Summertime Support Raising

A big thank you to the 11 churches, 2 zones
and 2 districts that allowed me to share.
PHOTO: Tom Felder

Iced coffees. Google Maps. Road trip music. Listening & looking for God. Meeting new friends. I'm not sure how other volunteer missionaries "do" support raising, but that's how it has looked for me this summer.

Since March, I've been trying to figure this whole support raising thing out. I've visited new and interesting places and heard some incredible stories of what Jesus is doing here in Oklahoma. It's been an exciting time of learning.

Raising $20,000 and a solid prayer network was basically the same thing as climbing Mount Everest to me at first. And it probably would've been impossible IF I'd been alone. I've always considered myself to be self-reliant. I despise asking others to help me. However, when I'm truly surrendering myself to God's plans, it isn't about me so much anymore. When I became a part of the Body of Christ, "self" took on a new meaning.

Over and over, God's brought me back to Paul's writing on the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12. On our own, we're just random bits and pieces. Without Jesus, we have no forward motion. We need each other. We need Him. And God gives us the great joy and honor of being a part of building His kingdom. As a volunteer missionary, that often means a lot of blanks and unanswered questions. However, as I say yes simply to being the feet that go, others say yes to being the supportive, loving hands that send. God seamlessly orchestrates it all. Truly miraculously, we become one body glorifying Him.

I've seen that happen first hand this summer, traveling to local churches, hearing of others' dreams, sharing my own. And as of today, there is just over $18,000 in my fund for the coming year! Praise Jesus!

So now I'm neck-deep in final preparations. The fine folks at the British Consulate approved my visa, and I have a flight booked for August 27th. Lord, help us! I'm soaking up every moment with family and friends and at my favorite places. (My body seems to sense that I'm leaving the land of good Tex-Mex. I can't get enough of it.) But I'm also so anxious to be in Scotland witnessing all God's incredible work going on and finding my place in all of it. 

If you've given, prayed, encouraged, hosted, or supported me throughout this season of life, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You are a true blessing!