Support the Kellys in Scotland- PhD Logos Inst.
Donation protected
Thank you for visiting the Kelly’s gofundme.com campaign. We appreciate you taking the time to listen to our story and acquaint yourself with our vision to relocate to Scotland for Jon's PhD at the Logos Institute. We invite you to partner with us in contributing to Jon's research and our family’s flourishing at the University of St. Andrews between January 2020–2024. Our campaign has an initial target of $44,000. Please consider making a donation and sharing our campaign today! Thank you for your support!
*2021 Update: We made it to St Andrews in January 2020! 2020 was an unexpected year for us in a foreign land with increased challenges to research and personal life... as it was for ALL! We look forward to a brighter 2021 in St. Andrews. We are greatly encouraged by your continued support!
Our Story...
Five years ago we sold our possessions and left our small Colorado town in an RV and headed for California in hopes of greater horizons. We didn't know what to expect or the events that would follow, but we loaded up our two year old and set off down the road. We knew we wanted to be close to Jon's mom in southern CA for a time. We also knew Jon had a desire to pursue his Masters degree and further his biblical education toward church ministry or academic teaching.
As we camped out on the beach in Oceanside, an opportunity arose for Jon to attend one of the best Christian philosophy programs in the country. So, we sold our RV and headed to Orange County to attend Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. At the same time, Alisa received an awesome opportunity to work as a nurse at UCI Medical Center, a cutting edge research hospital.
Now, two kids and five years later, after finishing his Masters and presenting papers at Christian philosophy conferences, another "unexpected" opportunity has arose. Jon has been invited to pursue his PhD at the newly founded Logos Institute among leading scholars in philosophical theology. This is a dream opportunity for Jon! But, this dream comes with a catch...
This is where I say, "HELP!" We need your help to get us to Scotland! We know this may sound like going to the moon, but we believe a big dream can take wings with your help! Please help "Send the Kellys to Scotland!"
Why Scotland? Why St. Andrews?—The Logos Institute!
The University of St. Andrews is currently ranked no. 2 and 3 to Cambridge and Oxford by leading UK polls. The Logos Institute was founded in 2016 as an interdisciplinary center for analytic philosophy and exegetical theology. It is a cutting edge hub for world renown scholars like: Oliver Crisp, Michael Rea, C. Stephen Evans, Tom McCall, Eleonore Stump, Alan Torrance, N.T. Wright, Peter van Inwagen, and more.
When a colleague first told me about the Institute and I viewed the faculty page I was amazed at the "all-star cast" and I said in my heart, "This is the place to be!" Fast forward a year, I now have an invitation to join the Institute... This is an incredible opportunity! Hence, the answer to "Why Scotland?" is simple—it's the Logos Institute!
Video credit: Alex Shaw, Logos Institute website. See here for a video on Why Do a PhD at the Logos Institute.
See below for more info. on the Kelly family, our vision, and how you can contribute...
Introduction to Jon and the Kelly Family:
Alisa and I, Jon, have been married for 12 years and have lived an adventurous life pursuing Christ in Colorado, Hawaii, the San Juan Islands, and most recently Orange County, California. Along the way we’ve been blessed to add Olivia (8 yrs) and Jane (4 yrs) to the Kelly clan!
Why I (Jon) am Qualified:
I am excited to continue to grow as a philosopher and a theologian and to advance the discussion on the transformation of human persons. I earned highest honors in both my BA in Religion and my MA in Philosophy of Religion from Biola University. Currently, I have been presenting papers relevant to my project at the Evangelical Philosophical Society (EPS) and the Society of Christian Philosophers (SCP). These presentations have provided a testing ground for me personally and my project. Over the past year of prayer and listening to our greater community, Alisa and I have come to believe that relocating to St. Andrews is the next step for our family and we believe the Logos Institute is the best place for me. Thank you for believing in us and partnering with us in our journey!
How You Can Contribute: Financial Tiers 1, 2, 3, and Prayer
Tier 1: $44,000 for Visa Application
We have set an initial goal of raising $44,000 by our target date for visa applications on October 27, 2019. Tier 1 covers the necessary UK gov costs for our family of four to relocate to the UK. It includes visas ($1,768), health surcharge fees ($6,858), and maintenance money requirements for one year ($34,919).
Tier 2: $51,000 for Total Relocation (Tiers 1 & 2)
Tier 2 covers other necessary relocation costs including plane tickets ($3,160), shipping charges ($1,500), nursing licensure ($1,495), and first month accommodation and utilities ($1,620). Total relocation costs (Tiers 1 and 2) equal $51,000.
Tier 3: $117,000 for Tuition and Relocation ( Tiers 1, 2 & 3)
Tier 3 includes tuition costs of $22,000 per year for three years totaling $66,000. Total relocation plus tuition costs (Tiers 1, 2, and 3) equal $117,000.
Thus, we welcome any funds targeting any of these three tiers ($44k, $51k, $117k) and any funds raised above our initial goal (Tier 1) will be applied to additional relocation and tuition costs (Tiers 2 & 3). We will adjust our respective goal as needed. We currently have school loan debt; hence, minimizing tuition costs is advantageous to our family’s well-being. It is also possible to make a tuition gift directly to St. Andrews now or in the future.
Please contact us for any details about donations that are not listed here, or if you would prefer our mailing address. We’d also love to stay connected to our donors! Thank you for your generosity!
Prayer: Family, Move, Flourish
We need your prayer support! Please pray for: wisdom at every step, God’s provision for our financial needs, unity and strength in our family as we navigate the move and logistics on both ends, Jon’s back to remain healthy through the move and traveling, grace for our girls to adapt to their new life and schools, Alisa’s ability to pass her nursing exams and efficiency with finding the right job, and Jon’s ability to do quality philosophy and theology as a student and a father. And, lots of visitors to come stroll on the West Sands and trek the Highlands!
Why You Might Want to Contribute:
Five reasons you might want to contribute to the Kelly’s vision:
1. You believe in the transformation of human persons and desire to
see peoples' lives changed for the good.
2. You value the gospel of Jesus Christ and hope to see it have a deeper
impact throughout the world.
3. You believe the church, academy, and the culture ought to share a
civil bridge and access to relevant ideas.
4. You value prayer and feel personally motivated to pray for the Kellys.
5. You believe your contribution is not too small and you believe it (you)
can impact the world for good!
How You Can Contribute Today:
1. Please donate today and check back again to see if we are reaching our goal.
2. Please share our campaign via social media, email, texting, and word of mouth.
3. Please pray for our needs listed above.
Thank You for Your Time:
Before parting ways, I want to share a verse that has directed much of my life and our family's vision over the years—2 Corinthians 9:8:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all
sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good
work.
Considering our context here, a fundraising campaign, and the belief that Jon's PhD is a "good work," vs 7 is perhaps even more relevant:
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly
or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
I believe this to be true and it is my prayer that if you do choose to support us you would do so from a cheerful heart! Our gratitude and prayers are with you!
Finally, we’d like to thank everyone for their time and interest in our upcoming venture. We value each of you! We are also aware of the personal costs required by you on many levels. We greatly appreciate your generosity of time and resources. Feel free to access more information via the links posted below. And, please, connect with us if you have any questions or insight—we’d love to hear from you!
Now, at last, until our ships meet, let us sail!
Grace and Peace,
Jon, Alisa, Olivia, and Jane—The Kellys!
Links:
Logos Institute: https://logos.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Vision for Logos Institute, YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/6xYHBXy6l8U
Why Do a PhD at the Logos Institute, You Tube video: https://youtu.be/LsdVQTsMz98
University of St. Andrews: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
St. Mary’s College, School of Divinity: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/divinity/about/
Visit Scotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/
St. Andrews: https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/st-andrews/
West Sands: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/st-andrews-west-sands-p315881
Highlands: https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/highlands/
*2021 Update: We made it to St Andrews in January 2020! 2020 was an unexpected year for us in a foreign land with increased challenges to research and personal life... as it was for ALL! We look forward to a brighter 2021 in St. Andrews. We are greatly encouraged by your continued support!
Our Story...
Five years ago we sold our possessions and left our small Colorado town in an RV and headed for California in hopes of greater horizons. We didn't know what to expect or the events that would follow, but we loaded up our two year old and set off down the road. We knew we wanted to be close to Jon's mom in southern CA for a time. We also knew Jon had a desire to pursue his Masters degree and further his biblical education toward church ministry or academic teaching.
As we camped out on the beach in Oceanside, an opportunity arose for Jon to attend one of the best Christian philosophy programs in the country. So, we sold our RV and headed to Orange County to attend Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. At the same time, Alisa received an awesome opportunity to work as a nurse at UCI Medical Center, a cutting edge research hospital.
Now, two kids and five years later, after finishing his Masters and presenting papers at Christian philosophy conferences, another "unexpected" opportunity has arose. Jon has been invited to pursue his PhD at the newly founded Logos Institute among leading scholars in philosophical theology. This is a dream opportunity for Jon! But, this dream comes with a catch...
This is where I say, "HELP!" We need your help to get us to Scotland! We know this may sound like going to the moon, but we believe a big dream can take wings with your help! Please help "Send the Kellys to Scotland!"
Why Scotland? Why St. Andrews?—The Logos Institute!
The University of St. Andrews is currently ranked no. 2 and 3 to Cambridge and Oxford by leading UK polls. The Logos Institute was founded in 2016 as an interdisciplinary center for analytic philosophy and exegetical theology. It is a cutting edge hub for world renown scholars like: Oliver Crisp, Michael Rea, C. Stephen Evans, Tom McCall, Eleonore Stump, Alan Torrance, N.T. Wright, Peter van Inwagen, and more.
When a colleague first told me about the Institute and I viewed the faculty page I was amazed at the "all-star cast" and I said in my heart, "This is the place to be!" Fast forward a year, I now have an invitation to join the Institute... This is an incredible opportunity! Hence, the answer to "Why Scotland?" is simple—it's the Logos Institute!
Video credit: Alex Shaw, Logos Institute website. See here for a video on Why Do a PhD at the Logos Institute.
See below for more info. on the Kelly family, our vision, and how you can contribute...
Introduction to Jon and the Kelly Family:
Alisa and I, Jon, have been married for 12 years and have lived an adventurous life pursuing Christ in Colorado, Hawaii, the San Juan Islands, and most recently Orange County, California. Along the way we’ve been blessed to add Olivia (8 yrs) and Jane (4 yrs) to the Kelly clan!
Before marriage, both Jon and Alisa had experience as missionaries in diverse contexts ranging from Europe to Indonesia and the Philippines to Guatemala. Our family has always envisioned living abroad for a season. We value cultural diversity, new experiences, and the daily challenges that cultivate growth as a family and individuals. We look forward to expanding our friendships in the church, academy, the health care arena, and the community of St. Andrews.
Education and Background:
Alisa first practiced as a midwife and then transitioned to serving as a registered nurse in labor and delivery. She has passionately served women and families with excellence the past 12 years. She desires to continue practicing her calling as a nurse or a midwife in Scotland.
Jon has two undergraduate degrees, one in Biblical Studies, one in Religion, and a Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University. Most recently, his calling has expanded from service to the local church and bible teaching to include pursuits in the academy and philosophical theology. Much of Jon’s early journey has been recorded in his narrative Phoenix Road . Jon’s interests in apologetics led him to study philosophy which motivated him to further explore the central questions of human nature and the Christian faith. Given Jon’s biblical and philosophical training it was natural for him to engage in research in the developing field of philosophical theology. Hence, Jon is excited to pursue his PhD among leading scholars at the Logos Institute. One of Jon’s aims is to carve out more interdisciplinary space for future work at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and science.
PhD Vision:
Jon has felt called to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD in Philosophical Theology at the Logos Institute under Oliver Crisp. My interests in the human person, the soul, and Christ-likeness have motivated my project on the transformation of the human person. My aim is to provide an intelligible account of the transformation of the immaterial human soul and the material organism. My account will explore biblical, philosophical, and scientific research and synthesize data relevant to contemporary discussions. Working within a framework of a biblical anthropology and Christology, I will give a model of the human soul and the regenerated Christian’s ongoing transformation focusing on key Pauline texts like Romans 12:2 where the believer is instructed to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." My research will include content within neuroscience, developmental biology, and quantum mechanics; as well as look beyond the spiritual transformation of the Christian’s soul to provide an answer for positive natural change for the soul of the non-Christian and the non-religious. As noted above, I'm also interested in making more elbow room for philosophical theology as a specifically Christian discipline, not merely a branch of philosophy of religion or an analytic approach to systematic or historical theology.
Please contact me if you are interested in reading a more thorough research proposal or several papers relevant to my project that I have recently presented at Christian philosophy conferences. Or, swing by EPS in San Diego this November and we can chat in person!
Education and Background:
Alisa first practiced as a midwife and then transitioned to serving as a registered nurse in labor and delivery. She has passionately served women and families with excellence the past 12 years. She desires to continue practicing her calling as a nurse or a midwife in Scotland.
Jon has two undergraduate degrees, one in Biblical Studies, one in Religion, and a Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Biola University. Most recently, his calling has expanded from service to the local church and bible teaching to include pursuits in the academy and philosophical theology. Much of Jon’s early journey has been recorded in his narrative Phoenix Road . Jon’s interests in apologetics led him to study philosophy which motivated him to further explore the central questions of human nature and the Christian faith. Given Jon’s biblical and philosophical training it was natural for him to engage in research in the developing field of philosophical theology. Hence, Jon is excited to pursue his PhD among leading scholars at the Logos Institute. One of Jon’s aims is to carve out more interdisciplinary space for future work at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and science.
PhD Vision:
Jon has felt called to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD in Philosophical Theology at the Logos Institute under Oliver Crisp. My interests in the human person, the soul, and Christ-likeness have motivated my project on the transformation of the human person. My aim is to provide an intelligible account of the transformation of the immaterial human soul and the material organism. My account will explore biblical, philosophical, and scientific research and synthesize data relevant to contemporary discussions. Working within a framework of a biblical anthropology and Christology, I will give a model of the human soul and the regenerated Christian’s ongoing transformation focusing on key Pauline texts like Romans 12:2 where the believer is instructed to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." My research will include content within neuroscience, developmental biology, and quantum mechanics; as well as look beyond the spiritual transformation of the Christian’s soul to provide an answer for positive natural change for the soul of the non-Christian and the non-religious. As noted above, I'm also interested in making more elbow room for philosophical theology as a specifically Christian discipline, not merely a branch of philosophy of religion or an analytic approach to systematic or historical theology.
Please contact me if you are interested in reading a more thorough research proposal or several papers relevant to my project that I have recently presented at Christian philosophy conferences. Or, swing by EPS in San Diego this November and we can chat in person!
Why I (Jon) am Qualified:
I am excited to continue to grow as a philosopher and a theologian and to advance the discussion on the transformation of human persons. I earned highest honors in both my BA in Religion and my MA in Philosophy of Religion from Biola University. Currently, I have been presenting papers relevant to my project at the Evangelical Philosophical Society (EPS) and the Society of Christian Philosophers (SCP). These presentations have provided a testing ground for me personally and my project. Over the past year of prayer and listening to our greater community, Alisa and I have come to believe that relocating to St. Andrews is the next step for our family and we believe the Logos Institute is the best place for me. Thank you for believing in us and partnering with us in our journey!
How You Can Contribute: Financial Tiers 1, 2, 3, and Prayer
Tier 1: $44,000 for Visa Application
We have set an initial goal of raising $44,000 by our target date for visa applications on October 27, 2019. Tier 1 covers the necessary UK gov costs for our family of four to relocate to the UK. It includes visas ($1,768), health surcharge fees ($6,858), and maintenance money requirements for one year ($34,919).
Tier 2: $51,000 for Total Relocation (Tiers 1 & 2)
Tier 2 covers other necessary relocation costs including plane tickets ($3,160), shipping charges ($1,500), nursing licensure ($1,495), and first month accommodation and utilities ($1,620). Total relocation costs (Tiers 1 and 2) equal $51,000.
Tier 3: $117,000 for Tuition and Relocation ( Tiers 1, 2 & 3)
Tier 3 includes tuition costs of $22,000 per year for three years totaling $66,000. Total relocation plus tuition costs (Tiers 1, 2, and 3) equal $117,000.
Thus, we welcome any funds targeting any of these three tiers ($44k, $51k, $117k) and any funds raised above our initial goal (Tier 1) will be applied to additional relocation and tuition costs (Tiers 2 & 3). We will adjust our respective goal as needed. We currently have school loan debt; hence, minimizing tuition costs is advantageous to our family’s well-being. It is also possible to make a tuition gift directly to St. Andrews now or in the future.
Please contact us for any details about donations that are not listed here, or if you would prefer our mailing address. We’d also love to stay connected to our donors! Thank you for your generosity!
Prayer: Family, Move, Flourish
We need your prayer support! Please pray for: wisdom at every step, God’s provision for our financial needs, unity and strength in our family as we navigate the move and logistics on both ends, Jon’s back to remain healthy through the move and traveling, grace for our girls to adapt to their new life and schools, Alisa’s ability to pass her nursing exams and efficiency with finding the right job, and Jon’s ability to do quality philosophy and theology as a student and a father. And, lots of visitors to come stroll on the West Sands and trek the Highlands!
Why You Might Want to Contribute:
Five reasons you might want to contribute to the Kelly’s vision:
1. You believe in the transformation of human persons and desire to
see peoples' lives changed for the good.
2. You value the gospel of Jesus Christ and hope to see it have a deeper
impact throughout the world.
3. You believe the church, academy, and the culture ought to share a
civil bridge and access to relevant ideas.
4. You value prayer and feel personally motivated to pray for the Kellys.
5. You believe your contribution is not too small and you believe it (you)
can impact the world for good!
How You Can Contribute Today:
1. Please donate today and check back again to see if we are reaching our goal.
2. Please share our campaign via social media, email, texting, and word of mouth.
3. Please pray for our needs listed above.
Thank You for Your Time:
Before parting ways, I want to share a verse that has directed much of my life and our family's vision over the years—2 Corinthians 9:8:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all
sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good
work.
Considering our context here, a fundraising campaign, and the belief that Jon's PhD is a "good work," vs 7 is perhaps even more relevant:
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly
or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
I believe this to be true and it is my prayer that if you do choose to support us you would do so from a cheerful heart! Our gratitude and prayers are with you!
Finally, we’d like to thank everyone for their time and interest in our upcoming venture. We value each of you! We are also aware of the personal costs required by you on many levels. We greatly appreciate your generosity of time and resources. Feel free to access more information via the links posted below. And, please, connect with us if you have any questions or insight—we’d love to hear from you!
Now, at last, until our ships meet, let us sail!
Grace and Peace,
Jon, Alisa, Olivia, and Jane—The Kellys!
Links:
Logos Institute: https://logos.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Vision for Logos Institute, YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/6xYHBXy6l8U
Why Do a PhD at the Logos Institute, You Tube video: https://youtu.be/LsdVQTsMz98
University of St. Andrews: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
St. Mary’s College, School of Divinity: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/divinity/about/
Visit Scotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/
St. Andrews: https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/st-andrews/
West Sands: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/st-andrews-west-sands-p315881
Highlands: https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/highlands/
Organizer
Jon Kelly
Organizer
Oceanside, CA
