My Ministry Partner Development coach for the trip sent me something very encouraging called "What Is True of Me." Not only was it a good reminder to me of the what God says in His Word in terms of trusting Him for the funds, but it can also be an encouragement to you all as you lean on Christ's promises during whatever season of life you are in. Here are just a few lines of what was included:
· I serve the Lord God whose resources are infinite (Psalm 50:10-12) and who can abundantly provide. (Ephesians 3:20)
· My team of ministry partners is laying up treasures in heaven and is greater involved in the fulfillment of the Great Commission because of their participation in my life. (Matthew 6:20)
· I am inviting people to be partners in ministry with me by committing their time, prayers, resources and finances to what God is doing in our world. I am not begging for money or asking for a contribution. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)· My ministry is very significant since people have a need for God. (Matthew 9: 36; Romans 3:23, 6:23)· My ministry is very significant since I am calling others to consider decisions that will affect their eternal destiny. (John 11:25-26)· God promises that those who give to my ministry will be more blessed by the giving than I am by the receiving. (Acts 20:35)· I am an encouragement to my ministry team in their own walks with God as they see what He is doing through me. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)· God is using me as an opportunity for obedience when others give to my ministry since He has called everyone to give financially to His work regardless of the amount of their personal income. (Malachi 3:8,10; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5)· As a laborer in the harvest, I am an answer to prayer. (Matthew 9:37-38)
I love the fact that God not only blesses me for my obedience to Him in His service, but He also blesses those who partner in supporting me in my obedience to Him! How cool is that!? :) I get pretty excited about the Lord's work, as you can see hehe. I definitely ask that you guys continue in prayer for the 9 other students who are going on the trip, as well as the staff!! Everyone has to raise nearly the same about of funds (unless of course you've got it like that and can pay out of pocket hehe). This is really an awesome opportunity to exercise our faith in God's ability and provision, as well as His sovereign timing for things. As He stretches our faith in this area, God is making us more flexible in our service, trust, and obedience to Him in all other areas of life! This applies not only to raising money for ministry, but also any test or trial the Lord puts us through. And it's so awesome, because when He comes through, He comes THROUGH! and we're able to point allllllll glory and praise to Jesus for doing the work. My verse for this season? James 5:16b: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth MUCH! (emphasis mine) Have you guys ever had opportunities to lean on these or other assurances found in Scripture? I'd love to hear about them! I'm so thankful to you guys for the prayers, encouragement, and advice thus far; and I do hope you'll continue in to intercede on behalf of me and my missions team for the remainder of this preparatory time before the trip! :)
**If you are interested in finding out more information on supporting me in prayer or financially in this endeavor, just let me know, and I'll answer any questions you may have!**
We have to raise our own support as missionaries and I never tire of hearing of the Lord's provision. He is such a good God! Thanks for sharing! And I pray that the rest of what you need comes in...even in unexpected ways! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHey Ashley, it's so awesome that you are going to South Africa this summer and it's even cooler to see what God has been doing in your life!
ReplyDeleteI'm now following you and I can't wait to read more :)
-Tori