Support raising...what a journey it has been! Four months ago, I had no idea what to expect. I knew God had called me to go. I knew I was where He wanted me. And I knew He would provide. However, I didn't know what that would look like. I didn't know whether I would enjoy the process. I viewed it as a hurdle to jump, just another step in the process. And it is a step in the process...but a very good one. I am so very grateful for the timing of this process. From the very beginning, when I first heard about GoCorps, to right now, God's hand has been obvious every step of the way. His timing has been beyond perfect.
And as I write this, I'm reminded just how true this is...just how perfect God's timing is. You see, I know that, but I tend to forget. I tend to get stressed and worried, not seeing how all the timing will work out. And support raising...well, it is no different. God has His timing worked out...and He knows exactly where all the money will come from. It may or may not come from expected places. God uses His faithful servants to provide...but He also likes to show up in unexpected ways. I think that may be Him reminding me that He is the one providing. I have a lot of work to do to make this happen. But ultimately, it's all Him. He moves people's hearts not me.
The last three months have been a whirlwind. Three months ago I was at GoWeek, learning so much! Go Week (my training) was so incredible. I was blown away by just how organized everything was. They taught us a very specific process that is designed to quickly and effectively raise up a support team. And it works. It has been absolutely incredible this summer to see that raising up a support team is not about me. I'm not asking people to help me personally as much as I'm inviting them to become a part of what God is doing. Because God isn't going to show up with me as I step off of the airplane. He is already there. He is already at work. And He has already begun preparing people's hearts to understand who He is. He's using me in that process...just as He is using every single person who prays for me and for the people I'll serve, every person who gives financially, every person who encourages me. This is a team effort...and for that I am so grateful!
So now I am fully funded. I have a very long list of people praying for me and the work God is doing in North Africa. I have a team there that will welcome me. I have begun packing. I've said some goodbyes. And I leave in 10 days. Praise the Lord! He is so faithful! He has been working all the details of this out for months and even years. And now it is all here. I know the next two years will be tough. I know that I will learn and grow so much. I know there will be days I don't feel like I can keep going. But I also know that Jesus is faithful. He has proven that to me. He is why I'm going. He is good and He is worthy.
My church sang "Praise the King" by Corey Voss on Sunday. It really resonates with me. Here are a few of the lyrics.
"There's a reason why the curse of sin is broken. There's a reason why the darkness runs from light. There's a reason why we stand here now forgiven. Jesus is alive. There's a reason why we are not overtaken. There's a reason why we sing on through the night. There's a reason why our hope remains eternal. Jesus is alive.
Praise the King, He is risen. Praise the King, He's alive. Praise the King, Death's defeated. Hallelujah He's alive. Hallelujah He's alive.
There's a reason why our hearts can be courageous... Jesus is alive."
That is why I can be courageous. That is why I go into a tough place without fear (or at least very much... :) ) Jesus. He's worthy.
P.S. A couple other songs that have meant a lot to me this summer are
To Live is Christ by Sidewalk Prophets
Ever Be by Bethel Music