Problem is, I have no idea what I could do. All of my education and training has been for ministry. What could I possibly do in the secular workplace that will afford me the needed money to live on as well as the time for my ministry? (And I'd prefer NOT to have to go back to school! I'm in too much debt already!)
This was posted waaaay back in November and the salary cut was expected in January. I'm wondering what the update is? You still around Hediru?
I think it's also preferable that you not go to a "secular" job. It's too time consuming and things get messy when you have to start sacrificing on the work you like to do because of money.
One option is for you to print up (or order) Christians tracts and alternate between distributing these tracts and participating at your children's ministry.
The tracts can contain any message you want (assuming it's consistent with the teachings of Jesus). I can give you heaps of examples of tracts if you want, including Christian comics and story books/study books.
There are several benefits to this. It's preaching the gospel so your time is well spent.
If you ask the people you are distributing to for a few cents (or small donation) to help with the printing cost of the tracts, then not only do you establish a value for the tract (so they don't just throw it on the ground 5 seconds later), but you also have an "income" to continue printing more tracts.
Allowing people to give any amount they want is a safeguard against becoming greedy and promotes the spirit of the kingdom of Heaven where people share with each other just because they want to and not because they are looking for a profit.
Some people may give less than what the tract cost to print and some people may give more; enough for you to not only continue printing more tracts, but also to provide for some of your expenses.
In the states, I've found that some of the best places for distributing are supermarket parking lots or busy streets. It takes a bit of practice and confidence, but it's a great feeling to be out there preaching the gospel.
It's also advisable that you find a partner to work with you, cause Jesus talked about going two-by-two. You can encourage one another as well as be there for one another in case you happen upon angry people or whatever.
I'm currently doing something like this in Kenya and it works well. I divide my time between Christian literature distributing, a hospital visitation ministry, and miscellaneous jobs which sometimes come up.