When we finalize the budget and calculate the "gap", that lovely plug figure required to balance the budget, we can gasp at the size and wonder what we have gotten ourselves into.
When this reality hits, we (I) can go into an all-hands-on-deck frenzy that makes me want to call and write large donors asking them to rescue us just one more time. Then, we say we need to let everyone know our real needs so they can "be praying" about the school's need. Actually, we just want them to write the check; praying is fine, though.
Prov. 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
Thankfully, I have a friend who reminded me Who is in charge and this admonition caused me to re-phrase an upcoming appeal. Rather than write about the school's needs, here are the messages that were conveyed:
- Thankfulness for the blessing of a Christ-centered education
- Appreciation for the partnership of parents
- Recognition of the privilege of being able to support our children and their teachers
- Joy in giving as we respond the God;s blessing each of us
Don't let the tyranny of the urgent drag you into a crisis mindset; God is not bound by our timetables or budget foibles.
Stay on course, communicate directly and confidently, and encourage your friends to seek the spiritual blessings as they live each day.
So very true, Harold. Many of us in Christian education and ministry are tempted toward that tendency right now -- fearing the consequences of financial need and convincing ourselves that we need to "take matters into our own hands". It's wonderful to experience the transforming difference of persevering in service and trusting God to meet the needs.
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY! Thank you for this encouragement to trust the Lord and to stay on message. Our contributors want to support us because of what we do...why we exist. If we panic to our largest givers...it leaves them exhausted...and feeling like they are giving a "bail out." NO ONE likes to provide a bail out. They want to feel good about supporting what they believe in and feel like they are part of the Lord's plan.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Deacons, Faith Heritage School