Embracing Our Calling: A New Perspective on Fundraising and Outreach

I love the work God has called me to do. While there are days when the kids drive me up the wall, the joy and love that come from caring for hurting hearts often leave me with a joy that’s impossible to explain. (Although, at this moment, with two preschool-aged boys going crazy, that feeling hasn’t quite come through yet today).

We are all in on Kids Cove. My wife is working full-time to help fund the vision, which leaves me to focus on writing blogs, sharing on social media, and so on. Oh yea and care for kids as a full time at home dad. The biggest task I have right now is fundraising, which I will admit is the part I despise the most. Recently, a few people have confronted me about this process, and one question that has come up a few times is: Why, as a Christian, would I do a fundraiser at a bar? My question is, why not?

Over the past year, I’ve spent countless hours preparing and speaking to area churches. I’ve written newsletters and sermons, and I’ve outright requested support. Out of all the churches in the area, only one has stepped up to help. So, my question to my readers, especially those who are fellow Christ-followers, is what else can I do?

James 1:27 states that “Pure religion is to care for widows and orphans in their distress”. If we, as the church, are called to do this and yet do not respond and engage when called upon, what does that say about us as a church? Here we are at Kids Cove, saying if the churches of the area are not able to stand with us for whatever reason, the next logical step is to reach out to the community as a whole. This means anyone willing to help in any way is a viable option.

In Matthew 9:10-17, we find Jesus eating with sinners. The same narrative is found in Mark 2:15-22 and Luke 5:20-39. As believers, why is this so hard for many to do in real life? Just because one eats with non-believers or seeks support from those at a bar does not mean his word or work are less valuable. It means we are going beyond the walls and out into the community. As we share the work we are called to do, the question of why arises, and the gospel can be revealed in a practical way that goes beyond sitting and listening to a sermon on Sunday morning.

We are living out the gospel daily, and the only option we have been given at this point is to live it out with the people in our community who are willing to step up and help. We are called to share the love of Christ, and the where and how are irrelevant as long as they don’t go against the word of God. You might say, “But what about being a stumbling block as Paul mentions in Romans 14:20?” I say, good point, but we’re not drinking; we’re abstaining. I encourage you to read the entire chapter for context.

My hope is that in this post, you will see how you can go beyond the traditional walls of the church and share the gospel in a new light. How can you, as a believer, be a doer of the word in your own life with the people around you (James 1:22-25)? It is time for us to put aside old traditional viewpoints, focus on the work at hand, and do what God has called each of us to do.

In closing, we need financial help to keep our beds open for respite care. We would love your support, but beyond that, I wanted to challenge the church to go into your community and stand out in a way that challenges the norm of common Christendom. What is God calling you to do that is outside your comfort zone?