Article by: Sarah Koontz
Today marks the beginning of our Fall Fundraiser.
This is a time for our ministry team to reflect on and rejoice over the good gifts God has given us this past year.
It is also a time for us to share our vision for the future and invite you to partner with us as we seek to continue creating free Bible study resources for a world in need.
Over the next few weeks, our blog posts and SOULfood e-mails will be packed to the brim with uplifting stories from our community.
We desire to show you how God is using Living by Design Ministries to disciple and encourage Christian women around the globe.
Although this has been a sabbatical year for Sarah Koontz, and she hasn’t been publishing new content—our ministry has continued to grow and serve our community members.
During the first ten months of 2024, Living by Design Ministries:
- Reached 136,000+ people in 208 countries with our Bible-centered blog posts.
- Welcomed 5,279 new subscribers into our Bible study community.
- Delivered 6,235 free Bible studies to inboxes around the world.
- Shared Bible-focused content with hundreds of thousands of people on social media.
- Raised enough funds to cover 40% of our operating expenses for the year.
We seek to raise an additional $20,000 in support by December 10 to finish this year without a deficit.
We understand that many of our readers are unable to donate at this time. If that is you, be encouraged! Your prayers, shares, and stories are also essential elements of our overall fundraising strategy.
We want to kick off our Fall Fundraiser by sharing an encouraging reader testimony with you.
Then we will share five simple ways to show your support for our free Bible study ministry over the next few weeks.
ReNee's Story: A Ministry Worth Investing In!
I found Living by Design Ministries through a simple internet search. The free Bible studies they offer are simply the best, and I tell all my friends about them. For me, finding this ministry was a true blessing and a God-designed event.
I look forward to receiving the daily Bible study e-mails. They are packed with guidance and wisdom from God’s Word. These studies give me the tools I need to study God’s Word more deeply.
I love the creativity and beauty woven into each devotional e-mail. The way the studies are written really reaches my heart, and the digital gifts improve my study experience. I have done many Bible studies by others, but I love, love, love how Sarah writes about the Bible. She makes it easy and exciting to get into the Word every day.
I believe that this is a ministry worth investing in! Their free Bible studies are understandable and relatable. They have helped me and countless others cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ.
Now that I know the heart behind this ministry and have experienced the benefits firsthand, I have decided to become a monthly donor. It is such an uplifting gift to participate in these studies and help this ministry continue to provide them free of charge to anyone who wants to participate. – Renee, from Colorado
5 Ways to Support Living by Design Ministries this Giving Season
1- Make your donation early to set the giving trend. Nearly 31% of annual giving occurs in the last few weeks of the year. One-quarter of nonprofits raise between 26-50% of their annual funds from their year-end fundraising efforts. Donate early to show others that this ministry is worth investing in!
2 – Share our ministry with your friends. Tell your friends why you support this ministry and invite them to do the same! Or, create a fundraiser on Facebook and share a post to help raise funds for Living by Design Ministries. People are most likely to give to organizations they already know or are recommended to them by friends.
3 – Pray for Living by Design & our donors. Prayer is the most powerful tool in our spiritual toolbox. God knows the financial needs of this ministry, and He is the One who supernaturally guides and equips His people to accomplish His good purposes upon the earth. Ask Him to show us favor during this fundraiser and to shower His blessings on the individuals who choose to invest in our mission.
4 – Set up a monthly donation. If 10% of our readers invested $10 a month in our free Bible study ministry, 100% of our financial needs would be met. Our monthly donors are an essential part of our ministry team.
5—Consider Corporate Matching Gifts or Payroll Contributions: Many companies offer their employees payroll deductions or matching gift programs to encourage charitable giving. Check to see if your company will match your donation to Living by Design Ministries and ask them how to submit your matching gift request.
Give Today to Make an Eternal Difference!
We are a nonprofit ministry on a mission to deliver free Bible studies to inboxes around the world.
In order to achieve our ministry goals, we must do two things:
- Produce incredible, life-changing, Bible-focused studies.
- Fundraise to cover the cost of delivering those studies for free.
Your financial gift will help us continue to create high-quality Bible study resources and provide them free of charge to Christian women worldwide.
We are honored by the trust your donation demonstrates and grateful for your willing participation in this vital work.
By God’s grace and because of your generosity, we will continue to provide free Bible study resources for Christian women this year and beyond!
This blog was originally published in November 2020. During Sarah Koontz’s Sabbatical in 2024, we will be sharing some of our favorite articles and e-mails from the archives with you. Thank you for praying for Sarah and her family as they enjoy this beautiful season of Sabbath rest.
