...IT'S ALSO ABOUT HOW HARD YOU CAN GET HIT & GET BACK UP AGAIN...
...RISE.
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2017 was full of HARD HITS:
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<> One of our best private groups which had reserved 6 GTD events for 2017 went bankrupt.
> Estimated loss to GTD = $40,000+
> Our summer calendar vacant & unfillable
<> One of our major events under performed which resulted in a loss of $20,000 potential income.
<> What was projected to be our first ever break-out year financially with a large enough surplus to pay off all debts became a year of survival.
<> We had our lowest numbers of volunteers ever. Many events run by only 1 or 2 people (we need 5).
<> Laurie experienced 12 months of health issues, burnout, & personal exhaustion. This led to 7 months of 60+ hour work weeks for me and my own personal exhaustion.
<> Laurie & I broke off their wedding plans and focused on recovery & renewed strength.
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BUT that's not the end of the story...
God REDEEMED the year!
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<> Our record breaking banquet at the end of 2016 prepared us for the hard hits... $65k raised!!
<> We had $10,000 built up in our "rough year" savings account for a year like this.
<> We had one of our best spring retreat seasons ever!
<> We ran our 1st PERFECT mission trip in Jan!
<> We ran our 1st Spanish Immersion Trip & 1st Colorado Trip.
<> We had GREAT spiritual impact on each event!
<> The openings in our calendar allowed us to conquer a lot of admin work that piles up during travels.
<> We hired my 14 year old nephew Carson as our summer ministry assistant.
<> We already have a very frugal budget, but I was been able to shave off more monthly savings such as reducing our office phone bill to $5/mth, our internet bill to $45/mth, and more!
<> Laurie & I are actively recovering well and making all types of small & big wise adjustments to prevent future exhaustion and burnout.
It's hard to beat someone who doesn't give up. We don't give up. We don't give in. We press on like our Savior. We're not done yet. We've got so much more still to achieve!
IT'S NOT HOW YOU START THAT COUNTS; IT'S HOW YOU FINISH! WE'RE FINISHING 2017 STRONG!
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF MINISTRY!
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OUR THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S BANQUET IS: RISE
Come enjoy a delectable dinner and unforgettable night as GTD celebrates 21 years of ministry!
<> DEC 4, 2017 (Mon night) / 6:30p-9:00p
<> CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (formerly Largo Cultural Center)
<> CATERED BY CARRABBA'S
<> Banquet Link: http://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet.html
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