A Humble Request

It is the philosophy of Iliff School of Theology that "contemporary leaders must be financially resilient and spiritually integrated. Whether you intend to lead in a nonprofit organization, congregation, or some other context, financial literacy and skills are critical. Financial resilency entails managing finances, cultivating donors, and developing philanthropic vision, along with having a personal orientation toward finances that is healthy and sustainable. In light of this institutional value, Iliff has developed a Matching Scholarship Program that seeks to foster these skills and values. This program makes up a significant portion of our institutional aid and we encourage all students to seriously engage in this innovative program."

Despite all the financial resources available for higher education, the Iliff Matching Scholarship Program was developed to foster crucial values and skills necessary for work in ministry, nonprofit or social justice careers. This is a critical part of my journey and my success in raising the funds to allow me access to the Iliff matching funds. Completion of this task is paramount to me, my education and my future. Though humbling and incredibly challenging, the growth and blessings through this process will be unmatchable.

Currently Iliff will match $3500 per year. The MDiv (Master of Divinity) is an intense 3 year program. With the Iliff Matching Scholarship Program requiring me to raise $3500 a year for 3 years and Iliff matching the same, this equates to $7000 x 3 = $21,000. I call it my Lucky 7's. I must work diligently to cultivate donations so that I can take full advantage of this financial gift.

I understand living from paycheck to paycheck, strict budgets, abundance and the like. I've been in every financial position. However, I can never remember a time when I could not write a check for at least $25. I once wrote checks for $500, $1000 and $1500 for causes I believed in. Those took prayer and faith. But a hundred times over I have been able to write a check for $25. Now it's my turn to ask for your prayers and your blessings.

My challenge to you is this: consider a $25 donation to this journey. If just 140 people donated $25 each my annual goal for 2015/16 would be met. I have as many friends on FB. My church is assisting in setting up a scholarship fund as well but that process will take time.

To donate please cut and paste this link to your browser: http://de.gofund.me/cswingseminary
*Anonymous funds are not qualified for matching funds.


What's in it for you? Prayers. Blessings. Fulfillment. Be part of this journey with me. I believe God has been calling me on this journey for a very long time and each and every one of you is a part of that journey in one way or another, yesterday, today and/or tomorrow. I will continue to blog as I discern this path and what direction it will ultimately lead me to. I ask that you share my Blog and share my Scholarship Fund with those who you believe will be blessed from it.

Please read and share my blog: http://reconcilingjourneypart2.blogspot.com

Thank you for your consideration and mostly, for your precious time.

Cheryl