CANFP~ Path to Stewardship

Stewardship is at the heart of CANFP. We came to be, as an organization, because we saw a need to pull together the tremendous resources we have in our California NFP community, to work together to bring the good news of NFP to all.

Sometimes we get suggestions that “you should do this, or you should do that” and usually the ideas proposed are great! But honestly, there is no “you”. There is only “we”.

We would love to implement every great idea proposed, and we have within our ranks the means to do it. But only if we function as a “we”. Our California NFP community of physicians, teachers, clergy, churches, organizations, couples and families, is a wealthy resource! Our strength lies in our diverse viewpoints, experiences and gifts, and in our collaboration and shared passion to bring the good news to others.

If I measured my progress promoting NFP on the path I personally blazed, I would be discouraged. Seems I am having the same frustrating conversations with the gatekeepers for thirty years. I mean, just how many times can you explain that modern NFP is not the rhythm method, or debate Humane Vitae? (a lot, apparently).

What keeps me from getting discouraged? CANFP!

Without CANFP, I just kept hitting my head against the same old closed doors, trying to force my services on uninterested—sometimes even hostile—institutions. One can only do that so long, without becoming bitter and discouraged.

But with CANFP, it is a 180 degree turn! No longer alone, but working shoulder to shoulder with the best people in the world, we pool our talents and find the open doors. Because while I all alone was stubbornly banging my head against the closed door I THOUGHT should be the path, there was someone standing with their door wide open, seeking exactly what we had to offer, not knowing where to look, but ready to welcome us in. Only through CANFP was I able to see that open door.

I ask you to consider sharing your gifts with CANFP. Perhaps you have been very successful in your area, and that success could be duplicated by colleagues around the state. Perhaps you are a brand new teacher who is struggling to find receptivity to what you are offering. Or perhaps you have been on the front lines of this cause for years, and find yourself on the verge of despair.

Don’t despair, don’t give up, and don’t hide your light under a bushel or keep your gifts to yourself—-share them through CANFP!

For some, that might mean bringing an idea to CANFP, and the offer to implement it. For others, it might mean filling an existing need within CANFP. And for all of us, it must mean providing the finances to equip CANFP to fulfill our mission.

Our door at CANFP is open to welcome you, your gifts, talents and treasures.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. 1 Corinthians 15:10