Many of us have known the song that begins, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going..." Well, we are thrilled to share with you the news of two remarkable opportunities which have been presented to IGL that will allow us to spread the light of the gospel throughout India in two unique ways. In an awesome expression of generosity and encouragement two anonymous donors have presented us with matching gift challenges. So we encourage you today, to read on, then "strike a match" that will allow the light to shine even more brightly in this amazing country.
The Barefoot Pastor Match
The first is an opportunity to help fund additional barefoot pastors this year. For each pastor that is sponsored for two full years, our donor will match the gift dollar for dollar, up to 17.5 pastors! We have already received commitments for two, so we have 15.5 available! With this gift comes the opportunity to support 35 pastors in full-time ministry for the next two years. As always, you may sponsor a pastor by mailing a donation with your sponsorship request to the office in the United States or you may access our online catalog and sponsor a pastor via credit card.
The Children's Gospel Club Match
Our second opportunity comes first with a significant praise. Due to another unprecedented series of gifts, our Children's Gospel Club programs are fully funded for 2007 and will reach more than 350,000 children! This is enough to cause rejoicing for days, but it gets even better. A donor has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar any donation that is received toward Children's Gospel Clubs for 2008, up to the amount required to reach 500,000 children! That amounts to a potential gift of $187,500 if we can raise the same amount from other sources. So we are asking you over the course of the next year to help in any way that you can--through personal, foundation, corporate, or church gifts designated for Children's Gospel Clubs, so that we may achieve this goal and acquire the full match!
Children's Gospel Clubs are an integral part of our ministry as they allow children who may never hear in other ways, the opportunity to learn about Jesus in a safe, fun and loving place. In addition, each child receives a year's worth of follow-up materials. In many cases these young children come to know Jesus and are able to share His love with their families! It is a wonderful program staffed by fully trained national workers who love the Lord and are committed to introducing others to Jesus.
We accept gifts as small as 75 cents which allows one child to participate, gifts of $75 which pays for an entire village of children to participate, or as much as you are able to give! Gifts may be mailed to the office in the United States or you may access our online catalog and donate via credit card.
