With 80% unemployment rate, there must be a lot of people in your congregations with nothing to do. It would seem to me that one avenue of help would be to disciple and train a small group of the ablest and most dedicated members of the three congregations and then begin to involve them in the ministry. At first it will take more of your time, but as they grow in experience and ask the Lord for spiritual gifts, they will be able to help you in time.

Some might encourage you to just "step out on faith," quit your job, and dedicate full-time to the ministry. If the Lord distinctly tells you to do this, it's one thing. But if not, you will have serious economic problems. There are many places in the world where leaders are unable to support themselves in ministry due to economic problems, and have to support themselves with secular jobs. With the unemployment rate as high as you are facing, yours may be such a situation. However, if the churches grow in numbers and the leaders begin to find their own ministry, you may find that the offerings increase enough for you to live on what they give you.

Does your church belong to another denomination that may have churches with more income in a large city or in more prosperous areas? They might be willing to see you as their "missionary," as you work in this depressed area.

Obviously I have no easy answers, Raymond. May the Lord provide for you "a table in the wilderness," resources from an unexpected source.

I admire your dedication. God is able.