Hi, my name is Charles Beene and I'm raising funds for my son, Michael, his wife Tara, and their children Audrey and John.

Michael surrendered to the ministry when he was 17 years old and has actively served in ministry now for over 18 years consecutively. He did part-time youth ministry while in college. Then he and Tara married as soon as they graduated college and immediately headed off to seminary. As with many families in ministry, they have never had much discretionary income.

In the past two years, they have experienced a couple of very trying circumstances. Last year Tara was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This resulted in months of medical appointments, tests, surgery and uncertainty. Thankfully, God brought them through that trial and Tara is now cancer free.

Now they are facing another significant moment of testing. In March of this year, it was discovered that at least 3 different forms of black mold are present in their home. They live in a two-story home and it was originally suspected that the mold was present mainly in the lower level. However, after further testing, it was determined that due to faulty construction, mold is present throughout the home. There were several places where water was able to access the home. The mold grows behind the walls in the sheetrock, and under the flooring wherever moisture is present. It has also infiltrated their air system and has been circulating through the house.

The children have often been sick, and Michael has faced struggles with constant eczema. For years, they thought these things were unrelated. However, the mold test in March has confirmed that these things are all likely related due to the high degree of mold hidden in the home. The mold spores are small enough to penetrate almost all surfaces including the carpet, upholstered furniture, and any other porous surface.

The contractor they have hired has developed a remediation plan that calls for the removal and disposal of all of the flooring, sheetrock, and furniture that cannot be cleaned. As you can imagine, the cost to restore the home and lost furniture is astronomical. Insurance does not cover it.

The church Michael is pastor of is Riverview Baptist Church in Osage Beach, MO. This church family has been such a blessing to Michael and Tara and provided tremendous support in the form of temporary housing, financial support, and assistance with corrective measures to prevent mold from recurring. Even after all that they have done, the best cost estimate to restore everything to its previous condition is over $50,000! Michael has taken out a home equity loan to cover these expenses. They cannot afford this! It will be years of debt that will be paid with money that could be used to provide for other things needed by this family.

I believe God wants to bless them and relieve them of this debt! The immediate family will help, but I know that many people love them and appreciate their ministry and sacrifice for God’s kingdom work. That’s why I have set up this GoFundMe account. If you know Michael and Tara and know of their ministry, please consider helping them with a financial gift to help cover these expenses.

Due to the large amount of money needed in this situation, it will take a mighty work of Christian brothers and sisters giving generously to overcome this loss. Your gift will be such a blessing and encouragement to them as they go through this.

Thank you for your support and for sharing this message with anyone who might be willing to help.