Launch Report Prepared by Kurt Jaros, Executive Director - December, 2015 DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

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1 Launch Report 2015 Prepared by Kurt Jaros, Executive Director - December, 2015 DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

2 Dear Friend, Letter from the Executive Director Thanks for your interest in the labor of Defenders Media. We re a brand new organization, an alliance of Christian apologists seeking to reach the lost and uplift the found. Our mission is to support Christian ministry that 1) offers a defense of the Christian worldview, 2) delivers content in an attractive way through modern media, and 3) honors God through biblically centered belief and practice. In this launch report I am excited to share with you what we do, who we are, our vision for the future, and how you can help. In the last months of this year Defenders Media was organized and formally recognized for 501(c)3 status. We have already added a couple ministries to the organization. I am excited to have Defenders Media already represented in 3 states (Illinois, Utah, and Florida)! I started Defenders Media as a way for apologetics-based organizations to begin working together for their common cause. Part of our mission is to do ministry with excellence in every area. To this end, we hold each other accountable in becoming the best apologists, debaters, and evangelists all for the glory of God. I hope that you ll consider partnering with us in our pursuits. Yours, Kurt Jaros Kurt with his wife, Michaela, and daughter, Eleanor. DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

3 Ministries Defenders Media is currently made up of the following ministries. Veracity Hill will be the weekly radio program by Kurt Jaros. The purpose of the show will be to present insightful commentary on a variety of issues, such as theology, apologetics, political theory, ethics, economics, etc. Veracity Hill will offer well-reasoned argumentation for why we should adopt certain beliefs consistent with the Christian worldview. To assist with this goal, Kurt will host on-air interviews with scholarly, academic thinkers from a variety of perspectives who can offer insight from their respective areas of expertise. The show will air LIVE on Saturdays at 1pm Central time at Presently we are in phase 1 of funding for the show, which will allow us get it up and running. Phases 2-4 include raising money to air the show in radio markets across the country. For further information about this, please request the Veracity Hill Support Proposal. BeliefMap.org is is a Christian apologetics ministry which aims to produce a comprehensive online encyclopedia of the academically respected point and counterpoints in four big debates: "Does God exist? "Is Jesus a real historical figure? "Does Jesus stand out, as if God's chosen? "Did Jesus rise from the dead? These debates can be explored in a flow-chart format over smart phone or computer. Most importantly, the map boasts hundreds of quotes and citations from peer-reviewed sources, making the encyclopedic resource one evangelists can be proud to use and send their non-believing friends to. DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

GodLovesMormons is a group of Christians, including ex-mormons, who want to help those who are leaving the LDS church to discover the real Jesus of the Bible.

More than ever before in LDS history, members are rejecting their religion, and leaving the foundational teachings of Joseph Smith. But many of these people are leaving the world of faith altogether.

4 GodLovesMormons is a group of Christians, including ex-mormons, who want to help those who are leaving the LDS church to discover the real Jesus of the Bible. Many thousands of Latter Day Saints are leaving Mormonism. They are fed up with religion and are trying to figure out what they believe. More than ever before in LDS history, members are rejecting their religion, and leaving the foundational teachings of Joseph Smith. But many of these people are leaving the world of faith altogether. Conservative estimates suggest that more than 50% of these people become agnostic. To many, faith has been so unsubstantiated by truth (in the Mormon worldview) that they assume all equally fallacious. It is our aim to help them understand what the Bible actually teaches us about God, Jesus, sin, human nature, and salvation. GodLovesMormons.com is designed to focus, not merely on providing evidence against the claims of Mormonism, but also to substantiate the claims of Biblical Christianity. Social Apologetics is a website exclusively built for Christians to network with one another and to learn more about apologetics. The chief aim of Social Apologetics is the intellectual edification and evangelistic preparation for believers. Formerly RealClearApologetics.com, we rebranded and narrowed our focus for the website. Each user receives their own profile from which they can network with others. Users can form public or private groups, interact in the forums, or use the blog feature. Groups provide a way for people with similar backgrounds and interests to learn about each other and discuss topics within one section of the social network. Lastly, the blog feature has some benefits over online forums or threads as seen at Facebook and Twitter, chiefly that individuals can take more time and space to write out their thoughts in a well reasoned and compelling way. DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

Events Conferences Kurt has experience organizing conferences featuring top Christian scholars and apologists. Under his new home at Defenders Media he will continue to do this.

faith at an intellectual, spiritual, and moral level.

5 Events Conferences Kurt has experience organizing conferences featuring top Christian scholars and apologists. Under his new home at Defenders Media he will continue to do this. We believe conferences are a great way for believers to become introduced to apologetics, to continue learning about relevant issues in our society and how to respond to them, and to deepen their faith at an intellectual, spiritual, and moral level. From past years: 2014: 2015: Upcoming in 2016: Love God with All Your Mind August 5 th & 6 th at Christ Church of Oak Brook in Oak Brook, IL Featuring philosopher Dr. J. P. Moreland and New Testament scholar Dr. Mike Licona Talks The speakers at Defenders Media find themselves busy throughout the year speaking to church groups, christian camps, college groups, debating, and more. By way of example, on November 7 th Kurt Jaros and Blake Giunta did a morning workshop at Faith Evangelical Covenent Chuch in Wheaton (pictured right). DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

6 Goal Accomplishments Our most urgents goals had been to formerly organize, apply, and be recognized for 501(c)3 status. These were accomplished on December 18 of this year thanks to the IRS s relatively new 1023-EZ application form which has a fast turnaround time. We ve created new websites, established our online presence, and have set up a donation gateway. Future Goals Our goals over the next year are to work toward securing our financial goals, create content, and grow our following. We are also in the early stages of developing a smartphone application ( app ) for BeliefMap. In the Spring we hope to do some video recording for GodLovesMormons in South Jordan, Utah and in August, we will be hosting our first Defenders Conference in Chicagoland at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Throughout the year we hope to continue our speaking at various venues, though we aim to be present at a couple apologetics conferences. This will require further supplies such a promotional materials to be ordered in the coming months ahead. We face a number of startup costs for supplies, recouperating administrative/legal fees, and platforms (including websites and texting programs) but we also hope you ll consider sponsoring our labor. Team Member Support The Jaros Family: Kurt, Michaela, Eleanor, and Baby J Support Goal: $2,500/month (40% pledged) The Jaros Family has been in apologetics ministry for three years. Kurt serves as Executive Director of Defenders Media and future host of Veracity Hill. For Defenders Media he acts, among other things, as liason between the ministries in the organization. He manages multiple websites under Defenders Media, handles inquiries, and is responsible for implementing various site improvements. He oversees multiple social media accounts, is learning a new text-engagement platform, and organizes an annual conference in Chicagoland. Additionally, he speaks at various church events and DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

7 Christian camps. Kurt is currently a Ph.D. student through the University of Aberdeen in partnership with Highland Theological College; his dissertation focuses on the doctrine of Original Sin in the thought of Gallic monks from the 5th and 6th century. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science (Biola University), a M.A. in Christian Apologetics (Biola University), and a M.A. in Systematic Theology (King s College London). Kurt s wife, Michaela, is a Social Media Manager to various cliental. From time-to-time she chips in to help Defenders Media. Michaela has a B.A. in Media & Communication Studies (Florida State University) and recently graduated with her M.A. in Christian Apologetics (Biola University). Kurt and Michaela are blessed with two children. Eleanor Mae turns two in January and their forthcoming child is expected in early June. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. - Psalm 127:3 Blake Giunta: BeliefMap.org Support Goal: $2,000/month (40% pledged) Blake is the founder of BeliefMap.org, an encyclopedic resource aiming to provide users with academically respected points and counterpoints in debates over life s big questions. He has been studying philosophy and apologetics as an enthusiast for over a decade. Blake has publically debated outspoken atheists such as Dan Barker and Matt Dillahunty. Although he is a Texas state champion wrestler, he most enjoys beating people at Starcraft and Ping Pong. Blake presently has a supporter offering a $500/month matching grant! DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

Michael Chardovoyne: Social Apologetics Support Goal: $50/month Michael Chardavoyne is a husband, full time care-giver, avid book reader, and lover of apologetics.

8 Michael Chardovoyne: Social Apologetics Support Goal: $50/month Michael Chardavoyne is a husband, full time care-giver, avid book reader, and lover of apologetics. His primary ministry is caring for his wife Sarah, who has experienced a decline in health over the past several years. Since medical professionals urged the necessity of full time care, he spends his days with challenging lows, and successful joys as he works to improve Sarah s health. Michael manages Social Apologetics s Facebook and Twitter pages. He holds a certificate in apologetics from the RZIM Academy. He hopes to continue his education in Marketing and Apologetics with the goal of combining the two for the cause of the Kingdom. In the meantime, he works to help Social Apologetics flourish by expanding its reach via social media platforms and engaging with likeminded believers and seekers. Budget for 2016 Defenders Media Description For general fund, administrative costs, equipment, outreach costs, events, web and app development, & labor. Cost $30,000 Veracity Hill To complete phase 1 for Kurt Jaros s radio show. $15,600 BeliefMap.org For Blake Giunta s ministry and great encyclopedic website. $24,000 GodLovesMormons For content creation and social media management. $500 Social Apologetics To cover maintenance and social media management cost. $1,000 Total: $71,100 DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

9 Request of Support From its incorporation and charitable recognition to administrative, technological, and supplies set up, new ministries face numerous start-up costs. We would love it if you would consider being a supporter of Defenders Media. We are recognized as a 501(c)3 charitable organization so your donations are tax-deductible. Because we are speaking God s truth to a lost society, we will never be assured of government benefits for our ministry. We worry for the sake of the spiritual condition of our society at-large and recognize that the Gospel is hated by the world. Therefore, regardless of any tax benefit your donation has, we request your support. If you believe that our spiritual work is valuable, then please consider in contributing to a material harvest (1 Corinthians 9:11). There are three ways you can donate: 1. Send a check to: Defenders Media 501 Joliet St. West Chicago, IL Please designate which fund you would like to support: Defenders Media, Veracity Hill, BeliefMap, GodLovesMormons, or Social Apologetics. If no fund is designated the amount will go toward our general Defenders Media fund. 2. Donate online: 3. If you have a smartphone then you can text, Defenders to where is the amount you wish to donate. This donation will go directly to the Defenders Media fund. If giving online please use the dropdown menu to designate which fund you would like to support. Reoccuring donations are most welcomed as they provide that consistent bedrock for budgeting the future. Thank you for kindly considering supporting our labor of edifying believers, persuading seekers, and demolishing the false arguments of those who continually reject the Truth. DEFENDERS MEDIA, 501 JOLIET ST. WEST CHICAGO, IL

Abdu Murray. Embrace the Truth - No Matter the Cost. P.O. Box , Rochester, MI TRUTH

Abdu Murray. Embrace the Truth - No Matter the Cost. P.O. Box , Rochester, MI TRUTH Abdu Murray Embrace the Truth - No Matter the Cost Biography ABDU is the President and co-founder of Embrace the Truth International, an apologetics ministry dedicated to offering the Truth of the Gospel