Become a Partner In Mission with Rev. David Stephenson

Bishop Hayes and I agreed that this ministry should NOT be funded by apportionments. We both strongly believe that it should be totally funded by congregations and individuals that support this work. I do not want to add to the bureaucratic and apportionment burden on local churches. Consequently, my salary, my pension and insurance, my travel and my business expenses are all funded from donations.  

There was some miraculous support to begin this ministry. But now, to be able to continue this work, I will need 10-20 local congregations to sponsor and support my ministry. I’m asking churches to set a goal of $2,500 (the standard level for GBGM missionaries) if possible. But any amount is helpful.

No matter what level you donate at, David will provide your church with:

• A“Certificate of Support”
• Recognition in the Annual Conference Report of the Bolivia/Oklahoma Ayllu,
• A report of my work for your Charge Conference
• Monthly or quarterly reports (you choose) for your Newsletter
• And be available to speak in your church. 

Preaching in your church: David doesn’t believe that sermons should be 20 minute commercials for a specific mission. If you invite him to come and preach, he will visit with the pastor and others about what they hope to accomplish with the worship service, and then he will fold ‘Bolivian stories’ into that sermon topic. Examples of David’s sermon topics are:

• Sand Springs UMC who was raising funds for a new building
• Stillwater UMC – Their annual Pledge Drive.
• Woodward First UMC – The importance of Missions in an individual’s spiritual growth
• Comparing our lifestyles with the poor and homeless instead of the rich and famous
• The New paradigm for Missions
• The Gift of water
• (Whatever your congregations needs are.)
• He also likes to meet with one or a combined Adult Sunday School class to talk about specific Mission Opportunities in Bolivia.

Accountability

• David is appointed by Bishop Hayes and reports directly to Jeremy Bassett in the VIM office.

• The Jilakata of the Bolivia/Oklahoma Ayllu serve as David’s Board and he is accountable to them for work with the church. (click for their job description)
• The Board of Directors of Engineers In Action serve as Davids Board and he is accountable to them for his work with EIA.
• David also reports to the Executive Committee of the Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Bolivia

Funding 

Zero funding from Apportionments of the Oklahoma Annual Conference – Salary, health insurance, benefits, business expenses, office expenses all raised from donations

• Salary $49,825; Housing $13,400; utilities $2,400; Medical $11,733 = $77,358.
• Business/Office/travel Expenses ($800/mo) = $9,600                                  Total Cost $86,958

 Where to send the money:

All funds for salary, insurance, retirement, and business expenses for David are handled by the Oklahoma Conference Treasurer. Make checks to:

Oklahoma Conference Treasurer

Attn: Hallie Xie

1501 NW 24th St.

Oklahoma City, Okla. 73106-3536

To donate individually and online click the button:  

I sincerely believe that God has called me to this mission. We’re building churches, providing pastors and saving lives in Bolivia. Many missions transform lives and improve communities. The Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist Ayllu is helping to transform a nation!

I’d like to ask you to ask your Missions Committee to seriously consider partnering with me in this exciting, out-of-the-ordinary mission opportunity.

Thank you for your time and your consideration

Rev. David R. Stephenson

Mission Interpreter of the Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist Ayllu

Executive Director of Engineers In Action