Opportunities to make a difference

[Dave McClung]

Every day I receive communications asking that I contribute "to make a difference." It has gotten to the point that I don't answer the phone unless I know who is calling. Every day, I throw away several pieces of mail without opening them. A high percentage of my emails are requests for donations. To a large extent, I have become deaf to the requests for donations.

Last Sunday, our pastor's sermon was on the "Rich Young Ruler." It caused me to think about the possibility that among all of those requests for donations, there might be some opportunities to make a positive difference.

I went back to my inbox and noticed that more than a week ago I had received an email from Africa. There was something about the email that had caused me to mark it for "follow up" instead of deleting it.

Yesterday, when I took the time to read it, I learned that Nazarene pastors in Africa can earn a degree from NTS South Africa's distance learning program. The tuition is the local equivilant of $100 per course. The pastor who contacted me needs 15 more courses to complete his degree. A scholarship of $1,800 will cover all of the tuition and fees for him to complete his degree. I had a strong feeling that Linda and I should sponsor his studies. I contacted NTS and arranged for him to enroll immediately.

My point is simply this -- social media has made it so easy for those with organized efforts to raise money that some of the true opportunites to make a positive difference get drowned out. I pray that God will open my eyes to opportunities, like this one, to make a lasting difference.

[Craig Laughlin]

Dave I think you have really hit on an important trend. The "marketing" of need has become so professional and pervasive that it is often hard to sort it all out. We have the same problem at the church. Unfortunately sometime just fatigue with evaluating things causes us to reject stuff.

Your post is a good reminder. Thanks so much for helping out this way. Theological education, especially in a place like Africa is a slow but very high impact way to make a difference.

[Gary Creely]

My point is simply this -- social media has made it so easy for those with organized efforts to raise money that some of the true opportunites to make a positive difference get drowned out. I pray that God will open my eyes to opportunities, like this one, to make a lasting difference.

When the phone rings at the church I know there is about 95% chance that is a call to try to sell the church something they do not need. I have developed the skills to dispatch with them quickly, but I need to give them enough time to decide if they are a typical sales call/money grab or a legitimate call. I have nearly dispatched calls I needed to take. It is a real challenge with the deluge of garbage that comes every day to filter out the good stuff.

[Craig Laughlin]

When the phone rings at the church I know there is about 95% chance that is a call to try to sell the church something they do not need. I have developed the skills to dispatch with them quickly, but I need to give them enough time to decide if they are a typical sales call/money grab or a legitimate call. I have nearly dispatched calls I needed to take. It is a real challenge with the deluge of garbage that comes every day to filter out the good stuff.

Never ceases to amaze me as to how much religious "junk mail" and sales calls are coming our way.

[Jim Franklin]

Dave, it is strange to me that in my limited economic status I get many of those same kinds of pleas and it hurts deeply with my sense of compassion and deesire to make a difference that I would have to either give up eating or tithing to my own church to do so. I can not figure out where all of these foundations get my phone number and address.

[Susan Unger]

At our recent District Assemly/NMI Convention we were encouraged to donate to the International Student Scholarship Fund. Click for more information.

[Dave McClung]

Dave, it is strange to me that in my limited economic status I get many of those same kinds of pleas and it hurts deeply with my sense of compassion and deesire to make a difference that I would have to either give up eating or tithing to my own church to do so. I can not figure out where all of these foundations get my phone number and address.

Jim

Some time in the past you must have given to a political candidate. By law, the list of donors is public. People who give to candidate immediately get on a lot of different lists.

Dave

[Dave McClung]

At our recent District Assemly/NMI Convention we were encouraged to donate to the International Student Scholarship Fund. Click for more information.

Susan, your post high lights the issue that I find difficult. When the church has provided a system to address the problem, should an individual who attempts to seek help outside of the official system be rewarded?

There are some strong and valid arguments that Nazarenes in the poorer parts of the world should not be able to contact Nazarenes in the USA with requests for assistance. In the past, I would have been criticized for responding to such a request. In fact, it is likely that I will be criticized this time.

I am a strong supporter of the missionary efforts of the Church of the Nazarene. I give to the missions program often. I believe that the money I give to Nazarene missions is well spent. But, I have come to the conclusion that my support for Nazarene missions doesn't preclude me from entering into partnerships with individuals. The money I invest in those partnerships is over and above my mission giving. In the case I described in the first post in this thread, I concluded that this pastor's initiative should be rewarded. If I am going to invest in the education of a pastor, I want it to be one that has shown initiative.

I have decided that rather than being irritated about such requests, I will pray about them and respond as I feel led.

[Roy Richardson]

At our recent District Assemly/NMI Convention we were encouraged to donate to the International Student Scholarship Fund. Click for more information.

Our district is directly assisting a NTS- KC student from Europe with tuition. It is part of a partnership agreement with the Western Med region we have begun.

This is in addition to our regular NMI contributions.

[Jim Chabot]

Susan, your post high lights the issue that I find difficult. When the church has provided a system to address the problem, should an individual who attempts to seek help outside of the official system be rewarded?

There are some strong and valid arguments that Nazarenes in the poorer parts of the world should not be able to contact Nazarenes in the USA with requests for assistance. In the past, I would have been criticized for responding to such a request. In fact, it is likely that I will be criticized this time.

I am a strong supporter of the missionary efforts of the Church of the Nazarene. I give to the missions program often. I believe that the money I give to Nazarene missions is well spent. But, I have come to the conclusion that my support for Nazarene missions doesn't preclude me from entering into partnerships with individuals. The money I invest in those partnerships is over and above my mission giving. In the case I described in the first post in this thread, I concluded that this pastor's initiative should be rewarded. If I am going to invest in the education of a pastor, I want it to be one that has shown initiative.

I have decided that rather than being irritated about such requests, I will pray about them and respond as I feel led.

Our church is currently sponsoring a similar request in Cape Verde. We felt that this man's education could have a greater impact for the gospel than would a more costly work and witness trip. Glad to hear that this pastor in Africa has been given this opportunity.

[Craig Laughlin]

Our church is currently sponsoring a similar request in Cape Verde. We felt that this man's education could have a greater impact for the gospel than would a more costly work and witness trip.

That is the gospel. Sacrificing your pleasure (WW trip) for the sake of something that is more impactful. - Well done to you and your church.

[Jim Chabot]

That is the gospel. Sacrificing your pleasure (WW trip) for the sake of something that is more impactful. - Well done to you and your church.

The credit goes to our, now retired, pastor. It was his idea, although I understand that he had been speaking with a little birdie named Jorge.

But you are right, it is possible to go on a work and witness trip without making much of a positive impact. I do like Dave's thoughts whereby a trip to the mission field helps us form a bond and adds enthusiasm and longevity to our giving. While I have not yet been to Cape Verde, I do feel a bond through my Cape Verdian friends here, their country is often on my mind.

[Craig Laughlin]

The credit goes to our, now retired, pastor. It was his idea, although I understand that he had been speaking with a little birdie named Jorge.

Yeah, that same birdie made me look a lot better than I really was, several times.

[Susan Unger]

I have decided that rather than being irritated about such requests, I will pray about them and respond as I feel led.

That's how I feel, too.

[Billy Cox]

The credit goes to our, now retired, pastor. It was his idea, although I understand that he had been speaking with a little birdie named Jorge.

But you are right, it is possible to go on a work and witness trip without making much of a positive impact. I do like Dave's thoughts whereby a trip to the mission field helps us form a bond and adds enthusiasm and longevity to our giving. While I have not yet been to Cape Verde, I do feel a bond through my Cape Verdian friends here, their country is often on my mind.

I used to think it was a bit of hyperbole when Work and Witness participants testified that the experience blessed them personally far more than it blessed the people at the destination.

Now, I believe that it's 100% accurate.

[Gary Condon]

It's sort of like, I've had 1,000 "life changing" experiences offered to me. One is enough. Or maybe two or three.

[Ryan Scott]

Susan, your post high lights the issue that I find difficult. When the church has provided a system to address the problem, should an individual who attempts to seek help outside of the official system be rewarded?

There are some strong and valid arguments that Nazarenes in the poorer parts of the world should not be able to contact Nazarenes in the USA with requests for assistance. In the past, I would have been criticized for responding to such a request. In fact, it is likely that I will be criticized this time.

I am a strong supporter of the missionary efforts of the Church of the Nazarene. I give to the missions program often. I believe that the money I give to Nazarene missions is well spent. But, I have come to the conclusion that my support for Nazarene missions doesn't preclude me from entering into partnerships with individuals. The money I invest in those partnerships is over and above my mission giving. In the case I described in the first post in this thread, I concluded that this pastor's initiative should be rewarded. If I am going to invest in the education of a pastor, I want it to be one that has shown initiative.

I have decided that rather than being irritated about such requests, I will pray about them and respond as I feel led.

Do you think some of the hesitancy on the part of the system is a holdover from the "us-them" mentality? You wouldn't think twice about helping a US student with seminary tuition without calling their district or HQ - why should it be any different with a student in Africa?

We had a long period where "missions" was those people outside North America - and we "did missions" through KC. If we're really moving to an truly international church, when we hear of needs, we should be willing and able to meet those we feel called to meet.

I'm sure that can get a little scary for those relying on WEF funds and HQ programs - but of course we rely on God to meet our needs one way or another, right?

[Dave McClung]

Do you think some of the hesitancy on the part of the system is a holdover from the "us-them" mentality? You wouldn't think twice about helping a US student with seminary tuition without calling their district or HQ - why should it be any different with a student in Africa?

We had a long period where "missions" was those people outside North America - and we "did missions" through KC. If we're really moving to an truly international church, when we hear of needs, we should be willing and able to meet those we feel called to meet.

I'm sure that can get a little scary for those relying on WEF funds and HQ programs - but of course we rely on God to meet our needs one way or another, right?

There is a practical side to most of the policies. Let's take this particular case: This particular Nazarene pastor in Zambia was able to connect with me because he speaks English. There are a large number of other pastors on his district who are just as deserving of help, but they have no way to communicate with me.

This pastor has access to email and a digital camera. He was able to send me a picture. That separates him from those who have an even greater need for assistance.

Having the assistance run through the missionaries gives them the opportunity to even out some of the inequities.

[Kyle Borger]

Having the resources to make the decision is certainly a blessing and a responsibility. God has provided His resources to you so that you will invest them wisely in His kingdom.

At this time God's resources are sustaining my family but calling us to live in faith, as on paper the resources don't always match the expenses. I continue to live in God's promises that when doing God's work, God will provide all the resources necessary to accomplish His work. The difficulty lies in making the decision to give to others who often appear to have more resources while trusting that somehow living on even fewer resources, than appear to be required, will be sufficient to provide for the family and for my ministry opportunities.

I am learning that when there is nothing to lose there is actually less stress. You begin to learn the lesson that your entire existence depends on God's loving grace. Material items are just a small part of what God provides as resources in our endeavor to love God, love others, and make disciples of Christ.

May I continue to invest God's resources wisely and bring a return that will glorify God.

[Ryan Scott]

There is a practical side to most of the policies. Let's take this particular case: This particular Nazarene pastor in Zambia was able to connect with me because he speaks English. There are a large number of other pastors on his district who are just as deserving of help, but they have no way to communicate with me.

This pastor has access to email and a digital camera. He was able to send me a picture. That separates him from those who have an even greater need for assistance.

Having the assistance run through the missionaries gives them the opportunity to even out some of the inequities.

I do understand the argument from fairness, but I'm just not sure I buy it.

If I asked you for a loan to start a business, you wouldn't do a search to see if there were other, more deserving people out there. That's an institutional response - and we do have institutional programs for that sort of thing.

Perhaps the disconnect is that, for a long time, the Church of the Nazarene expected the institution to be the sole means of benevolence when it comes to denominational work outside the US and Canada.

You giving to this pastor doesn't preclude the existence of a pastor's scholarship fund - and certainly, if you were looking for the most deserving pastor, there would be an institutional avenue through which to find that person.

I do see the argument both ways, I just agree you shouldn't feel guilty about giving in this instance. The only caveat might be if the pastor was turned down through the institutional scholarship program and found the direct solicitation as a better alternative. You don't want to undermine the institutional solution, but that also doesn't mean you have to participate only in one way.

[Dan Henderson]

I'm with you there Ryan. I have recently become more inclined to provide support VFR direct then I am to go through organizations. There are many many examples of great things being done by these institutionalized funds and I don't want to detract from them in any way. I guess you could call it micro-charity or micro-giving. It seems to me that when I see somewhere that I can help and I am able to completely fund that particular need (not very often), direct giving is most efficient. Any intermediary reduces efficiency.

The current funding the mission model for paying budgets really precludes going through your church, especially if its a small church. Let's say I want to fund a semester for a student at $1000. If I give to this person through the church, depending on the district, the church would be then responsible for up to $16% of that amount for budgets because it comes under the category of funds raised for all purposes. I would either need to consent that the church reduce the amount available to the student or the church would be required to make up the difference from other parts of their budgets, assuming this is not a 10% approved project.

Though I am, generally, in support of WEF, district budgets (at a lower rate), education budgets, etc, in this case, the student needs 1000, I have 1000, direct to the student, is the most efficient route and certainly superior to having a small church try to make up the difference in their budgets.

[Billy Cox]

You don't want to undermine the institutional solution, but that also doesn't mean you have to participate only in one way.

How about an end-run then?

Sometimes the institution fulfills its stated aims well. Other times, the institution falls short of its stated aims. Still other times, the institution has the wrong aims to start with and fulfills them quite well.

In that latter case, people of conscience have a moral duty to undermine the institution's efforts.