Recently we had the amazing privilege to sit with three seasoned missionaries for wise counsel. The Smith's and Credo (from South Africa). After an evening of encouragement and wise counsel I honestly left feeling overwhelmed and somewhat apprehensive about our ability to be in South Africa in July, 2012. I even turned to Lonnie and said, "Honey, you best not drop that retirement package just yet!"
What was the big deal? True to my battle ground...hearing that we should have the first years support in the bank before we leave. $60,000! This allows us to be secure and launch the ministry well. We currently have just enough to buy or tickets there and 30% of our monthly needs pledged.
Lonnie and I talked briefly about the challenge on the way home...but not specifics.
I wrestled all night.
The next morning, a Sunday, we each had our quiet times in different rooms but God was speaking to our hearts in unison. He was giving us a plan...an encouragement and a plan to move towards the goal. We realized this after our QT's when we were talking about what God was teaching us.
If that wasn't encouraging enough the songs in my QT were of hope, and faith. The verse of the day on a Christian radio station was the same one God used to confirm the launching of Coastal Community Church...Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will be faithful and complete it on the day of Christ Jesus. I about jumped out of my skin and wept. Lord you are here. Lord you are there! Lord we are going there!
Reading The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson, is also God's timing and encouragement. Two brief sections this morning were affirming and convicting.
(1) "There are moments in life when you need to stop pleading and start praising. If God has put a promise in your heart, praise Him for it. You need to celebrate as if it has already happened. You need to stop asking, because God has already answered. And for the record, even if God doesn't answer the way you want, you still need to praise through. That is when it's most difficult to praise God, but that is also when our praise is most pure and most pleasing to God."
(2) "Nothing honors God more than a big dream that is way beyond our ability to accomplish. Why? because there is no way we can take credit for it."
Wow! I'd say $60,000 in 5 months is a God sized dream, an "us" impossible miracle.
But, I'm praising the Lord because he is a work and what he began he will finish (Phil 1:6)! He established His covenant with us many years ago (Genesis 6:18) and has been faithful to it.
Thank you Father for providing a way for us to be your servants in South Africa. Thank you for providing a base support of $60,000 before we ever leave and providing our every need while we are there. You are an awesome God! AMEN
What was the big deal? True to my battle ground...hearing that we should have the first years support in the bank before we leave. $60,000! This allows us to be secure and launch the ministry well. We currently have just enough to buy or tickets there and 30% of our monthly needs pledged.
Lonnie and I talked briefly about the challenge on the way home...but not specifics.
I wrestled all night.
The next morning, a Sunday, we each had our quiet times in different rooms but God was speaking to our hearts in unison. He was giving us a plan...an encouragement and a plan to move towards the goal. We realized this after our QT's when we were talking about what God was teaching us.
If that wasn't encouraging enough the songs in my QT were of hope, and faith. The verse of the day on a Christian radio station was the same one God used to confirm the launching of Coastal Community Church...Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will be faithful and complete it on the day of Christ Jesus. I about jumped out of my skin and wept. Lord you are here. Lord you are there! Lord we are going there!
Reading The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson, is also God's timing and encouragement. Two brief sections this morning were affirming and convicting.
(1) "There are moments in life when you need to stop pleading and start praising. If God has put a promise in your heart, praise Him for it. You need to celebrate as if it has already happened. You need to stop asking, because God has already answered. And for the record, even if God doesn't answer the way you want, you still need to praise through. That is when it's most difficult to praise God, but that is also when our praise is most pure and most pleasing to God."
(2) "Nothing honors God more than a big dream that is way beyond our ability to accomplish. Why? because there is no way we can take credit for it."
Wow! I'd say $60,000 in 5 months is a God sized dream, an "us" impossible miracle.
But, I'm praising the Lord because he is a work and what he began he will finish (Phil 1:6)! He established His covenant with us many years ago (Genesis 6:18) and has been faithful to it.
Thank you Father for providing a way for us to be your servants in South Africa. Thank you for providing a base support of $60,000 before we ever leave and providing our every need while we are there. You are an awesome God! AMEN
