Dear Friends,
Over these past few weeks, so many of you have asked us, “How can we help?”That question has meant more to Debbie and me than you know.
Debbie’s accident came at a time when we were heading into an especially busy season of ministry, year-end fundraising, and several book projects we had worked on for months. In an instant, all of that took a back seat to getting Debbie safely home from Alabama, through surgery, and now through what will be a long season of recovery.
Our plans changed overnight, but what has not changed is our gratitude for the remarkable community of people who have surrounded us with prayer, messages, calls, encouragement, and love.
Something many of you may not realize is that although Debbie and I helped begin Standing Stone many years ago, today we serve as Standing Stone Shepherds just like the other Shepherds in the ministry. We continue to raise the financial support that allows us to care for pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses. That support makes the ministry we continue to love and feel called to do possible.
This accident has also brought some significant and unexpected expenses. Because of Debbie’s injuries and the concern about blood clots, her doctors would not allow her to fly home from Alabama. Our only real option was specialized medical transportation across the country. Debbie traveled in a medical Sprinter van with a nurse and two drivers caring for her along the way. In El Paso, Texas, a second team took over for the remainder of the trip to California. That specialized medical transportation alone cost us more than $20,000.
So, for those of you who have asked how you can help, one very practical way is to come alongside us with a financial gift to our ministry support. Whether it is a one-time gift or ongoing support, it would be a tremendous encouragement to us during this unexpected season and would help us continue the ministry God has given us.
There is absolutely no pressure to give. Your prayers, friendship, and encouragement already mean more than we can say. But for those who have been asking for a tangible way to help, we wanted you to know this is one way you can.
With love and gratitude,
Jim & Debbie