prayer, love and support…
Okay…so here’s what’s going on:
I will be living in Washington, DC starting August 1st. I am going to be living at Ivanwald for about a year or more. I am going to be learning how to be a man that God can use for the rest of my life.
The best way I can describe what I am doing would compare to a 24/7/365 small group. This community is a Spiritual incubator for young men who have been called to a closer walk with God. There are a variety of guys living at Ivanwald from recovering drug addicts to seasoned Spiritual leaders and everyone in-between.
We do a group Bible study a few times a week. All the guys take turns leading the study, and I will also be leading some of the teaching. I will be in the WORD every day, reading, learning, studying and enjoying what God has to say through the scriptures.
I will also do landscaping work at a place that is called, The Cedars. The Cedars is an old plantation house that world leaders and other world leaders stay to find rest and wisdom. Each year 3,000 dignitaries representing scores of nations stay at the Cedars. Each week we will be able to hear world leaders discuss their views, struggles, political views and belief systems. It will be interesting to hear from different people about their different views. Ivanwald also does behind-the-scenes acts of diplomacy. For example in 2001, The Cedars brought together the warring leaders of the Congo and Rwanda for a clandestine meeting which lead to a peace accord. This is just one of the many ways Ivanwald introduces the power of Jesus to national leaders. I hope to become one of these ambassadors of faith.
Some of the area work that I will be doing includes working with the homeless and the people that live in the rougher areas of DC. When I was in DC visiting Ivanwald, they rented out a school guy and hosted a basketball tournament. Over 100 guys showed up to show their skills. So, I will be doing a lot of outreach in DC and surrounding neighborhoods and international work.
Mostly, I am looking forward to what is called a ‘House Meeting’. At House Meetings all the guys in the house come together and talk about the day, as well as point out issues they are having with each other and keep each other accountable. It is a comment that each family member has in the house to help each other grow as a person. I know these meetings will be helpful for me. 24 hour face to face accountability is one of the foundations of the house. This will be a huge growth period for me. I am excited to be surrounded by men of God and living a life with them as we all grow in our Christian journey.
I have a few goals during my next year at Ivanwold:
1. deepen, stretch and stretch my faith in God
2. overcome issues and struggles so I can be the best man I can be
3. make connections here and all around the world
4. test myself physically and emotionally and spiritually
5. learn more about what God has planned for my life
6. find myself
I really wanted you to know what I am doing this next year as well as ask for your prayers and financial support. I am going to be tested n these areas every day. I need help financially because I have to pay rent and food bills each month to Ivanwald. My rent payment each month is $475.00. That includes my living expenses and food. I also will need about $25.00 per month for personal expenses. I am not allowed be employed during my stay there. I will be with the guys and God as much as possible during my stay. They discourage distractions while living there.
If you could pray for me often, I would be truly blessed. If you could commit to sending a tax deductible donation each month, that would also be a tremendous help. If you would like to contribute outside of Ivanwald to my expenses, you can send me a monthly check or a one time check as well.
Donations toward my expenses can be made four ways:
1.
Wes Tatum
c/o Ivanwald
2224 24th Street North
Arlington, VA 22207
The check can be made out directly to The International Foundation for a tax deduction. Be sure to add a note saying it is for Weston Tatum.
2.
Or if you want to send me money directly, you can make the check out to Weston Tatum and send it to:
Wes Tatum
c/o Ivanwald
2224 24th Street North
Arlington, VA 22207
These donations are NOT tax deductible but it will give me some flexibility.
3.
or you can send a check directly to my account via my parents at:
Wes Tatum
4103 Oak Tree Circle
Rochester, MI 48306
The check can be made out to Wes Tatum or Cash for Wes Tatum
These checks are NOT tax deductible but will go directly to my expenses or personal finances.
4.
You can send donations via PayPal by using your PayPal account, or charge card by clicking on the link below and send the amount you want. In the message section make sure to add it is a donation for Wes Tatum:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=tatumstudios%40yahoo%2ecom&item_name=Support%20Wes%20Tatum&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8
Thanks so much for your careful and heartfelt consideration in this life changing situation.
Remember the truth and forget the lies…
Wes
