Tuesday, June 5, 2012

POST 100

IT'S HERE. POST 100.
   100 doesn't seem like much when it comes to some blogs that post everyday, or multiple posts in a day. But for someone in ministry like me, its a fairly big achievement. So, for this semi-momentous occasion I will be sharing some new material I have been working on, as well as sharing what is in the future for me, and more. Here goes.

PRESENTATIONS
   When it comes to doing a presentation at a church or with a small group, there is a lot of preparation that goes into putting it on. The hardest part for me is trying to figure out what to say or what not to say. It is a challenge each time. But one other challenging area for me, is presenting material about the camp. The brochures are a little outdated, and there wasn't much to go off of. What is great, is this area of presenting is the area that I will be working in when it comes to serving at the camp in the future. So when I do a presentation at a church, I can point to my table in the back and give them a visual example to what I have been and will be doing at Victory in the future. The latest addition to my display table is my new display boards. I'm proud of these boards. It took about two days to design, and about $12 to make! These bad boys replaced what looked like a flannel-graph that should be used for Bible stories.




   The boards are 12"x16". So they fit right into a carry-on suitcase. Perfect for travelling. They get the point across as to what we (Victory) are about, what we do, and presents a little look at the facilities that we have. There is so much that Victory does, but so little space. The next time I am at church, I'll set up my table again and take a picture of the whole set-up. That way you can see the banner I put together, the set-up I have and how I get the word out about Victory.
   If you can, be praying for wisdom in how to share my burden and the work God is doing through Victory. Also be praying for God to work in the hearts of the people hearing of the ministry, and also the churches that are receiving my letters.
   Thanks be to God for the open doors I am receiving. It seems 1 out of every 5 letters is an open door.


SUPPORT
   The big question people ask is, "where are you at in support?" Support sits at 9.9% of monthly $2,575 (as of May 21st). Why so small you may ask. Well, I want to look at it another way. For me... I am excited to see it where it is. It has been a rough start. But God is doing a great work.
   Yes, $255 monthly may seem small. But it is mostly made up of individuals that can give what they can, even if it is only $10 a month. It doesn't take much to support. Even $5 helps.
   Continue to pray that stir up people's hearts to join in support Victory and their staff financially. 9.9% for me is a start. 


OPPORTUNITY
   There is something that has come up that has been in prayer and consideration for the last few weeks. Each year, Victory goes to the Alaska State Fair, and sets up a booth. Last year it was my duty to design the set-up and to run the booth. It was a difficult task, but also a lot of fun. With Victory short of staff right now, there is no one to take care of the booth. This is where I come in. Joel, Victory's Camp Director, asked if I could return to Victory for about a months time in order to help prepare for the fair and run the booth. It would be from August 8th - September 5th. Right now it looks like the trip would cost around $771-$820. Some of that is already paid for. So I'm reaching out to those that say "Hey, I can't support monthly". Here's a chance for you to help out temporarily. It's a one time situation that would take me away from support raising, but also help the camp get their footing in the area of promotions. It will also allow me to help create some new promotional material for the camp and the other future Victory staff members raising support!
   If you have any questions or want to help, feel free to contact me. (hmupdate@gmail.com)


IN OTHER NEWS
For Barry, Joey & Jennifer, the bearded singles, my mom, and others asking... yes, I am still single. (It's an ongoing topic and joke)



WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING
   Honestly, there has been not a lot going on. May saw me traveling to Poughkeepsie, NY to move furniture, going down to Philadelphia, PA to see my sister become a doctor, and the beginning of June has been crazy with everyone in my family moving back home before they disperse out to their next endeavors (even me). Other than that, my days have been spent getting the word about Victory, and trying to raise support. If I am experiencing writers block, you can find me in the backyard losing golfballs. Or, if I really want to clear my mind, my siblings and I usually find something to do, or I go to a coffee shop. 
   Another ministry that I have been helping out with, is a local ministry named ROCC (Reaching Our Community for Christ). Right now I am helping get the word out about them by using the modern tools of blogging and Facebook. It is hard for me to step out and help them. But it is also helping me get ready with the work I'll be doing at Victory. I'm also working on a new promotional video for them. This will be a fun project in the end. 
   Also, you could have found me bowling on my birthday. Mini-golf was postponed due to rain. But it was a lot of fun just to get out and spend some time with my brother and sister. If you know me, I like to keep my b-day quiet. It was good to change it up (by not being at camp), and to just be home for once. It felt weird (and I don't mean the getting older part).


CLOSING
   To close, I want to thank all of you who have been behind me along this journey. Its very humbling and encouraging to see people not only praying for the work being done at Victory, but also financially backing. I can't thank you all enough. For those that financially can't support, I thank you for showing interest and reading this. Every bit of encouragement and prayer helps. Thank you.

Grace & Peace,
- Daryl J. Howard

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