Help Pastor Jared's Family Get Back on the Road

My name is Jonathan Marshall, and I’m raising funds for my friends Jared and Kristen Dunbar, who pastor Tabernacle Baptist Church in Peabody, Massachusetts. I’ve known the Dunbars for many years and they are true servants of the Lord.

They did not ask me to do this, but I am personally compelled to help them in this time of need. My family and I were on the receiving end of the charity of God's people when we experienced our total-loss house fire a couple years ago. We well remember how God strengthened us through their kindness.

Jared’s father pastors the church in Auburn, NY, where Sam Gipp was pastor before he went into evangelism. The Dunbars were called to revitalize a small congregation in Peabody, and their journey has been filled with both blessings and challenges. To support his family while serving the church, Jared recently enrolled in barber school, following in his grandfather’s footsteps as both a barber and preacher. The church helped with tuition, and there’s a shop across the street ready to hire him once he graduates.

This year has brought unexpected hardships for the Dunbars. Jared’s mother passed away just days after he started school, and in June, their family van’s transmission failed. The mechanic said the transmission needed to be replaced, but the repair would cost more than the van is worth. Since then, they’ve been without a reliable family vehicle. With two parents and four kids, being housebound has been tough. Jared uses his late mother’s car for school, but it’s rusted out underneath and not dependable for family needs. When his son needs a ride to his first job, Jared relies on classmates for transportation. The Dunbars have managed to save several thousand dollars toward a newer vehicle, but they need a bit more to purchase a reliable minivan that will last.

The pressure of juggling work, school, church, and family life without dependable transportation has been challenging for the Dunbars. A dependable vehicle would lift some of that stress. They’re hoping to take a short family trip once Jared finishes school, something they haven’t been able to do since February.

Your support will help them get back on the road, serve their church and community, and restore some normalcy to their lives. Thank you for considering their need and praying for wisdom as they search for the right vehicle.

If you'd like to send a check directly to them:

Jared Dunbar

11 Summer St

Peabody, MA 01960

Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: