This may be one of the most exciting days in our short history. A few weeks ago, I spent 10 days with Tom Ward, and his family. Needless to say, Tom and I really connected. We both have a deep passion for the gospel, the global poor and the orphan. A key trait I look for, as we launch a start-up non-profit is risk. Who’s willing to take the risk that is necessary? Well, I learned that Tom, and his wife Cherie are both risk-takers. After multiple conversations talking about our vision and dreaming about the future, Tom has decided to come on staff with HELP. This is exciting news, I’m so thrilled.

I’m not complaining AT ALL, we are so blessed, and we love what God has called us to do. But, margins have been thin, days off are very rare, and finances have been tough. Here are some thoughts:

- We are learning to trust God daily.
- It takes a team to make a difference.
- God gives us strength when we need it, but He will also FORCE us to slow down, if we violate the sabbath.
- True ministry is hard work, hard hard hard work!
- God is doing something special in Austin.
- You have to have a clear vision, but, you also must be willing to adapt on the fly, and take advantage of a key opportunities. Haiti came out-of-nowhere, but we are seeing much fruit and we’re able to help those in need.
- The vision must be big enough, that man can’t do it alone, but simple enough, so the tribe can articulate the vision, and work towards it’s objectives!
- Mistakes happen, don’t fret, instead lead, adapt, communicate, and move forward. So many times, we make mistakes, lose momentum, and we never see the mission accomplished, because we get discouraged.

The past few months have been incredible, life-giving, heart-breaking, and confusing. Yet, it’s been truly beautiful and fulfilling!

I’ve identified 5 keys progress points that have helped us move forward and see our idea’s become tangible.

Progress Point Five: 501c3

Yes, paperwork! Lame right? However, this is so important. We became an official 501c3 organization at the end of May, 2009. Over six months of paperwork, phone calls, research and frustrations!

When I received our approval letter, it was such a relief. This letter gave us the ability to pursue our dream officially!

Quick thought: If you have a dream, and you want that dream to become real, you have to face the small things with passion and vitality. Doing paperwork stinks, but it did help me focus, process and learn.

Do the small things well, and the big things will follow!

• Sherry Birk and the folks @ Soma raised over $300. They just did a C-Mas fundraiser in Austin, and one child has been already sponsored so far!
• Jason Dukes donated a percentage of the proceeds of his book sales in the month of December.
• Liz and Blanca are doing a Christmas Party in Austin next weekend. They also donated a percentage of the proceeds oftheir book sale.
• A church in Delaware raised $1500 for our Christmas Fundraiser.
• We’ve had NUMEROUS one-time personal donations for theChristmas Fundraiser.
• We’ve had several friends who’ve asked people to NOT get them birthday gifts and instead donate to HELP via Facebook.
• We have another stateside supporter who committed to giving monthly.
• We’ve had multiple people sponsor kids through HELP One Now.
• We’re doing a house show in VA, and a HELP One Now Sunday in Philly this January.
• We’re talking with multiple people about taking a vision trip to S. Africa and Zimbabwe in 2010.
• We’ve raised over $10,000 so far, for thebuilding of our first orphanage to rescue more kids at Musha Wevana.
• I know there is more…I just can’t remember it all right now!

These are signs of a tribe: a compassionate group of people who are committed to rescuing orphans, restoring their hope and renewing their communities.

It’s only the beginning!

Lucky for us, they’ve decided to donate the proceeds of the conference to HELP and One Day’s Wages, which is a new organization led by Eugene Cho. Pretty cool eh?

Don’t get me wrong, we can always use extra cash, so many needs to be met and resources are hard to come-by at times.

But, here is what’s more important, the belief. I can’t tell you have encouraging it is when people “do something” to help us an organization, it means the world!

So, if you live in the Philly, make sure you go to Scripture & Culture, and let me say a big thanks to JR, Todd and all the others who decided to support HELP, it means so much.

1. Please join HELP’s Facebook Page and take the pledge. (ask all your FB friends to join). This is a vital step as we try to create a tribe of people dedicated to helping end local poverty.

2. Follow Us on Twitter. Twitter is quick and short and with the touch of a button ( or mouse) I can send important information to a lot of people.

3. Bookmark or RSS our website. RSS means every-time we update our page it will go directly to you’re news reader, such as Bloglines or Google Reader. It’s an easy to way to stay informed with all things Help End Local Poverty.

4. Pray for us. Pray that God has favor on our ministry. We really need some miracles right now.

Scotty finished our t-shirt design. I really like it, I hope you do too.So I need your help. If you think you would be willing to purchase a t-shirt for $20 would you email me or leave a comment? I’m not asking for promises..Just trying to gauge the demand.Or if you would like to invest in HELP and would be willing to fund this project…Could you email me.