Because you are a crucial partner of our ministry, we believe it is important for us to keep you up to date on our finances and needs – both ministry and personal. It has been on our minds for a while now to update you on how the Lord is graciously providing for us, our current fundraising goals, and some important clarifications on how donations are processed. God is so good to us, and while we are still far from fully funded, we have always had a roof over our heads and food on our table – enough to host our growing Shabbat dinners!

Our ultimate fundraising goal is $9,800 per month. This goal has been set by our ministry leadership, and factors in administrative and overhead fees paid to Chosen People Ministries, a percentage dedicated specifically to our ministry expenses, the increased cost of living in a big city in the future, and salary for BJ working full time and Carissa working part time. If you would like to see a more specific breakdown of where your donation goes or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Our average monthly support is currently $3,600; and we receive $3,000 of that as salary each month – regardless of fluctuations in donations month to month. After taxes, this is not nearly enough to cover our monthly expenses, or pay off medical debt. In addition, we are in need of a new car (with working AC) before the arrival of our Baby Girl and Virginia’s summer heat. Carissa’s health suffered without AC last summer, and another summer with this car is not an option.

In the past when we have shared prayer requests about medical needs or car trouble, several of you have generously made donations above your monthly support. We have been so blessed and encouraged by those gifts, but feel it is important to clarify to you that such donations made through Chosen People Ministries bless our ministry fund, but do not change the salary that we receive month to month. For an increase in our salary amount, the Ministry will need to see a consistent increase in giving to our fund over a period of time. If you would like further clarification on this, we are always happy to talk with you over phone or email and answer any questions.

It is still our intention and prayer to move from Lynchburg to somewhere with a larger Jewish population – whether that be Rio de Janeiro or New York. Until God gives us our next step, we will continue to focus on mobilizing students and believers into Jewish ministry, stabilizing Carissa’s health and working towards full funding. We appreciate your faithful prayers and partnership with us as we pursue God’s will in all of these things.