March 17, 2011
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Seminary Education Support
G’day! I would like to get personal for a moment here. On my blog, I rarely do that, so that means this is serious or I am in a good mood. Eh …Let’s go with both.
For the last six going-on-seven years, I’ve been involved on campus in some capacity, particularly in Christian ministry for college students. After completing my Psychology degree in May of ’09, I continued in greater depth organizing and instructing from God’s Scripture in an attempt to be relevant, insightful and applicable. God worked through these times and grew me significantly, whether good or bad experiences. I felt God called me to pursue further training for ministry — not only for the local church, but also for collegiate education. Thus I picked up and completed another major (philosophy) in 2010, and continued to save up money for seminary. I graduated without any student loans.
My heart’s desire was to get into a Reformed school for some solid training and acquire a masters in Theological Studies. This two-year program will give me an understanding of the original languages (Greek, Hebrew, etc.), as well as the necessary systematic theology, which is a critical foundation for further study in a doctoral program (or if God would so press my heart to change to a pastoral program, adding but a year more). As I was preparing myself and setting aside funds, God gave me an opportunity to be involved with Campus Crusade for Christ. Through this ministry, my whole orientation toward evangelism changed, and my desire to get deeper and grow only increased.
As such, I have applied to three seminaries, gotten accepted at one (haven’t heard back from two yet), and will be attending one of them for sure this Fall 2011. I am going to be moving and setting up camp in the end of May, beginning of June. (some courses will be taken prior to the regular semester) I am sincerely excited! Now, while I have saved up money — and God has blessed me, no doubt — I see some specific things prior to enrolling that I will need to buy. For one, my desktop computer is 12 years old, and hardly runs current software. A refurbished laptop that was graciously given to me last Fall has now no working screen (not due to damage but rather age). In addition to a working computer, there are textbooks, reference books, software, other computer equipment, traditional supplies (paper, writing utensils, etc.), and so on. These all together come to roughly $2,665.
Now, though I have some funds in my savings account(s), they will be depleted before the completing the two-year program. I do not want to take out large loans or have a debt hovering over me, since college professors are paid peanuts when they just start, church congregations are not set up to pay salary for ministers who are in the hole, and I may be called to leave the United States to minister over seas. Debt is a burden, and I want to respond to God’s calling without tethering myself down, being a slave to the lender. Even so, I will be working a part time job and be active in a local church while at seminary, and I am not sure whether I will have any financial aid given to me. I am praying for support and that God will provide.
For those who are encouraged in God’s work my life and see this next step as an investment in God’s work, you have the opportunity to join in my ministry. Please pray about whether you should give a donation from what God has given. If nothing, at least pray that God would give me wisdom and be effective with the time He has given me. But if you do feel God might be calling you to help out financially, remember that any amount is helpful. Someone might ask, “well, what gift is appropriate?” Honestly, pray about it. Know where you stand financially and whether this is a worthwhile investment. Also, if you want to know how far a gift will go, $10 is probably more helpful than you realize, since it will help with supplies (devices, paper, etc.) for doing homework and other ministry. $100 can buy me a textbook for a class. The software (Logos) is $630, so other amounts donated will be combined toward acquiring that software.
You can click the following link and it will take you to a secure site for donating directly to my account (allowing you to write a note, I believe). And since it is PayPal, I know your information is safe and they can accept major credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, etc.)
Before you give, please pray about it.
I will need to make these significant purchases prior to May 31st, 2011.
If you would desire to speak with me, I am pleased to. I am passionate about this and would love to share. In particular, if you are wondering where the money goes, the technical details of giving, tax code, and time frame in which it is needed, please feel free to contact me. (my phone is best)
Grace and peace
Jonathan Vajda
