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Oh, John! This has so blessed my heart! I appreciate you so much! I appreciate that you have given of yourself in every way to keep us "on the air". And now you are seeing some positive rewards which you deserve. I give appreciation applause to Jesus because He is obviously touching the hearts of others to give which in turn is a huge encouragement for all of us who love CBC. I am very happy and excited for this wonderful news and want you to know that I consider it an honor to be a small part of this precious community of unseen faces with warm hearts of wisdom, generosity and love. Way to go John! Thank you Jesus!
Debbie
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Posted 04/24/2009 01:46am
Author: fairhaven7
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As one who is mighty proud to be among the 16, all I can say is a hearty and complete "AMEN" to all John wrote. Years ago the ministry I was in had a phrase which paraphrased the whole outreach plan; each one win one. If each of us 16 could win just one other person to become a contributor (whether $1 or $100) logic dictates the amount coming in next month would increase if not to $1300 at least to the point where the huge backlog could start being paid off.
Many of us have written blogs and left numerous comments on this subject the past month and look what happened! All many of us are trying to do is generate enthusiasm within the community to give back to something which has been a huge blessing to so many hearts. John makes it so simple to donate I don't see any reason anyone with a desire and heart to give couldn't. With all the payment options, including sending a check, anyone who feels like honestly saying "thank you" for what this site has done for them certainly has an easy way to do it.
I am extremely passionate about this subject for truly only John knows the extent of my "investment" in this site. I am not ashamed of this nor do I have any regrets other than not being able to give more. My entire life I have tried to give back to people and groups which have deeply influenced, helped or blessed my life. Without question and with no reservations I can say that this site has done more for my spiritual growth and development of relationships than any other thing in my life other than 2 years in Bible School.
May I be so bold as to suggest that we set the standard higher and shoot for $1,000 in May? If 16 can reach $651, then with a few more willing and giving hearts we should be able to reach a much more honest goal for a site such as this. My goodness, if 32 people each gave only $31.25 that would be $1,000 right there.
John, on behalf of a grateful community, THANK YOU. Thank you for sticking with this vision in spite of the cost. Truly I believe most of us here honestly do believe God is getting ready to bless you back big time for all you have given in developing this site and making it better and better. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this place and my daily prayer is that God will so reward you for all you have done you will have all that is needed to do whatever else the Lord places on your heart to do. Thank you brother for all you have done and do for us by providing this site!!
B2Y
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Posted 04/24/2009 04:21am
Author: blessings2you
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I have been rejoicing! If you say you love something, you will find a way to support it. You don't have the means? Well, you ask God to provide for you in other ways so how about asking God to provide so that you can bless a place which has blessed you?
I'm glad you shared the story about the person who sends in a monthly check for $1.00. That should inspire us and I pray they are truly blessed beyond measure! You know, I love the story of the feeding of the 5,000 because to me it says that God doesn't view any gift as too small. Jesus took that small gift (the boy didn't have to give it to him you know), blessed it and multiplied it.
I think B2Y's suggestion is a good one. I think it is important for us to be challenged and raise the bar.
Thank you, John for listening to God rather than everyone else. I honestly don't know how I would have made it last year if it wouldn't be for CB and it is my prayer that God will enable me to bless CB (and you) as I have been blessed.
Father-God, thank you for your provision and I pray that you pour out your blessings upon the givers and make provision for those who desire to give. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings!
K 
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Posted 04/24/2009 04:45am
Author: kreynolds
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John, I have gotten my feet wet here at CB, now it is time for me to make a decision to jump in or perhaps wade in a little further. I would like to suggest that you ask a selection of the non-premium members what it would take for them to commint to the $10 per month membership.
If you select a group of those who log in on a daily/weekly basis, you will likely have a decent amount to survey. It should be a private inquiry in order to allow them to speak freely on why they have or haven't become a member and if they would or, at the present time, will not consider becoming a member. I for one would love to candidly share my thoughts with you.
The point I'm trying to make is this: There are likely a few dozen people who are on the fence in regards to becoming a member, I am one. I believe if those fence-riders, those in the valley of decision, are given an opportunity to discuss their positions on taking the plunge or not, you might be able to provide the necessary insight that will help them make a decision.
Imagine if out of the 100-125 "regulars" who log in consistently, 10 decided to become members. What if out of the 10,269, 100 of them started logging in on a daily/weekly basis. I believe a private survey, carefully crafted, would possibly induce action. Again, I am pondering the thought of becoming a member, and I sporadically access the site. How many utilize the site more than I (or even less than I do) who may be thinking about becoming members but just aren't sure or haven't made the decision for one reason or another?
I believe there would be a few who would come down from the fence and become members.
Berean Jim
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Posted 04/24/2009 04:50am
Author: bereanjim
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The first time I wrote my piddly $3.00 check, I felt embarrassed as I dropped it in the mailbox. The next month, when I did it again, I felt encouraged that even though it was a "mite", it was becoming part of my tithing routine. This month, as I do it, I feel blessed in the knowledge that this amount will grow over time, as I become more and more financially secure ... and no, this security is not a tangible thing, but a faith based assurance. I KNOW in my heart that God is continuing to bless my efforts as I continue to bless the ministry efforts of others. It's a terribly small amount of money, but it is money I originally thought I couldn't spare at all ... and in stepping out on faith and just doing it, I've realized that I never missed those teeny weeny little mites. This shows me that I can continue to do it ... and that I can enlarge that gift, in time. Why? Because God always gives back to us, several times over, a gift that truly comes from a pinched budget and a faithful heart. I'd like to encourage those who may not be giving anything because they think what they have to give is not enough. The embarrassment passes, and the peace that at least you are trying to do something replaces it.
Thanks for this inspiring message, John, and for not throwing in the towel. I love it here and cannot imagine how I would get along without my daily visit to CB.
God bless!
YSIC, Mona
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Posted 04/24/2009 08:17am
Author: ilovehimso
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Humm bereanjim a survey on what it would take to get those who visit CB regularly to become members- humm that sounds like an idea John -and you are good at doing surveys.
Lovey thank you so much for sharing -- I have considered sending just a little each month but it seemed so little -you have made a great point -if we each send our little --it soon becomes alot! I think I need to join you in that leap of faith and just sit back and see what God does with it.
CB has been a blessing and a lifeline to me, I certainly can't put a price on it value in my life and I truly do not want to loose it!
John you are a Blessing and we do love you dearly.
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Posted 04/24/2009 09:14am
Author: poodlelady
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I'd like to suggest that everyone always take a moment and pray over their gift before sending it. Thank God for providing it for you to give so that you may bless in return. Offer it up to God and ask Him to bless and multiply it. You will find yourself blessed in ways money could never buy!
And you're right Poo, no gift is too small or insignificant. A lot of littles add up to a lot...besides, I have a sneaking suspicion that you treasure the pictures from "little artists" as well as their hugs and kisses far more than you would some expensive piece of art...because the one is a personal gift of love. I believe God is the same way...He doesn't look at the amount...He looks at the heart! 
Blessings!
K
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Posted 04/24/2009 09:56am
Author: kreynolds
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Poodlelady, if there is a small percentage of the roughly 10,300 non-premium (non-paying) "members" of this site that might give if John was to inquire and find out what might possibly motivate them to become paying members, then I believe it is worth looking into.
Perhaps some people are not fully comfortable at CB and if they have some reservations and are allowed to have them addressed by John (who, I believe, everyone here respects), then why not? What if 100 or so extra people decided to become premium members, or just to send in what they can or decide to contribute? Besides, would it not be a benefit to CB to know more about what people feel about supporting the site? Marketing works!
So, you can sit back on your faith if you desire. I simply offered a suggestion. Oh, by the way, I've already vowed to send a donation by May first.
BJ
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Posted 04/24/2009 05:31pm
Author: bereanjim
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That does not seem like a very nice thing to say... or something said in a way that came off in a very unnice manner unintentionally.
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Posted 04/24/2009 08:04pm
Author: abelajohnb
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People will become members when first,
God puts it in their hearts to do so
and second
when they feel like part of the community.
When new joiner feel welcome they will find a way to join financially.
The latter part is up to us to help make new joiners feel welcome and a part of things.
Just my thoughts.
Great months for CB John! And there IS more blessing for ChristianBlog coming. 
KraftyKatz
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Posted 04/25/2009 07:27am
Author: kraftykatz
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I just want to say that it was me that introduced a blog where I asked everyone to join me in prayer for this early quarter for C-B. The Lord laid that on my heart. And I don't know who heeded my message, but I recieved only one written by a faithful brother, who he knows who is and abela John to thanked us for our prayer in March. And I like to say that God will not inspire anyone to write blogs to take care of what you need to hear. God says that if anyone will not work with C-B and neither will he or she eat of what is offered here.
I encourage you to test my words on this. I'm still working on the kindness of who ever paid my Premier Membership and I know for certain that most of what best cut of my understanding is catered to meet the necesity of this special anynimous giver. And I and God are still in session, studying the bible day and night to bring the best blogs to this special person(s). So don't be mocked what you sow you'll reap. I advice you not to test God. I try to say this as kindly as possible. But do the test for yourself if you don't work you will put
your wealth in bags with holes. Bible. May you be blessed. Amen.
thbg
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Posted 04/25/2009 08:47pm
Author: tohimbeglory
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John
I was reading Bereanjim's comment and it does describe my situation a bit. I only really contribute once a week because of my work commitments usually writing a blog. I don't get to login every day like some folks and I don't read very many blogs and I make few comments. It seems like premier membership is taking on more responsibility for the momentum of CBs and I don't think I could do that at present. When I retire it might be different.
PS Is it possible to donate from the UK?'
PPS Is it possible to donate and be anonymous? I noticed on the chatroom that someone was labelled 'donator'!
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Posted 04/26/2009 09:17am
Author: 4micah68
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Yes, and yes.
If you do not have a typical credit card used here in the usa (visa,mastercard, american express, etc etc) and you do not have a paypal account, you can also send a check. It is all documented on the donation page of our website.
As for the anonymous issue, yes. after you donate send a message to myself asking that your donator status be removed for anonymity purposes.
Also I very much understand there is not a need for a large majority of our members to become premier members. That is why we have a donation option for those who still desire to bless-back.
Thanks,
John B. Abela
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Posted 04/26/2009 04:56pm
Author: abelajohnb
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I was a fence-sitter from October 2008 to March 2009 just watching and occasionally adding my 1 cent worth of comments. What triggered my move to join CB as Premier member in April 2009?
1. I found CB bloggers who are "quite" like-minded. I say "quite" because I may not agree with all that is expressed here in faith doctrines or practice. Even so, I believe there are more of "quite" like-minded here than in other blogs.
2. I enjoy some of the "cut and thrust" that takes place "in love" and have learnt different perspectives of several topics discussed not just currently but have also benefitted from the archived blogs which I recommend newbies to look at which could change long-held views more toward's God's perspective
3. I like John's ombudsman role - he says "stop" when he has to to maintain "civility" with good intent (just my British colonial heritage and auditor background))
4. I have learnt more about the great USA and what " its Christian people "indulge" in. These people are like the people I met on a six-week Trailways promotional solo bus strip from San Francisco to Florida to New York many years ago which I undertook without travel plan in hand- not so bad I dare say - very interesting and not coloured by journalist's perspectives.
...and the reason that pushed me over the fence was the tremendous outpouring of support (prayer for B2Y's health, encouragement for Alight for the CB Communion service, and playful and lighthearted bantering for Christian Blog festival) which I witnessed first-hand... ...
5. There is a "love" that flows between bloggers which not many outside CB network can understand - prayer support, open sharing of personal issues, encouragement, just being loving humans (it seemed without personal agenda - too naive? to be ascertained) - and from the blogs of some like B2Y and kreynolds - there is a loving, caring community here which I pray will be maintained and grow in the years to come.
6. It is really a very reasonable price to join - for me, it is reasonable to be free-loader(no intention of being disrespectful to those who cannot afford and who are I believe most welcome here always ) for a season, but not for always with a good conscience for those who can afford to pay the small sum of subscription to maintain this blog for the good of all.
In conclusion, I must say keep it up John, you have a good thing going here
and for those fence-sitters - just JOIN US TODAY - it is a worthwhile expense - in fact you will get as much as you give...and more.
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Posted 04/30/2009 11:36pm
Author: ptl2008
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Log Into Chatroom 
We will do our part.
