Where there is no vision, the people perish. - Proverbs 29:18 But from where I stand, what happens when there is a vision and seemingly no way to expedite it?
I apologize for the length of this letter. But it is imperative that you read it.
Even before Melissa and I were married 2 years ago, my desire has always been to evangelize and sing, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to Believers and non-Believers alike. On the road friends and fans see a gospel music concert, Christian entertainment that lifts spirits and an individual telling them “Jesus still loves you, and has never left you, and wants you to give complete surrender to Him.”
(The following is not to brag but to prove our faithfulness and create accountability to those churches and individuals who support SBM throughout the year.) But Shannon Bunch Ministries (SBM) has always gone above and beyond what people see, to impact lives eternally. We begin this process by being faithful tithers. We give of our “first fruits” according to Scripture. That means we tithe on the gross income, not what is left over after expenses. Our tithes and offering s are given regularly to Cornerstone Church in Madison, TN. This is our home church where we not only attend worship services but are also actively involved in both a Christian education class and a small care group. And as we give monies to various causes, it is money in addition to our tithe and offering. Here is a condensed list of ministries and causes we have given to over the past several years: a mission church in Venecia, Mexico; annually adopting special needs individuals and entire families during Christmas season; individual persons taking mission trips; local churches to assist them with special projects, and medical care for the underprivileged.
The Vision Is Halted
I don’t know where to begin updating you on “the life and times of the Bunches”. Life has changed over the past year for Melissa and me at a pace we didn’t expect. We have remained mostly silent to our public regarding the struggles we have had and continually face, until now. Many times in 11 years of full-time ministry, people have come to me and/or Melissa and said, that if you ever need help, just let us know. I know those statements were made with great sincerity but pride often does not allow us to lean on others for support. I also know the Bible says that pride comes before the fall. But I know you are relating to me right now. While God designed us with the ability to work and provide for ourselves and family, there comes an issue of balancing that with the fact God has brought others into our lives to assist us along the way. Now we need your help.
Through late spring and the entire summer of 2006 my ministry schedule bottomed out, almost completely. Many in the music industry, both Christian and secular, saw a significant loss of revenue during this time. Although we have been entrusted with a ministry, there are many “business” aspects that must be addressed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Unfortunately, the overhead expenses of operation continue whether I am on the road or not. We still have monthly obligations and living expenses to pay regardless of my schedule. Over this 6-7 month period, the business incurred approximately $35,000 of debt. We have never recovered from this event. By the time bookings became easier to get, it was December 2006. December is the second slowest month of the year, with June being the first slowest. So many church activities are found during these two months, folks on vacation, vacation Bible schools, Christmas parties, church plays, well you get my point. Although payments have been made each month toward the debt since its inception, the winter slow down of schedule incurred more debt. The current balance is $42,187.
Early 2007 Melissa and I felt the need and the leading of the Holy Spirit to sell our home in Gallatin, TN. The house was put on the market in April and sold on its third showing. At that time the market was still moving at a steady rate, both for sellers and buyers. We received $3,000 above asking, accepted the offer and moved across town, placed our “stuff” in storage and rented a property for 3 months. We were disappointed God had let our home sell and then not opened a door to buy another one immediately, to avoid a second move. But God’s plan was best. After watching the housing market for nearly four months, and after looking at approximately 100 homes we were able to put a contract on a home in the east Nashville suburb of Antioch. The irony is this is the very first home we looked at earlier in the year. Though several contracts had been placed on the home since early spring, no one was able to close the deal on the property. When we first looked at this home, it was listed at full asking price. But as time went on and it did not sell, the company who owned the home lowered the price of the home by $15,000. This was a tremendous help to us.
Over the past several months Melissa has been seeking employment in various fields in the Nashville area. After several months of interviews and much energy on her part, there was still no offer in place. However, the day after signing the contracts on the Antioch home she was called by Wilson County Board of Education to fill three interim positions that would allow her to teach through the end of February 2008. It almost seemed that we went at this thing backwards. But God was waiting on us to exercise our faith, step out, and believe Him for the provisions. We did, and He did!
The only con to Melissa’s job at this time is the lack of health insurance benefit. Since her last interim in the spring of 2006, we have been able to carry Cobra benefits. This is a state issued plan that extends an expiring policy for 18 months. Since she was not employed full-time the following semester these benefits are set to expire February 2008. Of course, there is a premium for this, nearly $450 per month. My premium is $200 per month. My rates are so much cheaper due to the fact I’ve had the same policy for 11 years. Do the math, $650 per month for two persons health insurance benefit. We have managed, though struggled, to pay this each month.
As many people who attend college/higher education institutions, Melissa also had to apply for financial assistance to get her education degree. At this time, she has deferred these student loans to the maximum. Those now have to be paid monthly for approximately one year before we should defer them again, if needed.
As you are gathering we need a financial miracle. You may say that you don’t have $42,000. But with approximately 1100 people on our mailing list, it can be easily eliminated by working some basic numbers. For example, if only 500 people would commit to $10 per month for 9 months it can be a finished work. However, if the Holy Spirit directs you to give a smaller or even larger gift, for a longer or shorter period of time, or if anything at all, follow that direction. Your consideration at this time is very critical. This ministry depends on people, just like you. We are grateful to family and friends who have already either partnered with us monthly or simply helped out when needed. You know who you are and we love you and appreciate your prayers during this time.
As an FYI (for your information), SBM annually evaluates the business techniques as well as the financial income and spending of the ministry. While some aspects are being monitored, others are being overhauled. We also find it very important to have spiritual authorities in both business and personal matters. Our faithful and compassionate authorities consist of educators, pastors, evangelists, and prayer warriors that are grounded in the Word. To them we take our strengths and weaknesses and learn from them. We feel God has entrusted us with a ministry and placed a great calling and responsibility on our lives. But the stewardship of the ministry is left to us. How we handle various issues throughout the course determines how much more with which He will entrust us.
Knowing that both the ministry and our individual incomes are based on your giving makes it even more serious that we “keep it in check”. In addition to the above mentioned “outreaches” that we have cut out, we have also cut our expenses by no longer doing mail outs (newsletters, postcards) which help keep folks (especially those without internet) informed about this ministry. Public relations to printed Christian magazines, newspapers, etc have also been halted. There have been even more sacrifices made by me and Melissa personally as we have had to loan money to the ministry account to keep its bills current. As the old saying is we are robbing from Peter to pay Paul. But I know God has greater plans for us. Currently my schedule is strong, we are settling into our new home, and God is moving is some really neat ways during concert.
In closing, please give this your prayerful consideration. Our vision is continue fulfilling the Great Commission: going into all the world and preaching the Gospel. Where we can’t go, we support those who do.
Remember the beginning of this letter? Proverbs 29:18? “Where there is no vision the people perish.” Help us to take our vision to the masses. People still need the Lord, probably more now than ever before.
If you wish to donate any amount to help us out you may do so via http://shannonbunch.com/contact.htm. Scroll down and you’ll see the donate button there. This payment is secured through PayPal.com. You may pay through a paypal account or simply click continue to pay with credit/debit card.
Also you may send check or money order to:
Shannon Bunch Ministries
5141 Sunsail Drive
Antioch, TN 37013
Or Call:
Direct: 615.501.0127
Toll Free: 888.699.4922
Also note the mailing address and direct phone number are new. Please update your records.
In a Nut Shell
If you haven’t seen it my web site has been completely redesigned, thanks to Jason Welch at Fluent Effect. We hope you will visit www.shannonbunch.com as we update the site often. Here you can listen to music via MySpace, check out pictures from the road and at home, and also shop at our on-line store. One of my favorite features, currently, is a daily devotional called Prayer, Praise and Promises. This is a commentary written by world renowned author, Warren Wiersbe. This daily reading is brief but sure offers much encouragement as you go through your day. I don’t have room to post any dates in this email. But the schedule is full. Stops over the next several weeks include Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Missouri and Texas. Visit the Tour page today. I may be coming to your area sooner than you think.
Give a Click for the ministry.
As a means to help generate income for the ministry, there are Google Ads ™ placed on each page that relate to other web sites which contain similar information. There is no charge to you for clicking. But we receive payment each time you click on these Google Ads ™. So as you can, just give a click for the ministry. Click them all each time you browse www.shannonbunch.com.
Breaking News: Current radio single Chains Fell Away is #52 in the gospel charts according to Singing News Magazine. This is my third top 80 song.
Thanks a great big BUNCH for taking time out of your schedule to listen to our needs. Hope to hear from you soon.
