Giving Kiosk Launch

We used this video to help us introduce our giving kiosks this past weekend. In addition to the video, Mark helped introduce the kiosks with a humorous story about a coversation with his son Aaron that helped him realize that people don't carry cash any more. Most people use their debit or their credit card to pay for stuff.

Since no one carries cash anymore, we're neglecting potential donors by not providing a way for them to give with their debit or credit card. So, we decided to use giving kiosks from SecureGive.

Last week, 94 people used the kiosks and donated over $5,700 on them. This past Wednesday evening, another $1,300 was donated on the kiosks. So far, it seems like they're helping.

Online Form 990 Filing

I was preparing IRS Form 990 for a mission organization recently. As I began to write numbers in on the form, I began to realize that there was a lot of complexity and interconnectivity between the various reports and schedules.

So, I started asking myself if there was an easier way to do the 990. I began to research online. I read some articles that suggested it could take 158 hours to complete the new Form 990 the first time through.

Since I don't have 158 to complete anything, I decided I needed some kind of software solution to help me. So, I began to search for online Form 990 tools.

I found efile.form990.org which was a huge blessing. I was a little skeptical at first because I hadn't heard of it. However, I decided to try it. It was easy to use. It cost me $50 and allowed me to file my Form 990 electronically. It significantly reduced the time it took to complete Form 990. I'll definitely use this tool again next year.

Answered Prayer

For as long as I've been a father, I've been praying for my children. One thing I pray every time I pray for them is that they would give their lives to Christ and that they would be baptized in His name. This weekend, 2 of the 455 people that were baptized at GCC were my son, Nolan, and my daughter, Lindsey. They were baptized on my 40th birthday. What an incredible birthday gift and answer to prayer! Praise God! Thanks to Mark for this great picture captured just after. 2 down and 1 to go. I'll continue to pray the same way for Collin.

New Switchfoot

Looking Forward to the new Switchfoot (not sure what it's called anymore...used to be album). Anyhow, it the rest of the album is as good as this song, should be great.