Inspire, Summer 2009

14 SUMMER 2009 Parents and students might approach fundraisers with reluctance, even dread. Though they are often willing to financially support the school, buying oversized candy bars or yet another cookbook can be tiresome. But Laura (Coffman) Pryor ’84 envisioned a different method for raising money: a school-supported resale store. As the development officer at Jackson Christian Schools (JCS) in Jackson, Michigan, Laura is always looking for innovative ways to increase funding. Several years ago, she presented her fundraising plan for an upscale resale store to JCS administrators. They were very gracious in listening to her idea — and just as gracious in turning her down. In February 2008, her idea was back and refused to be ignored. First, one of Laura’s colleagues brought up the concept out of the blue. Later that day, Laura read a full-page syndicated newspaper article discussing the success of resale businesses across the country. And the next day, a friend called her to donate items for an upcoming auction at JCS — and also mentioned she was about to drive an hour away to donate some household goods. “When I asked her why she was driving that far,” said Laura, “she said the store operated to benefit a school she supported and it was worth the drive.” Needless to say, this was all the confirmation Laura needed to move forward with her idea. Once again she presented her plan to the school administrators, and once again they politely listened. They admitted it was a great proposal, but they were concerned about the logistics of such an enterprise. Overwhelmed by all the details, they were unsure how the plan could be conceptualized and executed. Driving home after her presentation, Laura took a detour and ended up parked in front of a storefront she had been eyeing. Staring at the empty building, Laura started to pray. Her hope grew as she began sensing God’s willingness to bring her idea to life at the right time — His time. Making Cha nges Laura and her husband, Tim ’84, are no strangers to God’s providential work in their lives. For 14 years, Tim taught at JCS while Laura worked her way up to vice president of marketing and public relations for a mid-sized financial institution in Jackson. Though she liked the added income, she felt her job demands strained her role as a mother to their three young children. In 1991, she sensed the Lord moving her to change careers. About the same time, unbeknownst to Tim and Laura, JCS was planning to create a development office, and a school administrator soon approached Laura about the position.“While this was not the direction I would have considered on my own,” she said, “God made it clear this was His plan.” Simultaneous to her starting this new job, Tim accepted a teaching position at a local public school. The reason behind these and other life changes soon became clear. Nine months later, their son, John, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Fortunately, God provided increased Car washes, bake sales, silent auctions — one alum took a fresh approach to these typical school fundraisers. Not Y ou r Average by Mark Kakkuri ’93