Closing the gap financially

Raising funds for this amazing adventure has been down right hard at times, just to be bruitly honest.  Over these last years, months and days as I have prayed for the Lord to lead me and pressed forward in my limited understanding. I have learned many things.  I am confident that the Lord has been telling me not to give up, keep pressing forward, keep telling people of the journey of GOD in my life as my leader and especially of the great things already set in motion.    

Romans 5:2-5 ...and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.   

In the last six months it has especially been hard because of the tough economic times everyone is experiencing. As a result most people are cutting back, and that makes raising support for overseas missions more difficult than it has been in decades.  Yet, God continues to call his servants to the field.  This month a church needed to withdraw support for economic reasons but many of the members are still praying for the ministry and searching out other ways to partner in this adventure. Just this week a couple of my supporters have lost jobs and homes and find themselves being the ones in need.  This loss for them, translates into a loss for our team as well by $565 a month.   That coupled with the church loss has been a huge hit!  I am reminded though that God is in control of every fine detail. 

As we quickly draw closed month 2 of 2009 I find myself in wonder at how the Lord works.  The total annual budget I am in the process of raising for effective ministry and living securely in a 3rd world country is $48,753.  God has raised about $31,000 which leaves about $18,000 a year.  So the monthly breakdown is an estimated $1,500 still necessary.  In smaller terms if 30 people could give $50 a month then I could be cleared to purchase airline tickets!   YAHOO!  

Psalm 139 is a place that I go continually for comfort and guidance.  Reminding me that this journey is God's in my life.  He goes behind and beside me, knew about me when I was yet in my mothers womb, no matter where I settle HE is there. 

This is not as close as we were at the end of January but I do understand the economic hardship that many people are experiencing.   I am also confident that God can move in the hearts of 30 people to give out of the generous abundance that HE provides for us all on a daily basis.  What does this look like for you?  Would you consider seeking the Lord and asking him for guidance?(A budget breakdown can be made available to anyone whom requests an electronic copy) 

Please pray that God would raise up people to partner in this ministry and if you are reading this maybe one of those people could be you?  I would like to invite you to pray for the next 30 days, for God to show you... 

1.) Should I partner with Nicole and the ministry in Madagascar?

2.) If you are hearing NO, then that is ok. You are listening to the Lord and acting upon what you hear...                  If yes, then how much monthly? 

Once you hear from the Lord, you need to take action, whatever that may be.  Follow through - this is just as critical as listening to the Lord for direction.  This journey that I am on is the follow through I did to take action after I heard from the Lord. 

My ministry partner travels back to Madagascar

Today, Valentines Day, February 14, 2009 my future partner in ministry, Sandi Horen is traveling back to Madagascar.  Praise the Lord for his provisions, with her airplane ticket, her mother's new living arrangement and the time she had with her family. 

Please pray with me for:

1.) Safe travel (over 24 hours of travel)

2.) adjusting back to life in Madagascar especially with the recent political unrest. Safety daily. 

3.) Sandi will be able to get back into language learning, and pick up the language quickly. 

Unrest in Madagascar

There has been some conflict in Madagascar between the president and the mayor of the capitol city.  Please be in prayer! 

YAHOO! Possible Departure date!

As I have been praying and working on checking things off my departure checklists and talking to my Coach regularly it has come to my attention that I will be able to plan toward a June 2009 departure!   

YAHOO!   Please celebrate with me by PRAISING the LORD!   

Overthrow the President of Madagascar?

This is just in from a friends blog: 

"I think most of you have heard that last week was very eventful in Madagascar. The Mayor of Tana wanted to overthrow the President of the country. There were a lot of riots and burning of buildings. This week however, it appears like things have settled down and businesses are back open.  I received email from friends that are there and they said yesterday and today were like nothing happened.  It has been reported that the mayor was fired. "

My friend and partner in ministry, Sandi, is planning on returning to Madagascar on Saturday next week, February 14, 2009, upon clearance from WorldVenture (our sending agency). We are all praying for peace to have returned for good over this entire situation and all that are living there on the island.  This unrest started Monday, January 26, 2009 - if you are looking for articles on the internet to read up on this the date might be of good resource. 

Praise and Prayers February 2009

An Amazing song I have been humming this week... "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace."

Praises:
~ Travel to AZ at the start of January - spent time with part of my Madagascar team.
~ Opportunity to share my presentation with my mid week bible study group.
~ Travel to Las Vegas, NV - God ordained appointments, conversations and blessings abounding.
~ Unifying time with 3 churches coming together to serve those in need of food.
~ Networking through Facebook with old friends whom are sharing with all their friends and creating opportunities to share about Madagascar. Praise God for technology being used for good.
~ Started working on a video of my presentation. (It still needs a bit more work)
~ I was asked to participate in the Baptism of a friend from my mid week bible study! Praise GOD for this...
~ I have signed up for training in Colorado at Missionary Training Institute (mti.org) Dates March 30- May 2, 2009. YAHOO!
~ Support has stayed at about 80%. YAHOO!

Prayers:
1. Please pray that the remaining support would come in soon, $700 a month is all that is still needed. Praise GOD! Pray as well that those whom have made verbal commitments would follow through with great conviction.
2. Pray for the details of a trip to Mt. Hermon to be worked out by GOD.
3. Please pray that the contacts made in January would continue to blossom.
4. Pray for a follow up appointment with my Eye Doctor to actually happen so that we can talk about partnership.
5. Ultimately that God would guide and direct each and every step, thought, meeting and word in these coming months.

Perspective on NEEDs

Today a group of us from my home church had the opportunity to join with a couple of other churches to help pass out food to the needy in Fullerton. Upon reflection there were many awesome thoughts.

Unity between churches - at least 3 churches were represented by different members.



A girl scout troop was there to help. An opportunity to rub shoulders with a common goal, working side by side without judgment or prejudice, there with an excitement to meet the predominate physical need of nourishment for those whom don't have the ability to provide for themselves.