First,
on an exciting note, last month I received an additional 10% of the monthly
support needed before I can head to South Africa so now just $250 more a month
will get me to the half-way point!
Over
the past few months I’ve shared with you my vision to serve the Lord in South
Africa and wanted to take a moment to tell you a bit more about the sending
agency who is helping me with all the details.
Christian
Veterinary Mission (CVM) was founded in 1976 to help organize and support
veterinarians wanting to serve the Lord overseas. At that time, most mission boards didn’t
understand the valuable role that veterinary medicine could play in missions
and so Dr. Dorminy, a Christian veterinarian from Georgia, decided to found
CVM. With the help of many other
veterinarians around the county CVM quickly got off and running to help
veterinarians find places and positions to serve throughout the world. They
understood that veterinary clinical skills could help foster relationships,
gain entrance to many otherwise closed countries, and improve the animal
husbandry skills of those living in 3rd world countries.
Shortly
thereafter, CVM joined the Crista Family of Ministries, a large non-profit
organization based in Lynwood, WA.
Crista’s ministries reach nearly 8 million people in over 30 countries
worldwide and include World Concern, CVM, several Christian radio stations, two
kid’s camps in WA, senior living programs, and several schools. With Crista’s support, CVM has grown to
include not only overseas missions, but also Veterinary Christian Fellowship
groups at vet schools, fellowship opportunities at veterinary continuing
education conferences, Real Life Real Impact vet student conferences, workplace
ministry tools, the Loveline pet memorial program, the Animal Impact gift
guide, and the yearly ShortCourse conference for veterinarians.
This
is my favorite description of CVM’s mission - “The mission of CVM is to equip
workers in over 30 countries to be instruments of Christ’s love and to express
that love through their skill in veterinary medicine. Every year, thousands of
people around the world struggle to survive because they don't have the right
knowledge, skills and resources to care for their animals. CVM veterinarians live and work alongside
these people in 30 countries to encourage and provide them with not only much
needed veterinary expertise, but also the hope that is only found in Christ.
Christian veterinarians also serve through the profession here at home,
demonstrating Christ's love in word and deed.”
Through
CVM:
·
23,855
people heard the gospel message.
·
3,969
people accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
·
6,130
people have been involved in discipleship relationships.
·
229,726
people were challenged to live lives of worship.
·
28,999
hours were spent training individuals in animal health.
·
571,510
livestock were treated
If
you are like me, you always wonder about the money. Where is it going and how wisely is it being
used? Because CVM is non-profit and
deals with many donations, they participate in the Evangelical Council for
Financial Accountability and in Charity Navigator, who gives them a 4 star
rating in finances and accountability/transparency. Over 85% of the money
donated to CVM goes directly to its relief and development and only 1% goes to
management of the organization.
I’m
so excited to partner with CVM over the next few years and be involved in the
many ways they are helping to change lives through the combination of Christ and
veterinary medicine.
Also,
I’ve started making and selling paracord collars, leashes, and survival
bracelets to help raise funds to meet my one-time expenses. Over 14 sold so far! The favorites are those made in Seahawks’
green and
blue, but I also have WSU and UW colors as well as many others. To
check them out or order one for your pet please visit www.etsy.com/shop/gospeakliveboldly.
