In the last week or so major steps forward have been made. This is an important update- if you are interested in the mission please read this post even though its long.
First of all, I have scheduled an appointment for Cedric with specialists in Manila. We will be travelling there this Sunday. Getting to Manila (and getting back into this town afterward) is a big deal due to the virus restrictions and the cost. It is absolutely necessary, though- I am confident that after this trip we will have as much information as possible about the options for Cedric’s treatment. Then we will be able to chart a clear path forward. Myself and Cedric’s parents are busy making the necessary arrangements.
We have also received the news that my first-choice non-profit organization has agreed to offer us fiscal sponsorship. This means that we will soon be under their “umbrella”- donors will have the ability to make tax-deductible donations to us through their organization. If Cedric’s treatment requires a large amount of funding this will be an essential capacity to have. So this is very good news! We are in the process of setting this up.
I would also like to mention how we are doing with donations. It is very important to me that the Mission of Mercy be as transparent and accountable as is reasonably possible. That is one of the reasons I like to update donors as to how their donations are being used. In this spirit of transparency- and gratitude- I have decided to share with you that presently the total amount of funds under my stewardship is $5,085. This is everything I have right now, including what will be necessary for my own missionary costs like rent, food, and renewing my visa (I have generous benefactors who provide for my own modest needs- I spend as little as possible and put all that is left over into the mission fund).
In the words of my volunteer treasurer, $5000 is truly a miraculous start, considering we’ve only just begun. I really can’t believe it. This outpouring of generosity is evidence that seeking help for Cedric is certainly God’s will. I praise God and I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for this blessing. I also give my most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped this mission with their treasure or their prayers.
Because this is so much more than I expected to have at this point my initial impulse is to not ask for anything else right now. However… 🙂 I also think it would be really cool to keep the fund amount above $5000. We will soon have more definite information but based on what we know right now I anticipate that every bit of what we have will be necessary for even the least expensive course of action.
So here’s the situation: we are sitting really pretty right now, thanks be to God. I want to be clear that at present there is no dire need- and this is thanks to everyone who has helped so generously. Having said that, I expect this trip to Manila will cost about $250. Transportation there and back will be $160. Due to the great generosity of @Li Wen Lon we will be staying at his hostel free of charge- this relieves the heavy burden of accommodation. There will be transportation costs in the city- Cedric can’t do much walking because of his condition. And there will be food costs. I will eat very cheaply but I want to get good food for Cedric because this will be a difficult trip and I want to provide him with whatever comfort I can- this is his first time away from his parents!
So here’s the deal: IF you can afford it and you want to help us keep our number above $5000, you can click the link in the comments below to make a donation to help with our trip. But if not, don’t worry about it: we are in good shape, thanks be to God! Take a breather and pat yourself on the back for a job well done! I really can’t believe how great we are doing- its because of God’s grace and your help- including your prayers. I thank you all and I will be praying for the Lord to bless you 🙂
MISSION OF MERCY 