Support Raising- Thank you Lakeview Baptist (Oxford, AL)

My first 3 weeks of work in Gainesville were AMAZING! Really- I find it hard to express my excitement and joy in seeing everything begin! I’ve spent my time getting adjusted, meeting the staff, and holding meetings with those who share my vision. We’ve begun to craft some plans for the future, and my heart is ready to burst- I can’t wait to see these plans come to fruition!

“Wait, what? Hit the brakes? No- move forward! Get started! Get GOING! There are orphans out there dying! They are hungry, sick, unloved, and hopeless! HOW CAN YOU HIT THE BRAKES?!”

That’s what I’m asking myself, but it must be done. Before I can move forward, I have to focus the majority of my time on support raising my salary. I have bills to pay, and I work for a non-profit– it must be done.

I hate it. Just being truthful here- this is me being absolutely honest! Spending my time trying to raise money for my salary does NOT thrill my heart. Do I love speaking about Africa? YES! Do I love sharing the stories of the beautiful orphans I fell in love with there? YES! Do I love raising awareness about the crisis in Swaziland, and waking compassionate hearts across America? YES! But at the end of it all- I want to be able to raise money specifically for the orphans, not for me! I want to be able to focus 100% on the job God has called me to do- not waste time support raising my salary! And still, we live in the reality of bills and needs– and I know it must be done.

And so, this week (and for the next few weeks) my focus has turned to support raising. My first real stop was my church in Auburn- Farmville Baptist. Thank you Sister Pam for letting me share! Praise God for the people there who picked up commitment cards- I pray God will burden them to join me in ministry!

This week- I went to the church I grew up in, Lakeview Baptist in Oxford, AL. I asked the pastor if I could have 5 minutes at the end of the sermon to make an announcement about my needs. He said I could have 3 minutes. I said “Thank you! I can do that!” (but the truth was I wasn’t sure… we all know how I love to talk!) Somehow, I made it in 2 minutes, 44 sec. Eleven people joined me down front for commitment cards and more information. One dear man even asked for 3 cards to take to his friends! (Bless him Lord!) And a precious woman told me she would commit to pray for me at least once every day. (What an incredible prayer warrior! Thank you Lord for her heart! Bless her Lord!)

Tonight, I had one more chance to speak to a group from Lakeview. The Ladies in Action were meeting, and they agreed to let me speak for their program. What a wonderful opportunity! We enjoyed a meal together, and fellowshipped with plenty of food and laughter. Then I shared my stories, my pictures from Swaziland, and my heart for the orphans there.

They cared. They sincerely TOOK INTEREST! What a blessing to find women like them! What I thought would be dinner and a 30 minute talk turned into 3 hours! They asked questions, they voiced thoughts, they gave ideas! They praised and blessed me- they spoke truth over me, they encouraged my heart, and they caught the vision. Each of them took home a commitment card, and there on the spot they took up a love offering of $84! Just a small group of 8 dear women, but they wanted to respond right then! BLESS THEM LORD for their willingness! Bless them that they did not hesitate- they saw my need and immediately they replied with “Yes Lord, we will help!”

I am so thankful for women like them, and for each of the other men and women who have responded so far to my needs. We have a long way to go, but I am confident God is preparing the hearts of those who will provide for me financially- as Mary, Joanna, and Susanna provided for Jesus and the disciples (Luke 8:1-3).

Please join me as I pray for this to be a speedy process! Though it is necessary, I pray my needs are met quickly so that I can turn my full attention to God’s call on my life- “to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27)

My hope is to have my full support pledged for the year (in one time gifts or monthly pledges) by the end of October. It is a big request, but it is a small thing to our Great God! Please pray these BIG prayers with me!