Dear Friends,
With one week to go before our fundraising deadline, here’s an update/prayer request to get us across the financial finish line. (I’ll send a normal newsletter next Friday.)
A Quick Review
As explained last month, to be fully-funded and start full-time (i.e. no FedEx or other part-time employment required) with Exodus Church next month, I need to supplement my first-year salary by raising $18,000 by June 1. Here’s the breakdown:
Fundraising to Date
The good news is, as of today, $13,500 has been received or pledged. The other news is we have seven days to raise the remaining $3,500 and secure the pledged funds.
How You Can Help
We’re so close to our goal! For perspective, there are 385 subscribers to this newsletter; if each subscriber gave a one-time gift of $10 by the end of next week, I could serve full-time and focused with Exodus Church for the year. Megan and I think that’s a good investment to double the number and capacity of a pastoral staff at a church plant; we hope you think so as well. (Remember: all gifts are tax-deductible.)
For those who have given already, thank you! It means the world to have your support.
For those who have pledged to give, now’s the time to follow through! Two easy ways:
Go to our donor page on Exodus Church’s website and make your donation.
If you prefer to give by check, make yours payable to Exodus Church with “Craig and Megan Dunham” in the memo line and mail it to the church office:
Exodus Church
2607 South 6th Street
Springfield, IL
62703
For those who are on the fence about helping with our support, please know that we’re not ones to grovel or guilt you into giving money. All we can do is pray and present the opportunity, our vision for it, the background to it, and your chance to be a part of it. We welcome your questions (if something’s not connecting, ask us about it), and I’d be glad to pick up the phone even this weekend if it would help you decide.
Answers to Prayer
While I have you, let me update God’s answers to the past months’ prayer requests:
For a timely and generous response to our request for financial support
We’re seeing it happen and are trusting that we’ll be fully funded by June 1
For a home in central Springfield that we can call our own and share with others
Our first (and only) offer on a house was accepted last weekend; we close on June 30! Here’s a pic of our new home at 1605 Dial Court in Springfield:
For a teaching position for Megan at one of the Christian schools in Springfield
Earlier this month, Megan was offered a teaching position (either 1st or 2nd grade; still being determined) at Springfield Christian School; she’s excited
For a strong finish to Hebrew and a good effort in writing the exegetical paper
Two weeks ago, I completed my eighth of eight exegetical essays for my Hebrew Exegesis class and passed with a 95%; I’m waiting for word as to whether those essays will meet requirements to begin the ordination process
For good and meaningful closure with friends in Bozeman
We’ve had a few dinners with folks and are tentatively planning a going-away picnic the afternoon of July 23, our final Sunday in Bozeman; details to come
For courage to meet and make new friends in Springfield
Having not moved yet, we haven’t made too much progress on this; however, it’s been fun to reconnect with dozens and dozens of past Midwest friends and acquaintances eager to reconnect after our arrival in Springfield
Thanks for reading! Enjoy your weekend, and may your Memorial Day be meaningful.
Grateful for your prayerful consideration,
Craig (for Megan)
Thanks again for considering becoming part of our support team. Until next Friday!
Know someone who might be interested in our plans in Springfield? Let them know!