January 2024

I am grateful for how the Lord has supplied my every need, in so many ways...not the least of which has been through the generosity of the body of Christ. November and December saw some generous pledges and gifts toward my support!

The budget that Alongside Ministries has set for a single expat living modestly in Prague is $6000 per month. This includes the standard living expenses (rent, food, utilities, etc.), plus necessary travel expenses, health insurance, and administrative assessment, among other things.

It does NOT include one-time and start-up expenses (language school, initial moving expenses, visa expenses, purchase of basic household items, etc.) It also doesn't include the necessary equipment that I will need to purchase to do my job. I estimate that these special one-time expenses will run in the neighborhood of $10,000. Nevertheless, a substantial amount of this has already accumulated in my account, and I am so grateful!

As of right now, my current financial support level in terms of pledged or regular giving is about $2700 per month. This is nearly half-way to my goal of $6000--about $3300 per month left to raise!

I project drawing about $1000 per month in income from my house, although putting it on the market is an increasingly likely option.  If I am able to find a good rental solution, however, that would reduce the gap of needed monthly giving to about $2300 per month. 

I do have some retirement savings--and I am asking the Lord what He would have me do with them--are they for later, or for "such a time as this"? So a portion of my support could come from that resource, if the Lord so directs; it's something I am laying before Him.

Nevertheless, I am asking God to provide all of the support I need--the remaining $3300 per month, and the approximate $10,000 for startup expenses. I don't know how He will answer that prayer, but I am confident that He will supply my every need, in the proper time, just as He always has.

If you feel called to be a part of the answer to that prayer, with a one-time gift toward initial expenses, and/or a commitment to regular support, your contributions can be given directly through Alongside Ministries (www.alongside.org/donate). Or, if you are affiliated with West Side Church, you may give through my missionary account there. (If giving to my support through West Side, make any checks out to West Side Church, not to Alongside.)

You can also send checks directly to Alongside Ministries, PO Box 610, Langley, WA 98260, including a note or memo that designates it for my support.

And if the Lord is not calling you to support me financially, I invite you to consider whether He may be asking you to support me through your prayers. Finances come and go, but prayer taps the Eternal, and is the one thing I cannot do without!

Thank you!