Many people have asked what they can do to help me get to South Africa, so I wanted to expand on that topic. The most obvious answer for many is financial support. Encouragingly, several individuals and families have already stepped up with monthly or yearly recurring support and/or one-time gifts, but I still have a long way to go before my budget is met. If you would like a breakdown of my budgeted expenses, please just let me know.
You may wonder why I need to raise monthly support when I will be working at the university? Although North-West University will be providing me with a secure flat (apartment), they are not able to pay my salary due to South African laws and restrictions against hiring foreigners in government paid positions (NWU is a public university). That means my monthly living and project expenses need be covered by supporters like you.
Are you wondering if Christian Veterinary Mission is a trustworthy charity? Because CVM has a four star rating from Charity Navigator and is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), you can be sure your donation will be going to support me in God’s work in South Africa. Also, all donations through CVM are tax deductible. CVM will never send you tons of annoying requests for money, but if you want to be sure, you can ask to receive only my communications.
When am I actually leaving for Mafikeng? It is important to me to be financially responsible, so I will not leave to teach in South Africa until my monthly support matches my budgeted expenses. The sooner partners like you step up to help, the faster there will be another crazy American veterinarian teaching at North-West University. Even a little bit helps! Whether it is $5 or $500/month, your partnership is greatly appreciated and will help send me on my way to share God’s heart with the students in Mafikeng. Recurring donations can be done automatically from credit/debit cards (sign up online) or you can send checks to the CVM office in Seattle.
You can also champion me in your churches, bible studies, and other groups. I would love to come give a presentation about what I will be doing in South Africa or I can give talks on other topics as well. Or, if you want to pull together a few friends who might be interested, we could all get together for a breakfast or to cook a South African inspired dinner where I can share about my plans with Christian Veterinary Missions. I’ll even bring along some biltong for you to try! Or maybe you would prefer dried mopane worms?
Biltong - A South African spiced & cured meat
Perhaps most importantly, prayer is critical to the success of my preparation for, and work in, South Africa. I would love to have a group of people committed to pray for me daily and when specific needs come up. If you would like to be on that team please let me know. If that isn’t something you can commit to at this point, please pray for me whenever I come to mind.
Over this holiday season, please pray especially that the Holy Spirit would provide the energy and enthusiasm to keep up with writing engaging monthly prayer letters and thank you notes in addition to all the regular holiday events and activities. Also, pray that the Holy Spirit will give me peace and confidence that He will supply all my needs in His perfect time.
May the Lord bless you greatly and fill your heart with thanksgiving.
