|
The
month of September was the month of constructing the Blessing
Card Store - an ISP and shopping cart software was chosen
- delays and frustrations in coding led to a search for
alternative coders. Many well intended efforts were given
and appreciated, yet time was of the essence due to cash
outlay for the cards versus lack of cash income for lack
of a sales vehicle. If I did not get active and online soon,
I would miss Christmas.
October saw further frustration in getting the Blessing
Card Online Store complete. However, by the finding of Alkatek,
and Mr. Alain Adunagow, who completed the task for me in
a few days, I finally had some peace.
November saw the launching of the Blessing Cards and the
online Store - both in working order. The beginning of discussions
for PR had started but eventually had to be left unattended,
again due to lack of funding
Creating Enthusiasm For Writing
It seemed to me that people, Christians primarily, would
be interested in having some beautiful and original cards
on which to send blessings to one another. Anyone who has
seen the cards have liked them and many have asked to buy
them. That is not the problem - the problem has been introducing
the cards to the Christian body. Despite giving cards away
and sending packs of cards to Pastors and Priests, emailing
churches all across Southern California, I have not gained
the helping hand of any Pastor (but my own at my little
church) to encourage letter writing and suggesting the Blessing
Cards as a vehicle. Where would the New Testament be with
out the letters of the Apostles? What would anyone have
to place on their desk to remind them that they are prayed
for and loved, if there weren't beautiful cards to display,
with the writings and prayers of thoughtful and compassionate
people? This is a good idea for a world aching for human
contact - tangible reminders and keepsakes - invitations
to face communion. I still believe it is possible. When
was the last time you received a card from someone with
artwork that meant something to you? Christmas is an exception.
I am going to put a web page on line with suggestions for
how to use the cards - in case anyone has forgotten how
meaningful such gestures can be. That their are blessings
in the giving as well as in the receiving.
Church Apathy
I just completed a second mailing to all the churches of
Calvary Chapel throughout Southern California; to Saddleback
Church, Mariners, Crystal Cathedral, and various smaller
Protestant based churches. Understanding they are busy with
greater concerns and so many solicitations from so many
in need of support - yet only three responses have returned
by e-mail. Basically - one stated they had forwarded the
e-mail to the proper church official (from whom I received
no reply despite my follow thorough), and to, "your
project is impressive, we will pray for you and for God's
provision".
I have also sent out several
special mailings as an attempt to partner together in community
with various churches to foster a program that benefits
them, as well as helps to support the FAP through Blessing
Card sales - I received form letter rejection prayers -
sweet brush offs. It is frustrating. The ministers are so
insulated and difficult to reach.
What I offer becomes the
benefit of the church. It is all win win. There was one
misunderstanding of the FAP and the Blessing Cards as a
commercial endeavor to which one prominent church declined
to support such efforts - they not see the ministry in this
work.
It is maddening - I am disappointed.
I know it is not easy. In my small role, even I am overwhelmed.
Continue,
another roadblock>>
|