Dear Friends of Joel Colon:
It is with undisguised pleasure that I write to you on behalf of our colleague and my son Joel. First a brief note of history. In September of 2004, Joel accepted the challenge to serve the Lord in Ukraine with SCPI. At that point he made a one year commitment and you graciously accepted the challenge to support him in prayer and financial resources.
In March of 2005, Joel arrived in Kiev with support adequate to meet his living expenses and ministry goals based on a short-term commitment. A year after that (2006), believing that God had more for him to do in Ukraine, Joel made a long-term commitment to the work without a corresponding increase in his support base.
We have witnessed God’s hand of blessing on the SCPI ministry in Ukraine and God’s hand on Joel’s life in ministry. The work in Ukraine has greatly expanded and Joel has been a great asset to the Antioch (SCPI) team.
Expanded ministry, both for the team, and for Joel, has necessitated increasing expenditures; all of this within a context of a nation with a rapidly escalating cost of living. Apartments that rented for $250 a month in 2005 are now over $800 monthly. The city of Kiev now has the 10th most expensive cost of living in the world.
Budget adjustments and creative living arrangements have held at bay the need to seek greater funding for Joel’s personal needs as well as his contribution to the team’s ministry expenses. However, the time has come to address the pressing financial needs.
Two things are needed in order for Joel to continue to minister in Ukraine with adequate resources: first, a continued commitment from you his supporters to continue to provide at your current level of giving. Secondly, a twofold effort on your part:
1) If at all possible, increase the amount of your contribution. Many of you are already giving sacrificially and I thank you for your generosity.
2) There is also a need to expand the support base. Joel needs more churches and individuals to partner with him for the work in Ukraine. Joel is scheduled to return to the US for an extended period beginning in April. If you have family, friends, neighbors and church contacts that may have an interest in Joel’s ministry please make arrangements for Joel to follow up on those contacts. You can contact Joel at joelcolon@mac.com
You can also contact me at colonjames@bbellsouth.net or 828-286-1572.
I would be delighted to assist in arranging for any home or church meetings during the next few months. Of course, all of this bathed in prayer for God’s leading and blessing.
I look forward to God’s provision through you His people.
Jim Colon
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