Hello friends…
Ministries all over are in need of financial assistance I know, but here is one in Ohio at Ohio State University that is doing wonderful ministry and touching the lives of students. They just found out last week that the funding they were receiving from The Southern Ohio Synod of the ELCA has been put on hold until such a time they can call a full time pastor… Now it is not uncommon for synods to cut grant money by half during the time when a called leader is not serving a ministry as costs are down, but to fully cut the funding is not a usual practice…
I share this to share with you the post from Facebook of Jay Gamelin the former pastor at the Porch. He shares his thoughts and wonders on a ministry that is touching the lives of people who need someone to help them through dark times, and decisions while they are away from home. This is a vital ministry and needs our support. Please prayerfully consider a gift to this ministry!
Jay’s thoughts:
To all my friends on facebook:
Many of you know of my time in Columbus at a campus mission called Jacob’s Porch. This is a campus mission on the edge of a spiritual wilderness known as The Ohio State University and Capital University. We
are excited how God has moved through this community to create an engaged, gospel-centered mission. In our time there, this mission went from gathering 20 to more than 150 college students to wrestle with God.
It is also a ministry that, in the words of Blanche Dubois, “depended on the kindness of strangers.” It is a place that requires the annual raising of over $120,000 to support the 3 full time staff and multiple part time staff. When I arrived, the synod supported this with about half of this budget. This has been dwindling systematically for years. It was recently announced that the grant is officially suspended until they call a new pastor. Unofficially, and only my opinion, not the opinion of the current leadership at Jacob’s Porch or the synod, I would be surprised to see this ever being reinstated.
In short- this mission needs the kindness of strangers, people like you who take a moment to lend a hand. I am asking for a one time gift, $10, $25, or even $100 to support the students of this mission to hear the good news of a gracious God.
If you care for the church, or just me, or just want to be guilt free, I implore you to make this small gift today. This mission is a shining star in our church. Don’t let it dim.
+++ Jay
aSacredRebel 