Fees for MWLTC

We believe that Mid-West Leadership Training for Christ offers a unique experience for many students and congregations in a large area.  Last year we asked for a special contribution from the attendees and the need was generously met in a total contribution of $1,500 to help a shortfall due to rising expenses.

Having written that, we find ourselves at the place of addressing fees so that we can continue to have MWLTC for the foreseeable future. Special requests for funds are an undesirable last option.  The economy isn't friendly to a lot of people and congregations these days - and it's very unfriendly to LTC as well. A few things to bear in mind.

• MWLTC is run completely by volunteers. Every effort is volunteer in nature - and we have some volunteers that give heart, mind, soul and an unbelievable amount of time just because they love Christ's kids.
• MWLTC fees mostly go to provide plaques & plates, t -shirts, minimal convention space, legal fees, postage, providing the youth devotional, opportunities to connect with church leadership, etc.
• MWLTC is able to have the convention in the hotel due to a special Easter weekend rate that off sets convention costs by numbers of rooms rented for the weekend. This is a common arrangement among the other LTC's as well. Most folks are looking to cut back - and so hotel space seems natural to cut - however, MWLTC is feeling the pinch. Note: if we had MWLTC on a non-Easter weekend we estimate we would have to triple if not quadruple the student fee just to provide the convention space. We believe we are being very responsible in managing the trust of MWLTC participants and observers.

I strongly believe there is incalculable MWLTC benefit to participating students, observers, and the many people volunteer to help MWLTC operate. Our congregation has benefited every year. We have chosen to avoid adding fees to the "observers" at MWLTC because

• observers tend to be family or church family of students participating
• or they are folks who are learning about MWLTC for their congregation
• and many are part of the army of volunteers needed every year for MWLTC to do its job
• and observers do not receive awards, etc.

Participants, however, do receive the primary benefit of our efforts. So, we are raising the student fee for MWLTC to $40 per student which we think will be sufficient to meet the need for this time.

The Lord provides as He promised. This is first and foremost a work for Christ. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at  rustym@centerandpark.org

Mid-West Leadership Training for Christ