Take advantage of three matches - $1,832,500 could become $3,665,000 for God’s Kingdom

Several generous OC donors have announced their willingness to double funds given to the organization. Deadlines are September 30^th and December 31^st, 2008. We are grateful for your prayerful consideration of these matches and for partnering with us to advance Christian leaders who in turn strengthen the worldwide Church. We pray that together we will glorify God in His world.

Match #1 – With your help, the Middle East and North Africa could receive more than $2.5 million OC has been challenged to raise $1,252,500 before the end of 2008 for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).  Every dollar raised will be matched to support several strategic projects, strengthening evangelical training centers in the MENA region. The MENA region presents a complex and ever-changing picture of Christianity. Despite the growing influence of other religions, strong and ancient communities of Christians exist throughout the region. Some areas are seeing declines while others suggest Christianity is growing. Expanded leadership training opportunities for the Arabic-speaking Christian Church are vitally important. MENA Strategic Match Projects Middle East Think Tank, bringing together regional leaders for critical strategy Arabic Christian Literature Development Middle East TEACH Leadership Project, Christian satellite-based training Campus Development at Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), West Bank, and Program for Theological Education by Extension (PTEE), Jordan Educational Resources at Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), West Bank; Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS), Lebanon; Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC), Egypt; and Program for Theological Education by Extension (PTEE), Jordan

Match #2 – Imagine more than $1 million dollars in scholarships
OC is pleased to announce that every scholarship-designated contribution given to OC through the end of 2008, up to $505,000 total, will be matched dollar for dollar. OC’s Vice President of Advancement El Ahlwardt noted, “Just imagine the almost incredible relief and encouragement this scholarship money will provide around the world to students as they passionately pursue God and then graduate to serve with new vision and increased integrity and competence…That is exponential impact for the future!"

More than $258,000 for scholarships has been raised in recent months. Every dollar has been matched. 35,000 students attend classes at OC's partner seminaries. The average annual education cost is $1,200 a year. Ahlwardt says, “$100 a month…a couple of dollars a day. Recently, folks have begun to note that’s less than a gallon of gas.”

 

Match #3 – Unique Ecuador match offers scholarships and campus development
Funds given to support student scholarships at OC partner seminary SEMISUD in Ecuador will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $75,000, to complete the construction of the campus’ Center of Latin American Studies (with a focus on Urban Missions and Social Development). This match will lead to both the facility being completed for student use and more student scholarships being funded. Construction on the center began in 2005. It can be completed with this additional gift. The match period ends September 30, 2008. Thank you to those donors who have already given $23,792 toward this match.

 

Please prayerfully consider these unique giving opportunities and your participation in them. Gifts can be made online, by mail or by phone. Donors are also encouraged to determine if their contributions may qualify for matching gifts provided by their employers. Contact OC today if you would like to multiply your investment!