Q & A II

Dear friends,

You have been hearing a lot about QE I and QEII (quantitative easing) which has to do with money (the Central Bank making money available).  I think we still have a lot of questions about how money works in our country.  You may also have some questions about money in our church, especially as it relates to our proposed residency or internship program.  Last year I wrote a coach’s corner on general questions and answers. This month I want to do another in response to questions you might have about this program. So: Q&A II. Let me begin by thanking you all for your support of this exciting project, moral and otherwise, especially our anonymous angel investors and the team of volunteers (team A: Carol Sakai, Maurine Huang, Titus Toyama for the program itself and Team B: Barbara Hiyama-Zweig and Stan Umeda for the refurbishing of the Kansha.) who will guide the implementation. Here we go:

1.Q: Aart, you have been asking for donations from organizations and individuals for this project. What is the money for?  A: Exclusively to pay for the refurbishing of the Kansha building to make it habitable for two interns/residents by the late Spring of 2016.

2.Q: How will their $1000 per month stipend be paid for then?  A: First, about a quarter from our annual mission giving to Presbyterian mission (appr. $7000) which, after our project becomes an officially sanctioned Presbyterian mission project, would be redirected entirely for that purpose; Second, from Presbyterian churches and donors willing to contribute to this stipend scholarship project.

3.Q: How much will the Kansha refurbishing cost be? A: We estimate with labor donated the costs not to exceed $15,000, without not to exceed $25,000.  We have reason fully to expect the Presbytery construction team to donate the labor as they have shown significant enthusiasm. So: $15,000.

4.Q:How much have the two angel investors pledged? A: We estimate that they will provide close to half of the cost, with a maximum not to exceed $8,000 between the two of them. Their contribution will depend on the final cost. When this cost has been established, they will make their final determination.

5.Q: Have other funds been allocated from individual or organizations beyond that? A:Yes,about $1,800.

6. Q: How is this project related to the general budget and to our reserve?  A: It is not related, except for the $7000 mission giving which is a required budget item.  Any giving to the Kansha refurbishing is separate. We will still need to meet our annual budget (note: our income tends to dip during summer months.)  The reserve remains in place for general building maintenance and repair.

7. Q: What is the general expected item breakdown? A: a. repair or replacement of heater/air conditioner, b. new water heater, c. widening of one existing window and bars to meet egress code requirement, d. two new security doors, e. one window security bar frame, f. shower head, g. shower curtain and hookup, h. 2 simple attractive matching beds and tables and one couch, i. attic insulation, j. small fridge. k. security system (this item already pledged by a member family).  Note: residents would use church kitchen for cooking beyond micro-waved items. A full kitchen would increase code requirements.

8. Q: Do you encourage item by item donation? A: yes, any financial donation is deeply appreciated.

9. Q: What about increased routine insurance and utility cost? A: These will be more than offset with additional $1200 revenue from Indonesian church (rental increase) (to be reviewed again next year).

10. Q: What is the difference between residents and interns?  A: Interns are students in Seminary Masters degree programs who take a summer, a semester, or occasionally a full year of practical work. Residents have graduated from seminary and may elect for a one or two year residency.  Our team recommends a one year program which will mean we are most likely to get residents transitioning into ministry.  Thank you! May God bless our ministry. Aart