What's up?!

EXCITING NEWS! 

First, we have a date.  This family is super duper ecstatic about this!  JULY 9.  Yup, that's when we are leaving our home in NC and flying to Guatemala!  AHHHHHH.  The kids are excited, to say the least.

Wait, the joyous news continues!  We have been consistently receiving one time donations and monthly commitments and we thank you all so much!  

Take a look at our financial update:

$118,880 (total fees for 2 years, family of 8 with one trip home for furlough and includes flights, residence fees, etc.)  To see the detailed Guatemalan budget click HERE. 

$18,923 (total raised in one time fees, not including monthly support)

$27,600 (total raised in future monthly fees)

$7,200 (committed one time fees within the next 6 months)

$20,000 (projected Christmas and Spring fundraisers)

$45,157 (TOTAL NEEDED)

What is $45,157?

* $1,881 in monthly payments over 24 months

*  100 people giving a one time fee of $451.50

*  451 people giving a one time fee of $100

*  100 people give $18.80 a month for 24 months

Thankfully, every gift that goes through Pathways Community Church (must be designated for TOWNSEND fund) is tax deductible.  Please consider Guatemala as you near the end of the year and tax season approaches.  

Exciting News and Financial Update

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

First, we rejoice at how the monthly pledges have been ongoing and steady. Thank you friends for joyfully donating and pledging.  We praise the Lord for His faithfulness and your faith to take the leap and give in obedience!  

Just a few items to discuss.  We have two major fundraisers coming up and we look forward to seeing how BIG God is going to provide through them!  We believe through these two fundraisers and additional monthly supporters, we will be fully funded by June.  

That said, we have made plans to leave Wilmington, NC and fly to La Antigua, Guatemala in the summer of 2014.   

As mentioned above, we need monthly supporters.  It is our joy to serve alongside La Antigua in 2014 and assist the building teams in helping to provide shelter for local Guatemalans who have faced hard times.  This is where our heart is, this is where we believe the Lord is leading us and this is one area where we see Jesus working in Guatemala.  Would you be willing to sacrifice $20 a month or $40 a month to help provide Guatemalans with shelter and safe water?  We understand it is just that - a sacrifice.  Times are hard.  People are without jobs or income.  It is a huge step leap of faith.  Pray about it and let us know.  It would be an honor to have you join us on this journey!  

The total needed to serve two years for our family of 8 is $126, 880.  Why so much? Please read here to see the breakdown of costs.  Please note we have sought counsel with Pastor Mike at Iglesia Del Camino, who has served outside La Antigua for 8 years and knows the people, the costs of living, etc.  We prayerfully tweaked this budget and believe it is accurate. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding finances and we would be glad to speak with you.

Let us know your thoughts!  Give us a call, send a text or email us.

Love you,
Jack and Susie

Lessons Learned Along the Way

We have mentioned in the past how humbling fundraising is.  Over the past 8 years, we have personally fundraised for our adoptions, friends' adoptions and ASOH Orphan Ministry and now to serve in Guatemala.

I have learned a few things about myself through fundraising:

*  It is ALWAYS easier to fundraise for someone else.

*  Sometimes I want to cringe when I post fundraisers for our adoptions/missions.

*  I have absolutely no problem with people fundraising for their adoption/mission/cause.  I encourage it.

*  It is a huge honor when someone asks to host a fundraiser for you.

*  I am determined to find joy in fundraising.  It's a work in process.

*  I have learned more about the WHOLE body of Christ through fundraising.  I have SEEN it.  People enthusiastically donate time, money, and/or talents.  Everyone has a place and together great things happen.

*  God is HUGE.  He is faithful.  He always shows Himself BIG.

*  Few people can give BIG and get it done.

*  Many people can give SMALL and get it done.

*  God makes it all possible.  Matthew 19:26:  Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."


Are you fundraising?  Have you fundraised in the past?  Let me know about it!  Leave a comment!

ONE DAY ONLY!

Are you familiar with Delicate Fortress?  I absolutely love the mission behind Delicate Fortress.  They are giving women opportunities, giving them a voice and giving them hope!   Human trafficking, enslavement, extreme poverty and exploitation ends with having a voice! 

Taken from the Delicate Fortress website:

We believe women shouldn’t be forced to relinquish or sell their children or themselves in order to allow for their survival.  

We believe in culturally appropriate opportunity, investment and advocacy.

We bet you do too.

So we bring you shopping with purpose.  Each item you find in our store provides dignity, livelihood and fair wages to female artisans all over the world.  We’re fighting for women and their children. Come fight with us.

Today ONLY Delicate Fortress is fundraising for US!  What does this mean?  If you place your order today and use the coupon code TOWNSEND at check out, you are helping women all over the world AND you are supporting our family as we make plans to serve in Guatemala.  We appreciate your help and your support.  Thank you, Delicate Fortress for ALL you do!