Marathon for Hospitality - On the Home Stretch!
It's not often I'm as overwhelmed as I have been these last few weeks. Almost daily we receive a cheque or pledge in the mail towards the chapel, kitchen, marathon fundraiser. The response of you folks out there has been fantastic!
In marathoning, when one finally sees the goal after pounding the pavement for forty plus kms, it's a rush - you know celebration time is soon to come. That's where we are, folks - I can see the finish line - we can do it - celebration time is November 27. Our goal of $150,000 is attainable - we will be debt free! We will burn the mortgage and kick start the first phase of the kitchen renovations. As I speak, the architect is drafting the plans.
Friends, thanks so much for your unusual support and care!
HOW IS THE RUNNING GOING?
So many of you have asked me that supportive question and it's been a real encouragement to me - some days I've needed it; some days marathoning is painful. However, at this point, it's great, and I'm on target in my training. I feel stronger and more ready after each run. Your prayer for strength, good health and courage are appreciated.
HOSPITALITY IS THE REASON FOR THIS MARATHON
Friends, let's keep focused on the real reason for this great project - it's the Spiritual Hospitality of King's Fold's ministry. Our Lord is pleased and is guiding and blessing this ministry. The chapel has enriched the life and heart of King's Fold. A few weeks ago we had 32 pastors and missionaries in residence experiencing renewal and laying plans for spiritual awakening in their lives and in the lives of the churches they lead world wide. The following weekend we had 25 ladies here for a time of renewal and spiritual celebration. Before that we had a preaching seminar for young pastors. At the beginning of this month we had 19 leaders here beginning a 2 year training program in Spiritual Direction. The list goes on. Approximately 2000 people will have spent about 3000 nights at King's Fold in 2005 for the express purpose of spiritual refreshment and renewal - Wow!
The Kitchen Project is so vital to this ongoing ministry. Our present kitchen was built to prepare meals for 15 guests - we often have double that number. Our staff are hard-pressed to do what we do in the present kitchen. The need for more space, a commercial dishwasher, walk-in cooler and freezer, and food storage on the upper level is paramount to quality hospitality. That's the reason for this great project - it will be life changing for King's Fold staff and guests.
How Can You Help Us Reach Our Goal?
First, let me tell you we are now over the $115,000.00 mark - $35,000 to go! The matching funds have given us such a wonderful $70,000 thrust.
Many have already given - some are waiting to give their pledge on the 27th - Celebration Day - that's great! I need 30 people to accept the challenge to raise or give $1000 - to push this Marathon for Hospitality over the top and to capitalize on the matching funds. Enclosed is a pledge sheet for these 30 people. The challenge is to raise (by cash or pledge), by November 27, $1000 among your friends and people who love King's Fold.
I already have 10 people who have taken this challenge - would you consider being one of the other 20 people needed? Everyone who takes on this challenge will receive a "Marathon for Hospitality" t-shirt as a gift from King's Fold. Let me know if you're a participant, will you - I need to order your shirt!
Someone pointed out to me yesterday that if everyone who receives this newsletter gave $25 we would easily reach and exceed our goal - how about that idea?
Well friends, I can see the finish line - I'm pumped about what God is doing through the Marathon for Hospitality. Hope you can join us by giving, praying and then by joining the celebration - Sunday, November 27, 7:00 pm at Varsity Bible Church, 4807 Valiant Dr. NW. Please RSVP to the King's Fold office (932-3174) by November 21 if you plan to attend.
Blessings on you,
Dr. Virgil
Director at King's Fold