As a Christian who’s in love with horses, I’m always keen to read and hear about equine ministries around the world.  And even more eager to see the day when mine comes to fruition!  Although I still have a lot to learn and achieve before setting up my dream, I’m sure there are people out there with a dream in mind that are ready to start – they’re just lacking the funds.

Now I say ‘just’ because this is an obstacle that can be overcome – and sometimes by others rather than yourself.  On LightFM they’ve been advertising of late the $100,000 giveaway by Mission Travel.

The gist?  “Missiontravel.com.au will be giving away $100,000 to Christian individuals, churches and ministries nationwide. We want to know how you would like to serve God and how a grant could make that happen. The $100,000 is available in $5,000 and $10,000 Overseas Experiences, Bible College Scholarships and Cash Grants.”

“But where do the horses come into it, Christine?” I hear you ask.  Well, if you’re one who has a heart for reaching people through horses and are dreaming of running your own equine ministry, that’s where they come into it!  For those who have the plan but are just lacking the funds to get started, consider applying for the $10,000 or $5,000 grant for a ministry group or individual.

What you’ll need to tell them about if applying for an individual grant:

• What you plan on using the funds for and what you plan to achieve on account of receiving the funds
• How would you ensure that the use of your funds remain sustainable in furthering God’s kingdom?
• Provide a simple budget overview to show how the funds would be used.
• Provide a simple timeline to demonstrate when the grant will be used in each quarter, to be completed by the end of 2011.
• Please share anything else that we should be aware of when considering your application. (250 words or less)

What you’ll need to tell them about if applying for a group ministry grant:

• Describe your organisation.
• Briefly outline the mission and vision of your organisation.
• How would you use this cash grant?
• What are 3 main outcomes you hope to achieve from the funds?
• How would you ensure that the use of your funds remain sustainable in furthering God’s kingdom?
• Provide a simple budget overview to show how the funds would be used.
• Provide a simple timeline to demonstrate when the grant will be used in each quarter, to be completed by the end of 2011.
• Please share anything else that we should be aware of when considering your application. (250 words or less)

Applications close Monday 21st of June.  Perhaps you’re looking at that date and thinking – but I haven’t enough time to document all of that to apply!

Maybe not.  But, have you considered doing it anyway?  The best way to achieve a dream, goal or plan is to document what you need to do and how you’re going to get there.  This is the first year that Mission Travel have offered these funds to kick start other ministries.  I doubt it’ll be the last.

“Forewarned is forearmed” – make sure you’re prepared for another opportunity like this when it comes knocking!

“I used to have money, now I have horses.”

tag: equine ministry, horse goals, travel, christian ministry

“Why yes Christine, I do partake in photography, digital art, painting, drawing or sculpture relating to hroses!” I hear you say.  Perfect!  If you’re looking for a chance to have your work/s seen internationally, then check out the Art Horse Magazine competition:

http://www.arthorsemagazine.com/art_competition.html

Presented by Art Horse Magazine (http://www.arthorsemagazine.com)
Art Horse Magazine announces `Ex Arte Equinus III`, an international equine artcompetition for fine artists and photographers.

The competition is open to Artists/Photographers from all over the world,who can enter up to twelve images showing their best work in the categories of Photography, Digital Art, Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture. This competition will provide equine artists the opportunity to show their work on an international level.

Images of winning artwork will be published in issue #10 of Art Horse Magazine (published March 2010). Winners and selected images will also be published in a book programme about the show.

Entry Deadline is October 30th.
Contact: exarte_director@arthorsemagazine.com

Two months is hopefully enough forewarning to get together some amazing works to submit.  Good luck!

tag: photograpy, digital art, competition, equine art, drawing, sculpture