If your life is anything like mine, it seems like some child, organization, or cause is asking for money everyday.  The fact is, if you are connected to a church, a school, or the U.S. Postal Service you are regularly going to be asked for monetary contributions.  We need to realize that being a Christian means learning to be both generous and discerning.  I think the Bible is clear that tithing to one's local church and participating in missions are givens.  After that, a person must discern what God wants them to do in relation to supporting worthy causes and requests that come their way.  Personally, I'm an easy target for requests by or for children.

My intentions, however, are not to give you a theological lesson about giving or stewardship, but rather to simply let you know that CFS and its students and the causes supported by its students will be asking for your money.   We will also be asking for your support in other ways, such as volunteerism and prayers, but it's the money part that people usually have issues with.  

 Before I talk about money, maybe I should first describe how lives are shaped, transformed, and equipped through the work of CFS.  And I should let you know that above all things; we value your prayers, because we really believe the success of any Christian endeavor, including CFS, is much more dependent on prayer  than on money.  So, please pray for us!

But, CFS will be asking for your money.  We ask because our tuition income meets our general operating expenses, but it does not meet the expenses connected with lots of the programs, equipment, or activities associated with the school, which make the school an exciting, rich, and quality environment for students.  Throughout this year, I will share with you information that will confirm to you that CFS is worthy of your generosity.  I hope your family's personal experience with CFS confirms it as well. 

So, to let you know in advance what CFS related requests and fundraising activities may come your way this year, I have prepared a general calendar and list.  Please do not be overwhelmed by the length of the list.  Remember, some things are as easy and simple as buying a bowl of chili, which you will want to do anyway, because you love good chili.  Other things are very serious, such as our Annual Fund, which requires your prayers and may stretch your faith and generosity.  The Annual Fund allows us to provide tuition assistance to over 20% of our families, contribute to our teachers' retirement fund, and strengthen our overall program.  

Please know that as requests come to you from CFS, we are counting on you to exercise your faith and good judgment, which may include sometimes saying, "Sorry, we won't be participating at this time."  We know that discerning people have to say "no" to some things.  But, of course, we also hope you will see the value of supporting and investing in the programs and activities of CFS and its students.  I know it's a good investment, because it's for your children and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  So pray!  And then give as much as you can.  Thanks.

Click here for the calendar and list of scheduled CFS fundraising activities.