Give to DDOMF at the End, Beginning, or Middle of the Year, but GIVE.

Like you, I receive a lot of end of year giving appeals. I suspect we also have this in common: I'm not particularly impressed with "Give because the year is almost over," appeals.

Yet, here I am at the end of the year, asking you to consider making a gift to DDOMF. I'd ask you to keep three words in mind.

1. Consider, as in "consider making a gift." 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 give a great example of how giving to the Lord's work should work. These passages are full of the idea of consideration (Especially 2 Cor. 9:7).
2. Believe, this word isn't in my statement, but clearly, it underlies everything about the Dr. Dave Owen Memorial Fund. Why does someone like Dave Owen invest himself in a tiny ministry like PIU? Why does our current staff continue to do so? Why have the Board of PIU, the administration, and staff gotten behind this effort to raise a financial base that will help PIU move into the next decade with great effectiveness? The answer is because we believe in this ministry. Do you? It is one thing to say, I believe this ministry should remain and go forward. It is something far greater to contribute to that forward momentum in a tangible, meaningful way. This is similar to the point Paul made to the Corinthian Christians in 2 Cor. 8:8-12.
3. Do, clearly Paul's desire for the saints at Corinth was that they, out of joyful gratitude, do something (2 Corinthians 9:7, & 15).
   Do something to honor the sacrificial service of those who have given so much, but more--far more--do your part to see PIU Move ahead. You can read an example of why PIU should continue in the latest "Tide's Currents."

Just about a year ago, Dave Owen wrote this on his blog. He was commenting on Matthew 6, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Giving is Jesus first example of true worship. (6:3-4) Instead of giving to impress people, true worshippers give the way God gives. They understand that everything was made for God’s pleasure. We recognize that it all belongs to God and we manage his resources to honor him. What does that look like? We should give without expecting anything back because we know our gracious God will meet all our needs. We give proportionately according to how God has blessed us. We should give willingly, joyfully, generously, and sacrificially, with our time and efforts following our money. Our prayers should include asking God and planning for where and how he would like us to give. Our generous giving in church, at home and in every part of our lives should reflect the generosity of our God who has given us His greatest gift. His Son, to reach out to us to meet our every need.

I'm not saying that giving at the end of the year is any different than giving at the beginning or middle of the year. 
I don't have any 2 for 1 deals. 
I'm certainly not promising that if you give to DDOMF all your problems will vanish.
I am saying that the need for the kind of education PIU is offering in this region is real. If we are going to continue making this kind of education available we need to build a stronger financial base, restore our main building, and build all of that on a solid footing of prayer. DDOMF won't solve everything, but it will be a huge step in the right direction. The links in the right-hand column of this blog will take you to more information about DDOMF and PIU
I encourage you to consider--think and pray about it. When you are ready go to our CROWDRISE PAGE and make a generous donation. 
While there is nothing special about the last couple of days of the year, it is as good a time as any. 

Happy New Year from  DDOMF Secretary, Kathy, & .PIU President, Howard.