Happy New Year from the Ta Family!

In partnership with

Dear Missionaryish Family,

Happy New Year! If you're like me, you want to give more to ministries you care about, but sometimes you're not sure if there's enough in the bank account to make it happen. Especially as we are now approaching new year resolutions and want to grow in the joy of giving!

This past year, Reagan and I learned something that's been a game-changer for our family: we created our own family compassion fund.

Here's the simple idea: If you want more avocados, you can either buy them or grow the tree. And if you can grow the tree, you'll have a growing supply for the next decade.

The same principle applies to giving.

What We Did (The Experiment)

At the beginning of 2025, we set aside $1,000 specifically for giving to ministries impacting the poor, widows, and refugees - homeless care, refugee resettlement, international church planting. This was separate from our regular tithing.

Instead of just leaving it in a checking account, we:

1. Opened a brokerage account with our bank (Chase)

2. Put the $1,000 into two stable ETFs (Exchange-Traded Fund) with Vanguard (VOOG, VPU nothing crazy - just a growth version of the S&P 500)

3. Waited

The Result

By the end of 2025, that $1,000 grew to $1,300 - a 20% return that outpaced inflation.

Here's the beautiful part: We can give away the full $1,000 this year to ministries we care about, and keep the $300 growth to increase our capacity for next year.

So in 2026, we'll add another $1,000 + the $300 we grew = $1,300 to give next year instead of just $1,000. This also means we’ll be able to increase 10% next year to give $1,100 next year and take advantage of the compounding effects.

Why This Matters (Especially for Ministry Workers)

I know as a fellow ministry worker, it sometimes feels like you've given your time, your sweat equity, everything - but financially, it's hard to give more. I just want to encourage you: it is possible to expand your giving.

This isn't about being a financial genius. It's about:

• Stewarding what God has given us wisely

• Planning ahead to increase capacity

• Growing a tree instead of just buying avocados

These principles work whether you're white collar, blue collar, or no collar. Ministry worker or marketplace professional.

Disclaimer: We're not financial advisors! This is just something we prayed about and felt the Lord lead us to do. Do your own research and pray about what's right for your family.

Quick Ministry Update

Since sending our support letter on December 26, we've been deeply encouraged by your responses!

Here's where we are:

• New monthly commitments: $200/month

• One-time year-end gifts: $1,950

• Current monthly support: $10,004.09/month

• Monthly goal for 2026: $13,355.58/month

• Still needed: $3,351.49/month

Thank you to everyone who gave or committed to monthly partnership. Your generosity means we can continue building sustainable ministry infrastructure through Missionaryish Inc. - equipping Christians to share Jesus Christ's transformative hope and love in their communities.

If you're still considering partnering with us as we enter 2026, we'd be honored to have you join us.

All gifts are tax-deductible through Missionaryish Inc.'s 501(c)(3) status.

Our Prayer for You in 2026

As we enter this new year, our prayer is that God would:

• Expand your joy in giving

• Increase your capacity to bring flourishing to others

• Help you love your neighbors well, knowing they are made in God's image

Thank you again for your support. We are so grateful for each and everyone of you.

May God bless you and keep you in 2026.

Gratefully,

David & Reagan Ta

P.S. - Want to learn more about creating your own compassion fund? Reply to this email and I'd be happy to share more details about how we set ours up!

Not Conservative. Not Liberal. Just Christian.

The world feels chaotic, but your news source doesn’t have to.

You can hide under a rock or spiral into the chaos… or you can subscribe to The Pour Over and get the news you need to know and the peace you crave.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, The Pour Over sends quick news summaries that are actually fun to read. Plus, each newsletter includes short biblical reminders to help you stay focused on Christ and eternity. Instead of fueling outrage or anxiety, the news becomes another prompt to rest in God and respond in faith.

Over 1.5 million Christians have ditched the doomscroll and found a better way to stay informed––Christ-first, anger-free, and (even kinda) funny.

Try it for free and check out their welcome email that’ll make you glad you did!

Sign up for free today!