Too Much Fundraising Going On?
Dear Friends,
It recently came to my attention that a former update (3/6/06) on recent fundraising ideas for Matthew and the Kurz family has received a comment that, well, questions the necessity or the propriety of fundraisers for more than just medical expenses. I want to take a moment and respond to that comment in general, and then to the specific statements in the comment.
First, let me say that this "blog" site has been established for the regular and frequent updates on Matthew's condition, needs, and recovery. We also want this site to communicate needs of the family so that you, the readers--the family and friends of the Kurz family--can pray for them and do what you can to support and aid them in this time of great need.
With that in mind, the second general thing I want to say is this: the Matthew Kurz blog is not intended for debate in which some try to influence or persuade others to their point of view, whatever it may be. Other blog sites may excel in that, and that's great for their purposes. The purpose of this blog site, however, is simply to disseminate information so that good, supportive people can pray for Matthew and the Kurz family and decide for themselves how to help them.
So, while most comments (all but one, as far as I know) have been very supportive of and encouraging to the Kurz family, I must give this gentle warning: If more comments are posted that try to spark debate on what's going on with the Kurz family, or that question the motives of the Kurz family, or that attempt to dissuade people from their very supportive and charitable actions toward the Kurz family, I will give serious thought to locking out the comments in general. I do not want to do this, because most of the comments have been so very supportive of the Matthew and the Kurz family, and the family has truly been comforted by them. However, if it comes to this--that some try to spark debate on or question something relative to the Kurz family--I will close out the comments in order to protect my dear family members. Please do not view this as harsh or vengeful; I will only do it if I see that Matthew and his family need to their honor and reputation better protected.
Now to some specific reactions to specific statements of the 3/6/06 comment.
There is some concern about the perception of seeking fund raisers for the family to be able to build a new home.
The only "perception" that we should be "concerned about" should be that many people are doing a wonderful job of supporting and coming to the aid of the Kurz family. The fact of the matter is that a new home is and will be one of their essential needs.
In the event that Matthew no longer needs the handicapped home, what do they plan to do with the house then especially when the community gave their money for this home. Would they offer it to the next family that might be faced with this type of crisis in the community?
This seems to be a most uncharitable way to look at the situation! As far as I know, a new home for the Kurz family would not be a "handicapped home" (whatever that may be), but a home that is more accessible for Matthew in his new and future condition. If people in the community donate money, land, etc. for a new home for the Kurz family, let them do so charitably, that is, expecting absolutely nothing in return and with no strings whatsoever attached. Charity does not work like a landlord charging rent or looking for the next tenant. Charity simply gives with no thought of return. And if some don't want to give to such a home, so be it; they don't have to.
Also, if some other family in the community "might be faced with this type of crisis" in the future, then let the community band together again and build yet another home. That would be the wonderful and charitable thing to do for that family, and it would greatly improve the community, both in morale and in property value.
Shouldn't one wait and see how Matthew progresses before they jump the gun and get a new home just because they may want or need one now?
Dear Sir or Madam, the Kurz family is not jumping the gun! The medical personnel have already told them that Matthew will certainly go home in a wheelchair. The house in which they currently live--and I know it well since I've been there many times--cannot possibly handle a wheelchair. Even if a ramp were to be built to allow a wheelchair into the house, the inside of the house could never be modified enough to allow for Matthew even to get to the bathroom.
Whatever lies behind the comment, "just because they may want or need one now," I suggest that you keep it in check and keep it to yourself! These are obviously exceptional circumstances, and this comment borders on impugning the motives of the Kurz family in this time of great need.
I think fund raisers for medical expenses is a tremendous blessing. Asking for a new home may just be over stepping things.
Dear Sir or Madam, you may choose to limit your charity and your support for the Kurz family, but just because you want to do that does not mean that others should. To reiterate, the Kurz family is not merely "asking for a new home," they absolutely need a new home. Please do not try to stifle the generosity of others!
Isn't our God good and merciful and doesn't he always provide what we need even though our thoughts may be different? Doesn't He know our needs even before we request them?
Yes, our God is good and merciful, and He is providing marvelously for the Kurz family through the generosity of many. If you have different thoughts about how far to extend your own charity, so be it. Our gracious and merciful Triune God is seeing fit to spur many on to support the Kurz family, to pray for them, and, as they are able, to give generously for all the needs that the Kurz family now must face. Please don't try to limit the generosity of others in the community!
The request for land and money for a down payment has definitely brought up many thoughts and discussions.
And if those "thoughts and discussions" have been critical of the Kurz family in any way, then they are truly out of line and need to be stopped in their tracks. Let me urge and encourage everyone involved to defend the Kurz family, speak well of them, and explain everything in the kindest way (put the best construction on things).
I believe God has everything worked out for His good and His glory. All praise will go to Him. He is so good!
Yes, God is so good, but questioning the motives of the Kurz family and trying to limit the charity of others who choose to help them out is not good at all. What will truly work for God's glory is to see so many gracious and supportive people give generously not only to the medical expenses, but also to the immediate and dire need of a new home (with no "community strings" attached), as well as to the longer term needs of education and ongoing care and rehabilitation.
May God continue to bless the Kurz family with plenty of family and friends who want to give generously and without thought of return or conditions!
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
Randy Asburry
Matthew's Godfather
It recently came to my attention that a former update (3/6/06) on recent fundraising ideas for Matthew and the Kurz family has received a comment that, well, questions the necessity or the propriety of fundraisers for more than just medical expenses. I want to take a moment and respond to that comment in general, and then to the specific statements in the comment.
First, let me say that this "blog" site has been established for the regular and frequent updates on Matthew's condition, needs, and recovery. We also want this site to communicate needs of the family so that you, the readers--the family and friends of the Kurz family--can pray for them and do what you can to support and aid them in this time of great need.
With that in mind, the second general thing I want to say is this: the Matthew Kurz blog is not intended for debate in which some try to influence or persuade others to their point of view, whatever it may be. Other blog sites may excel in that, and that's great for their purposes. The purpose of this blog site, however, is simply to disseminate information so that good, supportive people can pray for Matthew and the Kurz family and decide for themselves how to help them.
So, while most comments (all but one, as far as I know) have been very supportive of and encouraging to the Kurz family, I must give this gentle warning: If more comments are posted that try to spark debate on what's going on with the Kurz family, or that question the motives of the Kurz family, or that attempt to dissuade people from their very supportive and charitable actions toward the Kurz family, I will give serious thought to locking out the comments in general. I do not want to do this, because most of the comments have been so very supportive of the Matthew and the Kurz family, and the family has truly been comforted by them. However, if it comes to this--that some try to spark debate on or question something relative to the Kurz family--I will close out the comments in order to protect my dear family members. Please do not view this as harsh or vengeful; I will only do it if I see that Matthew and his family need to their honor and reputation better protected.
Now to some specific reactions to specific statements of the 3/6/06 comment.
There is some concern about the perception of seeking fund raisers for the family to be able to build a new home.
The only "perception" that we should be "concerned about" should be that many people are doing a wonderful job of supporting and coming to the aid of the Kurz family. The fact of the matter is that a new home is and will be one of their essential needs.
In the event that Matthew no longer needs the handicapped home, what do they plan to do with the house then especially when the community gave their money for this home. Would they offer it to the next family that might be faced with this type of crisis in the community?
This seems to be a most uncharitable way to look at the situation! As far as I know, a new home for the Kurz family would not be a "handicapped home" (whatever that may be), but a home that is more accessible for Matthew in his new and future condition. If people in the community donate money, land, etc. for a new home for the Kurz family, let them do so charitably, that is, expecting absolutely nothing in return and with no strings whatsoever attached. Charity does not work like a landlord charging rent or looking for the next tenant. Charity simply gives with no thought of return. And if some don't want to give to such a home, so be it; they don't have to.
Also, if some other family in the community "might be faced with this type of crisis" in the future, then let the community band together again and build yet another home. That would be the wonderful and charitable thing to do for that family, and it would greatly improve the community, both in morale and in property value.
Shouldn't one wait and see how Matthew progresses before they jump the gun and get a new home just because they may want or need one now?
Dear Sir or Madam, the Kurz family is not jumping the gun! The medical personnel have already told them that Matthew will certainly go home in a wheelchair. The house in which they currently live--and I know it well since I've been there many times--cannot possibly handle a wheelchair. Even if a ramp were to be built to allow a wheelchair into the house, the inside of the house could never be modified enough to allow for Matthew even to get to the bathroom.
Whatever lies behind the comment, "just because they may want or need one now," I suggest that you keep it in check and keep it to yourself! These are obviously exceptional circumstances, and this comment borders on impugning the motives of the Kurz family in this time of great need.
I think fund raisers for medical expenses is a tremendous blessing. Asking for a new home may just be over stepping things.
Dear Sir or Madam, you may choose to limit your charity and your support for the Kurz family, but just because you want to do that does not mean that others should. To reiterate, the Kurz family is not merely "asking for a new home," they absolutely need a new home. Please do not try to stifle the generosity of others!
Isn't our God good and merciful and doesn't he always provide what we need even though our thoughts may be different? Doesn't He know our needs even before we request them?
Yes, our God is good and merciful, and He is providing marvelously for the Kurz family through the generosity of many. If you have different thoughts about how far to extend your own charity, so be it. Our gracious and merciful Triune God is seeing fit to spur many on to support the Kurz family, to pray for them, and, as they are able, to give generously for all the needs that the Kurz family now must face. Please don't try to limit the generosity of others in the community!
The request for land and money for a down payment has definitely brought up many thoughts and discussions.
And if those "thoughts and discussions" have been critical of the Kurz family in any way, then they are truly out of line and need to be stopped in their tracks. Let me urge and encourage everyone involved to defend the Kurz family, speak well of them, and explain everything in the kindest way (put the best construction on things).
I believe God has everything worked out for His good and His glory. All praise will go to Him. He is so good!
Yes, God is so good, but questioning the motives of the Kurz family and trying to limit the charity of others who choose to help them out is not good at all. What will truly work for God's glory is to see so many gracious and supportive people give generously not only to the medical expenses, but also to the immediate and dire need of a new home (with no "community strings" attached), as well as to the longer term needs of education and ongoing care and rehabilitation.
May God continue to bless the Kurz family with plenty of family and friends who want to give generously and without thought of return or conditions!
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
Randy Asburry
Matthew's Godfather
posted by Randy Asburry @ 8:13 AM
13 Comments:
At 3:07 PM,
Anonymous said…
Thank you Pastor Asburry for your fine response to the referenced comment.
I had been so pleased to see the positive comments made prior to that one comment and was very disheartened when I read that comment. I had been trying to cool off and think of way to articulate my disapproval of that kind of behavior, especially anonymously.
You said all I could have wanted to say, thanks again.
We can all remember that "God loves a cheerfuly giver" and that which we cannot do cheerfully ought not to be done--and never should we constrain others from their desire to cheerfully give.
In Christ Jesus
Cheryl Fish
At 6:16 PM,
Anonymous said…
Rev. Asburry and Rachael..
God bless you both..and the Kurz family....i'm hoping my love all the way from ohio reaches all of you tonight...as i continue to pray for Matthew's recovery..most sincerely, mrs.lithebe xoxoxoxox
At 7:46 PM,
Anonymous said…
I agree with everything you posted today. When i read that comment i was also disheartened and upset.
thank you for these updates aswell.
God bless matthew and the kurz family.
At 8:18 PM,
Anonymous said…
that comment was uncalled for and that person should keep their opinions to themselves.
i was upset and angered after reading that comment.
you said everything that i would have said.
thank you so much for these updates.
I will pray for matthew and the kurz family.
God's blessing.
At 8:40 AM,
Anonymous said…
great job, mrs.lithebe with your upbeat and honest comments and the wonderful updates re: the kurz family
At 11:16 AM,
Anonymous said…
To God be all the glory for using people of all ways of thinking to encourage us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Kurz' family. However each of us are led to respond to the needs that we are aware of, praise God that He alone works in the hearts of the faithful.
Keep praying and praising our precious Lord for his provisions for Matthew and his family.
At 11:24 AM,
Anonymous said…
However funds are raised, or whatever the needs are, Our Redeemer , Marshall
is grateful that God has lead us to be kneeling with the Kurz' family in prayer support and responding
to the financial concerns as each is led by the heart of Jesus.
Please continue to be encouraged and uplifted each day by the mercy and grace of God as He holds Matthew and each of your family in His healing and loving hands.
At 11:46 AM,
Anonymous said…
Dear Asburry family,
I want to thank you for all that you are both doing to keep us updated on Matthew’s condition and also that of his family. It is truly a blessing to be able to receive these frequent and informative narratives.
Having said that, I would like to share some of my thoughts concerning the response to the 3/6/06 update. I hope that these comments are taken in the spirit intended, which is not to criticize but to share some of my personal thoughts.
I have, and will continue to, support the Kurz family though my donations at the various fund raisers that have been held, and that will be held in the future. I truly empathize with their situation. I also firmly believe that all who know them and even those who don’t know them personally but have heard about this tragic accident have the deepest compassion for the entire family. Again, I want to emphasize that I will do everything I can in support of the Kurz family, but financially, I truly believe that it will be very hard for the congregations and the community to raise the amount of funds that are needed to build a brand new home for the family. I am certainly not saying that it should not be done; just that it is probably not feasible to count on being able to raise the amount of funds needed for an undertaking of this magnitude. I do not presume to speak for anyone but myself and my family, but it is my personal feeling that most members of both congregations and the community are in the same financial situation as myself—that is, willing to generously support the Kurz family to the best of our ability but just do not have the resources, financial or otherwise, to commit to a project of this size. I am not, have not, and will not “question their motives” but just want to share my thoughts on this issue. I have and will continue to “give generously and without thought of return and conditions” as the Lord enables me, as, I am sure, will all those who know and care about the Kurz family. I’m sure that no one would “try to limit the generosity of others in the community”. To be accused of this is simply not true and certainly not fair.
I think that everyone who is a resident of the Cole Camp community and members and fellow believers of the two congregations are richly blessed with a caring, supportive “extended family” who can always be counted on to give of their time and talents to help those in need, no matter how big or small that need may be. This has certainly been the case with Matthew and his family and I pray that it will continue to be so. Only our good and gracious God knows what the future holds for Matthew and his family, or for any of us for that matter. We have trust that His good and perfect will be done for Matthew and for all of us who know and care about the family.
As you stated in your post, this comment is not meant to be harsh or vengeful, nor is it meant to debate anything that has been said. I just felt that I wanted to share what I personally feel about this issue. I, too, do not want to see this blog turned into a huge debate, but I do feel that it is only right for anyone to be able to express an opinion in a positive manner. I hope that as a result of this response, you do not feel that you can no longer allow comments to be posted. However, I respect your right and ability to do what you feel is best for the good of all concerned. Please let me emphasize again that I do not mean to criticize anyone for their opinions, but am sharing my personal thoughts on this issue.
I believe that all who know about this situation will continue to pray for a resolution that is acceptable to all and also that in all things, the Lord’s will be done.
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
At 9:27 PM,
Randy Asburry said…
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for clarifying your comment from 3/6/06. I'm sure that other readers are also comforted that you were not being critical of the Kurz' motives in seeking a new home due to Matthew's new and future condition.
Having said that, I think it is wise simply to let the many people who love and pray for Matthew and the Kurz family decide for themselves how best to donate for a much-needed home. If some people are not able to donate much, so be it. However, other people may be able to give quite generously. In addition, you never know what the whole community, both in the Cole Camp area and from other communities, can accomplish when they set their minds and their energies to it (God's people can do pretty amazing things that way, you know, when they get their minds off of themselves, and put them on God and their neighbor).
Please don't set your sights, or let others set their sights, too low. The statement from the Apostle James comes to mind: "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2). As you keep confessing, our God is truly a great God. So let's ask Him to spark a generous giving campaign for the Kurz family. Let's ask Him to provide the funds necessary for property and a new home. Maybe He is giving the community and the congregations (whichever ones you're talking about) a perfect opportunity to dig deeply into their pockets and bank accounts and give money for someone else's need.
After all, it is *God's money* to begin with (see Ps. 24:1), and He merely loans it to us so that we can manage it to His honor and glory and for the benefit of our neighbor. That's why God loves the cheerful and sacrificial givers. In addition, they are imitating Him who came to lay down His life--give all!--for us.
So let's not put the brakes on people's giving before we even get out of the starting gate.
Randy Asburry
At 7:13 AM,
Anonymous said…
I do want to clarify, I wrote the comment on 3/12/06, the one prior to your comment on 3/12, but I did not write the post from 3/6/06, but was giving my opinion on it
At 1:07 PM,
Anonymous said…
Praise God for His blessings on the
Kurz family. Thanks to Pastor Asburry for his comments on God's
generosity and the generosity that
His people should have. We need
to all remember that His Word says
that "God is not the author of confusion". We'll continue to
pray for Mathew and his family.
At 12:55 PM,
Anonymous said…
Pastor & Mrs. Asburry,
Thank you for continuing to maintain the updates on Matthew. We continue to keep Matthew, Pastor and Brenda, and the boys in our prayers here, and will continue to do all we can to help them.
Vickie Fritzges
St. Edward, NE
At 12:40 PM,
Anonymous said…
I just want to send my appologies. I did not mean to cause any negative thoughts or feelings when I expressed my concerns. That was not my intention. My prayers continue to be with the Kurz'.
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