But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)
Dear Friends,
Over two decades ago, the verse above inspired Outpost staff to create a new event: Called Out of Darkness. From its beginning, the gathering was designed to provide an opportunity for us to corporately praise God for all the ways people were experiencing healing and transformation in their lives. Each year, those who share take another step in their own overcoming, while also encouraging and strengthening the faith walks of those who hear their stories.
This year, we combined our night of testimonies with a new fall fundraiser. After a tasty dinner and time of fellowship, seven performers brought us a total of six varied talent acts. Through music, song, spoken word poetry, and even a little comedic presentation, we shared together in celebrating God’s gifts on display. A seriously fun and joyful time was had by all 70 in attendance. Plus, God graciously provided $4400 in donations that night as people voted with their dollars to declare the “Outpost’s Got Talent” winners.
We are so grateful to all those who joined us and gave online afterwards to help build up our operating fund. Unfortunately, a significant
deficit remains. The reality is that giving overall is down, and it is continuing to decline. Over the last six months, we have needed to dip into our reserves at an average rate of $5,000 per month. While we anticipate some special gifts as the year winds down that will help cover some of the difference, we have reached a serious point in our financial situation and we cannot continue along this same path.
Even so, we believe that God still has great plans for the ministry. Staff has spent the last month talking about needs people are bringing to us, and how we might meet those needs in the coming year. On my prayer retreat mid-month, I did not hear God say “step back” or “slow down,” but “move forward.” We see opportunities to expand some of our current programs, as well as new ideas that God is giving us energy and excitement to do.
The bottom line is that we believe that whatever God asks of us, He will also provide the resources for us to do. And all of you reading this newsletter are the starting point for that provision. “Outpost’s Got Talent” was the first step. In November, we are once again participating in “Give to the Max Day,” our state’s annual giving holiday. In December, you will see a special end-of-year request. We send these reminders, not because we do not trust God in this time, but because we want you to know our need.
So, would you do two things for us? First, prayerfully consider what God is asking you to contribute and then send your gift to us. Second, take a moment and think of 3 people you could invite to join our community of support. Then, reach out to them by phone, text, or email and share the work of Outpost and why you are a supporter. The easiest way to give is at www.outpostministries.org/donate so be sure to share this link as well. If everyone who receives this newsletter invites 3 others, that is more than 4000 new contacts. And if only 1 of every 3 of those new people give $25, we can wipe out this year’s deficit and replenish our reserves.
We can do so much more together that we can individually. And in order for us to move forward in 2026, we need to meet this year’s budget. Our God is more than able to do beyond all that we could hope or imagine, and I cannot wait to proclaim God’s praises and share how God meets our need this fall through all of you.
