So with this edition of Brigada, we wrap up, officially at least, the giving for 2011. The truth is — we can’t begin to thank you… all of you… enough. We’re grateful for those who pray for us, give to make this work possible, and sacrifice to keep us going. Exactly how much came in? The grand total for 2011 adds up to $16,471.92! We’re *amazed* at that number, frankly. As you might recall, our goal was $17,120. To think that we would have come within $648.08 of that goal, all within a very difficult economic year is proof of several factors:
*** Brigada participants are the greatest friends ever!
*** If someone works throughout an entire year, without charging any subscription fee, then if there’s something valuable to be gained by the material, somebody, somewhere, will be courageous enough to step up to the plate to help keep that ministry solvent and moving forward.
*** We don’t really have to *ask* people very much, in some situations. If we just *do* our ministry, making things happen, then sometimes, people will want to fuel the fire simply because they see the flame.
[Note: Gifts received from here on out will now be considered toward the 2012 goal, which for yet another year will remain unchanged at $17,120. Once again, as we did in 2011, we won’t mention money again, except to say thanks for any gifts received, until the end of the year — basically the last 6 or 7 editions. The Brigada world has spoken: We don’t *need* to bother you with appeals throughout the year. God be praised for that.]
So above all, the primary lesson learned is — God is good. He provides, even when we start a new year with a zero balance, even when we don’t talk about it throughout the year, and even when we’re sometimes traveling and run behind. Amazing.
As we “close out our books,” so to speak, for 2011, I just want to make special mention of the folks who, week after week, cull through every news item possible… They’re readers, pray-ers, and boosters. They send us items totally because they want to share the news… “as one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” So thank you to all the unsung heroes of Brigada, some of whom don’t ever want their name mentioned. Thank you to those who *gave* — sacrificially. Thanks to those who went to their church missions committees and said, “Hey, this guy is doing his best. Let’s help him out some.”
In 2012, then, boosted above the waves by an outpouring of grace and mercy, we’ll do all we can to stay in step with the calendar. We’ll do our best to receive, find and share the best news, resources, trends, tools, and more — for cross-cultural travelers, for those sharing the Good News, and for all our other readers, near or far. Thank you Brigada Participants. Thank you Volunteer Contributors! And most of all, thank you God.
Doug
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