CATHARSIS-PART 1
New dots to connect
April 1, 1999
I sat at my desk in shock. I had an idea of what the total would be, but not this much. Eddie and I had already agreed to contribute $1,000.00 per quarter to Christian Adoption to offset expenses. But we had poured an additional $3,000.00 into running this service. A grand total of $7,000.00 for the 1998 year. The figures were all there, as were all the receipts. I had already double and triple checked my totals. In a daze I left the office and hunted for Eddie to tell him the news. He wasn’t mad, he wasn’t upset--he was just shocked, like I was. “Yes, I have recorded every dime, yes, I have all the receipts, yes, I have re-totaled the figures.” I went into mental overload with how it had happened and more importantly what were we going to do to keep Christian Adoption alive and going. Eddie with his southern way was relatively calm and knew what had to be done and was at peace with it. I was not; it was a fitful and sleepless night for me.
April Fool’s day-had I been following God’s lead or was I the fool?
I went to my accountant’s office the next day to discuss our taxes and Christian Adoption. For over 45 minutes I chattered about our service and how important it was to adoptive couples and to me. I cried, I debated with her about our fees, and I tried to squeeze the figures. As my sister in Christ, Karen remained steadfast--“YOU HAVE TO RAISE YOUR FEES. YOU HAVE TO DEMAND FULL PAYMENT UP FRONT. YOU HAVE TO COVER YOUR MONTHLY EXPENSES. YOU HAVE TO THINK LIKE A BUSINESS, INSTEAD OF AS A MISSIONARY. IF YOU CONTINUE THIS WAY, YOU WILL NOT HAVE Christian Adoption AS A SERVICE. YOU CANNOT DECLARE LOSSES ON YOUR TAXES AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO CONTINUE. YOU HAVE TO GET MORE MONEY FROM THE ADOPTIVE COUPLES. THEY WILL PAY. YOU PAID--NO ONE HELPED YOU. YOU CANNOT PAY FOR EVERYONE’S ADOPTION, EVERYONE’S PHONE BILL, FOR EVERY BIT OF ADVERTISING.” Then she spoke with words that cut to the heart and started the tears flowing. “YOU ARE TAKING MONEY AWAY FROM DANIELLE AND HER FUTURE. THIS COULD BE IN AN ACCOUNT DRAWING INTEREST FOR HER COLLEGE EDUCATION. NONE OF THESE COUPLES ARE GOING TO CONTRIBUTE TO HER COLLEGE FUND--YOU ARE HER PARENT. YOU SAY THAT YOU WANT TO ADOPT ANOTHER CHILD--IN THE PAST 2 YEARS YOU HAVE SPENT $11,000.00 HELPING OTHERS ADOPT. DEBORAH, THAT MONEY WOULD HAVE PAID FOR ANOTHER ADOPTION. YOU ARE TAKING AWAY FROM YOUR DAUGHTER.”
Everything she said was true and I knew it. She was so right and there was no sound argument. But, I could not find peace with what needed to be done. I knew what I needed to do, but how and how much? What fees would be fair and equitable? How could I raise fees and still adhere to my convictions to not ‘prey’ on the earnest desire of others to become parents. I had the figures from the previous year and I could trim off spending only in the area of giving more than abundantly to others. Otherwise, the expenditures were going to be pretty predictable. With one exception, we had had so much new activity since the first day of 1999, the monthly phone bills had doubled-from $200/mo. to $400/mo. I knew I would have to raise fees to include this new increase in expenses, which only added to my deep concerns as to how to do so. I prayed, I paced, I prayed, I thought, I calculated, I whined, I complained, I got angry at myself, I developed a bad attitude--and yet God in His grace and mercy continued to bless the web site. Couples were continuing to come online steadily, birthmothers were contacting us, the web site sustained itself and I worked endlessly it seemed. No one will ever have just cause to say I’m not dedicated, for I am--almost to a fault. But that is what ‘sold-out’ is all about. And I believe in Christian Adoption is blessed by God and that it is an honor to help and to serve others. I pressed on with an unsolved dilemma in my mind.
Some how and some way, God would show me the way and bring me peace.
CATHARSIS-PART 2
Seeking counsel from others
April 15, 1999
I began to send out E-mail messages with questions (whining-actually) to some of the believers associated with Christian Adoption. What would they do? What ideas and suggestions did they have? I needed objectivity and I needed to have God work in other born again ones to help check my thinking. They shared new ideas and new perspectives. Their comments offered me untold amounts of encouragement and inspiration. Some of those comments are shared below with my meditated response and conclusions. Although these comments helped me along the way, I still was not at peace. I had set a goal to change the fee structures online by May 1, but I still was not at peace with any figures. I decided to wait until I was sure about what to do rather than move forward with unanswered questions.
It did take me awhile to think some of these things over that you sent to me. Bless your heart, I know that you know all the details better than I, but there was one thing that came to mind and I am not sure what the price? I was thinking that it would be good for you to have a bulletin board on your site where people could posts notes daily and share info with each other and prayer requests. It seems that it might make your e-mails slow some and save you some "time" which is quite precious in itself! Although this isn't saving of money here I think you need some time for you! Or, is it available to have a chat room on your site? That might be another option. As far as the money, I would not hesitate to let people know that in order to keep it going, they will need to have the increase. I know it is hard for those wanting to adopt, it takes lots of money for all of the adoption processes, but you shouldn't have to put in so much of your own money! Those who are thankful and are cheerful Givers, they will be the ones to stay. I really think you should just let people know how it is. Your site is for the benefit of those wanting to adopt and if they do not appreciate your services well I just don't know what to think of that. I know that advertising is one way that the site I go to must pay for their bulletin board I usually ignore the advertisements and just post my messages. I know that you will have to think things over and make some decisions and I know that I don't have much of a clue on what all is involved in all of this, I only have a side-line view but I will definitely be praying for you and asking God to give you great wisdom in this situation. (dtka)
(After much consideration and discussion with Eddie and some others in our "Think Tank" group, we have decided to not implement any of these good ideas--at this time. We have been trying to get away from additional paperwork, billing, and monitoring of another online project. The advertising we have considered, but keep ruling it out, as we think it will clutter the web site and splitter our efforts. Keeping a very clean main page is proving to be a real plus.)
I am honored you have included me in your "Think Tank" group. I must admit I am also in shock with your predicament. $11,000!! Deborah! And forgive me for saying this, but, What is wrong with wanting (needing) to make a little money? You are so very good. You have done sooo much for sooo many couples, but you work very, very hard at this. This has become your career. You have a wonderful, beautiful daughter and supportive husband who I am sure see the wonderful benefits this site has brought you and others, but also see the sweat value you have given to this. I don't think there is anything wrong with being compensated for your time and efforts. I have looked at all of the adoption sites out there to see what they charge...web site design goes from $75.00 to 375.00. Hosting a site appears to be from 25.00 to 50.00 month. And then a lot of sites have this "up front and center" feature where your site is highlighted above and beyond the rest. $300/month. I am shocked that anyone would question your reasons for having to increase your service fees. CA is the only adoption site that offers ongoing support! CA is the only adoption site that gets to know the couples associated and actively promotes their adoption efforts! CA is the only adoption site that provides ongoing communication and valuable information to the associated couples. What you are doing, is unique and very, very, very, special and worthwhile. To lose CA would be a huge loss to many potential bmoms and hopeful adoptive parents. Do whatever YOU feel YOU need to do to make this work, and worthwhile for you and your family. Sure, you may lose a few couples, but Deborah, you can't please all of the people all of the time, and God knows this. He has brought you this far and we need you! I would rather see you increase your initial fee, possibly charge a mo. fee for those who wish to remain a part of the site after they have successfully adopted, and maybe think about this "up front and center option" rather than see you cut out some of your wonderful services unless of course its just become too labor intensive for you. You are such a blessing to me and to all those who lives you have touched. Count on us to help you. Whatever I can do, I will. I wish I could lift this financial burden and the stress of the next few days while you ponder your choices from you. God will lead you, as He always does, to the right decision. Let me know what else I can do. (hpbi)
(This counsel really impacted our thinking, especially to discover some of the other fees out there. I know we are in a league of our own, so I generally don't compare fees or web sites with anyone else. One of the reasons other adoption web sites can list adoptive couples for free, was/is because we (as well as other adoption links on their site) pay them a fee of up to $500/year to have our link on their site. Essentially CA is paying for other couples to have a link on that site for free--well, it used to be for free. That front and center idea used to cost $100/mo, and it has been raised to $300/mo. which we find very interesting. We are electing to not have a front and center list, because it excludes those believers that do not have the additional funds for such promotional positions on the site. We have worked hard to keep the profile letters uniform in size, presentation, and format--so as to not show prejudice or preference for anyone. Since we are convicted that God will lead birthmoms to the site, HE is also big enough to lead them to the right couple in an equal status listing of names. On this point, we will not re-invent the wheel--it is round and works.)
I was shocked to hear the numbers, but glad to hear of the recent progress. Why not file for 501(c)(3) status? It's not hard to get and then anything other than the actual fees paid would be considered a tax-deductible donation. Also, everyone that is part of the site could be a member and you could assess fees for membership. How about a set fee for 6 months? No refund - - just one fee for 6 months of service. I do think site participants can pay ‘out-of-pocket’ costs for things they benefit from, e. g. mailings. I don’t believe God means for you to drain your family. We all still have a primary responsibility to our own family. Well, that’s what you get for asking me! I don’t want to see this site gone. My time is limited, but I am very willing to help where I can. I do have some background in non-profit organizations and tremendous experience in project type work. If my brain can come in handy, I’m willing to use it here. I believe God needs us here, Deborah. There is spiritual warfare around these babies - - Satan is trying to keep them from Christian homes. I just had another thought - - for those couples who really can’t afford the costs, we could set up some sort of scholarship program. We could make and solicit donations to be put in trust for such situations. Think of the possibilities over time!! Much can be done if we can get 501c3 status - - even applying for foundation funds, etc.! Keep you head up! We’ll get there - - you are not alone. Anyway, whatever you decide I support you. I know that you are seeking God's direction.(blgc)
(Here were some more great ideas for us. We have our application in process for a 'non-profit incorporated ministry' status for a 501© 3 number. We will mail tax-deductible receipts for any contributions made to CA at the end of each year. Since our phone bills and office supply costs have grown geometrically with the increase in new couples, we need to cover our bases in advance. Our experience has indicated that those that list with us have statistically matched in about 4 months, have their child in about 7 months, and if they have not matched or adopted in a year, they are re-assessing their priorities and position concerning adoption. Hence, we are implementing a pay for 1 year at a time to cover our costs up front, and to not have to keep up with 6 month renewals. The monthly renewal fees have about done me in mentally. It has been such a struggle to get these fees without feeling like I am dogging/begging people to pay the fee. Mentally I cannot go back to anything that is a monthly charge or even 6 months, I am way too tired of debating with people about the monthly fee--especially after they have expired and want to hedge on it because they have just matched. This is by far the worst headache about money I have experienced with the site. The fact is that the $75 is just peanuts compared to the monthly expenses of $1,000.00 to maintain all the services--which doesn't provide me with much extra to do the extras that I want to do--so we have just paid them out of pocket--in the past and again this year. I guess-timate that we are almost $4,000.00 into the site this year. I love the scholarship program idea, I just don't know how to implement it at this time--but I think God will show us a way. I would love to imitate some of the efforts lovingly demonstrated by Adopt$hare, and not with my own money, but with the contributions of other born again ones. I did not think about foundation monies, which would be a blessing for a birthmother home.)
Have you considered in this financial situation to ask for recruit support as a ministry from churches, individuals, etc? Many churches in my area support the local pregnancy crisis center and I think that what you are doing is in line with that. Also, maybe asking people blessed through your ministry to adopt the ministry with a monthly sponsorship or maybe even sponsoring a couple on the sight until God's answer for them comes (this would be more temporary and not so life long commitment thing.) I think we should pray hard about ways to be creative with God's Provision for the ministry. One of the special blessings about CA is that it does not gouge adoptive couples in the pocketbook and I know that has been important to you (which is why your generous nature is in the hole-so to speak.) We will definitely pray and definitely seek God for what we can do to help. Let us know when you have your tax-exempt status in place.(dlmo)
(At this time we have decided to not implement the idea of monthly sponsors and recruiting support. I don't have the time to start a recruitment program for funds, when I am trying to spend more time finding birthmothers. Everyone on the CA web site knows that we did not solicit them to come online with us. Hence, we have to believe that God will continue to send those to us that are supposed to list with us, even with the fee increase. He has to make a way, as we believe we are following His way.)
I pray that all goes well with your re-organization of the financial part of your ministry. We both know God wants you to continue. I don't know what you think of this but I'm praying for $10,000 to be sent you. I don't know if it will be lump sum or several through the year. Please keep me posted on the answers to this prayer. That figure sticks in my mind so that is what I'm praying for. I'm going to expect answers! (dkcc)
(WOW! This really blew me away! WOW! Okay, we will see what happens, but I am not inclined to figure out how, when, where or whom!)
Deborah, what is wrong with you being compensated for your time and with making money from your service? You provide a unique service with altruistic motives. You are not like any other adoption service or agency. You care and you personally help people. We are willing to make a contribution to your service in response to the child we adopted via CA. (wdbf)
(WOW! Get paid for my time? This was a new idea/concept!)
Whew! You are something else! But, you can’t sink all your money into CA. I’ll definitely be praying for God to give you a new plan. It’s amazing to me to think that people give you a hard time about how much you charge (which is very low, by the way!). You are offering them a service. If they don’t want to pay that much for the service they should simply look elsewhere, not hassle you. So, there! And, thank you so much, Deborah, for your love and efforts on behalf of all on the web site (Even the ungrateful and grumpy ones!). I'm continuing to pray for wisdom for you concerning what to do with the site's financial burden. (jsem)
(These words just helped to encourage my thinking about what we needed to do.)
Sounds like a rough road ahead. I will pray that the Lord will prepare everyone’s hearts to accept the changes. Also, I will pray for wisdom in these changes. Have you ever considered letting other companies advertise on CA to raise money for CA? You are doing great work and I know the Lord is going to bless, not only, the adoptive families with children, but also he will bless you and Eddie. Hang in there. (rpco)
(The advertising idea we continue to consider, but it is embarking on a whole new venture with marketing, billing, selling, and organizing--which I just have not had the extra time to do)
A tax-deductible fund that people can donate to, to help adoptions. Could this be implemented in your organization? A lot more people would consider helping out on costs of adoption when they know they get a tax deduction while doing it. You know I'll be praying for God to show you what to do. Raise the fees, paid up front. Other agencies charge a nominal fee for newsletter mailings, which keep you posted on things going on in the adoption arena. I think this is acceptable. However, will people get offended since communication is through E-mail? We definitely want people to remain involved, especially in praying for the adoptive couples on the site. Perhaps you could once a year mail out a letter with 12 envelopes to each family, asking them to consider becoming a monthly partner of this ministry. If donations exceed costs, there could possibly be a special fund that helps bless a family wanting to adopt? God will put on the hearts of believers the needs of this ministry. Especially as people understand that you are not only not making money, but are going into a financial hole, to help them. Hope this helps! May God give you discernment. (etmg)
(We like the idea of the tax-deductible fund, and will endeavor to implement this idea as we settle into the new web site and new pricing structures. The fact remains that we need to have CA pay for itself, the online aspect of it, so that we can funnel tax-deductible funds/contributions into a birthmother home--which will really swallow us if we don't have CA online covered. The birthmother home will have the 'working-room' for large donations, monthly sponsors, etc. and will need those funds to function. I don't see how we can charge a fee for the newsletter mailings--I need the prayer partners associated with the site and don't want them to pay to pray.)
Why do you think it is so wrong to be paid for your time and hours of labor working for others--and not being with your family? People will pay the fees, whatever you decide upon--if they want your services. We paid so much more with several adoption resources and got ' zip' in help, support, and information--compared to what you have offered us in just a few weeks with CA. You have to think about what you are losing with your family and your daughter. Other people work full time jobs and get a paycheck, you work more than full time and get nothing. What are you teaching Danielle, by doing everything for nothing? (bdsk)
(WOW, this really rattled my thinking. This born again one is right on target and hit me right between the eyes with hard facts and realities. This counsel kept me awake nights trying to fit all the other ideas/suggestions in with these valid questions.)
I can’t believe people would complain about your pricing. You do so very much for everyone. I think we got off cheap with all that you did for us. Your support and encouragement is priceless. You are doing a great work for childless couples! Don’t give up. If there’s anything I can ever do for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know. (dddny)
(One more heart sharing that helped me believe that God would show us the way and that we would be able to raise prices to be fair and equitable.)
CATHARSIS-PART 3
God teaches with examples we can understand.
May 1, 1999
Everyone knows Mrs. C in Chanute. She has sold Watkins since the beginning of time. Once I met her and discovered how she sold Watkins, I knew why everyone knew her.
(BY NATURE, OUR HUMAN NATURE, EVERYBODY WANTS SOMETHING/EVERYTHING FOR NOTHING.)
Mrs. C’s door is always open. In her window is a simple cardboard sign: Watkins for sale. It is an innocuous sign and indicative of how unpretentious she is. Her daughter of 45 still lives with her, along with their chunky bulldog, and her hard working (always in coveralls) husband. Mr. & Mrs. C are both retired and warmly welcome anyone.
Upon first meeting Mrs. C, and her daughter that is a fan of every soap opera currently blaring in the background, I was touched by her slow and steady gestures and her fragrant cozy home.
She gently handed me the new catalog and regretted to inform me about her new price increase. She told me that she would have to now start charging everyone 15% above cost for the products. “What did you say Mrs. C?” “Well, I have been selling all the products at cost, but will have to charge at least 15% above cost to cover some of my expenses.” Incredulously, I asked, “Are you telling me that you have been selling everyone the Watkins products at cost? What about the cost of your books, sacks, and receipt books?” “I have been paying for all that myself. I used to have a job and paid that out of my weekly pay check. Now I am retired and I have been paying for those costs out of my monthly SS check. But, I just can’t do it anymore. We need the money.” I was dazed. “Mrs. C, why do you do this? You are entitled to make some money and to cover your expenses. The products have a 25% profit margin at retail, why don’t you sell at retail?” “Well, I try to help out people and save them some money, and they appreciate it.” “But, Mrs. C, you are spending your retirement money on other people and they won’t be here to help you pay your bills if when you run out of money. It is fair to sell the products at retail, I expect to pay the retail prices. If you are going to discount the sales, just discount them 10% off of retail. But to spend your SS check on sacks, receipt books, and campaign books just doesn’t make sense.” (NOW WASN’T THIS THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK?!) “I know, I know, that is why I am going to start charging 15% above cost, just to cover my expenses.”
As I left her humble home, I shook my head and then took one good look in the rearview mirror.
(When I went back to pick up my order, Mrs. C said too many people complained about the price increase, so she was selling the products at cost and would probably quit selling Watkins. When I paid her for my order, I told her that I would not take advantage of her kindness and wrote the check for an extra $15.00. She just about keeled over from shock and thankfulness!)
CATHARSIS-PART 4
Burn out-big time
May 25, 1999
I knew God was teaching me, and I had come to some conclusions about what to do with the web site price increase, but I still was not at peace. By the end of May, I had my 4th case of pneumonia since the first of the year, and I was burning out big time. Mentally I was weary with all the work, physically I was exhausted, and emotionally I was spent. The web site continued to prosper with new couples, new birthmoms, new matches, and new babies/placements. Doors were opening and it could only be by God’s grace and mercy--He was honoring prayers, faithfulness, and perseverance. My patience was running thin when people would call and complain about money, argue about monthly fees, complain about not being matched yet. I was weary of hearing about planned vacations, but no money to adopt. With every complaint I was losing the desire to continue the web site. Then in early June, I injured my back while working on the new web design. It was worse than it had ever been. I was in agony, and took handfuls of drugs each day to continue to function. I had to press on. Besides the web site and the perpetual ringing of the phone, I had an active toddler to take care of, and we were in full swing hatching time. (Danielle has a business called "Peanut's Poultry &"--selling goslings, turkeys, chicks, ducklings, eggs, guinea keets, and anything else with wings--oh pigeons too.) I had bird babies to check on 3 times a day, all the animals to feed, cages to clean, and Danny had started gymnastics and VBS. Every moment of every day counted and was needed. I counseled couples on the phone while on my back; I typed E-mail messages and updates on my knees. I printed profiles with my back propped against the walls of the office. Crazy? Maybe. I like to think I was committed to the goals and tasks at hand.
When someone called me that I hadn’t spoken to in months, and asked me how I was doing with Christian Adoption. I responded immediately with, “I am really burned out and ready to quit.” Then I knew I was in trouble with my mind and my heart. I asked for prayer for my heart to become renewed to serve and to give cheerfully. I also decided to set back the re-design upload for the 4th of July. I would have some time to recover physically, some time to gain new perspectives on the fees, and some time for God to work in my heart. I began writing a lot of the articles for the newspaper, which was stimulating and fun--and would provide new material for the upgrade of the site.
I had to trust God to honor my prayers and requests for a renewed heart.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
CATHARSIS--PART 5
Sorting through
June 30, 1999
By this time I had received a lot of questions, suggestions, and ideas from many sources. I had figured out a new fee schedule, and had already worked it into the new web site design. My heart was changing, due to prayer and the occasional encouraging words I received from many kind souls via E-mail or phone. One phone conversation in late April was re-enforced when this kind sister in Christ sent me a lengthy E-mail message. Since she has been through a lot of adversity in her life and had been associated with CA for quite some time, I had a lot of respect for her opinions. She was as straight forward in her E-mail as in her phone call. "Do whatever it takes to keep CA going. God will honor your decisions. He will prosper this ministry. I may be able to contribute a large sum of money to CA in the fall." I was shocked and reminded of what she had told me in late April. All I could think of was down payment money for a birthmother home. However, I knew that it was foolish to trust in my 5 senses and to plan on anything. Better to bank on God and His supply, as well as His method of answering the needs to come. I had spent the last 3 weeks sorting through the ideas, questions, and suggestions. I was putting together a plan and it was looking good. Yet, I still lacked a peace and confidence about where we were going and how we were going to get there with the web site.
Monthly sponsors: This idea came up a lot, but bothered me since I had sponsored many others in the past, and knew that often a mental string was attached with the gift. I did not and do not want to feel an obligation to anyone or trust in their faithfulness to send in a monthly sponsorship.
Backers: This idea was good, but again I felt we might end up owing something or obligated to someone over time. I thought and it was more in keeping with God's Word, if we received large/many small free will gifts to support the CA ministry.
Advertising on the site: I kept thinking about how I didn't want to get into selling a product or a concept. To me, it seemed like I would be selling others on God's faithfulness and ability to bless.
Baby gifts: I had some suggestions about expenditures, one of which was to quit sending out baby gifts when those on the site successfully adopt. CA does not pay for those gifts. We do out of our own money that has nothing to do with CA. It is one of the fun things that Danny and I do for others. Hunt and peck for bargains and small surprises to send to the new baby/family. That is why we have often sent out used clothes/some new clothes/misc. gifts. We enjoy looking for gifts for each baby/child without spending a fortune. For Danny and I, it is a treasure hunt for presents.
Prayer board: I had considered this until I spoke with someone that had a prayer board for a long time. They indicated that in order to keep it 'prayer based' it needed to be monitored and sometimes censored. No extra time for that. What we are doing with prayer requests is working and is already monitored.
Chat room: Monitoring, more money, and more time.
Add more links to the site: Well, I dropped the links pages off the web site several months ago. Our objective is not to become an adoption directory. CA pays to be in other adoption directories, and that is their forte.
Java script/Aplets/Animated gifs: I 've learned HTML code the old fashioned way and it works. I do not intend to learn Java script--mainly because I think it will be soon replaced by a new code system. If and when I make the quantum leap to learn all new code--it will be with the newest code system. I have added a few Aplets to the web site in the re-design, but have generally stayed away from them, because they hog hard drive space, and they require longer download time when someone is surfing the web site. Same with animated gifs, but they down load faster, so I have had some fun with new ones in the re-design.
Earn my $: For some peculiar reason, there have been several that have decided to pay their $75 monthly fee because they decided that "I had earned the money". (Without a clue is all I could think in response.)
All payment up front: This re-iterated what my accountant had told me and I knew this would have to be implemented in order to survive.
Charge more per photo: I've decided to have a standard fee that includes 5 additional photos besides the main profile photo and dispense with the "per photo" charge--that has often been an issue. (When someone tried to talk me down to $5/photo because I was only going to use 1/2 of the picture--I blew my top--after I got off the phone!)
Expired/not pay penalty: I've been bluffing on the web site about this penalty fee/removal of profile. It is not in the re-design. I have never pulled a profile because someone has expired and then charged them the $25 penalty to add it again. Frankly, it robs me of too much time to change all the code and then to re-add it after they pay. SO, I have just let it slide, which has come back to bite me. Many have matched after they technically expired, and therefore felt justified in not paying the $75.00. (Now, perhaps you can understand how I cannot mentally go back to that monthly fee idea.)
Eliminate or downsize the CA file folder: Each time I put a file folder together, I work on trimming out some fat or fluff. However, 80% of those that have come online have read the material, commented on various aspects of the information, and found it to be helpful--even with some fat and fluffies in it.
Tax-deductible contributions: This is where we are headed for sure and this is how we will be able to fund the big projects. We will work to acquire our 501© 3 status and we will issue tax deductible receipts at the end of each year.
Hire some help: This is a given for us to continue the CA service. The newest fee schedule allows us to pay some teens to work very part time for CA. Printing, collating, and putting together the adoption file folders is TIME intensive. I have spent many late nights/early mornings doing just that.
Find volunteers to donate their time: I have never felt comfortable with this idea, because I have wanted to compensate others for their time, even if I wasn’t. (How retarded is that thinking?) Additionally, I am so busy ALL the time that I cannot conceive of anyone having ANY free time to donate--my brain just does not compute the concept.
By the end of June, I was pretty sure what we were going to do with the web site, even though I was not "happy" about it. It didn't 'feel' right and I was lukewarm about the changes ahead. I knew that I couldn't make the July 4 deadline, so I took another deep breath and kept pressing ahead.
CATHARSIS--PART 6
There is freedom in obeying God's Word
July 4, 1999
I was not prepared for what was about to happen, but God knew I could handle the reproof and correction.
What I thought was going to be a casual get together with someone on the 4th of July, turned into a challenge to raise my thinking up to the level of God's Word. A sister in Christ who had given a lot of prayerful consideration to the financial predicament of CA, confronted me within 10 minutes of getting together.
"What you are doing is not Biblical. The way you are running the financial aspect of Christian Adoption is not Biblically based."
"What are you talking about?"
"God's Word says in Luke 10:7 that the laborer is worthy of his hire. You are not being paid anything, and you are spending your own money to keep the web site going. Even missionaries are rewarded for their labor with food/shelter/clothing/donations. You are receiving nothing and going into the hole on top of it. It is not Biblical and it does not give God glory for you to sacrifice so much and not to obey His Word."
"HUH?" I stammered. Then it hit me. The missing dots were there and they connected. She was ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. Everyone that labors is supposed to be rewarded in some way. Maybe not as much as they are worthy to receive, but SOMETHING. The way in which I was running the financial aspect of web site was not Biblical. The missing link in my mind was supplied and within moments I had a new peace about what to do. (Within 24 hours I had a new game plan and one that was bold, aggressive, fair, equitable, and I was certain about implementing.)
Now, I knew I was on solid ground, it was God's Word under my feet and I was willing to obey it. With renewed confidence and a new enthusiasm I began to re-work the re-work of the web site. The new goal was July 15th.
Sweet freedom. Freedom in obeying His Word.
CATHARSIS--PART 7
No guarantees for easy
July 15, 1999
Now, I was on a roll with the re-work. The figure I had in my mind had remained the same since the doctrine, reproof, and correction session.
I spent time studying Business ethics and Biblical principles in business. I counseled with authorities, and I prayed about the fee increase. I knew anyone associated with CA was going to be shocked. I knew we would and will probably lose people that believe in our ministry. I knew we were going out on a limb and there were and have been many scary moments about the drastic changes ahead.
But, I had reached the point that I knew I had to be paid something for my time, or I would be shutting down the web site in short order. There have been 'way too many hours' that I have not spent with Danielle to help others--I decided that I must be compensated in some way for this sacrifice and especially have enough revenue to hire some help--so I could spend more time with my own adopted daughter.
Eddie asked, "What if no one is willing to pay the new fees? What will happen to CA?"
"I don’t know, but I do know this is the way to go. The CA web site will either succeed or fold. If it folds because no one is willing to be fair ethically, okay; but if I don't raise the fees it will fold because I am not going to work this hard for nothing any longer. If we succeed, then we will be assured that this was the right decision."
Tough call and scary for sure, but the Christian walk has never been guaranteed to be easy.
CATHARSIS--PART 8
Work the figures
July 31, 1999
We needed to define our expenses, to count the hours in the logbook, build a budget that was workable with a buffer, and determine what we needed to be paid for our time to continue the web site.
I began to work the figures and re-work the web site. Now the push was for August 1 and I had more work to do than even I realized. I had 2 weeks to complete the new design project. In order to incorporate all the new pages and add the new hyperlinks to the pages already online, I was facing an overwhelming number of hours programming each and every page. The web site was already more than 252 pages deep, so I decided to start to trim the fat. I built new links into the profiles of everyone waiting to be matched. For those that are matched, if their baby is due within 2 months, I deleted their additional photo links out of their profile letter.
I re-worked every page of the adoption babies adding new graphics, new hyperlinks, and wallpapers. I have typed code and re-worked every page on the web site. My biggest day of programming was the day I completed 60 pages. I started at 9 a.m., after assigning Eddie as a full time Daddy, and worked until 2 a.m. the next morning. Programming code just eats your lunch--time wise. I would sit down and set a goal to do 10 pages, and 3 hours later I had completed 7. Depending on the degree of changes and the need to re-design the format determined the amount of time invested. I have designed, formatted, written the text, and coded over 85 new pages for the web site. This means the web site is over 335 pages deep. With each successful adoption, the site will grow. (Our ISP will most likely increase our fees to them for the amount of MB we are occupying.)
Since the first of the year:
I have spent 2000 hours managing the web site in all it's facets, this includes daily phone time.
Since January 1999, we have added 33 new couples to the web site, and we have placed/been associated with the successful adoption of 15 children. (In just 7 months!)(WOW! God is good!)
We have printed (hard copies), stapled, collated, and organized over 9000 pages of information.
We have mailed out over 120 packages to those associated with CA, including Bibles overseas.
I have answered over 2000 individual E-mail messages/requests.
I have organized, typed, and sent out over 75 updates to everyone associated with CA.
Within the next 30 hours the new web site will be uploaded. I think the web site is much more comprehensive, more unified, easier to use, and really needed this face lift. (How did we ever manage before I have thought on more than one occasion.) God has been very good and very gracious.
We are embarking on a new adventure with God's help. We're going out on a limb.
We have worked the figures and we have re-worked the entire Christian Adoption web site. It is our prayer that you will stay on board with us. We believe God has great things in store for all of us.
May we continue to give God the glory in all that we do.
For more information please read Understand and Glitches. We encourage you to prayerfully consider registering with our service, and/or writing to us.
adoption@christianadoption.com
A non-profit Christian and Internet
service ministry. We're helping others in the adoption
process.
1.800.277.7006 620.251.4405
Deborah S. Hill P.O. Box 243 Coffeyville, KS 67337
www.christianadoption.com adoption@christianadoption.com
