Budget
I was talking with my pastor today and
he suggested that I help clarify the costs and when I would need it.
While I would like to have the money up
front, due to the time constraints that is not possible. Also, some
people don't have the money to give up all at once. So what can also
be done is to pledge to give a certain amount monthly, this lets the
church and I know how much to expect as time moves on. You can pledge
how much you are going to give each month, either from now until
April or now until July.
This is a chart of the estimated daily
costs provided to me by the missionary. I also included my monthly
bills at home. The first line is for the first three months while I
am in Kobe helping teach English. I will have an apartment provided
to me which is within walking distance from the school/church I am
serving. The second line is for the second three months while I am
serving with the IMB missionary in Osaka. This time I will be in a
different part of the city and need to provide for my own housing and
public transportation fees.
|
Food |
Housing |
Transport |
Daily |
30-Day |
Monthly Bills |
Month total |
90 Day Total |
|
$30.00 |
(Provided) |
(Walking) |
$30.00 |
$900.00 |
$250.00 |
$1,150.00 |
$3,450.00 |
|
$30.00 |
$40.00 |
$15.00 |
$85.00 |
$2,550.00 |
$250.00 |
$2,800.00 |
$8,400.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180 Day Total |
$11,850.00 |
This is a budget trip estimate, it does
not cover miscellaneous items like toiletries, laundry (if not
available where I stay), entertainment like going out to Karaoke, or
tourist activities which may cost money (as much as I would save
staying in the apartment with my free time, even I need to get out
every once and a while). I am estimating another 10% which brings the
overall total up to $13,000.
In addition, as a part of the second
portion of the trip, I will be taking a short outing to Seoul, South
Korea. Based on the prices for airfare and hotel that I am seeing
plus the food estimate, this little side trip will be approximately
$1,000 and brings the total up to $14,000.
One of the things about this budget is
that it is an estimate. I'm already looking at some options for the
Seoul trip that could cut the price by a third or more. I've looked
into some options for food that could keep me well under the $30/day
budget. Looking at options for housing, the estimate is for
$1,200/month and some of the options I am looking at are less, plus
there is a chance that I will get a roommate and cut that price in
half. So I am taking measures to be as efficient with the money given
as I can be.
Also, this money is going towards
ministry. While I could spend the whole trip squeezing every yen, I
do not want to find myself in a situation of turning down a chance to
build relationships and witness because I can't afford to go out that
night. I do not wish to eat expensive sushi every night, but I would
rather be available to do that so I could share Christ with those who
invited me. Ultimately, I would like to have enough left over at the
end of the trip to pay back Pastor Taniguchi for the airfare
assistance and to provide a little extra financial support to the
ministries in Kobe and Osaka.
In the end, I trust God to provide as
far as he wants me to go. I ask that you continue to pray for me and
give as you can.
In addition to my PayPal and my church, I have also started a
GoFundMe. I will try to keep it up to date with receipts from the
Church and my PayPal so you can see how much has been raised.
(but feel free to continue giving if the goal is reached or passed)
Thank you and God bless,
Carl
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