Financial Ask, Campaign, and Support Raising
Hello, everyone! Happy Giving Tuesday! I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the amazing support we've received so far, whether it be through monthly giving, one time donations, or through our campaign.
But here's the exciting part – we're relaunching our
campaign to replenish my ministry account. We're currently at 61% of our goal,
having raised an incredible $6,076.13! It's truly incredible. We're just about
$4,000 away from reaching our target. Can you believe it?
Now, I need your help to make that final push. You can lend
a hand by either making a contribution through the link below or, if you're
unable to donate, simply sharing this newsletter. Your support can go a long
way. Let's make this Giving Tuesday extraordinary. Thank you all so much for
being part of this journey. Together, we can make a lasting impact on college
students.
Now, to talk about actual support raising…
As a campus minister, I engage in support raising for my
ministry. At times, people may view this practice with skepticism, perceiving
it as a form of begging. Interestingly, this skepticism is not often directed
at other non-profit organizations raising funds. It's important to clarify that
support raising for ministry is deeply rooted in the Bible, and it carries a
strong biblical precedent. Here are some detailed examples that affirm the
biblical basis for raising support for ministry:
In 2 Corinthians 11:7-9, The Apostle Paul openly
acknowledges the financial support he received from various churches and
communities as he spread the Gospel in different regions. This partnership
allowed him to focus on his ministry work.
The Levites, tasked with serving in the tabernacle and later
the temple in the Old Testament, were supported through tithes and offerings,
as outlined in Numbers 18:21. This practice reflects the concept of raising
financial support for those dedicated to religious service.
The early church's practice of commissioning missionaries,
as seen in Acts 13:2-3, emphasizes the financial support aspect of ministry.
When the church in Antioch commissioned missionaries like Paul and Barnabas, it
signified a commitment to both their spiritual mission and providing for their
financial needs during their journeys.
In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, the Apostle Paul provides guidance on
compensating those engaged in ministry, including elders, teachers, and
preachers. Paul's statement, 'The laborer deserves his wages,' reinforces the
idea that those involved in ministry should receive financial support, allowing
them to dedicate themselves to their work without distraction.
Finally, Jesus was dependent upon the gifts of others. While
(as far as we know) Jesus did not actively solicit support or raise funds for
His ministry like Paul did, the Gospel of Luke reveals that Jesus and His
disciples received support from certain women. These women, who had been healed
of infirmities, provided for Jesus and His disciples 'out of their means.' This
demonstrates that Jesus, in His itinerant ministry, received support from those
who believed in His message and ministry, underscoring the concept of support
for ministry in a biblical context.
So, you see, support raising is Biblical, and (I hope) you
can see why I am not a financial beggar but trying to rely on the provision of
God. I hope this clears up some stuff for you all. Thanks for listening and be
sure to check out (and share) our campaign. God Bless!
To Donate to the $10,000 Campaign: http://ccojubilee.org/campaign/4398/andy-moore-1
Alright things are about to go down. Buckle up.
The school year kicked off with our first large group
gathering of the semester. Anticipation filled the air as we gathered to
reconnect with friends, welcome new faces, and embark on a year of growth and community.
However, things did not go as planned. I found myself involved in an intense incident
with a student, one that I won't delve into the specifics of. Though there are
parts of this incident that I could have handled better, I can assure you that
I was not in the wrong.
The incident, though unfortunate, had far-reaching
consequences. It sent me spiraling into a whirlwind of anxiety, leaving me to
seek therapy to navigate the emotional aftermath. Little did I know that more
challenges lay ahead.
The following week, we were hit with a disaster of epic
proportions. The church basement, which served as the gathering place for our
large group, Cornerstone, had flooded. However, it wasn't just any flood; it
was a sewage backup that brought excrement and chaos everywhere, causing
significant damage. We were no longer able to meet downstairs in that now tainted
space, and we were faced with a dire need to adapt quickly to the situation.
With our backs against the wall, we had to make the best of
the situation. We found refuge in the youth room, located on the third floor of
the church. Although it lacked some of the facilities required for a full band,
it was spacious enough to host our group. Little did we know that this change
in venue would set the stage for something incredible.
In this less-than-ideal location, a revival took place. A
movement of the Spirit unfolded, and our group started to grow, not just in
numbers but also spiritually. Christ's presence was palpable in that room, and
we created countless beautiful memories during our gatherings there. It was as
if God was taking a seemingly bad situation and making it better, reminiscent
of the verse from Genesis 50:20, "As for you, you meant evil against
me, but God meant it for good.”
In light of this verse, the challenges we faced in the
beginning of the school year took on a new perspective. The incident with the
student and the devastating flood were indeed difficult to endure, but they
were also opportunities for growth and transformation. These trials served a
higher purpose, bringing our community closer and deepening our faith.
Our journey through that school year was a rollercoaster
ride of challenges and blessings. From the initial incident to the sewage flood
and, finally, the pandemic (which I will write about in the next Newsletter), we weathered storms that we never saw coming.
Through it all, we learned that God's plan is often mysterious, and even in the
darkest moments, He can bring forth light and growth. Our faith and community
were strengthened, and we emerged from that year with a deeper sense of purpose
and a stronger bond that will endure any trial that comes our way.
But, as we know, the year wasn't over. Just when we thought we had overcome the worst, a global pandemic hit…
Moore News
Hello, everyone! It's the Moore family here, and we're
excited to catch you up on our lives.
Emily continues to amaze us with her dedication. Not only is
she excelling as the Communications Director of Haiti h2o, but she's also taken
on a second job at the front desk of a dentist office, supporting our friend
Gary Liberati. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to helping others are
truly inspiring.
Benjamin is navigating the challenges of high school with
determination. In addition to his academic pursuits, he's found joy and
fulfillment working at Chick-fil-A. The positive environment and the sense of
teamwork at his job have become a valuable part of his life. As he looks ahead
to college decisions, he's embracing the uncertainty with enthusiasm and a
readiness for new adventures.
Josh's recent football season has come to an end. As a wide
receiver on both varsity and junior varsity, he led the team in touchdown
receptions on JV, showcasing his talent and dedication. The coaches are optimistic
about his future, and his dream of earning an offer from WVU is a driving force
for him.
Asher is thriving at CAPA, immersing himself in the world of
the performing arts. While he has made wonderful friends and enjoyed the
experience, he's contemplating a move to Sci-Tech for high school. The pressure
of a performance arts school has been tough on him, and we're hopeful that
he'll find the right balance that suits his passions. Plus, he gets to join his
brothers.
As for me, I'm in the final stretch of seminary. Juggling
three classes this semester and two next semester, I anticipate graduating in
May (Lord willing). The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and
I'm excited about the prospect of seeking ordination in the EPC and continuing
in the world of campus ministry.
Life is a whirlwind of activities, and each family member is
embracing their unique path. Your support means the world to us, and we're
grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.
Wishing you all the best, and until next
time! God Bless!
To Donate to the $10,000 Campaign: http://ccojubilee.org/campaign/4398/andy-moore-1
In Christ,
Andy Moore