a post-anniversary two cents worth
change of pace... At our anniversary a few months back (and thank you for all the well-wishes), I mentioned how we were hoping to move ahead with incorporating not one sparrow as an official nonprofit. In the weeks following, we gave that a solid effort, but unfortunately the process proved to be too much to take on in every respect, from administrative red tape to financial costs. It became a very stressful experience, which detracted from the work we were doing and left us in a bigger hole than we started in.
As a result, I'm having to pull back on the amount of time I'm able to invest in not one sparrow. I've taken on a part-time job as a janitor at our church, and would appreciate your prayer as I continue to look for supplemental work. Please know I intend to keep the blog going as best I can in more of a volunteer capacity, along with the social extensions and of course personal correspondence, which have been our main points of connection anyway. I still feel not one sparrow has work left to accomplish on behalf of God's creatures, and I'm grateful for those of you who have communicated the same encouragement.
Thank you to both of our board advisors, Denise LaChance and Scott Williams, for all of their advice and support through this time and all of the difficulties and disappointments that came with it. Thank you for your understanding and patience as well, and please feel free to let me know if you have any questions about the organizational transition going forward.
on the weblog... As promised, we've launched a blog series based on not one sparrow's FAQ questions, including so far: "Is caring for animals a valid Christian concern?", "But don't we have other priorities as Christians?" and currently "What about conflicts between animal and human welfare?" We've also had a miniseries on the Son and Spirit's relationship to animals, a dialogue with a Christian who has a much different perspective on animals, and reports of my recent oil spill prayer trip along the Gulf of Mexico with Scott.
roll credits... Overdue thanks for highlighting not one sparrow go to Anna Clark, Catherine and Come to the Table, Catholic Stewards of Creation, Christine Gutleben and Karen Allanach of Humane Society Faith Outreach, Craig & Carolyn Williford, Deb and Animal Rescue and Referral, Debra and The Soulful Eye, Joe and Bourgeois Hippie, Kathleen Ann Bergen and Associated Content, Lisa Black and Chicago Tribune, Lori Kirshner and Animals Today Radio, Michelle Buckalew and Animal World USA/Wisconsin Week for the Animals, Nancy Janisch and Conversation in Faith, Natalie Dudas and Christian Examiner, Oyster Radio News, SustainLane, SBH Clay and Creature Quotes, Sage Life, Scott Williams and Creation Hope, and Trisha and ScatteredJoy.
grace and peace,
Ben DeVries, not one sparrow
(photo copyright 123rf.com)
August 10, 2010
Reader Comments (2)
Very sorry to hear your nonprofit plans did not work out. Please know that you have done valuable work here and been an inspiration and support to many. I am very glad to know that you will continue with the site, if on a reduced schedule. You will be in my prayers as you make your way forward. Blessings -
Lois Wye
Thanks so much, Lois, that means a lot to me - Ben