Ben's Visit to Holy-Field Vineyard: A lesson on John 15

Janey and I attend a Sunday School at which our teacher, Rus Wesley, works hard to bring the Bible alive as much as possible. With all of the references in the Bible about grapevines, our class took a trip to visit a local vineyard. We were able to experience first hand what is involved in harvesting the fruit of the vine and seeing how the fruit of the vine not only represents God's blessing but we could see how the gleaning fed the poor. We could also see firsthand what Jesus was saying in John 15 how "He is the true vine" and we are to abide in the vine.

Ben as usual was a big hit with everyone. He is so enthusiatic whenever he gets to do something new. He clipped those grapes like a pro and did really well with the ones that were down low. After helping pick grapes for 2 hours, he was disappointed that we were done. After we got home it was fun bringing the Bible to life for Benjamin as we studied the different passages that pertain to grapes, like John Chapter 15.

Junk Vehicles Make Good Donations

The recycling process of vehicles should always be done with environmentally safe means. Often abandoned or junk vehicles have fluids like motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, gasoline and antifreeze. Also, batteries have toxic acid and lead and many vehicles have remote switches that contain murcury.

Recycled vehicles come from many sources: tow companies, private parties, auto auctions and charities. When an individual has a car he no longer needs, this is a perfect opportunity make a great donation of their Junk Vehicle!

Simply by logging on to http://www.idonate.com/ click on donate vehicle and give us the information and we will gladly pick up your junk vehicle without any charge. All that is required is that you have a clear title without any liens.

Not only are vehicle donations a great gift to ministries, our business partners will take your donation and put it to good use as well as environmentally recycle it.

Our vehicle business partners will begin an environmentally friendly dismantling process by emptying the vehicle of any trash and/or leftover items. They continue the dismantling process by removing and recycling fluids and hazardous materials. Batteries are removed, tested and resold or recycled depending on the test results. At the same time, they carefully remove any mercury switches used in the engine compartment and trunk to prevent extremely toxic chemicals from entering our air and waterways. Freon (used by air conditioners), power steering fluid and brake fluid are all removed and recycled or reused.

After these first steps, they take the vehicle to specially designed drain tracks to remove the remaining fluids including gasoline, oil, antifreeze, differential and transmission fluids. All fluids are put into holding tanks with secondary containment to prevent spills and leaks into the environment.

Now that all the fluids have been drained, the vehicle is processed to sell and all reusable parts removed. Vehicles are stored so that there is no possibility of contact with storm water and to make it easier and safer for parts to be removed.

After all the reusable parts are sold, the de-coring process starts. They check for anything that can be reconditioned or that has recycling value. Examples include engines, alternators, wiring harnesses, compressors, torque converters and more.

The final step in the process is to crush the remaining vehicle hulk. They take the crushed vehicles to metal shredders where they are recycled into new metal.

So if you have a junk or disabled vehicle or a car that is near the end of its life, it will still make a good donation. You can donate a junk/disabled or any vehicle to support The Erwin Family Ministry by clicking on http://www.creativegivingsolutions.com/?org_id=&org_id=Erwin (This is our family's foundation, The Stepping Stone 2020 Foundation.)

Persecution in Orissa

There has been a severe season of persecution in the past year in the State of Orissa in Eastern India. Here are some of the reports issued by the Evangelical Fellowship of India. I think they speak for themselves. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering terribly.

1. On the 24th of August Pastor Jeebaratna Lima from Khurda District was attacked and beaten up mercilessly. The miscreants doused petrol on him and were about to set him on fire, but timely arrival of police saved his life. He was in police custody but later was released on bail the next day.

2. Pastor Bahumulya Paik of Bamandei, Patpur Police Station, Ganjam District was beaten to a point of death by a mob of around 100 people. He vomited blood but later gained consciousness and managed to flee from the place while the group was engaged in attacking the local believers. Since the hospitals were closed, no medical help was available. On August 26, the police escorted him to some distance by their vehicle and left him on the way to take a bus and go away.

3. Pastor Bishnu Kumbhar and his pregnant wife of village Dutta, under Madan Rampur Police Station of Kalahandi district, were chased out. To save their lives, they ran away in the darkness and hid themselves from the attackers.

4. Pastor Susanjit Beero of Tengada Pathar under Tikabali Police Station of Phulabani was attacked by a group of Hindutva miscreants. Along with a few believers he is still reported to be taking shelter in the forest, though without food and clothes for the last 48 hours.

5. Pastor Dillip Koshla of Tiangia village, under Raikia Police Station was attacked by the mob. His house and property are burned and looted by the unruly mob.

6. Pastor Birendra Harijan, of Nakapolo Church under Dharmasala Police Station of Jajpur District, was beaten up badly. As the miscreants were about to set his house on fire, the timely arrival of police prevented the disaster.

7. Pastor Amit Pani of Ampani village, Koksora Police Station (PS) under Kalahandi district, was chased out and locked in a house but managed to escape.

8. Pastor Lebiyo Raito of Kanjamendi, Nuagam PS, Phulbani, was attacked and chased away from his house. He is still hiding in the jungle.

9. Pastor Jatan Nayak, of Bhadrak district was attacked and his house ransacked. He is in police protection at the moment.

10. Pastor Abinash Garjang, of Tattaguda, Malkangiriis, was attacked and the church building was ransacked.

11. Pastor Aurobindo Sahu of Tumgurpada Church, Bargarh District, is threatened to leave the place with dire consequences if he doesn't.

12. District pastor Anant Benya of Badibahal church, Luisingha PS, in Bolangir District, was issued a threat of attack to the church on the 26th August.

13. Pastor Pabitra Digal and Pastor Dharmendra Digal, of Sundargarh district, have received threats to their life, burning the church.

14. Pastor Thomas Bhoi of Petapanga church Raikia, Kandhamal district, was attacked by the mob and their household items were damaged.

15. Pastor Ramakant Pradhan of Dotta Church and Pastor Sulaisng Barik of Hatibandh Church under Sinapali PS of Nuapada District was chased away from the village. Their whereabouts are not known.

16. Pastor Bijaya Surya of Penkam Church, Gunapur PS, Rayagada District, is threatened and asked to leave the place.

17. Pastor Mothilal Sagar and his family, also along with five sisters and two brothers in Madekela, Godphila block, were attacked, but they managed to flee and hid themselves. The miscreants are searching for them.

18. More than 15 church buildings of Believers Church alone and several churches of other denominations are damaged. The rampage is still going on unabated.

19. Church building and 60 houses in Tiangia village, Raikia, Kandhamal burned. Two Christians named Dasarath Pradhan, Bikram Naik killed.

20. Church building was bombed and destroyed. 30 houses were burned in Tengdapathar, Tikabali, Kandhamal.

21. Church and parsonage damaged, 20 houses burned, and two believers killed in Pettapanga, Saranggada, Kandhmal.

22. Chandrasekaharpur, BDA Church, Bhubaneswar damaged.

23. Tangupada, Bargarh District, the anti-Christians have threatened the pastor, Arobindo Sahu, to leave, and they have a plan to destroy the newly built church.

24. Audiovisual Team is hiding in the jungle in Chandragiri, Gajapati District, because of the threats.

25. BOH (Education center for Children) in Kuttenpalli, Bolangir District, having 120 students, was threatened to close down.

26. Tattaguda Church of Pastor Abinash Garjang in Baipariguda, Malkangiri demolished.

27. Bhatta Palla Church of Pastor John Naik in Madanpur, Rampur, in Kalahandi demolished.

28. Tujung Church of Pastor Basant Digal in M. Rampur Kalahandi damaged.

29. Ladapanga Church of Pastor Rajanikanth Nayak in Daringbadi damaged.

30. The residences of Pastor Bijaya Kumar Surya, Pastor Susil Lima of Miraguda, Gunupur ransacked and looted. No police protection given.

31. The Church of Pastor Junus Digal destroyed and 180 houses of Christians burned in Balkidadi, Kandhmal. Without food and drinking water the Christians are in the jungle for the last three days.

32. The church building and all the houses of the Christians in Kurmingia of Kandhamal burned. The Christians have fled to nearby jungles.

33. Church building and houses ransacked and later burned in Tattaguda of Malkangiri District.

34. Churches destroyed and houses burnt along with 4 believers killed in Dadingia of Raikia, Kandhamal.

35. The church of Pastor Alif Nayak, alongwith 12 houses in Ranipada, Kandhamal, burned. Pastor killed.

36. Houses burned and Christians attacked in Madkela, Tusura in Bolangir.

37. Pastors Dandapani and Junus Diagal chased out of their place but they managed to flee to safety in nearby jungle.

38. Four incidents of attacks reported in Koraput.

39. Carmel English Medium School in Khurda threatened to close down by Hindu fundamentalists.

40. Houses in Khariapada, Udaigari were bombed by petrol bombs.

41. Unconfirmed reports suggests around 10-11 Christians were killed in jungles by angry and unruly mob.

42. Church in Balangir demolished.

43. Complete failure of Law and Order in violence affected areas. Police and paramillitary forces are mere spectators.

44. 300-400 attackers burned houses of Christians in Kurmanga, Raikia.

45. Nuagaon village dominated by around 50 Christian families completely burned down.

46. Church in Nuagaon village burned.

47. Grace Girls Hostel with 60-70 students in Kotagarh, Phulbani, attacked by more than 1000 people. Just 10 police personnel posted for protection were not sufficient to protect the Hostel.

The fundamentalist group is going from village to village destroying churches, burning houses, attacking and killing Christians. It is reported that thousands of extremists have been brought from Gujarat and Chhattisgarh to perpetrate this violence which has spread to all the districts of Orissa. Their agenda is to wipe out Christians and Christianity from India starting from Orissa.

Pray for the victims in Haiti

I don't think there is a country more venerable to a hurricane than Haiti. Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and is located right in the middle of hurricane alley. Having been hit 3 times this season by Gustav (killing 13), Hanna (killing over 500) and Ike (killing 60), this nation is in great need of help. The death toll will rise as the water recedes and as the victims must cope with the polluted water.

How can we help?

Servant Christian Community Foundation has several partner ministries that specialize in disaster relief. Right now these aid ministries are in the country trying to meet the basic needs to the thousands of victims. If you would like to donate a noncash donation or a cash donation to benefit some of the ministries that are aiding the victims, please go to:
(For Noncash Donations) http://www.idonate.com/
(For Cash Donations) http://www.servantchristian.com/

You can also call our office at 913-310-0279 and we can let you know how you can help.

If you aren't sure what ministry to give to, you can look through a comprehensive list of different ministries and their specialties by going to "The Treasure House"
http://treasurehouse.servantchristian.com/th/ir/donor.asp.%20%20

Please specify in your comments what ministry that you would like to benefit with your donation. I know what the devastation is along the U.S. gulf coast, but in the nation of Haiti, the devastation is much worse because there is little government infrastructure to help during times of need.

Classic Car? Who would have thought!

A few weeks ago we got a call from a missions organization about a 1983 Olds Regency that was being garaged in Illinois. The car was in perfect condition because it has spent its entire life in Arizona and since the original owner passed away, her son now was donating the car. My first thought was maybe $500 for the car, but the donor insisted that is was a "Classic Car" and my first thought was a "Classic Gas Guzzler." Besides, my wife and I were married in 1982 and we aren't classics!

We had just started a new partnership with an auto auction in the Chicago area that had been in business for 60 plus years, and I thought this would be a good test run to see how they would do. Well, they picked up the car in 2 days, helped the donor with the title transfer, sold the car for $1,400 and charged us only $200 towing because they had to haul it over 50 miles. I was wonderfully surprised, and it will be exciting to let the donor know that his mother's car will help plant churches in unreached areas.

You can donate your classic car or even your junk car by going to http://www.idonate.com/. You can help fulfill the great commission by your generosity to help those preaching the Gospel.

Discovering Our Calling

All of us at one time or another will try to determine our purpose, asking why God has created me. I am certainly no different. In recent years, much has been written about "Vision Statements" or "Mission Statements" either as an individual or an organization. The vision statement for Servant Christian Community Foundation http://www.servantchristian.com/ is to "Create a Culture of Generosity" with the ultimate purpose of funding God's work throughout the earth. I heard our ministry president challenge our board with the thought that SCCF would process the last gift that would fund the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20.)

Then there is a "Mission Statement" and many of us, myself included, are not sure what the difference between the two are. Someone once told me the difference: The vision statement is "Where" we are going and the mission statement is "How" we are going to get there. The mission statement of Servant Christian Community Foundation is "To Inspire, Educate and Facilitate Revolutionary Biblical Generosity." I suppose you can compare the "Mission Statement" as the “Map” of where we are going and the "Vision Statement" as the “Compass” to keep us on target.

Why is all of this important? I think we can draw many examples from the Bible, such as Jeremiah 1:4-7; " Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."

Clearly, Jeremiah had his lifetime calling and from the scripture we can clearly see that the calling was ordained before he was born. We can also see this same scene played out in the life of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-17) or Joseph (Genesis 37:5-10) and most importantly, our Lord Jesus Christ, who had the all-encompassing mission that was fulfilled at the cross.

Then the church that was born out of the resurrection now has its mission: Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. "

As the man of God and great Olympian Eric Liddell said concerning his running for Great Britian in the 1924 Olympics, "When I run, I feel His [God's] pleasure." I think this statement simplifies what our calling should be about and the question I should ask myself: Are the things that I am doing bringing God pleasure? I guess this is the greatest barometer to determine God's calling for my life. My calling will bring God pleasure as well as myself by doing the things that God has wired me to do. Am I bringing God pleasure by what I have put my hand to in life and ministry?

Visit to Powell Gardens

Some friends of ours, Tom and Joyce Bartlett, invited us to Powell Gardens in Oak Grove, Missouri, the other day, and it was a very pleasant experience. It was also an opportunity for Ben to learn some science hands-on. The gardens have been developed over the years after a family estate left the farm to be developed as a botanical garden. Tom and Joyce brought their grandson, who happens to be close to Benjamin's age, and they had a very good time. It was a beautiful place to see and enjoy. I guess I couldn't help thinking that the donors could have donated the land to be sold to help preach the Gospel throughout the world but then again, sometimes you just need to stop and smell the roses and enjoy God's wonderful creation.

Setting Proper Expectations (Baseball Cards to RVs)

As we serve more and more donors who are donating their noncash treasure to support ministry, we take time to evaluate what the potential value of the donation is in the current market. Often the donor has an exaggerated idea of what something is worth. Baseball cards are the biggest culprit; rarely will we be able to get the amount from collectible baseball cards that the donor thinks we should. Retail sellers of baseball cards place a high markup on their cards but greatly reduce the amount that they will pay to buy those same cards.

Often with collectibles and jewelry, there is a strong emotional attachment. Many donors have a lot of passion for their collectibles and they bring back strong memories or they inherited the collection from a parent or close relative so the collection represents a memory. Because of the strong attachment to a donation, a donor will often want to control the amount a donation is sold for, but the IRS requires that when a donation is given, the donor no longer has any control of ownership.

In many of these cases, it is much better for the donor not to give the donation and wait until they are ready to give the donation with no strings attached.

Once I was helping a church with several noncash donations that were offered in their capital campaign. A late model RV was offered that was potentially worth $60,000 and the donor had been trying to sell the RV for several months. After I consulted with our contracted RV dealer in Kansas City, he said that the RV was only worth $46,000 in the Kansas City market; this was unacceptable for the donor and he chose to continue selling it himself. I wasn't able to help this church directly but because of having a Donor Advised Fund with Servant Christian Community Foundation, they were able to allow their donors to donate almost anything and otherwise they would have never offered the opportunity. You can learn more about Ministry Foundation (AKA Donor Advised Fund) by going to http://www.servantchristian.com/web/Churches_and_Ministries/churches_home_page.asp?b=17 .

Donor Advised Funds are the heart of how Servant Christian Community Foundation can and can greatly serve churches, ninistries and individuals by allowing donors to give many noncash items.

Hi, I am Ben!

Hi, this is Ben writing to you (with a little help from Mom). I have officially started school. I am doing 2nd grade work in most of my subjects. Today we made a necklace and yesterday we made a crown to go along with my English lesson. My favorite things to do in school are my math worksheets. They are fun!

Hi Everyone

Hey everyone. Technology is moving right along. Guess it's time for me to join too. My first blogging attempt! Ben took this picture of me while we were visiting my parents. Not too bad for a 5 year old. We will try to update this often. Give us some feedback, please!

What is Your Story?

We have recently been learning at Servant Christian Community Foundation about the importance of stories. The Bible is basically God's story about redemption, salvation, and the church.

We and our families are part of God's story, and His story will continue on forever. I am learning to look at the Bible in this context instead of a book of rules and regulation about how I should act or behave but a story of God's love for me and a story of God's love for everyone on the planet. I once heard K.&nbspP. Yohannan say in a staff meeting several years ago while I served at Gospel for Asia: "You can't change the past, but we can change the future!"

One thing I have realized is that all of my successes and failures are simply chapters in a much larger drama. Today is the next chapter, and because of Jesus' love, I can intimately know the Creator of the universe! That is a better honor than being the CEO of the world's largest company or the greatest athlete or preacher in the world. I can't impress God with my achievements, but I can acknowledge His love and delight in me and reciprocate that love with genuine worship and willing obedience.

As I read some of the Psalms of David (these were chapters in God’s story in David’s life), I can begin the see the tender and intimate relationship that he enjoyed with God. Psalm&nbsp18 brings this out very well, especially in verse 19: "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." Now I can begin to understand how David felt in 2&nbspSamuel 6:14-15, how David “Danced before the Lord with all his might” - total abandonment. David was alive, raised from the pit, and God had delivered him.

What is your story? What is the next chapter of your life? It begins today. What decision can you make right now that will put you on a glorious path with God’s greater story? Can you be like a child again that is dancing in the rain simply because it is fun?

Frazoli's Restaurant Sale Becomes a Win, Win, Win, Win!

A couple of years ago, I was contacted by a local FCA leader with an interesting opportunity. A car dealer who was a big supporter of the FCA chapter had recently purchased a Fazoli's Restaurant building that had closed. Needing to clear all of the restaurant equipment out in order to expand his dealership, the owner offered all of the equipment to the local FCA for their ministry, but they had only two weeks to remove the items. When we received the call about this opportunity, I contacted a group that were experts in liquidating warehouses and grocery stores and asked if they could bring a crew to this town and have a quick 5-day sale. They were able to come to town, advertise locally, and sell all of the tables, ovens and equipment in the restaurant. They were even able to sell the 15' walk-in freezer that was attached to the building. After all of the cost, over $3,000 was given to the local FCA chapter to further its ministry.

What I love about inventory donations given for God's work is that everyone wins! The donor wins because he is able to help his favorite charity and get the items removed so he can remodel. The liquidator company wins because they are able to make a profit for their work while at the same time help benefit a local ministry. And the charity wins because they are able to receive funding and not have to become liquidators. FCA is very good at Bible studies and sports camps, not restaurant equipment liquidation.

Bass Boat Blesses Radio Teaching Ministry

Recently a radio ministry opened a donor fund with iDonate.com and began to promote the opportunity to make noncash donations during their radio broadcast. A donor near Austin went online and donated a 1996 bass boat to the radio ministry. iDonate.com had a boat dealer in the area that was glad to arrange pickup (50 miles away) and had the boat on their lot by that next Saturday. The boat was in excellent shape, and by Monday a buyer had put a cash offer on the boat and it sold for $4,300. The donor had not been able to use the boat for several years and was very glad to be able to bless the radio ministry that they loved. iDonate.com makes it possible to bless your favorite ministry well beyond the checkbook. Just look around and see what you might be able to donate! To donate a boat or make any other noncash donation or to even nominate your favorite charity, go to http://www.idonate.com/.

A House Full of Longaberger Basket; Donation?

A church was having a capital campaign and one of the ladies on staff at the church had a desire to benefit the church. She also had another dilemma: 60 miles away she was trying to sell a home but in the home was a very large collection of Longaberger baskets (910 to be exact.) Faced with the stress of trying to inventory the baskets as well as sell the home, she chose to donate the baskets to benefit her church. iDonate.com had contracted with a local collectible auction that was actually one of the best in the country at selling Longaberger baskets. They traveled the 60 miles to her home, picked up and inventoried her items, and sold them over a two-month period. The items netted nearly $11,000 for her church.

Windshield Advertising Brings in a 2001 Camry

I wanted to experiment with a new way of advertising for vehicle donations, so I had a banner put on the back windshield of my van that simply said “Donate Your Car Boat or RV” with our contact information. After several weeks, I was approached by a man that was at a conference I was attending. He saw my van and said that he had a 2001 Camry that he was planning on replacing and offered it as a donation through iDonate.com. Our local car dealer picked up the vehicle but after inspection realized that the head gaskets needed to be replaced and he recommended that we place it in a protected auction. Toyota Camrys are very desirable cars, and this car still brought $4,500 and, after the auction fees, was able to net $4,300 for the charity.

Blown Head Gaskets Bless the Homeless

iDoante.com liquidates 100s of vehicles each year, and with each vehicle that is offered, we work to find the best possible dealer to sell them. Some vehicles are just pure junk and need to be put out of their misery. Other times a lot of TLC will help.

One of our car dealers who helps us process vehicle donations picked up a 1999 Mercury Village minivan. This car was being donated to an inner-city ministry that did free medical car for the poor in their community. The donated vehicle was in very good condition except that it had blown head gaskets, a very expensive fix. As our dealer evaluated the car, he determined that it would be worth it to have the car repaired and use the proceeds from the sale to pay for the repair. The net effect of this creativity was a van that sold for $4,000 and netted $2,000 to the charity vs. a van that would sell at a salvage auction for $400 and only net $200 for the charity.

This creativity is what sets iDonate.com apart from other vehicle donation programs. We auction only vehicles that are too far gone for repair, and our vehicle dealers are able to maximize the value on vehicles that can be repaired. That is maximizing the value of a donation and bringing an extra $1,800 to an inner-city ministry.

Pallets of Sports Drink Bless Haitian Orphans

At a recent community meeting, our ministry president, Bill High, mentioned to the group about businesses being able to donate surplus inventory. One of the business owners has several pallets of sports drink that his business produced and sold that was getting close to the expiration date. The best solution for him was to donate the merchandise to SCCF, and we arranged to have it picked up by a local liquidator. The proceeds from the sports drink will go to benefit orphans in Haiti. The exciting thing about inventory donations is that everyone wins: the business owner, the liquidator, and the orphans in Haiti. Isn’t that the way God’s economy works, fueled by generosity, not consumer demand?

Buffet Tables Go From Problem to Provision

In Kansas City, there is an exclusive club connected with the local professional baseball team. This particular club recently changed out their seven buffet tables and needed to find a home for the old ones. Thinking that they could easily sell them locally, they were quick to find out that selling restaurant equipment is time-consuming and not very profitable. As time ran out and there was a baseball game the next night, they offered the tables to the local rescue mission. Normally rescue missions do not use buffet tables, but seeing an opportunity, the rescue mission called us at iDonate.com and asked if we could liquidate the tables. We had a company within 10&nbspminutes of the stadium that was able to pick them up the next morning. In the end, they netted $1,500 for the local rescue mission. Problem solved for the stadium club and found money for the local rescue mission. Isn’t generosity fun!

Your support of our ministry is vital and very fruitful!

We were recently honored to have a visit from Wycliffe Bible Translators, and we now have a partnership with this incredible ministry. Just think about it: your financial support will help me serve Wycliffe in translating the Bible in languages that have never before had the Word of God written in their language. Wycliffe currently has a major initiative to complete and/or begin translations in every language by 2025.

While the leader from Wycliffe was visiting us, I was telling of the struggles we were having keeping our support base strong. He encouraged me to communicate to each of you that your support of our ministry has a major impact and it is multiplied many times over because of the many ministries we serve. Your donation dollars also allow me to serve ministries like AWANA International, New Tribes Mission, PIONEERS, Gospel for Asia, Walk Thru the Bible, and over 150 other churches and ministries. It is like I am on staff with all of these ministries without their having to keep me on their salary roles.

We have lost significant support recently because of the economy, but the need continues. Thank you for all of our friends who continue to support us regularly and generously. May God richly bless you as you give sacrificially. As you read this letter, I encourage you to pray about how you might get behind our ministry and partner with us as we bless so many other ministries who are collectively reaching millions of people with the Gospel of Jesus and the Love of Jesus with aid and support. I can’t think of a bigger bang for your buck that your donation will have as we establish new ways that donors can give to fulfill the great commission. We are in an incredible time of change and transition, and I pray that we can take every opportunity to help charities raise needed funds so they can fulfill their missions without hindrance or delay! Your support is much needed and appreciated.

You can now donate online to our ministry by going to http://www.creativegivingsolutions.com/?org_id=&org_id=Erwin

A Sail Boat in Indiana!

We have a family that has a personal Family Foundation (aka Donor Advised Fund, click link for more information)http://www.servantchristian.com/web/Individuals_and_Families/home_page.asp?b=16 .

While vacationing in Vermont last winter, they called me and said that they had a 20' McGregor sailboat that was being stored in Central Indiana that they would like to donate and the proceeds would go into their fund and they would grant the money out to charities that they support. What a challenge! After making a few calls, I found an auctioneer in central Indiana that was a strong Christian. After three months of work between the donor and the marina, the boat was shipped 80 miles and transported to the auction yard, where it eventually sold for $2,500. This made me realize that anything could be liquidated through businesses that God has placed all over this nation. There are not many items that we turn down, and anything is worth inquiry to see about donating. If you have an item that you think could be donated to benefit charity, please go to http://www.idonate.com/ and submit your donation, give us an opportunity to serve you in your generosity!

Starwars / Battlestar Galactica / Star Trek Collections Benefit God's Work

The Gen Xers are giving! Last year I was able to liquidate not only one but two sci fi collections. One collection was almost entirely of Star Wars and was very neatly cataloged and well cared for. For the donor, it was time to simplify his life and put these items to good use and help his church.

The other donor had an equally impressive collection of Star Wars, Battlestar Gallactica, Babylon Five and Star Trek. For him, it was a matter of getting more room in his garage, and since he had been out of college for over 10 years, it was time to grow up a little as well. Between the two collections, we were able to raise about $1,500 of charitable benefit. If you have a collection that you would be willing to release for charitable benifit, go to our website, http://www.idonate.com/, and click on colletibles. We will give you instructions on how to donate.

Story Book Dolls; Collectibles Benefit a Church

A church in our area recently had a fund-raising campaign, and one of the members had saved her "Story Book Dolls" ever since she was a very young girl. Realizing that these dolls could be sold to benefit her congregation, she donated them. Carefully wrapped and cataloged, I took these dolls to a local group that specialized in selling collectibles. These dolls broght over $1,000, and they allowed this lady to give more than she could have hoped through cash giving alone. Do you have any collectibles that can be put to good use? Ask the Lord if He would be leading you to donate them to benefit ministries. Just go to our web site, http://www.idonate.com/, and read about donating collectibles and many other items that you can give.

A Box Full of Junk Jewelry

When I first began to liquidate noncash donations for Servant Christian Community Foundation www.servantchristian.com, I was presented with a very large box of costume jewelry that was left through an estate to an overseas missionary. Having served in missions nine years prior to this, I was very interested in trying to bring some valuable support to missions.

My first thought was that maybe we could get $100 for all of this junk jewelry and tried to find someone in the area that bought these types of items. I did find a place that reluctantly said that they would take a look at these items (there were about 200 pieces). As I was driving the jewelry to them, the thought occurred to me to run it by our regular jewelry buyer, and she was glad to give the items a quick glance to see if any had any gold or precious stones. The next day I got a call from her saying that they found 29 rings that had value and she would pay $800 for them; I would have never thought. I was able to sell the rest of the jewelry for $75 at a local costume jewelry outlet. It goes to show you, you never know what value your items have until you allow an expert to take a look.

If you are ever intested in donating some of your old jewelry, please go to http://www.idonate.com/ and follow the instructions and we will make arrangments to receive your donations. Our whole purpose as a ministry is to help Create a Culture of Generosity.

Antique Binicle

I visited a church one time, and as we were discussing different ways that we could help them fund thier ministries, the executive pastor of this church showed me a picture of an "Antique Binicle." To be honest, I didn't know what a binicle was, so I did some research and found out it was a shipboard compass that was formerly used on an old wooden cargo ship and there were nautical collectors who collected these types of items.

Through various sources and an extensive process, we were able to sell the binicle for around $2,500. For the church this was found money and for us, it gave us confidence that if we look hard enough, we can find buyers for almost anything!

Jane Erwin, A Sweet Blessing

Janey and I have been married almost 26 years now! Having met in high school, we were married while I was serving in the United States Marine Corp in 1982. We had a three-year honeymoon in California before returning to Arkansas after my time with the Marine Corp was completed.

Janey has allowed me to dream big, and she is always there with me. When we felt the call to full-time ministry in 1996, I left my job at the United States Postal Service and we joined Gospel for Asia http://www.gfa.org/ in Carrollton, Texas. Janey faithfully followed, sensing God's calling for our lives to reach the nations. While at GFA, Janey was a major asset to the organization, eventually heading up the Gift Entry Department that processed an average of $20 million per year in donations with the average donation being a $30 sponsorship of native missionaries.


Then the miracle of miracles happened for us in 2001 when we found out that God had given us a child that we prayed for since our marriage began in 1982. Benjamin was and is the joy of our lives and a gift from God who loves us very much.


In 2005, we were honored to move to Kansas City and begin serving at Servant Christian Community Foundation (http://www.servantchristian.com/) - but with much difficulty. Not able to sell our house in Carrollton, Texas, for two years, it cost us dearly and left us with a lot of debt. All the while, Janey has been a sweet blessing.

Now as I serve at SCCF, Janey has been working part time at Costco so that we might pay down debt and as usual has become a top employee at Costco, loved by her customers and her fellow employees. Janey has a God-given abilty to bring joy wherever she goes and God blesses the work of her hands. She is a major part in raising Benjamin to be a "Joyful Man of God," and our home is very blessed because of Janey's gentle touch. I love you, my sweet blessing.