? But... do we act like it is?)</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Therefore, <b><u>brothers</u></b>, since <b><u>we</u></b> have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for <b><u>us</u></b> through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since <b><u>we</u></b> have a great priest over the house of God, let <b><u>us</u></b> draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with <b><u>our</u></b> hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and <b><u>our</u></b> bodies washed with pure water. Let <b><u>us</u></b> hold fast the confession of <b><u>our</u></b> hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let <b><u>us</u></b> consider how to stir up <b><u>one another</u></b> to love and good works, <b><u>not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some</u></b>, but encouraging <b><u>one another</u></b>, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. <i>Hebrews 10:19-25, ESV</i></blockquote>
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<i>[Update: Since some people have been worried that I was being serious in this post, let me assure you that the Me Standard Version is not something I actually advocate using =) To get a more straightforward view on what I actually think, check out <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/12/god-is-not-all-we-need.html">this post</a>.]</i></div>
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-14306667717099306842015-04-02T10:44:00.001-04:002015-04-02T10:44:56.643-04:00"Today" - A prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I am weak and my tasks are too great for me. You, God, must accomplish the work or my labor will be in vain. <i>(Psalm 127:1, 1 Cor 15:58)</i><br />
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Today I am alone and my heart is full of sorrow. Be with me, Father, and show me Your loving kindness. <i>(1 Sam 12:22, Psalm 27:10)</i><br />
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Today I am fearful. I see with my eyes but fail to trust You. Open my eyes to see Your perfect purposes! <i>(Psalm 119:18, 2 Kings 6:17)</i><br />
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Today I am impatient. I doubt Your perfect timing and prefer my own plan. Lord, calm my heart and cause me to wait on You with courageous expectation! <i>(Ps 27:14, Phil 4:6-7)</i></div>
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Today I am jealous. I witness other believers prospering while I receive less. Help me to trust You and joyfully lay down my life as Jesus did. <i>(John 21:21-22, Phil 2:1-11)</i><br />
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Today I consider myself a beggar, defeated and hopeless. Remind me of Your wonderful plan and purposes for me! <i>(Jer 29:11, Mt 28:19)</i><br />
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Today I will neglect Your Word, preferring lies that promise much. Cause my false beliefs to fail and Your Word to fill me once again! <i>(John 17:17, Psalm 19:7-11)</i></div>
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Today I will doubt Your goodness, Father. Evil surrounds me and there are few doing good. Reassure me of Your infinite goodness and love! <i>(Gen 50:20, Psalm 119:68)</i><br />
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Today I will stray from you in sin. My heart will wander from You and not want to return. Good Shepherd, would You rescue and restore me? <i>(Psalm 23, 51)</i></div>
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Today I will blame others for my failures. I will hate them unjustly and turn on those I call friends! Holy King, lead me to repentance and help me see myself rightly! <i>(Mt 7:5, Romans 2:1)</i><br />
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Today I will pursue things that are not God. I will trust in my money and in my methods. I will run to selfish desires and distractions. I will foolishly glorify these as though they can save me! Show these to be false idols, worthless and powerless! <i>(Jer 10:3-5, 1 Kings 18:17-40)</i><br />
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Today is just like every other day; I am in need of salvation and You alone are my Savior! <i>(Romans 3:23, John 3:16)</i><br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-68177811396039502042015-03-26T15:50:00.000-04:002015-03-26T15:50:23.933-04:00What does God want from me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Every fundraiser will be disappointed by "the results" from time to time. That's normal. But sometimes we feel disappointed by the results for really long periods of time.<br />
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Sometimes it's worse still: not only is nothing improving, but you're actually <i>losing</i> support. Or your contact list has dried up. Or someone is spreading gossip in one of your key networks. (All of that has happened to me personally!) It's tremendously frustrating!<br />
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<i>What's going on?? What more can I do?? What does God want from me?</i><br />
<br />
Helping to answer that question is a big part of why this blog exists. But I was struck in particular today when considering one of the most frightening passages in the Scriptures, quoted at length below. Take a moment to read over it carefully. Note the extent to which God has gone to get His people's attention:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I gave you absolutely nothing to eat<br />
in all your cities,<br />
<b>yet you did not return to Me.</b><br />
Two or three cities staggered<br />
to another city to drink water<br />
but were not satisfied,<br />
<b>yet you did not return to Me.</b><br />
I struck you with blight and mildew;<br />
the locust devoured<br />
your many gardens and vineyards,<br />
your fig trees and olive trees,<br />
<b>yet you did not return to Me.</b><br />
I sent plagues like those of Egypt;<br />
I killed your young men with the sword,<br />
along with your captured horses.<br />
I caused the stench of your camp<br />
to fill your nostrils,<br />
<b>yet you did not return to Me.</b><br />
I overthrew some of you<br />
as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,<br />
and you were like a burning stick<br />
snatched from a fire,<br />
<b>yet you did not return to Me. </b><br />
<i>(select portions of Amos 4:6-11 HCSB, emphasis mine)</i></blockquote>
God starved His people. He destroyed them with plagues. He killed their children. He treated them like Egypt and like Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet not one of these measures was sufficient to get them to return to Him. They stubbornly refused to pay attention! No matter how much God turned up the heat, Israel preferred its own, limited, lifeless way over returning to God and finding comfort, peace and joy.<br />
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While it's likely that God has not yet struck you personally with blight and mildew, could it be that God is frustrating your fundraising with the same intent: <b>that you would return to Him?</b><br />
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When I first started fundraising, it took me months before I was willing to humbly acknowledge my need for Him. And while I became sad, then angry, then rebellious during that time, I refused to return to Him. And He responded in kind by depriving me in ever-increasing measure.<br />
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Thankfully, in His divine and perfect grace, He opened my eyes before all was lost. I was a burning stick snatched from the fire. A very stubborn, desperate, burning stick that had learned a very painful and very valuable lesson.<br />
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When I was an atheist, I'd read this passage from Amos and used it to declare God an egocentric jerk. As a Christian - and especially one who has been snatched from the fire many times - I see this instead as tremendous mercy. My heart is so prone to leave God, the source of life, and run full-steam-ahead into lifeless things which will destroy me. Instead of allowing that, God Himself came to me, willingly took the punishment I deserved by dying on a wooden cross, and to this day patiently calls me to return to Himself time after time after time. <br />
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Those are not the actions of a jerk. Those are the actions of a Savior.<br />
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A Savior who wants us to return to Him.<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-74273376070851609512015-03-19T11:31:00.005-04:002015-03-19T11:31:57.518-04:00Fisherman who can't fishAfter Jesus's death and resurrection we find an amazing story about fishermen who couldn't fish.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Simon Peter [and six other disciples] were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat... (John 21:2-3 ESV)</blockquote>
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Peter and most of the others with him were fisherman by trade. Up until three years earlier when they started following Jesus, fishing was how they made their living. They were experts in fishing. Their earliest memories were of fishing. At their family meals and family devotions and family reunions, they probably talked about fishing. So now that Jesus was gone (and they hadn't yet seen Him resurrected), they went back to doing what they knew so well: fishing!<br />
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Thus we should find the next statement to be truly striking:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...but that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3 ESV)</blockquote>
Wait, <i>what?</i> Our expert fisherman - <i>seven</i> of them - couldn't catch a <i>single</i> fish? Isn't that a little... <i>odd</i>? And more than odd! It must have been enormously frustrating!<br />
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Think of something that you're really good at. Perhaps it's soccer or cooking or writing or car repair. Now imagine that you spend an entire day's (or night's) work on this task you're so good at. But instead of succeeding in your venture, you find that you couldn't score a single goal or that you burned everything or that none of the words flowed or that nothing fit properly. How would <i>YOU</i> be feeling?<br />
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For our fishermen friends, it gets worse.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." (John 21:5 ESV)</blockquote>
Now, usually Jesus showing up - let alone a resurrected Jesus - would be a good thing. And it will be a few verses later. But at this point they don't yet know that it's Jesus. What they <i>DO</i> know is that someone is highlighting their failure.<br />
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Thus, these men are fishermen who couldn't fish who were being exposed as fishermen who couldn't fish.<br />
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And that's <i>us</i>.<br />
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Most of us received some good fundraising training. Many of us studied Scripture about fundraising, read books on fundraising, prayed about fundraising, went to training sessions and conferences on fundraising, learned from other fundraisers about fundraising and even read <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/09/welcome-to-gospel-fundraising-whatever.html">a blog about fundraising</a>. We should be really good at fundraising, right?<br />
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But how many times have you said, "I am going fundraising," and then sat down at your desk or got in your car and diligently worked hard... but that night you "caught" nothing? If you're anything like me, you've had more than a few.<br />
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Then a well-meaning friend asks you how fundraising is going. Or you submit a required update to your sending organization. Or your family is wondering how much longer you'll be living back at home. Each of them is asking, "Child, do you have any new funds?" And you answer them, "No."<br />
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Thus, you're a fundraiser who can't raise funds who's being exposed as a fundraiser who can't raise funds.<br />
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So what do you do about it? Let's consider what happened to our failed fisherman friends...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
[Jesus] said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some [fish]." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. (John 21:6 ESV)</blockquote>
Are we to think that, throughout the entire night, not <i>one</i> of the seven men had thought to cast the net on the right side of the boat? Not at all. It's not that the left side was devoid of fish while the right side had fish in abundance. Rather, we're to recognize that <i>this</i> time Jesus had planned another outcome. Why? Because <i>this</i> time the seven fishermen were very aware of whom was actually bringing in the fish.<br />
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Fellow fundraisers, we can learn from this! Our hearts are prone, when our failure is exposed, to numb the pain in any number of ways. We overwork to try to cover our failure. We underwork to try to forget about it. We read a new book so as to learn a better technique. We grow bitter toward contacts who don't give. Or we lose hope and quit altogether.<br />
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But the real solution is much simpler and more satisfying than all that: acknowledge your obvious inability, listen to Jesus and then "toss the nets" once more. No, there's nothing magic about it. But in doing so you'll discover a heart full of dependence, faith and expectation.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. (John 21:12 ESV)</blockquote>
And so will you.<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-8651364267340604272015-03-12T15:04:00.002-04:002015-03-12T15:04:43.212-04:00You do not have because you do not ask<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2, HCSB)</blockquote>
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I distinctly remember the first time I read those words in the book of James. I can recall it so vividly because it was the first time that I, since becoming a Christian, put down the Bible and declared, "Now <i>THAT</i> simply couldn't be true!"<br />
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(I still had much to learn about humility.)<br />
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Why did those words illicit such a strong response? It was because I could not believe that any Christian would lack something simply because of not praying! "Why in the world," I wondered, "would any Christian <i>NOT</i> ask God for something? Isn't it a basic truth of the gospel that Christians are God's adopted children, and that they need only ask for an egg to receive one? James must be mistaken!"<br />
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(I still had much to learn about human nature, too.)<br />
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Yet my baby-Christian brain was really onto something here! Should it not be a wonder to us that we are ever lacking? Should our lack not immediately draw us into fervent, desperate prayer?<br />
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Yet it often doesn't. It doesn't for me, anyway. I've begun countless nights of calls without even acknowledging the very God who called me to do fundraising in the first place. I've sent out dozens of written appeals without the smallest request of the Father who gave me people to ask. I've arrived at so many in-person appointments without pausing at all to ask for my Savior's intercession. Why should I have been at all surprised when my lack of asking lead to lack of having?<br />
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In fact, there's only one thing that amazes me more than my lack of asking - and that's my lack of <i>lacking</i>.<br />
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If God were only just, He'd be perfectly righteous in denying me every unasked-for penny. Rather, our God is infinitely gracious even in the midst of our unending pride! What a wonder that He would give me <i>any</i> appointments or <i>any</i> donors when I've assumed so often that I'd earned them all myself! In my blindness I'd go about thinking that I was being so competent and so diligent and so faithful while He patiently waited week after week for me to repent and see His grace behind my so-called works. What kind of love is this???<br />
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While I no longer doubt the truthfulness of James's words, I wish I could say that after so many years I've finally mastered James's challenge to ask. I haven't. But I do ask much more often now. And when I do, I ask out of a far more grateful heart than I'd had years ago.<br />
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(I'll always have much to learn about the gospel, too - praise God!)<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-53076558731655634502015-03-05T11:28:00.001-05:002015-03-05T11:28:46.454-05:00What icy roads teach us about fundraising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I commute by bicycle even during the winter months, and while I don't mind the cold, ice is another story.<br />
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This morning I was on my way to an early meeting downtown, and I was being especially cautious since the roads and bike paths were in bad shape after a recent ice storm. I kept a close eye on the road in front of me and made slow, gentle turns. I was doing great for 3/4 of the trip, but just when I was reaching the end of a semi-maintained bike path, I hit some black ice and went down. Thankfully I wasn't significantly hurt, so I got up, <i>walked</i> the bike the rest of the path, and was fine for the rest of the ride.<br />
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After the meeting I bundled up and began heading back. I remembered well where that patch of black ice was, so I carefully dismounted beforehand and decided to walk the bike until I was back on stable ground.<br />
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That's when I noticed something that astounded me.<br />
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As I walked the bike over that patch of black ice, I discovered that it wasn't a "patch" at all. For probably about 50 yards, the bike path was nothing <i>BUT</i> black ice! In fact, it was so slippery that I could barely <i>walk</i> the bike, let alone ride it! Yet... somehow, just a little earlier, I had ridden for 49.5 of those 50 yards without slipping a bit!<br />
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I think our fundraising is like that. Usually when things are going well, we attribute it to something we're doing. It's our charisma! Or our diligence! It may be our zeal or speaking ability or incredibly well-thought-through presentation book! The reason others have failed where we're succeeding is because they just haven't work as hard at these things as we have! Self-high-five!<br />
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But then, inevitably, it stops working. Our charisma fails to charm. Our diligence is replaced by binging on Netflix. Our zeal fades, our words come out wrong and our presentation book confuses people. What then? Do we give up? Do we try harder?<br />
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David helps us in the opening lines of this song:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I waited patiently for the LORD;<br /> He inclined to me and heard my cry.<br />He drew me up from the pit of destruction,<br /> out of the miry bog,<br />and set my feet upon a rock,<br /> making my steps secure.<br />He put a new song in my mouth,<br /> a song of praise to our God.<br />Many will see and fear,<br /> and put their trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:1-3, ESV)</blockquote>
David was in "the pit of destruction" and his steps felt "insecure". (Ever felt that way in fundraising?) How did he respond? Did he give up? Did he try harder? No. What he chose to do was cry to the LORD and then "waited patiently" until God responded. In response, God delivered him and made his steps secure. Furthermore, He gave David a song by which to remember who helped him. This song in turn causes others to follow David's example. Others like you and me.<br />
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This is helpful in considering both fundraising <i>and</i> riding on black ice! We're far from "stepping securely". In fact, as I learned this morning, we may be in a much more precarious position than we even realize. Our attitude, therefore, should be one of profound thankfulness to God. Not only does He draw us out of pits when we cry out to Him, but He drew us out of the ultimate pit of hell when not one of us was crying to Him. He sent Jesus Christ to come while we were yet sinners, He set our feet firmly upon <i>the</i> Rock, and He tells us to go make disciples of all nations that they might put their trust in Him.<br />
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When I fell on the last few feet of the path, it was easy to think that God was being cruel. Rather, He was being exceedingly gracious for an exceedingly long period of time. And when He did finally permit me to fall, it was not for my destruction but rather for my humility. He lifted my eyes off of myself and my abilities and had me instead sing a song of His grace to others - so that you too might see, fear, and put your trust in the LORD.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As for me, I am poor and needy,<br /> but the Lord takes thought for me.<br />You are my help and my deliverer;<br /> do not delay, O my God! (Psalm 40:17, ESV)</blockquote>
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-11831608105963708172015-02-26T16:49:00.000-05:002015-02-26T16:49:49.582-05:007 Things I'd Miss If I Didn't Do Fundraising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fundraising is hard work and it's really, really easy to come up with reasons why I don't want to do it. Often my heart screams at me to just "get a normal job". But in my sober moments, I know that I'd really miss the rich benefits of fundraising.<br />
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<b>Here are 7 things I'd miss if I didn't do fundraising:</b><br />
<h3>
<b>#1: Having a huge, godly family</b></h3>
Though I didn't know it when I started fundraising, over time I realized that God had provided a huge, godly "family" around me. I have dozens of "moms" and "dads" who love me a ton and are constantly offering up prayers and sending me encouragement. There are few things I love more than going "home" to visit them and hearing how God has been at work.<br />
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Moreover, there are many on my support team that I really look up to. They're gifted in so many ways - ways that have convicted and inspired me. Some of my biggest heros are people I met through fundraising.<br />
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#2: Reaffirming my calling regularly</h3>
A repeated assertion in this blog is that fundraising is <i>hard</i>. And whenever anything's hard, it makes us question if it's worth doing. Though it's tempting to view such questioning as a bad thing, I've seen many times in my own life that the end result of asking these questions is a deeper resolve. In fact, I'm convinced that my earlier years as an atheist came about precisely because I didn't ask <i>enough</i> questions.<br />
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Fundraising causes me to question regularly whether I truly feel called to the ministry I'm involved in. After asking these questions almost 13 years now, it's only caused me to love this ministry more deeply.<br />
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#3: Recalling God's faithfulness constantly</h3>
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The very nature of fundraising requires me to share my testimony at every opportunity. Though I confess that at times, in my selfishness, I've grown tired of sharing it over and over again, I've realized that I never have to share it the same way twice - and actually I'd do well to purposefully connect it to each person's own story as best I can. This causes me to remember God's faithfulness to me constantly and in fresh ways.</div>
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Moreover, though <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/02/watching-numbers.html">it's not always super-encouraging to read my monthly reports</a> at the end of the month, I've learned to <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-thanklessness-destroys-you.html">focus my viewpoint on what God has provided rather than on what He has withheld</a>. Recalling God's faithfulness fills me with thankfulness for His monthly provisions.</div>
<h3>
#4: Reminders that this is not my home</h3>
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Most fundraisers I know could be pulling in <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-can-do-better-than-this.html">a more impressive paycheck</a> if they'd used their skills in the secular world. For example, a couple years ago a friend shared with me his job description. It sounded remarkably similar to mine, except that he was working for a big company rather than a small ministry - and it turned out that he was making over three times what I made! That led me to have one of those "reaffirming my calling regularly" moments!</div>
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In pondering that further, however, I was grateful. Yes, we fundraisers may not be able to afford the same kinds of vacations or houses, but in realizing what we <i>can't</i> have in this life, we <i>can</i> have excellent reminders that this is not our home. One day we will reign with Jesus. But not yet.</div>
<h3>
#5: Financial security</h3>
The flipside of #4 is #5: fundraisers actually have great financial security! When the recession hit the US years ago, my support level dropped - but only by a small percentage. However, many of my friends and family lost their jobs altogether. They may have been making more than I did before the financial crisis, but even my smaller portion was better than suddenly having nothing! Fundraisers are recession-proof.<br />
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#6: Fantastic training for ministry</h3>
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Yes, fundraising <i>IS</i> ministry - but fundraising is also not your end-goal. Yet, your end-goal ministry will benefit tremendously from your time in fundraising! You're learning to connect with all manner of people, to share the gospel in winsome ways, to network when you're out of contacts, to be diligent, to rely on God to provide (see #7), etc. Honing these skills now will allow you to hit the ground running once you're fully-funded.</div>
<h3>
#7: Increasing my dependence on God</h3>
I'm personally convinced that <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-youre-not-done-fundraising.html">God can finish your fundraising anytime He wants</a>. Money is not the limiting factor. Rather, He wants you to learn something. That something almost certainly includes dependence. And patience. And crying out to Him when all else seems lost.<br />
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That way He gets the glory, you get the blessing and the world gets to see what faith looks like.<br />
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I wouldn't trade that for anything.<br />
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<i>What would you add to this list?</i><br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-87136366695352823212015-02-19T12:35:00.000-05:002015-02-19T12:35:27.714-05:00What Andromeda teaches us about fundraising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Andromeda Galaxy is <i>stunningly</i> beautiful.<br />
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As the closest galaxy to our own, it is clearly visible with the naked eye when beholding the Milky Way skyscape. Yet through our ever-increasing technological advances, we're now able <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udAL48P5NJU">to see more detail than ever</a>. <i>But it's still hardly any detail at all!</i> We see endless bright spots, but we can discern virtually nothing of those individual stars. Yet, even from what we can see, we marvel at this awe-inspiring whirlpool, 2.5 million light years away, spinning gracefully through the void of space.<br />
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King David, too, could see Andromeda - a bright spot in the fantastic sky he beheld night after night. In pondering this, no doubt, he penned the famous words of Psalm 19:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The heavens declare the glory of God,<br />and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.<br />Day after day they pour out speech;<br />night after night they communicate knowledge.<br />There is no speech; there are no words;<br />their voice is not heard." -Psalm 19:1-3, HCSB</blockquote>
One of my favorite things to do when I feel burdened is to stare into these small photographs of enormous galaxies. Without needing any words whatsoever, these starfields remind me vividly that I am utterly tiny and of little consequence. My life is only a mist that lasts a mere moment. When I am gone, Andromeda will still spin brilliantly for ages to come; it will not notice my coming or going.<br />
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Andromeda therefore helps us put our fundraising in perspective. Do you, like me, feel like fundraising is all-consuming at times? I can feel like it defines my relationships, finances, dreams, emotions and spiritual state. Life begins to revolve only around making calls and getting appointments - and my feeling of worth rises and falls with how many people join (or leave) my support team.<br />
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But Andromeda tells us that there's more to life than our fundraising efforts. Andromeda declares the glory of <i>God</i>. And if God is glorious, then our fundraising doesn't have to be. When Jesus died on the cross for us, He made us glorious in Himself! What could a poorly-received phone call or awkward appointment possibly matter when compared with the glory of God? Our worth doesn't rise and fall with the state of our fundraising any more than a flashlight would brighten or darken a spiral galaxy.<br />
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Andromeda teaches us much about the importance of our fundraising by quietly reminding us that we are not glorious while spectacularly declaring who is: the One who shed His own blood for us so that we can behold His glory forever.<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-11432898866365784882015-02-12T16:09:00.001-05:002015-02-12T16:09:48.459-05:00The generous fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a fundraiser, your regular hope and prayer is that your contacts will become donors who give generously. You're constantly looking for people who see the blessing of generous giving and understand the Biblical encouragement to give generously for the sake of the Kingdom.<br />
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But have you considered that the first place you should look to find such generosity is your own budget?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." -Jesus, Luke 6:38, ESV</i><br />
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Jesus's words here are plain: there is a direct correlation between <i>your</i> giving and <i>God's</i> giving.<br />
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<b>What is the prerequisite for God's giving?</b><br />
It's <i>your</i> giving! <i>"Give, and it will be given to you."</i><br />
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<b>In what proportion will God give?</b><br />
We're not given a specific ratio, but it is truly packed in there! <i>"Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap."</i> In other words, God fills up his giving to your capacity, finds a way to give still more, finds yet another way to give still more, and then when you <i>really</i> can't take any more, He just keeps on giving!<br />
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<b>How will God measure how much is appropriate?</b><br />
God starts His calculations by examining yours. <i>"For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."</i><br />
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<b>Are you giving generously?</b><br />
Those who raise financial support are not any less blessed by giving generously or any less encouraged to give generously than any other Christians. In fact, fundraisers should be models of generous giving since we ourselves have been given so much - and continue to be given much month after month after month!<br />
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Paul wrote of the Macedonian church, "For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord . . . and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us." (2 Cor 8:3,5) You, fundraising missionary, have already given yourself to the Lord. Let your generosity not end there. Let's be the most generous givers on our support teams!<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-46465391298397213732015-02-05T11:26:00.001-05:002015-02-05T11:26:12.133-05:00Is God at work?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a huge opportunity and I knew it. So I planned ahead. I prayed. I worked hard. I sought accountability. I asked boldly. I did everything I could!<div>
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But nothing came of it. God didn't show up.<div>
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<i>What's going on, God? Why did you leave me hanging? I'm supposed to be faithful - and I was - but You didn't fulfill your end of the deal! Are you at work in my fundraising or not?</i></div>
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Have you ever wondered if God was <i>really</i> at work in your fundraising? Yeah, you've seen Him at work before. And you <i>definitely</i> see Him at work in the lives of others who are raising funds around you. So why does it seem like He's ignoring you? <i>Is God at work?</i></div>
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Joseph might have wondered something similar. God gave him dreams declaring that he would be great (Gen 37:5-10). Yet instead he was betrayed by his closest kin and sold into slavery in a foreign land (Gen 37:23-24,28). Even in this he tried to be faithful, yet his desire for purity left him in prison for two years (Gen 39).</div>
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Was God at work?</div>
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Let's find out. After those two years in prison, Joseph is remembered, tested and greatly exalted (Genesis 41:40). Eventually his brothers, who had been the initial source of his great suffering, came groveling before him. In that moment, Joseph spoke these amazing words:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but <b>God meant it for good</b>, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:19-20, ESV, emphasis mine)</blockquote>
Wait, wait, wait! God meant it for... <i>good</i>? Did Joseph really mean to say that God was at work, doing good, throughout all those years of seeming neglect? He sure did. That's <i>exactly</i> what he meant.<br />
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So what does this mean for you and I when we work hard in fundraising and yet it appears that God is not at work? Perhaps you finally have the courage to ask for a big gift and they say no. Or the speaking engagement you've been planning for weeks falls through at the last minute. Or you get a new $100/mo donor after a dry spell only to lose a $200/mo donor. <i>What does it mean when God's not at work?</i><br />
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It means we're asking the wrong question! Rather than asking, "<i>Is</i> God at work?", we ought to instead ask, "<i>How</i> is God at work?" We may not learn the answer to that for months or years later. But we can have certainty that God is at work for good.<br />
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He's never done it any other way.<br />
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Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-12731222412886547872015-01-30T12:21:00.000-05:002015-01-30T12:21:37.678-05:00Asking for help<i>It's been a while since the last Gospel Fundraising post! No, I didn't die. Or quit fundraising. But I did end up getting a new role that requires me to think about fundraising basically every single day. This means that I simultaneously have much more to write about and less time to do it =) But I've committed to doing it more regularly again. May God use these further musings as a blessing to those who make their living from the gospel. -Tom</i><br />
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- - - - - - - - -</div>
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My 2-year-old has a fascination with eating icicles. For the past several weeks, every time he looks outside our bathroom window, he beholds these big, dripping triangles hanging from our roof. His little voice then calls out: "Daddy, can you help me get one?"</div>
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Meanwhile, my 5-year-old has a fascination with Legos. He still mostly wants to follow the instructions, and so it's fairly common for him to stare in confusion at the picture indicating where to place a particular piece. His little voice then calls out: "Daddy, can you help me with this?"</div>
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Daddy, meanwhile, has a fascination with saving money. I enjoy doing small-to-medium-sized home projects, but it's fairly common for me to get to a point where the next step is no longer obvious. The thing simply won't come off or fit in or turn on or whatever else. In those cases, do you know what I call out?</div>
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Usually... nothing.</div>
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It's tragic that somewhere along the line I lost the childlike dependence on "Daddy". Perhaps it's pride. Or the "self-made man" American mindset. Or an "orphan mentality". Regardless, it's hard for me to ask for help from anyone. And especially from God.</div>
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Yet, in areas like fundraising and ministry, it should be way, way, way obvious that <i>I can't do it</i>! I can ask for support, but God has to lead others to give. I can lead a Bible study, but God has to change others' hearts. I've tried doing both those things plenty of times without God and seen the sad results. And, thankfully, I've also tried doing both <i>with</i> God and seen results well beyond what I could have expected.</div>
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Here's how Jesus puts it:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you. (Luke 11:9, ESV)</blockquote>
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and</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5, ESV)</blockquote>
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My two- and five-year-olds know that they need help to get what they need; God-fearing fundraisers would do well to follow their example. Are you short on contacts? Has your support level plateaued for weeks or even months? Has your time in the Scriptures been dry for a season?</div>
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Have you asked for your heavenly Daddy's help? Why not do it right now?</div>
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Soon enough, by God's grace, you'll be enjoying your tasty icicle, completed Lego and/or fulfilled support goal.</div>
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Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-11655114126262547252013-05-28T09:50:00.000-04:002014-08-08T13:18:46.798-04:00Why we do fundraisingGiven the highs and lows that come from fundraising, it's easy to forget WHY we're fundraising. This video will help you remember.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VeKgfUGtcI0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It's about 20 minutes long, so my recommendation is to set aside half an hour before you next dive into fundraising. Watch the video, then spend the next 10 minutes responding to the Lord in prayer. The person you contact next suddenly won't seem so scary!<br />
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<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-25690742226176128992013-05-12T14:00:00.000-04:002013-05-12T14:00:42.531-04:00Trusting in God's Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This is a guest post by fellow fundraiser <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennyfair20">Jenny Carrington</a>. Interested in writing a guest post? Write to gospel.fundraiser@gmail.com.</i><br />
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When I began my support raising journey in June of 2012, I thought I had it all figured out. I knew whom I wanted to contact, when I wanted to contact them, when I would make the epic trek from Maryland to my home state, Massachusetts; yes, I had a plan! <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-perfect-plan.html">A <i>perfect</i> plan</a>. Nothing could stop me!<br />
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About halfway through June, I began to call people living in Massachusetts for a trip I was planning to make during the first week of July. As I already had two whole weeks of support raising experience under my belt, I was certain my Massachusetts plan was impeccable: set up a few meetings with old family friends, and call the pastor of a church I had attended a few times so as to set up networking opportunities, meet with the missions committee, etc. It was a beautiful plan. I sat down at my computer, iPhone in hand, and decided to call the pastor first because I had gone to high school with his youngest daughter, and wanted to begin my night of calls with an "easy" call. I grinned from ear to ear as the phone rang, imagining how wonderfully the conversation was going to go. A click: "Hello?"<br />
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"Hi, Pastor, this is Jenny Carrington calling."<br />
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Beat. "Who?"<br />
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Oh no, he doesn't remember me? "Uh, I graduated with your daughter? We sang in chorus together?"<br />
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"Okay…"<br />
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As I began to anxiously weave together a string of words about why I was calling, what ministry I was working for, and if he was interested in meeting up in a few weeks, he gave the one response I was not expecting to hear: "No, no, thank you."<br />
<br />
<i>No…?! He said NO?!</i> He briefly explained why he was disinterested in meeting, and asked me to email him the ministry's website in the morning, and we hung up.<br />
<br />
I dramatically flung myself onto my bed, sobbing. <i>No, no, no!! My plan, my perfect plan! God, why did you ruin my plan! Now I'm never going to finish support raising because you ruined my plan!</i><br />
<br />
And in that moment, God spoke to me: <i>Jenny, why aren't you trusting me? Why are you <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-got-this.html">resting in your own capabilities</a>, in your own plan, when I alone have the perfect plan for you?</i><br />
<br />
Blinking back tears, I realized He was right. I had created a plan, but had forgotten verses such as, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, '<i>If it is the Lord's will</i>, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:13-15).<br />
<br />
I hadn't prayed about my plan, asking if it was the Lord's will, nor had I given the plan up to the Lord, understanding that it could change. Instead, <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/04/boasting-in-tomorrows-trip.html">I had <i>boasted</i> in my plan</a>, even <i>idolized</i> my plan, and when the plan failed, and fell off its pedestal, <i>I</i> was broken to pieces.<br />
<br />
The next day, I went to the local café for Internet access, stared at my computer screen for a good ten minutes, and finally, begrudgingly, sent the briefest of all emails to this pastor. I included the ministry's website and my own personal bio. After clicking the send button, believing the door to be closed, I thought, <i>Okay, Lord, this trip to Massachusetts is in your hands. What's your plan? </i><br />
<br />
Three hours later, I received a call from my hometown's area code: "Hi, Jenny, this is Anne." (The pastor's wife?!) "We just read your email, and we would LOVE to meet with you!!"<br />
<br />
What? WHAT?? We talked for a few minutes and chose a date for me to come over to their house to share about the ministry. When we hung up, I literally spun in a circle of excitement. I hadn't wanted to send that email. My plan for Massachusetts had been drastically altered, and I had simply wanted to close that door as quickly as possible. Instead, God used the email to fling that door right back open. <i>Trust me</i>, He says. <i>I have a plan.</i><br />
<br />
Not only did we meet, but they are now supporting at $50/month! In addition, I was able to meet so many wonderful people at their church, set up more meetings and meet with the missions committee. So, essentially, <i>God did everything I had planned for. But in His timing and in His way.</i><br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
While the previous evening of dramatics was humbling and difficult to process through, I learned much about my pride, and much about trusting in God's plan. His plan in this instance was actually quite similar to mine, but <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-youre-not-done-fundraising.html">He still wanted to teach me to trust Him</a>. And I am so very grateful for that.Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433769773674453569.post-62274305537305183282013-05-05T14:30:00.000-04:002013-05-05T14:30:01.063-04:00Changing seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IPtLTmJRMThTZzu5hGl2WeDpxA0kzGlDZGeZsd0i6Qd5jJqt4uLaUx3Dfvg1-kh_HiBESYzGYLXvc7pZHsmOkzLTKj7d82-hWgqBfglz8i24_xpxCaYAKinIJxX3Qivx4IslaFoev8Y/s1600/Four-Seasons-Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IPtLTmJRMThTZzu5hGl2WeDpxA0kzGlDZGeZsd0i6Qd5jJqt4uLaUx3Dfvg1-kh_HiBESYzGYLXvc7pZHsmOkzLTKj7d82-hWgqBfglz8i24_xpxCaYAKinIJxX3Qivx4IslaFoev8Y/s200/Four-Seasons-Tree.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:<br />
a time to be born, and a time to die;<br />
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;<br />
a time to kill, and a time to heal;<br />
a time to break down, and a time to build up;<br />
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;<br />
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;<br />
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;<br />
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<br />
a time to seek, and a time to lose;<br />
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;<br />
a time to tear, and a time to sew;<br />
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;<br />
a time to love, and a time to hate;<br />
a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV)</blockquote>
For the past several seasons, there were usually two Gospel Fundraising posts a week. In this season, for a number of reasons, that goal is too high. We'll see how often the Lord prompts a post idea. Feel free to send one along if you like. As a friend likes to say, "God is sovereign, but an email might help."<br />
<br />
In case you come looking for encouragement but don't see anything recently updated, here are some suggestions:<br />
<ol>
<li>Click a "label" (in the sidebar, you may need to scroll down a little) that relates to how you're feeling or what you're experiencing. That will load up posts about that topic.</li>
<li>Follow Gospel Fundraising on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gospelfundraising">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GospelFundraisr">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://plus.google.com/101440249163687870945/">Google Plus</a>. That will help you catch the newest posts when they come. Or sign up to get an email notification using the box in the sidebar.</li>
<li>Write a guest post! Contact <a href="mailto:gospel.fundraiser@gmail.com">gospel.fundraiser@gmail.com</a> with your idea!</li>
<li>Check out one of the most popular posts from the past year:</li>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/02/four-lies-about-disposable-income.html">Four lies about disposable income</a> - it would seem these lies really spoke to people!</li>
<li><a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/04/welcome-to-desiring-fundraising.html">Welcome to Desiring Fundraising</a> - The April Fool's Day post.</li>
<li><a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/09/welcome-to-gospel-fundraising-whatever.html">Welcome to Gospel Fundraising</a> - The first post; Still speaks to what this blog is about.</li>
<li><a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/01/am-i-doing-enough.html">Am I doing enough?</a> - No, you're not. And the gospel says that's okay.</li>
<li><a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2013/02/an-open-thank-you-note.html">An open thank-you note</a> - A thank you to our favorite donors.</li>
<li><a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/2012/09/refresh-spaghetti-tale.html">A spaghetti tale</a> - The first of the very popular <a href="http://gospelfundraising.blogspot.com/search/label/Refresh">Refresh</a> posts.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
See you again soon!<br />
<br />
PS: Sorry if you have <a href="http://grooveshark.com/s/Turn+Turn+Turn+To+Everything+There+Is+A+Season/mrCr3?src=5">a Byrds song</a> stuck in your head...<br />
<br />Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04817711407910318865noreply@blogger.com0