I debated if I should make this post into a whole stand-alone post or quietly add it into another of the posts here…. And honestly am still debating in my head which is the best way to do it. But here goes nothing.
We are having a hard time with money. The costs of running the orphanage and working on getting the children adopted despite being in a inexpensive country are high and we do not have enough supporters. We had a good push at the beginning of people who donated but that has dropped off and we are getting dangerously low on money.
I need to stop right here and say that this is a very hard post to write. Everything in me is telling me to stop and delete it and hope for the best but I know that I made a commitment to these kids to help support them and right now that means being humble and asking that people like you help support them and our effort to get them into families. So I am going to keep rolling on here and hope that it works.
Our costs are extremely low by western standards; we support 10 children and 7 full time staff for less than the cost of one couple with no children in to live a modest lifestyle in America. Yet we are still having a hard time getting the money together to make that happen. The other thing is that now with the plan to find families for the children our cost are going up.
Ok I need to stop and just let you do what you feel led to do. We have a neat little donate button up above that you can click and the rest is up to you.
Also, I have said this before and am saying it again because so many of you have helped out in this way and it works so good. If you have a blog please post about us so that we can spread the word.
And let me be the first to say thank you, thank you, and thank you!
Levi Benkert
Barry and Amy Rager
August 30th, 2009
Spreading the word on my blog.
And ‘the check’s in the mail.’ It’s not much, I wish we could do more, but hopefully I can generate a few more donations through my blog.
Jennie Allen
August 31st, 2009
I am putting it on facebook and praying!
Brandon and Rachel
August 31st, 2009
We pray for you guys and the kids every day and want you to know we are soooo thankful for all you are doing.
You are not alone and In praying for you today we felt the verse for you to cling to was Isaiah 40 v31 “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
You are treading new ground and we understand it is exhausting mentally, physically emotionally and spiritually.. so we are specifically praying for supernatural rest and a breath of fresh air.
We love the entries about the kids, specifically hearing the details of each of their personalities, thank you for spending time doing that, Rich told us how horrible the connection is out there..we can’t wait to hear more.
So much love to you, jessie,your kids and of course the 9 other amazing children we hope to meet one day!
Brandon, Rachel and Sienna-Rain Naramore
Angela
September 1st, 2009
What you’re doing is awesome! I’m spreading the word on my blog and facebook. Praying too! God will provide for all your needs. May His peace guard your hearts and minds and give you rest.
Lily Barry
September 3rd, 2009
Dear Levi and Family,
Levi thank you for the many updates.. I feel truly blessed that I can read about you and your family’s journey. The children are just beautiful beings brought here from God.. You are making a difference.
You and your Family are just Amazing to me.. Please keep us updated on the Adoption process. My husband and I would love to get more information.. Jah Bless and Jah will provide.
Karen Friesen
September 6th, 2009
Hi there Levi,
We’d love to know how much you need and what you need it for. We’d really like to help. Please e-mail us to let us know