During the 1800’s a missionary in Bristol, England, named George Mueller, cared for over 120,000 orphans in his lifetime.
On one occasion, the housemother of the orphanage informed George, “The children are dressed and ready for school. But there is no food for them to eat.” He asked her to take the 300 children into the dining room and have them sit at the tables that were set and ready for the meal. George believed God would provide food for the children as he always did. He thanked God for the food they were about to eat and waited. Within minutes, a baker knocked on the door. “Mr. Mueller,” he said, “last night I could not sleep. Somehow, I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I will bring it in.” Soon, there was another knock at the door. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. The milk would spoil by the time the wheel was fixed. He asked George if he could use some free milk. George smiled as the milkman brought in ten large cans of milk. It was just enough for the 300 thirsty children.
George believed that God would provide the food. However, he went a step further and showed his faith by setting the tables and thanking God for the food; which they didn’t even have yet. He fully expected God to provide and his actions backed up his belief. I have noticed, in my experiences as a believer in the American church, we believe and even profess that belief in the miraculous power of God. However, we are missing the action part. James, in his epistle, describes a faith without action as useless or dead (destitute of life)-just as the body without the Spirit is dead. Anyone who has been to a funeral has witnessed a body without a spirit. I think we can all agree that we would never want our faith described in this way!
At the beginning of my fundraising journey, which started on April 11th, I began asking God to provide the full amount of my trip by the first deadline (which was a little over a month). This would provide direction about which trip I should pursue. I believed with everything in me that He could provide the funds in that time. Therefore, I began “Setting the Table” in expectation that He would provide for His glory. I told everyone who I could what I was asking God to do, asking for them to pray similar prayers, and doing everything I felt was on my ‘checklist.’
If I’m being completely candid, there were definitely times that my faith wavered. However, God quickly reminded me of how big He is and how small $18,600 is for Him! And despite some hurdles, God brought me through the process trusting that He would provide if it was His will.
It seemed to start so slowly because I wasn’t asking people to dream big with me! The first payment of $50 came in on April 16 (which left me with only 33 days). And funds continued to trickle in slowly. So much so that I went into the last two weeks of funding with only about ? of what I needed. It was at this point that I started asking people to consider giving $100 monthly. After that, God opened the floodgates. And I’m so pleased to say that 33 days after the first donation, I have $18,600 (including some of what God has provided in my bank account)!!
The body of Christ has truly been supportive; more than I could’ve imagined! Thank you to all who were involved with this process! I’d like to extend a special, “Thank you” to a few people who have gone above and beyond in this journey:
Tracy Harbaugh-for praying diligently, helping with my garage sale, being my “Ohio Mom”, and getting the word out to so many people.
David Faile-for praying diligently, encouraging me to be a “Faith Walker,” proofreading my letter, and helping me set up two fundraisers.
My Family-for praying diligently, supporting me in the ups and downs, and showing me love even after they have seen the ugliest parts of me!
Rachel Hundley and Luke Faile-for serving by my side at my fundraiser.
Lisa Gray and Ashley Pavy-for their generosity even when they’re raising funds for their own trip.
Ben Riggs-for proofreading my letter and expertly editing it.
Rex Brooking-for diligently praying, wanting what’s best for me, supporting me even though it meant losing a long-time employee, and the patience that came with the process.
Johnny Thiede-for diligently praying, supporting me in the mission, and encouraging me with much wisdom.
