Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.
– Jeremiah 9:23-24
I don't like to boast and am turned off by people who do it all of the time. But sometimes, something so wonderful will happen that I can't keep it to myself! And after reading the scripture above, I realize that it's ok to brag about demonstrations of God's unfailing love and blessings. It's ok to know that I am cherished by my Father and that He delights in doing great things for me because I know Him and truly understand that it is ALL from Him. So now, it's time for me to brag a little bit! 
Earlier this week I had a meeting with a woman who will be starting a missionary ministry for an orphanage in Jamaica next year (She is a Jamaica native). She wanted to have lunch with me to ask me some questions about my mission trip experiences and to brainstorm about how she should move forward in starting her own organization and planning future mission trips. Prior to this lunch, I didn't know this lady very well, but I knew her husband through serving in the bookstore at our church. Her husband, who had already donated very graciously (very, very graciously!) to The World Race as well as a mission trip that I'd been on previously, strongly urged her to meet with me before I leave in September so that they could get the ball rolling on making plans with their new ministry.
Going into the lunch I felt very apprehensive. I honestly didn't feel like I had anything to offer her because I have neither started an organization nor planned any type of mission trip. I just raise the money and then go! I was fully prepared to tell her that I didn't have the expertise that she was looking for and came with other names of people and resources who could better serve her. As I sat down with Victoria, she made it clear that she just wanted to chat a little bit to get to know me first before diving into her questions and the business.
So, we sat and talked for about a half an hour about our passion for International Missions and went back and forth bragging on the mighty ways that God has been moving in our lives. After talking to her about what I've seen on the mission field, why I desire to change the world, what I want to see done, and how God is moving, she told me that I answered most of the questions that she had! Not only that, but she said my passion, boldness, and testimony encouraged her tremendously because she had been battling fear with stepping out and moving in what God clearly told her to do. She then asked me a few other questions and I gave her my answers and opinions as best as I could.
As we finished up our lunch she began telling me how she and her husband were discussing how nothing that God does is a coincidence, and she believed that there was a specific reason why I served with her husband in the bookstore and why God wanted us to meet. She said that she knows this new venture that they are beginning is ordained by God, but is also aware of the fact that she is getting older and wouldn't be able to manage it alone for along. She threw out the idea of me potentially becoming the director of their non-profit, an idea that I did not quickly dismiss! While I have been praying about God's plans for me after the World Race, I fully understand that I must focus on my current assignment. If this new Jamaican mission is in deed what God is preparing me for, then this entire process is DEFINITELY something for me to brag about!
However, that isn't where the story ends … In fact, it's just getting better.
After lunch, we went our separate ways. I got a call from an unrecognized number a couple of hours later … It was Victoria. She wanted to thank me again for meeting with her and said that she and her husband really wanted to bless me. Mind you, they have already donated very graciously to my mission trip, but apparently God put it on their hearts to do more! This couple owns a vacation home in Panama City, FL. The property is newly renovated, in a wonderful gated community, sleeps up to 8 people, and is right on Panama City Beach. THEY ARE DONATING A WEEK OF THEIR VACATION HOME PROPERTY TO ME!! I will rent out the home to a family or a group of friends who want to get away for a nice summer vacation at the beach, and the proceeds will go towards funding my mission trip!!
This is one of the most generous things that anyone has ever done for me and I know that it is simply God showering me with his unfailing love and unmeasurable blessings! I was so stunned when she called me with the offer. Not only because it is a generous offer, but also because I JUST met her and I only knew her husband through serving at our church. We served together for about 30 minutes, twice a month … that's it! What a miracle for my Father to put it on their hearts to bless me as they have!
Panama City Beach, Florida is just a 5 ½ hour drive from Atlanta and is rated as having some of the WORLD’S most beautiful beaches. Palm Cove is a gated community of two and three bedroom cluster homes, with two community pools, a pool house, and within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, Shipwreck Island water park, and the beach!
If you are interested in renting out this beautiful vacation property, please email me at [email protected] to discuss details around price and dates. I have a few pictures of the home included below.
