Thursday, May 17, 2007

It's only money.

Does anyone know anything about fundraising? I have now begun the difficult task of attempting to raise funds so that Kelly and I may be able to travel to Oahu this summer to work at a church in transition. This church currently does not have a pastor, of which, "WILL NOT BE MY POSITION", but I am attempting to do an internship with this church if we can raise the funds.
The question that people have asked me is, "Why can't you do an internship in Pasadena or LA?" Well, I could, but this opportunity arose and will be slightly different in the fact that we will live in a parsonage right next to the church, work with the Youth, and I will be able to do some teaching, preaching, and the heart of the church is to be missionally involved with the community. The person whom I am in contact with wanted to know if I am into sports? I, of course said, "No!", I don't believe in sports. I think sports are a horrible way to make connections with people. :) :) Although sometimes I will yell at someone to stop calling "Cheap fouls." (Something I need to work on, please pray for me about that)-Thanks for the prayer Corey.
There seem to be a good amount of opportunities within this church to be committed, involved, working with a team, establishing friendships, and being able to see firsthand the day to day operations of a church.
One thing that my contact for this church said was, "We want to see this church make connections in the community, network with other people, and he said they are already involved with this endeavor." I am extremely excited for this church, which is called Sunset Beach Christian. (see link on blog page)
It will be difficult though because I am coming from the "outside", so there needs to be sensitivity on our part to the customs, traditions, and culture of this community. We in no way want to go with an attitude of changing anything, but we want to facilitate with the already established community to help them in any way that they need. Thanks, Peace.

4 comments:

Tim said...

Paul this is a good start. Next start offering different incentive plans. For those who send in $100 or more you can offer guaranteed healing and salvation. For less than $100 you'll put in a good word with God, but no guarantees.

Pretty soon you'll be sportin a new shiny jacket and preachin on TBN from your glamorous beachside summer home in Hawaii over-looking the Pacific Ocean (a powerful testimony to the truth that God blesses the faithful with obscene riches, power and fame).

I hope you will still remember me when you're famous. Say hello to the big hair lady for me.

Paul M. Pace said...

Tim, I will always remember the 'little people' in my life. LOL.
After Fuller dedicated the new Library today, I guess any donations from the Board of Trustees in out of the question.
On another issue, if you don't dunk tonight, I am absolutely going to heckle you. :)

Bernie said...

Paul, you seem to forget to mention the fact that you also want to do this b/c the church is in Oahu. That is true, right? I know not everyone would agree with me, but I happen to think that this should go on the list of valid reasons for wanting to do this internship. God has created a beautiful world, and you and Kelly have the opportunity to see one of the most fantastic parts of it, basking in the beautiful creation. Although an internship is challenging, I know that this beauty would be one of the spiritually refreshing aspects of the summer. So, I really hope y'all get to do this!

BTW, I finally posted on my blog, so check it out.

Paul M. Pace said...

Bernie, thanks for the post. Yes, it is true that doing an internship in Hawaii would not be that bad. Through conversations with other people that work at this church, it is in a culture where drugs have permeated the environment, as well as depression, adrenaline addiction, promiscuity, etc.
Also, there is the aspect to the tourism trade which has damaged the natural habitat of that beautiful island.
Thanks for the affirmation, I do appreciate the support.