Media Center Faces New Challenges

I’m sure you’re wondering about the progress of the new media center. As you might remember, thanks to a generous offer we acquired space to house our new media training center—Storytellers Media Center. We planned on starting renovations in October 2011 with a possible opening date of January 2012. However, renovations have been postponed due to a lack of funding. There is no firm date at this time for the opening of the center.

But there is some good news to report. We have an offer from another Christian organization that will give us access to video and editing equipment. Obviously, this can save the ministry thousands of dollars. We also have a number of volunteers ready to offer their talents in the areas of teaching and training. And, of course, we have the space already. It has to be one of the greatest sweetheart deals of all time. The site at 1530 Tremont is provided rent free and utilities free for the next 18 months. If I search the city over, I would not find a better facility to call home for our new media center.

Our biggest challenge and obstacle is fundraising. This is usually the “boogieman” for most ministries. Back in July, I thought our fundraising looked like a sure thing. However, a number of major donors who expressed interest have simple not committed. To be honest with you, this is very frustrating. We have equipment, volunteers, and space. But, at some point, you need money to continue on.

I am certainly not giving up, and I am committed to the cause. The truth is we really don’t need that much money to get the project off the ground. We can do it with a rock bottom budget of $75,000 for the year 2012. That won’t get everything up and running, but it would get the doors open. Our six-month live-in program would not be launched until 2013 or 2014.

But, if we get the doors open and start with some small projects, I think we have a better chance to attract major donors. We don’t need the entire $75,000 up front. But we do need to raise $30,000 by January 1, 2012. That will include money for basic renovations and improvements that need to occur before the center can open, along with a small operating budget to turn on the phones, web access and other basic monthly expenses. And my personal mission support and salary for four months is included in the $30,000.

Over the years, I have demonstrated the ability to stretch a dollar. Storytellers Media Center will be no exception. This center is the first of its kind, a training facility for the development of media missionaries who are pursuing careers in mainstream media and entertainment. There is no comprehensive training of this type anywhere in the country. We have a real opportunity here to redeem culture and change the direction of our society. I’m not going to go into detail because I’ve written a number of articles that you can access at mediamissionaryschool.com, along with a video describing in detail the entire project.

To be honest with you, fundraising has never been one of my strong points. I really hate to ask for money. But I believe in this ministry with all my heart and I believe that God has called me to do this. So I am going to ask for your support and your money. Frankly, we need to get back on track. Until the center is up and running, Media Missionary School will be too cutting edge and innovative for most big donors to get behind the project. If every person who came to this blog and website contributed $10, $15, or $25 each month though PayPal, Storytellers Media Center could be open by April 2012. So I need your help. We need to raise $30,000 by January 2012. If we do not, it is very unlikely the center will open. If you want to give an end-of-year gift, I can’t think of a better time than right now.

We have a 90-day window, that’s it. As always, your contributions are tax deductible because we are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. I know $75,000 is a lot of money, but in light of starting a media training center that sum would be a small amount and nothing short of a miracle to make this happen. Through your generosity, we can get this done. That’s what it’s all about, the Body of Christ working together to further the Gospel.


Storytellers Media Training Center from Media Missionary School on Vimeo.