Important Update

Dear friends,

February marks my 18th month of living here in Germany, and there are 4 months left until I return to the states to raise support in order to come back for one additional year. We are taking some very important steps as a school to improve our programs, and it’s vital for teachers who understand our school’s dual mission of serving missionary children and local German children to stay and be a part of the growth process.

Suffice that to say, I’m writing to you today to inform you about my current level of financial support. My funding through my mission organization, TeachBeyond, has been slowly decreasing every month since my second year began. All of the initial one-time gifts have been helping to supplement the cost of living here like a cushion, but as the end of my second year approaches, they have run out. My missionary account is officially $250 in the negative. This is cause for concern, and I know that Satan is using this to discourage me and cause me to question whether I am really meant to return for a third year. I am thankful for friends who have continued to speak truth to me, and remind me of the ways that God is using my gifts here. Every day I have to choose to listen to truth, and place my trust in God, who continues to be faithful. He knows what I need, and always has perfect timing.

When I began this journey almost two years ago, I claimed Jeremiah 33:3. God has continued to whisper his promises and truth through this verse, and I continue to claim it now, even as I am uncertain about the future.

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it liveable and lasting, known everywhere as GOD: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’”
Jeremiah 33:3 (The MSG)

Most of the time I claim this verse by itself, and not in context. This morning, I read the surrounding chapters, and discovered such richness there. God brought destruction and desolation upon his people because they turned away from him and had done unthinkable things…all seemed lost. But he promises Jeremiah that he will restore them. He will bring them back together and will provide for them.

“But now take another look. I’m going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And Jerusalem will be a center of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They’ll get reports on all the good I’m doing for her. They’ll be in awe of the blessings I am pouring on her.
Jeremiah 33:6-9 (The MSG)

Now, I’m certainly not comparing my story to the story found in Jeremiah, but God’s promises continue to hold fast. He is slowly teaching me that he is faithful, and will continue to pursue my heart. Even when I get caught up in my to-do lists and my worries overwhelm me. Even when I make myself busy and forget to spend time with him. Even when I choose other things instead of him. His love does not cease. If he wants me to stay here in Germany, he will provide.

I have spoken to my mission organization, and right now I need about $6000 total in either one-time gifts or monthly support to take me to June.  I know it’s a lot...staggering, really…but God can do it. You can help.

I ask you to consider sending in another one-time gift to help me with expenses through June, or to consider becoming a monthly or quarterly supporter through my third year. If you feel led, please follow this link to the TeachBeyond support page: https://give.teachbeyond.org/ or you can click on the yellow "donate" button on the right hand side of my blog! It’s very easy, and your gift will go right to my account.

Thank you for your prayers and your continued support. Thank you for partnering with me as I serve God here. You continue to bless me-more than I can say. May God bless you as you serve him where you are.

In Him Alone,

Amy Collins