It's been 9 years now since the day I became a follower of Jesus and 3 years since I received the missionary call. I never would have thought that I would be so sure and adamant about this calling in my life until I realized that I went to a very expensive school for it, and I am currently in the season of going through support raising for a 2 year term in Thailand; these 2 years will prepare me for a much longer term in the future. There are many misconceptions and perspectives when it comes to support raising, some that make missionaries all over the world (including myself) break down from time to time when we directly hear from family and friends. It isn't easy asking people to partner with you in a ministry that will require their money and prayers, especially their money. However, during my first official week of support raising I was reminded that when God calls someone to a specific ministry, He already has everything provided for; the people to send and support the person/family and ministry. What a beautiful depiction of the body of Christ working together for a Kingdom cause in the world. Although it might not turn out as we would expect it to, we can trust and expect that God will provide.
I just checked my account prior to writing this blog and I praise our Good Lord for the first gift that I have received so far. WOOHOO for now being at 3% of my support raising!!! (worth celebrating!) Nothing can express the endless joy I have right now, knowing that this person who gave the first gift would be willing to commit to God, the ministry in Thailand, and me for 2 whole years as a financial and prayer partner. Oh, what joy it is to know that my doubts about support raising is starting to be proven so, so, so wrong by God through the people He has moved and brought into my life. I am so wrong to think that people would probably not care about this ministry. I am so wrong to fret about the amount I have to raise and unintentionally making it bigger than God, the ruler and maker of ALL things! There are so many other things that I am wrong about, and I am so glad that I am wrong about them. God, thank you that I am so, so, so wrong about so, so, so many things.