As the time for me to leave inches closer (some days it feels like inches slowly creeping by and some days feel like they're flying out from underneath my feet), I find myself thinking about all of the things that God is teaching me during this "limbo" period.
My sister and I shouldn't go hiking together. I like to go on the "meandering" hikes-the ones without steep hills and with plenty of plant life, trees, and natural wonders to observe on the way. The destination becomes of concern when I'm hot and sweaty and ready to be finished. My sister is mainly concerned with getting to the destination. She doesn't want to look at the pretty tree-she wants to finish. I love our differences! As I think about hiking, I have found myself thinking about this journey of preparing to go into ministry. I have seen God's faithfulness in every step of this journey-the application process, the love and support from friends and family, and the encouragement from new friends also going into the mission field. As I prepare to leave in 24 days, however, I am beginning to think about the destination instead, and praying that I will be able to leave on time. I begin to worry that I won't be fully funded, and that I will miss the important orientation, training, and language classes that take place in the three weeks before school begins. But then I remember...God has been faithful in every part of this process. Why should I think He would cease to be faithful now? Why does my trust waver?
My pastor spoke from Exodus on Sunday, and his words felt like they were specifically meant for my ears. It was a passage about the Israelites, and how God led them out of captivity in Egypt and through the desert. He led them by day with a pillar of cloud, and with a pillar of fire by night-always visible and always before them. Chapter 13:22 says, "The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people." He leads them through the Red Sea, provides food for them daily, and yet they grumble. Then they come to a place with no water, and again they complain to God, asking where He is and why has He forsaken them. Moses cries to God, and God provides water from a rock. A rock, the most unlikely of sources.
Oh, that I would have faith that He will provide water from rocks.
That being said, I am currently at 41% of my financial support needs. Two weeks ago I was at 25%, and I cannot believe what God has done in this short amount of time, and how wonderful and supportive you have all been. I cannot begin to express how appreciative I am of those who have invested in the Kingdom by supporting my ministry. I have surpassed my $5000 start up cost goal, and now all one-time gifts will be divided into my monthly support goal. With 24 days until my planned departure date, it's crunch time!
I am in great need of monthly pledges. In order to meet 100% of my financial support for this year, I need 43 people to give $30 a month, or a dollar a day!
Please understand that any gift will help me meet my goal. While 43 people giving $30 a month will enable me to reach 100% of my support, any amount is so incredibly helpful, and for many, $10 or $20 a month is entirely doable. Since you are giving through my organization, TeachBeyond, and not directly to me, all donations are tax free. You can visit the "How to Get Involved" section of my blog to download a pledge form to mail in, or you can give online.
As I continue to prepare to arrive in Germany on August 10th, I am so excited to see what God has planned, and how He will provide. I cannot wait to meet other co-workers, my German partner teacher, roommates, and my students! One of my favorite songs by Jon Foreman has been playing through my mind these days, and I thought I'd share some of the lyrics with you, as they have been a comfort to me.
"Your Love is Strong"
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| Source: flickr.com via izzaeh |
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is strong.
