31/05/2024
I went to bed frustrated and sad last night and woke up this morning to find that our GoFundMe for Origins Game Fair has hit the 75% mark. Thank you so much for your continued support.
I want to give a few shoutouts to those unfamiliar with my sources of support for the I do so that you can better understand where I'm at.
First and foremost, my wife, Jennifer. She's a teacher, so we all know she doesn't rake in the big bucks, but her job provides us with decent health insurance and pays the mortgage.
My Patreon supporters. In all transparency, my Patreon supporters allow me to pay the light bill each month and set aside a little bit to help pay for some supplies throughout the year.
Luke Gygax and the Gary Con Gaming Convention who are kind enough to provide me with a room each year and continued encouragement. They are the best. On that note, Carl Black should also get some serious thanks due to his willingness to drive me up there for the past few years and his kindness in buying a fellow gamer some meals. Carl is one of the kindest and most caring people I've ever met and embodies the Gospel in ways many could never imagine.
William Fenton-Jones and I work with the East Ohio Conference UMC at Origins Game Fair. Our work with them is definitely a Fresh Expression of what our faith can look like in a very different context. I still have to take care of much of my travel, but this ministry is worth it.
My GoFundMe fundraisers. These are how I often pay for travel and SWAG I like to give out. This year's fundraiser for Origins is helping to pay for the dice blessings I'm giving out, along with some wonderful open and affirming SWAG. (This Open and Affirming SWAG is being donated by the East Ohio Conference and is reflected in our fundraiser. If you want more details, please review the link in the comments.)
There are also folks like the fantastic Rory Philstrom, who goes above and beyond in his work and ministry through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is doing more than I could ever have dreamed or imagined.
Last but definitely not least, Glendale United Methodist Church - Nashville, which has continually supported me with prayers and encouraged me to run these discipleship groups using tabletop role-playing games. Glendale is a small, open and affirming United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN, and I'm so thankful for our pastor, Stephanie Dodge, as well as Steven Kyle Adair.
There are, of course, many others who continue to pray for and encourage me. People like Mike Perna of Innroads Ministries. Jolly and Barbara Mack Blackburn who are amazing friends. People like Skeeter Green and Craig Zipske who listen to my wild ideas. I know there are many more of you out there and I'm sorry for leaving you out.
I do much of this ministry on a budget of less than 10K a year. However, that doesn't leave anything for retirement, emergencies, or out-of-pocket medical expenses for my family or me.
Again, if you'd like to help out, please check the links in my comments.
