The past few weeks have truly been something else, whatever that means. I have a lot to share. This post has three purposes.
1. It's time to talk about the Lord's unending provision and encouragement.
2. It's time to talk about how YOU change the world.
3. I'd like to share a few specific requests for prayer.
Part One.
I'm not sure how to preface this part without just getting straight to the point. So that I shall do. We had a financial deadline to meet about a week ago. We were each to have $6500 in our individual support accounts so that we would be able to launch on September 10th. This is less than half of our total required support to be raised, but it is what was needed in order to launch and remain on the field for at least three months before the next financial deadline in November. With about $6100 in my account and feeling like I had exhausted all my resources, I hardly had the faith of a mustard seed that this deadline would be met.
The fundraising process has been a painfully beautiful experience. This is what I want to focus on. The painful beauty. The beauty that comes from trusting the Lord. The pain that comes when I don't trust Him. The Lord desires to see the very desires of our own heart fulfilled.
So, I posted a status on Facebook, explaining how I needed $400 more to reach the August deadline. The next thing I know, there is an anonymous donation in my account for that exact amount. Another Jesus in Disguise. Another moment where I say a quick 'Shame on you' to the part of me that doesn't trust Him. How many times will it take? When in this process do I finally surrender doubts? Thank you to all of my supporters, from the very bottom of my heart. I cannot say it enough. I feel so loved and believed in. Everyone deserves to feel this way.
My church also hosted another spaghetti dinner fundraiser at our Church, Portico, about a week ago. I was surrounded by an incredible team of support from every direction, to my Pastor taking a significant time setting up the computer so that I could play my powerpoint, to his family basically taking care of making and serving all the food, to other church members bringing food and helping more than I could have imagined, to my sister, Carly, being my number one fan, to about 40 to 50 people (friends, family, and strangers alike) coming and sharing this evening with me. It was an incredible night. I really ought to stop doubting the Lord. It feels so much better to just trust Him.
Part Two.
I have come to a simple yet profound realization. We need to stop believing the lies that we cannot change the world. You, one person, have been told that you probably can't change this world. I, one person, want to tell you that is a LIE. An awful, twisted, tainted lie that a society that seems to know no better has instilled in you.
Here's the TRUTH: You have changed the world if you have impacted even one person.
So what am I saying? Stop listening to the lies that you can't change the world. Why? Because you've already done it. And you will keep on doing it. And your life matters. Everyday, it matters. Believe that truth and write it upon your heart. YOU change the world, possibly everyday. AMEN.
Part Three.
It's such an encouragement to know there is a team of supporters ready to pray and encourage. Here are some specific requests:
1. Pray for my family and other loved ones who I will be saying goodbye to in less than three short weeks. That's going to feel unbearably difficult.
2. Pray for last minute preparations to go smoothly.
3. Pray for me, that I may be fully present in the here and now while I still have time.
Now go change the world. You're already doing it.
