One personal request…. For me, trying to raise money for projects like the street kids house in Cali, and Ana Beiba’s Old People’s foundation in recent years, is something I don’t mind doing, it is so worthwhile and rewarding to know what it’s achieved. Trying to fund-raise for me, though, is something I hate doing, and I really do try and do it as little as possible. A lot of preachers use preaching opportunities to promote what they do, sell their ‘wares’ (books, CDs, etc., share personal needs – I personally don’t like that, which is one of the many reasons why I’ve never written books, though under pressure to do that often!). When I’m out preaching, I just can’t – won’t – talk about personal needs at the end of a meeting, as it’s a huge distraction from praying for people, and keeping the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit to move in people’s lives.
Recent months have been ‘interesting’, in that I’ve lost three regular supporters – all for good and valid reasons, I’d like to point out(!) (redundancy, passing away, change of circumstances) – with very little, or no warning or notice, totalling £145 a month. I’ve also had a couple reduced each month, again because of financial constraints that affect a lot of us right us right now. What it means, in real terms, is that my ‘salary’ (if that’s what you call what someone who lives like I do earns!), has dropped more than £1900 a year, without any warning. You can imagine, on a limited income, that isn’t easy, it’s quite a lot to lose. It’s the same, if you’re in ‘normal’ employment, in finding that this month’s salary is more than £150 LESS than last month without warning, and will be from now on….for me, that’s a drastic reduction.
It’s tough, if I’m honest…. especially when your salary (I guess that’s what my support is!) is not enough to meet all the needs – rent, bills, fulfilling the travelling ministry that God’s given me to do – e.g. the fare to Colombia next week is £1320 from Northern Ireland, accommodation £2-300 for the trip. But I’ve learned to cut my cloth according to my means quite well, though I think there’s not too much cloth left to cut!! Would you add this need to your prayer list, if you pray for me, too, please? And if you feel you can help, I’d be so grateful. One-off gifts are wonderful and essential, but the real life-blood is regular support, even more so if it’s gift aided. Thank you – if you can help, please get in touch.
With much love to you,
Paul
