The Recession Takes Its Toll at OBE
Greetings from one of the “behind the scenes” people on Rip’s support team at OBE. I met Rip through my husband Don, who volunteers with Kairos Prison Ministries at WSR/Monroe. As they tell people, Rip and Don literally “met in prison”. As they got to know each other, Rip shared his vision and ministry at OBE with Don & me.
Don now goes in with Rip once a month to assist with the OBE Sunday worship services, in addition to his duties with Kairos. For a few years now, I’ve been assisting Rip with some administrative details at the ministry.
The current recession has wreaked havoc with everyone’s financial situation—and OBE is no different. Contributions this year have been far below half the amount donated at this point last year. Several of OBE’s contributors have lost their jobs; others have had severe cutbacks in their wages.
I’m writing here to let you know that this ministry runs on less than a shoestring. Rip is grateful for a donated a used printer, and private contributions that pay for administrative costs.
To adjust to the decreasing income, Rip & Cathy are in the process of refinancing their house, which will reduce their mortgage payment each month. But this will not come close to make up for the income OBE has failed to receive.
Sadly, all of this happens at a time when Rip’s effectiveness with the inmates is at an all-time high, while the Department of Corrections resources are at an alltime low. WSR needs a ministry like OBE to do pastoral counseling, which is not available from paid staff. The inmates need hospital visits, which no one else is providing. And it needs a Protestant church service on Sunday morning, again which no one else is providing.
We know things are hard everywhere. But if God lays it on your heart to help financially at this time, it will be put to good use.
Meanwhile, please keep the inmates, OBE and Rip in your prayers. Rip has just lost a great brother-in-Christ at WSR due to transfer. This man will die in prison, but his spirit is free because of his deep faith in Jesus. He was a great encourager to Rip, and Rip feels his absence dearly.
Linda Whittlesey