I have two scholarships from MBS as well as the Montgomery GI-Bill from the Navy, which will pay for the entirety of my tuition, books and fees. We are seeking to raise $36,000 a year for each of the next 3 years ($3,000 a month income for a family of four) and an additional $300 a month for ministry expenses, most of which are necessary because Agape doesn't have its own church building (training, resources, travel expenses, mileage, meeting in coffee shops, use of our own cell phones, printing with our own ink and paper, and so forth). There are also some big cost items which total around $5,000. These lump sum costs are needed for our family’s insurance policy which is extremely high because of Kathy’s "pre-existing condition" (pregnancy!) and needs to be paid in a lump sum, and the security deposit for our house here in Portland.
As of 2002 (according to The Barna Group), only 3% of this country gives a tithe (10% of income) to a church ministry. Instead, the average Christian American household gives only 2.2% of its earnings to a religious organization! According to the US Census Bureau, in 2004 the average income for an American household was around $44,000, making an annual 2.2% donation worth about $968 ($81/month). We have sent out around 40 letters to both individuals and congregations asking for support. If each of our 40 recipients commit to $87 a month, we'd exceed our monthly income goal! And obviously the more people who donate, the less each will have to give. As of December 15th we've raised $1,400 a month...so we're on our way!
Donations to us are tax deductible (you will receive receipts for everything that you give), so please don't send money directly to us or even put our names on any checks - send your financial support to the Agape Church of Christ and mention somewhere on it the "Recovery Groups Ministry." Agape Church of Christ c/o Recovery Ministry 11124 NE Halsey #635 Portland, OR 97220 As you may know, I (Zak) embarked on a long term goal of becoming a US Navy Chaplain after I heard God’s call to make military ministry my career in order to serve where there is an immense spiritual void. After I completed my bachelor’s degree in Religion in March of 2008 I separated from the Navy 9 months early (in July of 2008) in order to attend Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon, where I began a 3-year Master of Divinity program on August 25th, 2008. Kathy and I feel like we have made a huge step in faith by following God's call - we left our home, our friends, our church family, a steady pay-check, and a relatively certain future to move here to Portland and start completely over. While we have no idea what tomorrow may bring, we have comfort that we are here because this is where God wants us.
Since Agape is such a young church (started on Easter of 2007), they are not able to pay us. For this reason Kathy and I, in conjunction with Ron and Lori Clark (Agape's church planters), are seeking support from other congregations and individuals to raise the amount I would need for a salary from the Fall of 2008 to the Spring of 2011. This will be our only source of income! Can you help Kathy, Koa, BZ2, and me with this need?
We also offer you the ability to donate automatically and electronically! Simply click on the treasure chest (below or in the sidebar) and you'll be routed to Kairos' online donation system. You'll need to register first. After logging in, select "Zachary Zumwalt - Agape Church of Christ, Portland, OR" as the fund you're donating to. The rest should be self-explanatory.
Kathy and I have been blessed to see God so active in our lives and to have Him show us a glimpse of His plan for us. We are certain we have been brought to Portland and placed under these circumstances for a reason. It is not really a matter of "if" we are finanically supported, but "how" and "when!" We ask for your prayers during this time, and your willingness to come along side us and experience the exciting work God has in store. Together we can serve His kingdom!
