September 29, 2020
Dear friends of Standing Together,
Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” For almost 20 years now, as the President of Standing Together, this verse has guided me through seasons of financial abundance as well as seasons of drought and scarcity. The promise of this verse has always meant to me that God will supply the resources needed to fund this ministry for as long as He desires for it to exist here in Utah.
As we face our sixth month of dealing with the Coronavirus in our nation, I have to share with you that our ministry finances have slowed to a serious degree! As we head into October and the last three months of 2020, we are over $10,000.00 behind in a very scaled back and lean 2020 budget, which has been reduced already by nearly $30,000.00. Our financial deficit also includes a $11,750 PPP government loan/grant that we thankfully received last spring. We were blessed with an incredible year end giving response from our partners as we began 2020, but several months this year have been particularly lean. Candidly, as we look to next March and our 20th Anniversary of advancing biblical unity and spiritual transformation here in Utah, if we don’t see a turn around and a solid fourth quarter of giving, I’m not sure how Standing Together will be able to continue much past our 20th anniversary date.
So, would you be able to help us reduce or eliminate this financial shortfall during this challenging time? I am trusting God, as I always have, and believing in His provision through friends and partners during this faith stretching hour. If you know me and regularly read our quarterly update letters, you will know that they do not often share an urgent financial need. First, if our financial goals are basically met, I just don’t share any particular concerns in our letter, and second, it is just not much fun to have to be so vulnerable and transparent about our ministry’s financial situation when things are not going well.
Even though our finances our tight right now, we are still engaged in active ministry. As we move into October and Pastor’s Appreciation Month, we are hosting a special, Day in the Word with Dr. Craig Blomberg of Denver Seminary on October 21st. We are also having a special meeting with Governor Gary Herbert on October 1st, who will be honoring a group of senior Utah evangelical leaders associated with Standing Together for our assistance to our state government during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is exciting and such an amazing example of the work of unity and the witness that Standing Together seeks to advance between the Body of Christ in Utah and our state government leadership. I’ve also been honored to support a local pastor by filling his pulpit over the last month to provide him a much needed ministry break.
Additionally, our Building Bridges with Greg Johnson, podcast with Dr. George Wood of the Assemblies of God and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has already been viewed by over 1,500 people in less than two weeks. This is a large number of views for us and it suggests an incredible impact for which we had prayed and hoped! You can check it on our Standing Together YouTube Channel or on Spotify or iTunes.
As I close, may I simply share again that our financial needs right now are serious.
However, please also know that I am trusting God to guide and provide according to His plans for this ministry and for our family’s provision. I know He has a perfect plan for this work and whatever that is, I am confident that He will take care of the Johnson’s one way or another! He is a good, good Father and His grace is sufficient!
With love and blessings to all of you! Greg
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