(e)mergent Voyageurs

Just over three months ago, I share with you all my vision for creating a missional third space in our neighbourhood here in Winnipeg, “The Dusty Cover”. (See both posts Part 1 & Part 2) The Dusty Cover will be a small used bookstore designed to encourage community (i.e. comfy seating, free coffee, low prices, etc.). In addition to being a safe and welcoming public space, where relationship will be developed, the space will also be used to serve the community through various projects, like reading programs, the Urban Seminary (see Parts 1, 2 & 3), perhaps even (in time) a church plant.

Since August we have been collecting books, studying the used book market and feeling out the community. While we still need at least 3000 more books donated before we open our doors, we are off to a great start. However, in order for us to see this exciting venture take off and remain sustained, we are going to need to see a support system set up. Already, many people have stepped forward offering to serve as regular volunteers in the store, which is amazing. That is going to be one of the biggest challenges we face, so we are off to a great start.

In order to maintain the low cost of the products, the complimentary coffee, materials for the programs, etc., having a financial support team is also going to be essential. One of the strengths of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is its decentralized organizational structure held together by a relational network of support and accountability. As a result, however, we do not have the financial backing of the larger organization that you might find in a denominational church plant or other similar project. All of our programs (as well as all of us as staff) must raise every dollar through the support of family and friends.

To that end, we are excited to introduce an initiative that will not only help launch The Dusty Cover successfully, but also sustain it through out its ministry- The 50/50 Campaign. Through it we are seeking to raise 50 individuals and/or groups to partner with us by committing to support this project for $50 a month for at least one year. These tax deductible donations will used to acquire and subsidize products, furniture, coffee, program materials, facility rental, community development, etc. Whether you are willing to personally get behind this as an individual (or family) or a church group or even a collection of friends pooling your money, we want to ask you to prayerfully consider being a part of the 50/50 team.

We will be tracking the progress at The Dusty Cover blog using the book chart (see below). For every time someone takes on one of the 50 slots, we will symbolize it by replacing a closed book with the open book logo. We know this is a big challenge, but we are confident God will bring the right people who want to get behind this. So, given it some thought and prayer, talk it over with some friends, and give us call. Help get the word out. Whether it is to hear more details, offer up some encouragement or to sign on, we’d love to hear from you.

Should you decide to join up, please make your cheque or money order payable to Youth With A Mission and include a separate note saying “YWAM Urban Ministries Book Project”.  Send cheques to our Donor Office (see below info). If you are interested in giving on a monthly basis you can send in post-dated cheques or use our pre-authorized payment method. If you are interested in receiving a pre-authorized payment agreement form please email or call our donor office with your name and address.

They send out income tax receipts to donors monthly or annually.

Donor Services
PO Box 57100
2480 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5K 5G6
CANADA
Ph: 604.436.4433 Fx: 604.436.4466
Email: donorservices@shaw.ca

P.S. Money isn’t the only way you can help. We are still in need of many more books for the store, keep ‘em coming.

Emerging Church, Missional, Books, Third Space