But today, I’d like to talk specifically about Teen Mania’s latest fundraising tools. The first is a series of emails attempting to capitalize on the tragic death of Austin Anderson in a plane crash earlier this year. The campaign is presumptuously titled, “Austin’s Dream.” Here is one of the recent emails they’ve sent out:
Dear Friend,You know of the unspeakable tragedy on May 11th. It has become a part of our story and the earth-shattering heartbreak we have experienced through the past several months.Only God could redeem something this heartbreaking. And He’s doing it.These four wonderful young men lost their lives serving their Lord and Teen Mania. They are heroes to us. And right now we’re working hard to honor their sacrifice and their memory by carrying on the work they were so passionate about.Austin Anderson was the former Marine and Iraq veteran who, with scorched lungs and burns over 90 percent of his body, managed to assist my daughter Hannah as together they walked through a field to a nearby gravel road to get help. His strength and courage are an example to us all and he will always have a unique place in my heart.I want to share a Divine calling and a dream Austin was committed to even as he stepped foot on this campus.Austin’s DreamThis 27-year old had only recently come to work at Teen Mania as our Marketing Operations Director. At his funeral, a family member called it “his dream career”.A few weeks after the tragedy, we all learned a little more about Austin’s dreams and goals.In his last written words on his office whiteboard, his goal for Teen Mania in the coming year was a God-given vision for the ministry that had captured his soldier-heart.Tragically, he and three fellow gospel warriors died in the line of duty before they could accomplish that mission. That’s where you and I come in. We can redeem their sacrifice. We can Honor Austin’s Dream and see it fulfilled in 2013!The more young people we can get to these ATF events, the more lives we’ll see transformed, the more miracles we’ll see happen, the more lives we’ll see changed with a renewed passion for God and many will hear and answer a call to a life of ministry.Would you consider reaching a teen for Christ through our Acquire the Fire event with a donation of $49 or 3 teens for $147 this year? Or you could sponsor a youth group of 10 teens to attend an ATF near them with your gift of $490?Here is the video of this year’s ATF theme, Relentless Pursuit.As I said, only God can redeem something as heartbreaking as the loss we’ve experienced. Please don’t let this note be put aside without praying and asking God how you fit into this great dream to see lasting fruit of transformed lives.Consumed by the Call,
I also find it distasteful to turn them into martyrs that “died in the line of fire.” They weren’t shot down or tortured by heathens. They were in a transportation accident. Let’s not pretend its something different than what it was.
And lastly, if they truly did die in the service of Teen Mania as Ron claims, did Teen Mania compensate their families accordingly? What workman’s compensation or insurance was provided to the families? My bet is $0. You can’t have it both ways.
What do you think about this form of fundraising? Is this tacky and exploitative or am I off base?
