2010 Benefit Dinner and Fundraiser

Friends of FaithSearch gathered on May 1, for a $50-per-plate benefit dinner in the dining hall and chapel of Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, MN. Our theme was “Be Prepared,” based on 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer…”, using a spring planting theme for the decorations and other touches throughout the evening. As the event was scheduled for May Day, we adopted a spring floral theme featuring daffodils, with an eye to spring planting in anticipation of a harvest of fruit or flowers in the summer and fall months ahead.

The host for the evening was Joe Komarek, who ministers to business people in the Twin Cities through The Navigators. Joe is committed to establishing and equipping business leaders to live out the Gospel as relational evangelists and intentional disciple makers. A former school teacher, sports announcer and pro baseball scout, he has also taken FaithSearch Discovery teacher training, and has used FaithSearch resources in his ministry for years.  (Read about his ministry here.)

After dinner, we adjourned to the chapel for the evening’s program, where Carol Zimmerman welcomed us with music. Carol (also known as Carol Z) brings faith, laughter and music wherever she goes. Active in the Twin Cities music scene, she is a singer/songwriter, but also so much more. She speaks and performs for audiences of almost every kind, from kids to seniors, churches to clubs. She hosts a live podcast radio show, leads worship, performs in clubs and coffeehouses as the “Z” of the “The BZ Girls,” and she owns a decorating business for commercial real estate. Carol has been singing and performing on all kinds of stages her entire life from her father’s church platform, to choir risers, rock concert flatbeds, park bandshells to many varieties of coffeehouse stages and restaurant corners. She performs regularly as a solo artist and is in various groups as lead and backup singer, songwriter, keyboard and guitarist. You can hear samples of her music here.

The keynote address was presented by Dr. Michael Wise, Scholar-in-Residence, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Languages, and Department Chair of Biblical & Theological Studies at Northwestern College. (Read more here.) One of the world’s leading experts on the Dead Sea Scrolls, he was instrumental in bringing them to the Science Museum of Minnesota, where they are on exhibit through October 24. Dr. Wise has authored seven books and many scholarly articles, and is working on a second doctorate degree.

His presentation on the Dead Sea Scrolls was nothing short of wonderful! He articulated evidence that the Scriptures which we read today and which point to Jesus as our Messiah are indeed uniquely reliable documents. (Be sure to visit the Science Museum exhibit while it is in St. Paul to see them for yourself. < Link >)

Carlos Fernández (Spanish-language evangelist) and Oleg Voskresensky (Russian-language evangelist) presented updates on their international work. Carlos was excited to demonstrate evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in raising up a missions force in Spanish-speaking countries. Some of those he has trained with the FaithSearch Discovery ministry tools are preparing for ministry to others in Europe.

Oleg movingly  related how God is providing wide open doors in Russian high schools for the Gospel with evidence. Even while speaking, he was preparing to leave the following morning for another ministry tour of the Ukraine and Russia. In addition, Widdy Bird gave a strong and engaging testimony of a life changed through the ministry of FaithSearch International–and one which is continuing to bear fruit for the Kingdom.

Dr. Don Bierle, president of FaithSearch International, highlighted the recent surge in ministry within the USA, and outlined the ministry’s strategy for continuing to expand its impact for God’s Kingdom. This is a very exciting time for the ministry, as opportunities abound and ministry fruit has never been more evident. Dr. Bierle appealed to guests to consider prayerfully and seriously their role in helping the ministry survive, as we are, he said, “fighting for our financial lives.”

While guests at the benefit were very generous (the event raised nearly $22,000 for the ministry) we still have a long way to go to erase our deficit and balance the budget for the year. Perhaps you could be part of securing the future of FaithSearch International. (You can donate online here, or contact the office [by E-mail, or by phone 952.401.4501] for other creative ways to support the ministry.)

God is blessing our ministry with nearly constant reminders from event participants who are touched by the message of the Gospel with evidence, whose lives are changed for eternity as a result. As we faithfully proclaim the Gospel, He produces fruit for His Kingdom and His glory. To do this, we are dependent on donor support and the faithful prayers of God’s people.

The entire staff and board thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship around the tables as we ate a delicious meal and appreciated the cheerful beauty of spring daffodils, and heard the exciting reports of what God is doing in and through the ministry. The friendship and encouragement of those in attendance is greatly appreciated. As Dr. Bierle said in his presentation, “We need you to stay the course with us so we can continue to proclaim the Gospel with evidence to all peoples everywhere.”