End of the Year Partnership Gift Letter

End of the Year Partnership Gift Letter

 

At the end of each year, due to tax deductions; many faith based ministry send out a letter asking Partners or Perspective Partners to pray about making a special gift that is tax deductible.  It is recommended that we write one, also.  I deeply go into prayer when I have to send my letter out.  As is the case in Ministry Partnership development, it is really the toughest part of being in a faith based ministry and the idea of trust and not worrying about anything.  The letter below is the one that I recently sent out.  Please join me in prayer in regards to what God wants to happen with it this year.  If you want to make a special year end gift, please immediately get a hold of me so that we can get you the tax deduction for 2013 and I can send you the commitment card.  Thank you again for reading my blog.  Each of you that read it, make comments and share with me your thoughts mean so much to me.

    This year has led to many changes in our lives.  In May, I refocused on the Middle East and North Africa; leaving behind my role as Vice President of Area Strategy for International Commission.  Once following God in this refocused direction, we have seen doors opened to active churches in Southern Oman, Kuwait, Yemen, Libya, Israel, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, new partners in Lebanon, renewed partners in Jordan and new partners in Turkey.  God is opening doors in North Africa thorough existing contacts with groups working in the Muslim world. 

     Several years ago I met this wonderful young man and during one of our projects in his country we were able to share with him the one truth that would change his life forever.  He is from a very big family and he was one of the youngest.  In the culture that he lives in, being young and from a big family means very little influence or the opportunity to change his family or even the village or tribe he is from.  However, we serve a God who can change that.  Over the last couple of years, we have been able to reconnect when I have traveled to his country and I have seen him become bolder with his faith and the trust that he has.  On my last visit, I was able to again spend some time with him and to see his growth.  On this visit, I asked him how his family is adjusting to his faith; expecting to hear that they were rejecting him and the truth.  I was overwhelmed with his response that many in his family and in his village are now Followers of the True God.  His faith has grown and I look forward to hearing from him about what God is doing through him.  One project, one person, many changed lives.

     On my trip to Israel, we were able to share with many young people who are so hungry for a change and a better life.  While staying at the hotel, I met this young man and he changed my life as I know God has changed his life.  On the first night I was able to meet with him and be able to make a connection with him.  During the week, we would talk about his life, his family, his friends and what made our group different from the other groups in the hotel.  One night, I felt the need to share with him the truth about God.  He admitted that what I was telling him was the truth and that he knew in his heart that Jesus was the way.  Our conversation quickly turned to the costs involved in following Jesus in a Muslim family and my heart began to break.   God was not through with this young man and over the continuing week, we continued to have more conversations.  On our last night, we spoke again and this time he told me that when the time is right, he will follow what he knows is the truth.  So I pray for this young man, who now knows and I believe that Jesus has already changed his heart. 

     God is Amazing and We Could Not do the Work that God has Called Us to Do Without You.  Your prayers, love, letters of encouragement and financial support have made this journey and adventure possible.  I would like to ask you to pray about becoming more involved.   Pray about going on a project, pray about committing this year that you will increase your prayers for us and the ministry, and pray about becoming a financial Ministry Partner with us on a monthly basis or increasing your monthly gifts during the 2014 year or this month make a special financial gift.   We need you!  Please pray today about how God is leading you and answer Him right away.   I have enclosed a commitment card.  If God is leading you to make a special year end gift or to become a Monthly Financial Ministry Partner, all of your gifts are tax-deductible.  

      Thank you for allowing me to tell you just a few stories about what God has done this year.  It is because of your Partnership that we are able to continue to Follow The Lord in His Call.  May 2014, be the best year of your lives.