Frights, Funding, and Future
I’ve decided I’m a busy guy. I’m working part-time at CMF, where I’m currently doing random things such as getting birth certificates authenticated by the Secretary of State so folks can obtain work permits in the countries where they are going to serve. Or, I’m helping people schedule or change flights from all over the world. Sometimes, I’m even shipping printers to the West Coast for folks who are back in the States for furlough. It’s certainly enough to keep me on my toes! Add to that the fact that I’m also trying to complete assignments, schedule trainings, and setup meetings with potential supporters in the afternoons and weekends, and I’m pretty much working full-time.
But, I’m an over-achiever, so working the equivalent of two part-time jobs isn’t enough for me. No, sir. So, for the seventh consecutive year, I’ve committed to helping out at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on select evenings during Haunted House season! By day, I’m doing the work of Jesus, and by night, I’m scaring the bejeezus out of children… Mainly, teenagers… And, only during “Frightening Hours” of course! (I’m not that mean!) The theme this year is “Creepy Carnival,” so I’m essentially dressed up as a Creepy Carney. My job is to “entertain” folks waiting in line – to set the tone for what’s to come further on. And, I’m also around to assist with crowd control if/when the lines get very long. While I am getting paid to do this, my plan is to put any money I make working at the Haunted House toward my Kenya sending fund. So essentially, with every scream, I’m just one step closer to Kenya!
Me as the “Creepy Carney”
While I will always enjoy the world of attractions and entertainment, the work that I’m preparing to do is so much more important. I’m going to serve in Kenya for three years to do what I can to help our partners at Missions of Hope International be able to reach as many children as possible and show them that they are children of God – loved, valued, and important. I’ve seen first hand the difference between the children attending our schools in the Mathare Valley slum, and those who don’t have that opportunity because we simply don’t have the capacity. If we can build that capacity, and work to develop processes and procedures that are scalable, we could be reaching 10 times as many children as we are right now. As it happens, my operational background combined with the past two years I’ve spent leading the Child Sponsorship Team in the home office, I feel as though I may have some unique qualifications that can serve this purpose. And THAT’S why I’m going.
Oh, and also because I will get to see this kid more often…
“David Selfie”
I would absolutely LOVE to talk in more detail about what, exactly, I’ll be doing during my three years in Kenya. Please feel free to contact me anytime – I’d love to drop by, or grab coffee or dinner sometime. You can always reach me at markfirestone@cmfi.org, or give me a call at 317-409-1749. There are exciting things happening, and I’d love talk about how you can get involved!
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