Rev. Paul's independence fund
Donation protected
Why I Set Up This Account
Hello, my name is Rev. Paul J. Bern, and I'm a long-time Atlanta resident and a well-known Web minister, evangelist, and blogger on The Progressive Christian Blog (on Wordpress and Blogger). I also currently serve as a volunteer church musician at Atlanta's Prayer of Faith Church of God in Christ in West Atlanta near downtown. I'm disabled, retired for a variety of medical problems such as being a pacemaker wearer, a stroke survivor, having seizures, and PTSD. I've played the piano all my life, playing keyboards is like second nature to me. I currently have written enough contemporary Christian songs for two entire albums, plus enough smooth jazz and classic rock arrangements to record at least two more. Unfortunately, I have no way to record them because I lack the software and musical equipment I would need to complete this major production. What I want to do is to use my knowledge of computers and electronics (I'm a retired technology worker with 22 years under my belt), combined with my musical skills, to set up a modest sized recording studio on my computer (yes, that can be done). Since I no longer drive, I need to be able to work from home, so this is a perfect fit for me.
But there is more to this than simply asking for money. Although I'm disabled, I'm still a fairly vigorous 60 year old male. So at this point in my life, retirement isn't for me. Besides, I refuse to waste my time watching TV. Moreover, I find myself in the unenviable position of having to depend on a monthly check from the federal government for my sustenance – a federal government that I don't care for or trust. Instead of all that, I want to be financially independent again. I want to make my own way by selling the nonfiction books and songs I write on the Internet instead of depending on the government for a handout. I've self-published three books so far, but I haven't sold nearly enough copies to be profitable. I'm starting on a fourth one as I write this, so I'm trying really hard to get back to where I was. But this time around I'm going to need some help.
My current digital piano is very old and in need of repair, and my 5 year old computer does not have sufficient memory, storage or processing power for this project. So, I must replace the keyboard and upgrade the computer (a new computer would be nice too, but I don't want to seem greedy :-) ). It would be helpful if I could get a used amp too, but that's optional. The breakdown of the cost is as follows:
[1] Keyboard – Korg Krome 88 key music workstation, can be bought on Amazon for $1649.99 (or its equivalent in some other equally good brand, such as Kurzweil or Yamaha)
[2] Desktop computer upgrade (8GB memory and a core quad processor for my PC's motherboard, 2TB hard drive, as priced on Amazon) – $125.00 for all
[3] Software – Avid Pro Tools 12 $199.95 (or its equivalent)
Total amount requested – $1974.94
Anyone who would prefer to donate any part of the equipment (especially the piano) instead of money is welcome to do so. Like I wrote above, this is a lot more than simply asking for money. Anyone wishing to donate either the piano, the software, an up-to-date desktop workstation (just the box, thanks) or even a spare amplifier should contact me directly so I can give you the shipping address. Thanks so much!
Hello, my name is Rev. Paul J. Bern, and I'm a long-time Atlanta resident and a well-known Web minister, evangelist, and blogger on The Progressive Christian Blog (on Wordpress and Blogger). I also currently serve as a volunteer church musician at Atlanta's Prayer of Faith Church of God in Christ in West Atlanta near downtown. I'm disabled, retired for a variety of medical problems such as being a pacemaker wearer, a stroke survivor, having seizures, and PTSD. I've played the piano all my life, playing keyboards is like second nature to me. I currently have written enough contemporary Christian songs for two entire albums, plus enough smooth jazz and classic rock arrangements to record at least two more. Unfortunately, I have no way to record them because I lack the software and musical equipment I would need to complete this major production. What I want to do is to use my knowledge of computers and electronics (I'm a retired technology worker with 22 years under my belt), combined with my musical skills, to set up a modest sized recording studio on my computer (yes, that can be done). Since I no longer drive, I need to be able to work from home, so this is a perfect fit for me.
But there is more to this than simply asking for money. Although I'm disabled, I'm still a fairly vigorous 60 year old male. So at this point in my life, retirement isn't for me. Besides, I refuse to waste my time watching TV. Moreover, I find myself in the unenviable position of having to depend on a monthly check from the federal government for my sustenance – a federal government that I don't care for or trust. Instead of all that, I want to be financially independent again. I want to make my own way by selling the nonfiction books and songs I write on the Internet instead of depending on the government for a handout. I've self-published three books so far, but I haven't sold nearly enough copies to be profitable. I'm starting on a fourth one as I write this, so I'm trying really hard to get back to where I was. But this time around I'm going to need some help.
My current digital piano is very old and in need of repair, and my 5 year old computer does not have sufficient memory, storage or processing power for this project. So, I must replace the keyboard and upgrade the computer (a new computer would be nice too, but I don't want to seem greedy :-) ). It would be helpful if I could get a used amp too, but that's optional. The breakdown of the cost is as follows:
[1] Keyboard – Korg Krome 88 key music workstation, can be bought on Amazon for $1649.99 (or its equivalent in some other equally good brand, such as Kurzweil or Yamaha)
[2] Desktop computer upgrade (8GB memory and a core quad processor for my PC's motherboard, 2TB hard drive, as priced on Amazon) – $125.00 for all
[3] Software – Avid Pro Tools 12 $199.95 (or its equivalent)
Total amount requested – $1974.94
Anyone who would prefer to donate any part of the equipment (especially the piano) instead of money is welcome to do so. Like I wrote above, this is a lot more than simply asking for money. Anyone wishing to donate either the piano, the software, an up-to-date desktop workstation (just the box, thanks) or even a spare amplifier should contact me directly so I can give you the shipping address. Thanks so much!
Organizer
Paul J Bern
Organizer
Atlanta, GA