Visionathon 2008 – $500,000 TARGET EXCEEDED!

WOW! We are so grateful to God and to our many faithful listeners who got behind us to help us exceed our target of $500,000!

Thanks to everyone who generously donated, all those who upheld us in prayer, and each one of the wonderful team of volunteers who gave us their time to help on our phones. It is an absolute privilege to have the support of so many people throughout Australia.

This is another one of those times when you God has allowed us to witness something so totally amazing that it can only be His handiwork.

How it happened

There was nothing particularly special about the target amount of $500,000. It wasn’t for a special project or purchase. It was simply the amount we calculated we would need to continue to do what we feel called to do, for the remainder of this financial year. In Luke 14:28, Jesus said “for which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it”. We’ve done that and calculated that we would need $500,000.

So on Thursday November 13, with a huge mountain to climb, we stepped out together in faith to slay this giant.

64 hours of Visionathon later, we had arrived at $382,176 in pledges and donations from 1,280 people - and although short of our $500,000 target we were still rejoicing and giving thanks to God for this result.

Right from the start we knew that whatever the result, God would provide. And He did! Early in the week, we received a call from one generous friend to tell us he would increase his donation by $80,000 - in addition to his earlier gift of over $35,000!

This gentleman (who wishes to remain anonymous) also asked if he could share something from his heart. He believed there were still supporters who could, as he has, give to a higher level. He believes that if people are to be impacted by Christ, then individuals and businesses need to take seriously their investment in ministries like UCB where the testimonies bear witness to the eternal fruit they are producing.

This is a great challenge to us all from a gentleman who has heard and positively answered a very testing call on his own life. As we aired this message in the days following Visionathon more people responded to his challenge, some even pledging a second gift.

So this man’s generous obedience along with all our other gifts over the course of Visionathon and the extra donations we have received as a result of this man’s challenge means we have received donations and pledges exceeding our target!

Many years ago King David wrote what we refer to as the 23rd Psalm and it well represents the depth of our gratitude to our Lord for His grace and mercy.
Jehovah is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.

If you made a pledge, cheques should be made to UCB Australia and sent as soon as you can to: Visionathon, Locked Bag 3, Springwood QLD 4127

If you have any questions please phone our team on 1800 00 7770 during office hours (8.30am – 5pm QLD time) or contact us using the form below.

Once again, THANK YOU!