The train is moving down the track and we’re working to add more fuel!
We’ve been told that independent filmmaking is like climbing up a steep mountain! When you feel like you can’t go any further, you have to find the strength to press on anyway---to persevere. (God is certainly shaping us in this process.) We’ve had a few of those perseverance moments so far, and now we’re at another one. This time, though, we have a way for others to help.
We are excited to see For A Purpose taking shape. We have just a few more interviews to go as the editing and script writing continues. A big thank you to Marshele Carter, who has been an enormous help as a co-writer of the script. We are so thankful for her assistance and her heart for this film!
In the course of making this full feature independent film, much our time behind the scenes has been spent raising the funds necessary for production. The journey has proven much more difficult than we ever imagined and has required a walk of faith that honestly, we weren’t prepared for. Along the way, however, we have seen God move in special ways through people and in ways we never expected. He is faithful and we remain obedient.
For some time, we have prayed for what’s called a fiscal sponsor for the film. We’re excited that the Lord recently answered that prayer and we are now working with From the Heart Productions, which has more than 30 years of experience helping independent filmmakers. Tax deductible contributions to For A Purpose can now be made to From the Heart Productions via Paypal. (They are a Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, have a Gold Transparency rating from GuideStar/Candid, and a three-star rating on Charity Navigator, which notes that "if this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.")
The Lord has already provided in so many different ways that our confidence is bolstered and we are encouraged to boldly ask others to come alongside us in this walk of faith.
Our remaining need to finish the production is $134,000 (more on what that is needed for below). God is so good! He has already met needs to date with more than $105,000 in donations, putting us 44% of the way towards the $239,700 total budget. Thank you to all who have generously contributed so far!
Would you consider making a gift today to help us bring this film to life and reach people who need to hear that there is hope through Christ—even in the midst of trials?
Generous contributions have gotten us this far. We will trust the Lord to stir the hearts of those He wants to involve in reaching people and providing hope.
So many people who know about the film have shared that they did not know there was a fundraising need or how to help. We never want anyone to feel obliged to give, but we feel we must cast a wide net and let God provide the fish.
Every gift makes a very real difference! For example, a $35 contribution covers the cost of accounting software for a month. And $200 is an average cost to license one of the many stock video clips that are needed. A gift of $1,000 would help cover the cost of a graphic designer to establish a visual identity for the film.
At this stage of our production, there is no shortage of needs. We are working with an attorney to provide counsel on fair use footage and other legal guidance related to what is allowed and not allowed in the film. We need to cover cinematography costs for filming final interviews and b-roll. And we need to cover the costs of graphic design, assistants for filming, editing, color grading, music composition, and more.
If you are unable to partner financially, please be praying for us! We’d love if you would let us know that you are out there praying! It means the world to us!
Do you know anyone else for whom your whom the message of For A Purpose would resonate. If you do, please share the project with them or have them contact us to learn more. We will also be submitting our first foundation proposal next month. If you know of others that we could submit to, please let us know!
God has already provided nearly half of what is needed to make this film. We know He will provide what is needed to get us over the mountain. Will you help us get there?
If you’d like to help, you can donate to For A Purpose below.
If you'd rather help For A Purpose directly, we remain ready, willing and able to accept those contributions (but these gifts are not tax-deductible). If you have any questions, please let us know.
God bless,
Jim + Susan
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