Decisions Decisions

I've decided on an unincorporated business model. I'm still looking for a lawyer to help. I'll also need a CPA eventually. I'm also considering grants, but will be very selective, because many foundations have political involvements with which I do not agree. The title of the ministry will change slightly, since it will not be a foundation. The board will probably be a corps of advisors. The unincorporated model allows for a more loose organizational structure. It still gives me full tax-exempt status, including the authority to issue tax-deductible receipts, per my research.

5/27/11 No. We have been incorporated for almost three years.

Voice of Martyrs

Last Sunday evening I went with Becky Reynolds to Church of Praise in Eagletown (Westfield), IN, to pray with their group for persecuted Christians, and their persecutors. I believe this is a charismatic church, though nobody actually said that. I'm not charismatic, but I love to pray with charismatics, because they pray with such faith and boldness, and they understand spiritual warfare. I really had a good time praying with them. It's fun to pray when you pray with people like that. I'd sensed some fear before going, but went anyway. It's not always good to depend on having peace about doing something, because the fear might be from the devil, trying to keep you from doing something he doesn't want you to do. For example, the neighbor who has been harrassing me had been quiet for awhile, but the night of the prayer meeting, she started in again. She didn't know I'd been praying with that group, but the devil did. I don't like to be attacked, of course, but it's gratifying to know that I'm such a threat to the devil. I hope to be more involved with that prayer group, and with other Voice of Martyrs people locally. I'm still looking for people to be part of such a prayer group that I'd like to host in my home. I'm also consulting my advisors about a business model to use and will make a decision soon. I really need to get moving so I can start fund raising. Time's a-wastin'! Any volunteers?

Facilities

A couple of weeks ago the Lord nudged me about a house for sale at 5655 N College Av. I inquired. As it turned out, the sale had changed hands, and the house was already sold. I wondered why the Lord pointed it out to me. A couple of days ago it occured to me that maybe the Lord wanted me to ask Him for a house like that. It was a property I like very much. I don't think it was the (Christian) real estate company the Lord was pointing out, because I asked other questions, and they never responded. So I'm asking the Lord about providing me with a property like that one.

Additional Direction

I have written letters to government officials to whom I've previously written to let them know what I'm doing. Since the State of Indiana is considering faith-based alternatives to some of their services, I thought this might be an opportunity for Leeward Hope. Then yesterday I asked the Lord whether He wanted me to work with the government, as this can sometimes be a snare. This verse came immediately to mind: "The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:22b. I replied to the Lord that I'd be willing to accept the wealth of the sinner as long as I didn't have to let the sinner, in turn, tell me what to do in my home or ministry (Psalm 1:1), or be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. I can hardly wait to see what the Lord is going to do. I do believe, however, that the Lord may require me to be somewhat like George Mueller in his historic orphan ministry. Stay tuned.

5/27/11 We are no longer pursuing this.

Progress Report

This week I am still looking for board members. I am also exploring different types of organizational options, such as 501C3, going under someone else's organizational umbrella, or creating a business by contract. NANC has referred me to an excellent adoption connection at http://www.hopefororphans.org. I have been in touch with Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic to see if they could help me find an attorney. They gave me the name of Community Development Law Center. I have not yet been able to make contact. However, I think it best to choose an organizational option before hooking up with them. I also need to learn how to make a business plan.

5/27/11 We are no longer pursuing any of these options. We do have a constitution and by-laws, though.

Adoption Connection

This week I have been exploring the possibility of an adoption ministry by looking at Bethany Chritian Services, NANC, and the adoption and attorney sections of the Yellow Pages and Christian Blue Pages. I'm still awaiting information. I've also made follow-up calls to prospective board members who have not responded to my letter. Left messages. No responses so far. I'm still searching for board members from the law profession and disability ministries.

5/27/11We are not pursuing this at this time.