From the Helm – Monday, February 01, 2010

The snow was beautiful this weekend.  Last night, the full moon added an impressive, finishing touch to it all.  We were fortunate to have had only the beauty of it instead of the difficulties of this time last year.

- I’ve been back from the Valley for several weeks now.  Memories of the days among the Wai-Wai’s in Inaja are still fresh.  The resulting contemplation and peace, still sweet.  Several of our team continue to comment on how privileged they feel to have been part of such a venture – I couldn’t agree more…

- The past couple of weeks have been busy with producing the 2009 Contribution Statements for mailing this week.  It has been a source of extreme gratitude for me to re-examine how so many have given sacrificially on behalf of the work in the Valley.  I’ve been humbled by the faithfulness of so many.  The majority of our support to the General Fund comes by way of smaller, consistent offerings.  These rarely seem to fail, regardless of the times.  I’m grateful God chooses to touch these lives on behalf of those in the Valley.

- The beginning of 2010 has brought on a new reality for us.  For the first time in our history, AMOR has begun the new year in debt.  This is not due to unbridled spending or lack of prudence or stewardship.  It is due to two factors not generated by our endeavors yet are beyond our control.

1-      We had a team cancel late in 2009 who chose to require a refund of their trip funds as a prerequisite to rescheduling a future trip.  AMOR has no reserves for such eventualities and, as usual, all our revenues are eaten by ongoing trip activities as soon as they are received.  So, we must do all we can do to satisfy this unusual request.  In the past, there has never been need of any “policy statement” regarding such an occurrence.  However, one will be developed and in force in the immediate future.

2-      We were forced to let one of our long-term employees go.  The time to end this relationship was long overdue.  However, in Brasil, the costs of terminating such an employee is quite high.  We settled with him out-of-court in the sum of US$15,100.00.  This has brought about several new requests for termination by other employees (for much smaller amounts) we had not considered at all – kind of a “domino effect”…  The sum total of all that will be spent is not yet known.  It is unfortunate but, will be better for our future to take care of these issues as soon as possible.

- I am grateful to all who have supported AMOR over the years.  I am also grateful for those who, in 2009, stepped up and helped us through some specific difficult times (namely the AMOR/Lori refit and the late-year budget shortfalls).  I thank each of you from my heart.  I would also like to thank each one who gave over and above your regular gifts during the Christmas Season – you are amazing…

- Today, I’ve felt led to make known to you our current financial situation.  We are in acute need of financial help now.  This help is to make up for the unexpected, imminent outlays described above.  Even though deposits are coming in at a painfully slow pace, the trips for the Summer Season seem to be coming together rapidly and in good health.  We simply need help for the “now” of things (as in this month and the next).  Anything God leads you to share will ultimately be all that’s needed – of this I am certain.

- I am exceedingly grateful God has allowed me to participate in His work throughout the Valley.  It is by His grace I’ve been able to concentrate on such matters for such a span of time. I have no fears or concerns regarding these present days – He will continue to be sufficient through it all.  His provision is predictable as long as I restrict my requests to that of His guidance and strength for each day.  Any further requirement on my part leads only to the limited provision of my own efforts. That, my friends, would be severely limited in scope – severely limited indeed…

I look forward to hearing from any who may have specific questions or comments.  Please let me know if I may be of any service to you.  I stand ready to help in any way possible…