Creative Scribble

One of the "joys" of marriage has been being exposed to all of the reality shows on the Learning Channel about people with a litter of kids and the daily life of raising such a large family (the quotes around joys definitely implies sarcasm!). The one that seems to be filling up our DVR these days is a show about the Dugger family who has 18 kids. The dad is a very wise money manager and his mantra is "Buy used and save the difference."

As we have been making our first purchases for OneLife Church and getting quotes on the equipment we hope to buy, we have found that we are actually following the Dugger's advice. So far we have purchased a pro-grade sound system that no church in our position would ever be able to purchase brand new. But thanks to Tyler's hard work, we have found an entire sound system that is used but in top-notch shape. As such, we will pay the same for this slightly used pro-system that we would have paid for a new entry-level system.

...

Similarly, we have just entered into an agreement with a church in Texas to purchase an entire "portable church" system from them. Just one year ago they purchased a 24’ trailer, storage cases, projector, screen, a smaller sound system, pre-school/nursery toys and equipment, children’s equipment, and hospitality needs. It is all practically new because of the short time they used it all. Had we purchased the exact same system brand new, we would have paid nearly $60,000. By God leading us to this opportunity, we will be saving $25,000 right off the top!

Once again this is reminding me that God is in complete control. We are going to be blessed with top-of-the-line church planting equipment while only having to pay about 1/2 price of what we would normally have to pay. And even though we are still short on our fundraising goals to make this happen, I trust that God is going to provide since we are trying our best to be faithful in the small things.

Mr. Dugger is right! You really can buy used and save the difference.