Christian Educators' Journal

<b>*cino</b> needs YOU, pt. II

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

A few months ago, I wrote an editorial titled "*cino needs YOU" about all of the things we were thankful for toward the end of 2002, as well as the things we still needed. If you missed the article or if you need a refresher, be sure to check it out.

A lot has stayed the same since last November. We still have all of the same needs we did before:

• Gallery and article submissions to the online magazine.
• Fresh perspectives on the online discussion board.
• People who are willing to invest time in understanding our vision and take ownership of the organization.
• Word of mouth marketing.
• Sources of consistent funding.
• Sources of substantial funding.
• Prayer, prayer, prayer!

We still need you to consider all of the commitments listed here because they are ongoing needs. But I must recognize the fact that we are constantly amazed by people who contact us out of the blue wanting to do something to help, from people who send in links to their sites for gallery items to people who just want to say they appreciate what we're doing.

And we need you all! If Rob and I were two individuals working alone in the middle of this big world, cino would not be functioning. Alienation and individualism run so counter to the unity, learning, and service that we're trying to promote that we would have dumped this whole idea long time ago were it not for your interest, generosity, encouragement and participation that all affirm the need we are addressing. We're hoping that cino is doing as much for you as you are doing for us.

And, if you'll indulge me for a minute, that's something I'd like you to think about. What is cino doing for you? What is cino worth to you?

As you've undoubtedly noticed, this issue launches what we're calling iGNITE! the commitment campaign for culture is not optional. Through April 25, we are sending out e-mails, letters, quarterly journals and putting up this issue with the goal of raising $2,000 in monthly commitments to cino. These commitments will be like the kindling that will allow our fire to burn warm and bright either alongside or regardless of major donations.

Last November, we were still under the impression that some angel would come along and write us a big ol' check. Today, in March, we certainly would not argue with that angel if we finally met her, but we realize that taking a different approach to funding will result in a stronger organization in the end. To rely on another metaphor, we want our building to have a broad, sturdy foundation made up of small contributions from many people rather than resting on the narrow point of a few larger contributions.

Another change since November has been our attitude about asking for money. As we've watched this vision grow and develop, we've realized that it does not belong to us. The Spirit is moving among you who have already found us and each other and God has big plans for his Church that somehow involve this little organization. If we are to be a vessel for those plans, we must be willing to model the unity we promote by gleaning our support from the large community of people we serve.

So now we come back to the question I asked earlier: how much is *cino worth to you? Has the vision as it has played out so far made a difference in your life? Has it inspired you? Have you found comfort in the online community? In order for this organization to continue to affect you and others, we need your support in this campaign. Would you be willing to make a monthly commitment to help us continue our work? Even $5 a month would mean a lot to us, because it's not about your money, it's about your support and all of the things that word implies. Your willingness to commit financially is a symbol of your commitment to pray, to participate, to invest yourself in our vision.

I humbly ask you to consider what your role will be in the continuation of *culture is not optional. The vision laid out in this issue is enormous and we cannot do it alone. We need your guidance and support and all of the diverse gifts you, as a community, have to offer.