DIRECTOR'S BLOG

Dr. Sam Martin

‘CEOs who grow their charities QUIT SERVING KIDS and START SERVING DONORS. Successful leaders re-purpose existing resources to create a healthy-flow of cash that ensure they reach and exceed goal’s’

Honestly when I read these words on an email from a Fund Raising company I was shocked and upset, but before I comment, let me add the rest of the email: ‘In 1927, Henry Ford foresaw the end of the "Model T" and implemented a "change management plan" that led to the successful introduction of the "Model A." He began by shutting down factory lines for 5 months, laid off 60,000 workers and invested the necessary time and money to retool his infrastructure (at cost of $250,000,000 in today's dollars.) Like Ford, nonprofit CEOs need the freedom to implement strategic shutdowns that allow them to restructure in ways that make all their dreams come true.’ One was also invited to view a 5 minute video, which I did for – 2 mins!

As a Mission we value our donors! In fact we have a little saying, ‘it is not enough to keep our donors happy, we must keep them delighted!’ We know without their support, generosity and prayers we could not do what we do, bring hope, health and healing to needy children. We know we need more donors but to stop ‘serving kids?’ The whole thrust of the article and video was to convince us that the needy, the poor, children are not our customers, donors are! The reason why this is so? ‘The poor, the needy ain’t got no money.’ (quote from video).

Perhaps I am misunderstanding the article, maybe I am too simple minded. Maybe I am too focused on the example and teaching of Jesus! Maybe I see ‘helping children’ as a ministry not a business. Consider the following scripture:

Jesus said, ‘The poor you will always have with you…’ And he was quoting Deuteronomy 15 v 11, ‘For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'

Daily I thank God for the men and women, the families, Churches, Clubs and the like, who are ‘Our Donors.’ They are special, but I do not believe they are to be used simply as a source of dollars. I believe they are people who have a heart for God and a heart for helping people who are less fortunate. (some of course would not profess to be Christians, but they have a real and genuine desire to help others. They have within them the spirit of caring and sharing!)

We will never “Quit serving kids and start serving donors” Rather we will with God’s help, continue by faith to serve kids and to help kind and caring people to serve with us!