We at LLMI are starting to feel the financial pinch of slow economic times as unemployment is higher in the southeast than some other parts of the country. We've just announced a program called "Faith Formation Stimulus Package" as a way of reaching out to families who have one or more parents out of work. Below is an article that I just authored for LLMI's February LLINK newsletter announcing the program. We have two challenges: 1) get the assistance of pastors to reach out to families who are out of work to encourage their child(ren) to attend camp, and 2) raise the funds needed to cover the scholarships.
Reflections from the Executive Director (for February LINK newsletter)
2008 was another great year for Lutheridge+Lutherock Ministries! It was a joy to witness God at work in the hearts and minds of thousands of campers and guests. If you’re reading this issue of the LINK newsletter, you know first-hand how God is touching and changing lives through our mutual ministry.
Furthermore, LLMI has managed well and ended fiscal 2008 with a balanced budget. During these challenging times, we continue to plan carefully and seek to be good stewards of this ministry so that we can remain strong and effective.
While none of us know what the future will bring, I believe that God will continue to be faithful to us. I also know that I can count on good folks like you to be part of God’s blessing because of your great past support.
Because of the importance of the summer Christian camp experience for children and youth, we are announcing a LLMI “Faith Formation Stimulus” Package for any child who has a parent who has been laid off, or a child who needs financial assistance to attend camp.
The ministry of LLMI is more important than ever. Campers need to experience the love and joy that comes from the Christian role model of counselors. Families need to come away to experience time together in the Christ-centered camp communities, and others need to be challenged to live out their faith in their daily lives.
LLMI has a special “Faith Formation Stimulus” request form on the website at http://www.llmi.net and a copy is included below. Please share the form with someone you know who has lost their job and is looking for a way to send a child to camp. Be sure to tell your pastor and youth director about this. What a tremendous opportunity you have to influence a young life!
I am confident that the friends and supporters of Lutheridge+Lutherock Ministries will step up and fund this stimulus package. There is an envelope included in this LINK newsletter for you to make a special gift. We know that this is the right thing to do for children and youth whose parents are experiencing difficulty in these economic times.
Thank you for your generous partnership! Please continue to pray for our mutual ministry. It is a joy and privilege to serve with you.
If I can figure out how to attach the form that we are using with pastors, I will attach it.
Keith Johnson
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i like this idea Keith - i too am hoefully that people will see the need for them to invest their dollars in family or youth ministries this summer. Looking forward to March. See ya.
ReplyDeleteDave
We were just talking about this issue in our staff meeting this week. We always do a spring fund raiser for camperships, but I was kicking an idea around about doing something different this year. We are thinking about hosting a worship service on a Sunday morning followed by a noon meal. When we send out our fund raising letter, we want to send a notice out about the service and meal and encourage donors to attend. Now of course we want to creat additional fundraising for this event. We have an idea, now we need to grow it some more. If you have any ideas to share that would be great.
ReplyDeleteJeff Bluhm
We are collecting information from our particpating congregations to see what their plans are for offering scholarships to their campers for the upcoming summer. With our scholarship and the hope that the church picks up 50% or so, i think we will be publishing something similar in the beginning of March.
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