Three construction workers were
asked why they were stacking bricks.
The first said, "I’m earning a living."
The second replied, "For temporary storage."
The third answered, "We’re building a kingdom."
All three preformed the same task. But only the third realized the full
importance of his role because he saw the goal of the project.
Many of our efforts are like that, involving behind-the-scenes work and resources. Yet, each brick stacked, each need fulfilled, is an important aspect of the way Third Millennium Ministries works to build God’s kingdom by providing Christian education to church leaders worldwide.
We hope you will prayerfully consider underwriting one or more of the following needs as part of your role in building the kingdom of God.
Current Needs
| Computer Memory | $2,700 |
| DAT Recorder | $1,000 |
| High Definition Video Cameras (3 @ $4,500) | $13,500 |
Lighting
| |
| Printer | $5,240 |
| Studio Sets | $2,000 |
| Talkback System | $2,500 |
| Video Master Library Cabinets | $400 |
Computer Memory
The Macintosh computers we use to create and produce our videos have an immediate need for more RAM. Increased RAM will enable them to run newer, more sophisticated design programs. It will also enable them to process graphics more quickly, thereby reducing production time. Back to current needs list.
DAT Recorder
Our Digital Audio Recorder (DAT) has given out. We use a DAT recorder as a backup during recording sessions, as well as for certain mastering purposes. Back to current needs list.
High Definition Video Cameras
Our current analog cameras are approaching the end of their useful life. Upgrading to high definition (HD) cameras will improve the overall quality of our shoots, provide us with more flexibility in video editing, and make our curriculum more compatible with new and emerging technologies. Back to current needs list.
Lighting
Lighting is a major factor in video shoots. As the variety of our video productions has increased, so has our need for additional types of lighting, and for control of light sources. Back to current needs list.
Border Light
This light is specially designed to illuminate background sets. We are currently using several general light sources that take up an undesirable amount of set-up time in order to achieve what a single border light would produce. Back to current needs list.
C-Stands
Our current light stands have become inadequate due to the complexities of the videos we are now shooting, and due to change- ups in studio and offsite shooting. These new light stands will increase time spent on producing content by decreasing time spent in preparation. Back to current needs list.
Dimmer Pack
A dimmer pack controls the intensity of studio lighting. We have been spending extra time arranging lights in our studio by hand for professor face-shots and Faculty Discussion Forums. A dimmer pack will cut down on the time spent in light arrangements, therefore increasing curriculum output. Back to current needs list.
Light Flags
Light flags block spilled light. They are made to withstand very hot temperatures from lights. Light flags are a tremendous help in carefully directing light. Our need for flags has increased dramatically now that we are taping Faculty Discussion Forums. Back to current needs list.
Printer
We are in need of a quality networked printer. Our administrative and operational team is meeting all of its in-house printing needs with multiple printers. The network printer we have targeted will notably decrease our in-house printing maintenance, material and labor costs by increasing print capability. As are many of our Brick by Brick needs, this is a matter of cash outlay – this printer is estimated to pay for itself just at the first year mark. Back to current needs list.
Studio Sets
We need to change the look of our studio in order to keep studio footage fresh and interesting for the viewer. This has become most significant as we have begun creating Faculty Forum videos. The funding of our studio set needs will cover backdrops, props, furniture and lighting-cookies. Cookies are hardware used to create background image patterns and textures. Back to current needs list.
Talkback System
A talkback system allows for direct communication between our produces and engineers in the control room and our talent in the studio. Back to current needs list.
Video Master Library Cabinets
We are in need of several storage cabinets for multiple master copies of our curriculum. These cabinets are made to store, organize and protect DVD and MiniDV masters. We currently keep a full library of our curriculum masters at our office and a full set in safe storage outside the office. However, our surge in production over the last eighteen months has increased the size of our master library to a point where we need to begin using specialized cabinets. Back to current needs list.