08.19.02

Dear friend of Heartlight,

We write to you today at the beginning of a special week for us. For an entire week, we will be focusing on Heartlight as a ministry - giving you an inside look at what we do, who does it, and why we do it. This isn't meant to be just a commercial for Heartlight, but a sincere attempt to communicate to you the passion and the prayer behind this ministry.

Last month over a half a million people were somehow touched by Heartlight.

We say that not to glorify ourselves, but to praise the immortal, almighty God who has made it possible. What God originates, God orchestrates. And He's done an impressive job with Heartlight, despite not having much to work with.

KEEPING THE LIGHT SHINING

But a work this big costs money. We've done a great deal to reduce expenses through free software, volunteer help, and more. Nevertheless, we have real financial needs to provide the salaries, bandwidth and more that make this site available to the world.

Along the way, folks have suggested that we start selling what we had previously given away - sell access to the images, sell subscriptions to the articles, and more. We've also watched other Christian ministry sites turn into commercialized, advertising-soaked parodies of themselves. We've said no. That's not Heartlight.

In May 2001, we approached you to ask for your help at a critical juncture in the life of our ministry. You responded by the hundreds, and we received much needed support that allowed us to continue. Thanks to you and God's provision Heartlight has survived and grown and changed. We've added new features, new writers, and even whole new sites.

But with great features comes great responsibility, and new expenses. After much prayer, we have decided to approach you again, to ask you to consider supporting Heartlight as we attempt to become all that God wants us to be.

IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH

A donation of only $5 means we can send 2,000 devotionals via email. $20 will pay for a month of a support web-site for a missionary family. $100 makes it possible for 4,000 electronic greeting cards to be sent. $500 means we can serve more than 80,000 web pages, 127,000 emails, 7,500 Bible searches and much, much more…

As you read the stories this week on Heartlight, we do hope that you'll be motivated by the Spirit to join us by including us in your prayers or even donating, but if not, that's ok, too.

We know it's tough out there right now. Hey, we're "out there" with you! Many are struggling, and the last thing we want is for you to feel the added pressure of another demand. This isn't a demand. We just want you to get to know us better. You'll know what that means for you.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Individuals - We invite you to use our secure online donation system to give via credit card, direct draft, or even PayPal. We especially treasure our regular givers who choose to support us with a monthly amount. It's easy to set up, and blesses us tremendously. ALSO, for any donation over $50, we're offering a free Heartlight t-shirt as a Thank You.

http://www.heartlight.org/support/

We also accept donations via mail. Just send them to:
Heartlight, Inc.
8332 Mesa Dr
Austin, TX 78759

Churches - Is your church looking for a ministry to support that has a tremendous track record of success? Will you help us bring Heartlight to their attention? Fill out our special contact request form if you would like someone from Heartlight to talk to you about regular monthly support from your congregation for our worldwide, spirit-lifting, soul-winning mission. We can also provide you support materials and resources if you would like to approach your church leaders directly on our behalf.

http://www.heartlight.org/support/church.html

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