Grand Rapids, Mich. (K4K) – There is a lot in our world that can be discouraging. When we lose sight of the fact that God is in control, we can fall prey to discouragement, frustration, and fear. I believe those are Satan’s tactics to sidetrack us from what God is calling us to do.
As we prepared for the 2023 Keys for Kids Celebration Dinner on October 5, we worked hard to do it right. We were stepping out of the spring and summer months where donations were nearly $400,000 below budget. We were also seeing a decline in the number of subscribers to our devotionals domestically.
Despite that, we saw God moving in Pakistan. God provided funding for 200,000 devotionals needed in Ukraine. Many kids, teens, and families were telling us God is working in their lives.
We asked God to make Himself known to us during the dinner. We got the invitations out on time. We recruited sponsors early. Despite our efforts, the response was less than expected. Ten days before the event, we only had 190 people planning to attend, and only a small fraction of our match money goal.
Three days before the event, we saw God work. Someone who had never given more than $30, provided $25,000 for our match pool. Another person unexpectedly gave $10,000. Another $5,000 gift helped us surpass our match money goal. On top of this, 350 people signed up for the dinner.
Our overall goal for the event was to praise God for what He has done through Keys for Kids Ministries. We wanted to honor our Impact Awardee and share what God has been doing internationally. Our funding goal was $100,000. With the help of testimonies from around the world and an appearance from Christian recording artist Point of Grace, God was glorified, people testified, you gave, and God provided $132,000. To God be the glory.
This was a great way to start our fiscal year, but we’ve got a lot of work to do. Our goal is to raise $1 million the final three months of the year to start our fiscal year off right. Your support is essential to that goal. To learn more about how you can help us ignite a passion for Christ in kids, teens, and families worldwide with your best gift, go to keysforkids.org/donate.