I have been fundraising to become a Missionary for the Evangelical Covenant Church. After a year of training, paperwork, and prayer I am half way to my goal. I need about $30,000. I feel like I have just been watching God work. It has been amazing to watch. I thought the Lord would bring the money in right away and I could begin organizing trips in the USA right away! But alas, I am still unable to officially begin. The need is great so I have wondered why ALL the money has come in. And then I experience a week like this past one and completely understand. I was raised with a very strong work ethic and when new donations started slowing down I just dug in and went to work. I covered maternity leave for a friend at a local church, babysat an adorable baby, rented out our basement, gathered things to sell at consignment stores and started selling Thirty-One products. I have had almost $2,000.00 come in by these ventures in the last two months. Exciting. But what is even more exciting is the people I have met! In February the Lord downloaded a sermon for a church in Missouri. While visiting a friend in that area the Pastor agreed I should share. I didn’t have internet, my bible, my notes…but it was the easiest sermon I ever prepared for! By sharing Gods word I was also able to talk about Merge Ministries. I was so humbled when they took up a love offering and two people voiced interest in going on a trip! EXCITING! Last night I attending a meeting with Thirty-One Consultants (Not my normal thing) and was given the opportunity to share a brief devotional. Proverbs 31:8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. It was great encouraging these women from all wakes of life and all beliefs to be a conduit between homes. To keep an eye out for opportunities to be generous. I was also able to talk about Merge. The opportunities for new relationships wouldn’t have come about if I had raised all the money right away. The Lord has brought new people into my life that I am enjoying and am very thankful for. He works in mysterious ways and I am along for the ride!
