Hello Friends,
Restoration Bookkeeper (Alisha) here bringing this month’s update to you. But first on behalf of both Ed and Baesam, I want to relay a big THANK YOU! for the encouragement and excitement you have shown regarding last month’s newsletter announcement. Baesam will share next month what Ed’s passing of the torch means to her and where she believes God is directing us to go from here. (And don’t worry, you’ll continue to hear updates from Ed as well in future newsletters!)
As for this month, I want to speak candidly with you about the state of Restoration’s finances. God has been so faithful to provide for Restoration over the course of its 40 years. I’ve had the privilege of walking personally alongside Ed and the Restoration leadership, as we’ve navigated finances during the last ten years. I have witnessed first-hand miraculous answers to prayers through seasons of both financial need and financial growth. I can recall specific instances where Restoration had a pressing financial need and one of you sent in a gift, which met exactly what we were praying for. Words will never adequately convey the level of gratitude and appreciation every single one of us feels towards the generosity of our Foundation Partners. We say this to each other often, but we really do believe Restoration has some of the best people any ministry could hope to have in its supporters. We love you guys.
Some of you may recall, many years ago we asked for your help in a serious financial situation. Restoration had been carrying a large amount of debt, and the interest alone was creating a crushing financial hardship. We shared exactly what it would take to get out of that debt and asked for your help in the goal of eliminating it. You all SHOWED. UP.
Within a year, this massive debt that had held Restoration back for so long, was 100% paid off. We were floored, and once again reminded of the power in what happens when many people show up to help. As of today, Restoration remains debt-free. This is a gift and legacy from you, our supporters.
I am writing today to ask for your help again. I know we all have felt the impact of rising costs around us. Restoration is not immune. Our heart is to keep the Restoration series and classes as inexpensive as possible. We very rarely raise our prices and 90% of our funding comes from monthly pledges and donations. As of 2020, we began seeing a decline in Foundation Partner sign-ups and monthly giving. We have made budget cuts and financial adjustments throughout this decline, to help carry the ministry through. But I want to be transparent with you in saying: we have reached a point where there is nothing left we can feasibly cut out of our budget. The bottom line is Restoration needs more income. We are typically running $3,000 short each month.
When this happens, the only way we can continue as a ministry is for paychecks to get held. What this means is that either Ed, Baesam, or myself does not get paid. All three of us firmly believe in Restoration and all three of us have taken turns having our paychecks held, in order that Restoration would endure. This may seem disheartening or dire. But please hear me when I say, we are not discouraged. God has spoken mighty, prophetic things over Restoration. God is faithful to His word, and we believe the time is coming where Restoration will not only endure, but thrive. Ed has created a beautiful and faithful legacy in the way He has honored God and walked humbly in obedience to Him. It is our prayer, that Ed will see the prophetic promises over Restoration come about in his own lifetime. But we need your help. Little is much when many are in it. We are looking for 100 new Foundation Partners who would be willing to make a $30/month pledge or 100 current partners who would be willing to up their pledge by $30. If we can get 100 people to make this pledge, it would close the financial gap. I know this is a big ask, as I said earlier we all feel the impact of our dollars not going as far. But would you be willing to seek God in this and simply ask, “Lord, are You calling me to be one of the 100?”
God is our Provider. The Great Jehovah Jireh which translates literally to “The Lord Will Provide”. We, as a team, are not walking in fear. God is good and faithful to do the things He said He will do. Thank you for allowing me to openly and freely write this article.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.
Your friend and Restoration bookkeeper,
Alisha Orton
