TCM - Training Christians for Ministry

 
Donor Profile: Sharon Boudreau 

 

What about TCM compelled you to become involved as a donor and volunteer?

In 2003 my church decided to partner with TCM. After I learned more about TCM, its unique approach to missions impressed me. This led me to be the first to sign up for the initial team scheduled to go serve at Haus Edelweiss in 2005. Then in 2004, I answered an urgent call to fill in for a Short Term Worker at the last minute. I was welcomed with open arms and immediately felt at home with my new church family. It was overwhelming to be the recipient of all the love and gratitude for performing simple acts of cleaning and serving at mealtimes. I was hooked! Each year as I continue to serve as a Short Term Worker those bonds have been strengthened. The staff and several students I've met are now truly my friends. Over the years I have fallen in love with Haus Edelweiss, TCM, and the people involved.

Most importantly I love what TCM stands for and especially how they go about their work so efficiently. We are here to spread the Word. TCM achieves maximum benefit by training church leaders from foreign countries then sending them home equipped to teach their congregations, plant churches and go forth to perform missionary work in Muslim areas.

What do you believe you have received through your involvement with TCM?

The blessings I have received are far more than I have given or could ever have imagined. The staff members at Haus Edelweiss are excellent role models. I have become a better servant. I am inspired by the hard working students. The Holy Spirit flourishes at the Haus urging me to be a better person - kinder, more helpful and patient. Working in the tranquil lush setting of the Vienna Woods is a real bonus providing opportunities to connect with God and nature. For a chocoholic, getting paid in chocolate is a dream come true!


Perhaps more important to me is that my involvement has forced me to think more about wants versus needs. Consequently I was convicted to donate literally truckloads of stuff to charities.

The way that TCM squeezes the most out of their resources has made a real impact on me as well. Working at the Haus really gives you a practical lesson in stewardship. There is tremendous satisfaction knowing my donations to TCM are put to good use and not squandered. Everyone from Tony Twist on down tells me they truly appreciate my involvement in a heartfelt manner. I am not simply a faceless donor; they care about me as a person. That sets TCM apart from other nonprofit organizations.


Helping to further God's Kingdom is what we are commanded to do. But the best thing I've received is the love and friendship from my brothers and sisters in Christ through TCM.

How do TCM’s vision and values align with your personal values?

Growing up my family stressed financial responsibility. Getting the most "bang for my buck" has been a way of life for me. TCM's way of squeezing every dollar for maximum cost effectiveness is admirable. It was a "no brainer" to help in any way I can. Becoming a donor is a natural progression so that this passion of mine can help TCM continue to grow and flourish enabling God's light to shine in Muslim and other dark areas of the world. The Bible tells us to be good stewards. I believe we could all learn some valuable lessons from TCM’s way of operating.

Why was including TCM in your estate plan important to you?

I have a passion for Haus Edelweiss, TCM and their mission. Haus Edelweiss is truly my favorite place on earth. To see it thrive and expand gives me tremendous satisfaction. Having TCM continue way beyond my time here on earth is important to me. I want to ensure that happens by doing my part by including TCM in my estate plan. It’s just that simple.

What do you hope others could experience through their involvement with TCM?

I tell everyone I meet about TCM and urge them to get involved with Haus Edelweiss. For a mission trip it can’t be beat. We work with the most dedicated servants in an incredibly beautiful setting that is filled with the Holy Spirit. What’s not to love?!?

Everyone there is working toward the same goal; to spread the Word to every corner of the world. Everyone should volunteer at the Haus at least once. It’s an incredible blessing. We work hard but we have fun too. Toss in a bit of travel to Vienna and some fun excursions (maybe a castle or river cruise!) and it’s irresistible. The chocolate and desserts down at the monastery are a nice bonus too…. We enjoy comfortable accommodations, Sunny’s delicious food and beautiful scenery.

In addition, learning about foreign cultures and making new friends has always been important to me too. I get the entire package all rolled into one with incredible blessings besides. I would suffer withdrawal if I could not go every year. In my opinion, there simply is no better mission trip than this.


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TCM | PO Box 24560 | Indianapolis, IN 46224 | (317) 299-0333


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