Honduras (Part 1)

I know it hasn't been that long since my last post but I had the urge to do this while I was sitting in church this morning and I don't want to forget about it.  For the past couple weeks the participants of this year's missions trip to Honduras have been sort of reporting in during church.  My turn is in 2 weeks.  So I have been thinking about all of this a lot lately.  And I decided I really want to go again.  But once again my finances are looking a bit thin.  Last year the trip cost $750.  And the church covered our plane tickets and it would have been more if more people had gone.  I am fairly certain that last year's crew all wants to go again and there are at least 2 more people that I know of who want to go as well.  And the church may not cover the plane tickets this year.  I'm not complaining because I recognize what a hugely generous thing that was last year, I am just setting the scene.

The actual cost of the trip for next summer probably won't be known for sure until at least May is my guess.  But worst case scenario, no tickets and a higher per person cost, I'm going to say that I may need as much as $1200 to go.  Last time a number of people expressed interest in helping out but my short notice on the need made it difficult to do so.  And that brings us to my Plan.  Starting now I am going to do my best to save up as much as I can.  Whenever I beat my monthly budget I am going to put those funds into a Honduras account.  Any extra income I get outside of what I budgeted and am expecting as part of that budget will also go into this account.  And now this is where you come in.  I am also going to make an appeal for donations.  If it is in your heart to give I welcome the support.  If it is not I will in no way think any bad thoughts about you.  I'm not going to lie, $1200 for 9 days seems like a lot to me.  I haven't looked at the numbers but I imagine I would find that if you are looking for a high bang/buck ratio, short-term missions is not the place to invest.  But God has put this on my heart to at least attempt so I am making my appeal in faith that whatever the outcome it will glorify him.

In the event that my fundraising and saving falls short or in the event that something else prevents me from going, THESE FUNDS WILL NOT GO BACK INTO MY MAIN BANK ACCOUNT.  I just want to make that clear.  I have no way of giving you an assurance of this except my word but if you are reading this blog you probably know me somewhat well at least and know that I wouldn't steal from you like that.  If it turns out I can't go all funds raised including the ones I put in from cost cutting efforts on my part will still be used for missions work.  Either I will help fund someone else who is going or I will save it for the following year.  So one way or another any money donated will help get feet on the ground in Honduras or somewhere else that needs us and will support the spreading of the word.  If you are interested in helping me contact me by facebook message, text, phone call, email, whatever.  My phone number is 862-268-3865 for those of you who don't have it and my preferred email for this is ddanielsilverman@gmail.com.  And I may add a counter somewhere to keep track of money raised so that those who may be wondering what the need is can see it.  I am going to try to hit at least $1000.

If you want to hear my story about why I want to go back or why I went the first time or why missions at all from my perspective, stay tuned.  Some time in the next 2 weeks I will be posting another blog entry telling that story.  I just don't have time right now and I feel that this appeal and that story should be separated in any case.  I know not many people read this blog but for now this will be the only appeal I make.  That may change in the future.  And if you can't support me financially I would ask that you just keep doing what you're doing supporting me with words of encouragement, a ride when my vehicles break, a conversation whatever it is you do.  I get a lot of energy and motivation from all of you in many different ways.  And please pray.  I will never ever ever turn down prayer support or be anything but extremely grateful for it.  That's all for now.  God Bless.