GroshLink

A former pastor of ours likes to remind his congregation that God always pays for what He orders.  In 13 years of full-time ministry with InterVarsity, God has indeed provided for us: spiritually, through His people, and financially.  And we don't intend to starting doubting His provision now.  As fallen human beings our temptation is to have tunnel vision, yet God is (thankfully) so far beyond what we can ask or imagine.  Let us share our financial concerns with you and then please join us in praying for clarity of vision so that we can see where and how God is leading.

Each year we raise approximately $90,000.  This includes operating expenses, travel expenses, salary (including healthcare, etc.).  A portion of this amount is given through churches and the rest through individual donors.  Some donors give monthly and some provide a one-time or periodic gift as they are able.  The great blessing of raising support is seeing the surprising ways that the Lord provides.  We have learned SO many spiritual lessons through this experience and have the privilege of sharing those lessons with our children.  Our fiscal year ends June 30 and as we approach that date, we project a $13,000 shortfall.  We have identified two main reasons for this gap:

1. Several key donors have told us that due to economic constraints they were not able to continue to support this ministry.  We understand that families need to make such difficult choices and pray for God's provision and leading for them.
2. Since moving from Pittsburgh to Central PA some of our donors have chosen to shift their support to staff who live and minister more directly in Pittsburgh.  We too value local ministry and understand their decisions.  God has provided many new partners in ministry here in Central PA and we are excited for these relationships.  We continue to seek ways to meet more people and share the vision of ministry among Christian scholars in Central PA (and beyond through resources such as http://blog.emergingscholars.org/).

As many in this economy, we feel the tension between trusting that God will indeed provide for our needs and getting nervous when His timetable and methods are different from our ideas!  Would you join us in praying for peace and learning the lesson of resting in Him?  And if you are able to provide financially to help to close the gap in funding, please consider doing so.*  Perhaps you are already a donor and can increase your monthly amount.  We are also seeking new donors and donor churches.  In mid-June and at fiscal year end, we'll send ministry and financial updates.  We are confident that we will be able to share with you amazing ways in which God is providing for His work.

One more day by the grace of God alone,

Tom & Theresa Grosh
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Mid-Atlantic Faculty Ministry Catalyst
Brethren in Christ World Missions Affiliate
http://www.groshlink.net/
http://blog.emergingscholars.org/author/tomg/

P.S. If you'd like to chat further regarding our support, please give us a call or drop us an email.

*Financial support for this strategic ministry should be directed to "InterVarsity Christian Fellowship" P.O. Box 7895, Madison, WI 53707-7895.  Please enclose a separate piece of paper indicating that the gift is for the work of "Tom Grosh."  On-line giving available at
www.intervarsity.org/donate/to/Tom_Grosh

Students and Faculty Transformed, Campus Renewed, and World Changers Developed.