Christian Halbert's Soul Care Tuition Fund

Family, friends, and kind souls,

My name is Christian Halbert. Counseling has become a passion that the Lord has put on my heart over the last several years. To develop in this area, I wish to pursue a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. Due to current circumstances, fundraising will be a key component in making this a reality. 

Here is my story...

I'm an international student who has been living, studying, and (partially) working in the United States. In 2019, I graduated with my MDiv (woot!) and continued working at two jobs: one as a Program Aide at a Christian homeless addiction center, and also as an administrative assistant at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—my alma mater.

My time at the recovery center has been very rewarding, but it has also whetted my appetite for something more. The challenge and heartbreak of working with men who are battling addiction, overcoming past trauma, and trying to find stability in their lives has made me want to seek extra training in counseling. I want this because 1) I've come to see the tremendous necessity that counseling plays in the work of a pastor, 2) I have so loved helping non-Christians/seekers through Christian counseling and desire to do more of that, 3) Some seasons of ministry offer limited income. If I were to get involved with church planting, struggling churches, or even overseas ministry, this professional training could offer me employment options that would support and complement my ministry. 

That's why, based on the counsel and encouragement of people close to me, I decided to apply to Campbellsville University for their Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy program. This would set me up to pursue state licensure--which is transferable to Canada--and could lead me to get involved in Christian soul care and biblical counseling. This degree offers a professional education (60 credit hours) and training (500 supervised practicum hours) to help equip me for Christian counseling inside and outside the church. This means I'll be given hands-on opportunities to grow in my ability to counsel Christ to people while studying! 

Today, I'm reaching out to you to ask for your help because I can see that if I want to do this, I will need more support than I've needed in the past. 


How Can You Help Me?

Due to the effects of COVID-19, international students are being encouraged to fundraise their education. Personally, I lost one of my jobs and have been impeded in my attempts to get Unemployment Insurance. My remaining part-time job covers my monthly expenses, but I've not been able to save enough for this degree. Would you be willing to help me fund my education and my training? 

Here are some details about the program costs I need help with: 

Tuition -> $399 x 60 credit hours = $23,940
Tech Fees -> $75 x 10 terms (about 5 semesters) = $750

Total -> $24,690

The length of the program will be about 1.5 years (approx. 20 months). To cover the costs, I would need 30 people to commit to paying $42.64/month starting August 1st, 2020--about as affordable as a sponsoring a child monthly. If you'd prefer to donate this amount all at once, you could instead give $847.17. That would go a long way to helping me reach my goal. 

But let me be clear: I have no desire to pressure anyone into giving a specific amount--or anything at all--if that is not their wish. These are trying circumstances, and all of us have been affected by it. And while God does ask us all to give generously at various times, he is clear that "each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). So give as you are so moved. Otherwise, I am very grateful for all of you and what each of you has meant to me over the years, from the nearest to the farthest of friends. If you can give anything to my campaign, I would very grateful. Take some time to pray about it. 

If you would like to become a monthly supporter, please contact me on the website, social media, or by any other means! Also, please share my campaign with friends you think might be interested. I will aim to post updates on my progress--the first being in August--and on the work that I'm doing. For those who would like more details, I've included answers to some anticipated questions below. 

Your support won't just offer me an education, but an opportunity to receive and provide counseling to thirsty souls. 

With utmost gratitude,
-Christian #called2counsel




Some questions you may have...


1) Tell me more about your financial situation? 

With much thanks owed to the Lord and my parents, I graduated debt-free. My parents paid for my undergrad, and I used my school savings and some parental support to pay for my MDiv. At one point, I was financially stable enough to give quite significantly towards my church and in sponsoring a child overseas. It was important to me to not put giving on hold just because I was a student. I still do this, but I've scaled back because my financial situation is very different now.

As an international student, my visa greatly limits employment options. However, I may be able to apply for a CPT (Curricular Practical Training)—a permit that would enable me to work full-time at a job related to my field. This could allow me to work more hours or find a higher paying job. The current limitations may make this a challenge, but If blessed in this way, I would be able to personally contribute to my tuition goal. 

2) Can you get a loan, scholarships, or grants? 

Loans -> For internationals to get loans, they need an American cosigner. While I have many American friends who are eager to help, this would be a commitment beyond their ability.

Scholarships/Grants -> The school offers only loans for grad students, so I will be applying for outside scholarships and grants. These out-of-school awards will be more competitive, but I’ll do my best to minimize the costs of this program.

Fundraising remains my most viable option. Once I lock down enough monthly support, I will try to minimize costs through extra fundraising efforts. 


3) How much of the money goes to you? And what's the math behind $42.64/month and the one-time $847.17 payment?

If I received $41.15/month from 30 donors, I would have enough to pay for the program. I'm asking for $42.64/month from 30 donors because GoFundMe has a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee for each donation made. But this means if donors were to give all their monthly support at once, they will spend a little less on the transaction fee (the difference is about $24.17, or $823 without the transaction fee). Any unlisted costs—textbooks, supervision fees, conferences, etc.—I hope to cover personally.


4) Why not study back home in Canada? 

In a word: Opportunity. Louisville is a counseling hub that attracts many people that want to become better Christian counselors. I am also thankful for the opportunity to participate in my church’s lay-counseling program under a notable Christian psychologist. I am being trained, given opportunities to counsel when needed, and am working towards certification as a biblical counselor. Likewise, the on-the-job training prospects during and just after the degree are better stateside. 


5) Can I send money to you outside of GoFundMe?

Yes, absolutely! If you send it outside of GoFundMe, I would only need $41.15/month. This link best describes the safest and most affordable options to send money domestically (for Americans) or internationally (Canadians, etc.). These donations will be added toward the overall campaign goal on the website.