Well, believe it or not another month has gone by. God has been teaching me so much through this process. He has shown me that He is the source and my prayer life has been strengthened.
Reesa and I bought our plane tickets and I found myself squealing with excitement like a girl at Christmas time. We were able to get really great prices and we are even on the same flight!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Things are starting to wind down for me. The night class I was teaching is over which has given me my week nights back. There are 2 and a half weeks of school left. I do have 5 IEPs (special education paperwork) to write before then. So, my weekends have been full of paperwork. I'll be glad to see that done! In my "spare time" I have been support raising. I am currently at 39% of my one-time costs and 40% of my monthly support. The Lord is so good!
Up next: running a concession stand at a Royals game where all proceeds go to my ministry, a fund raiser at my church like a dodgeball tournament, a rummage sale where donated items are sold, and a home presentation as well as coffee dates in Cedar Rapids.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
One month later...
Well, it's been a month since I blogged last. Besides less furniture in my apartment not much has changed. I'm selling my things on Craigslist and Ebay and look forward to having that part done. I have a computer desk still up for sale but other than that and a few more little things I've sold everything I wanted to! Praise the Lord! In many cases, I was able to get asking price and twice I even got more than asking price!!!
New neighbors moved in across the hall and they gave me all their old boxes which will save me lots of money! The Lord provides in so many ways! I'll be moving the things I want to store at my dad and mom's house on June 4th and then spending time with my family until the 20th when I leave for Pre Field Orientation for two weeks. After that, I teach three weeks of Extended School Year (summer school for special education students). Then one more week with family and off to Austria (Lord willing).
Currently, I have 19% of my one-time costs and 36% of my monthly costs. This weekend a man from Reesa's church said he would like to support me and Reesa. The people God is raising up to support me are coming from places I would never have dreamed. He gets all the glory!
The next step is more home presentations and a fund raiser at Great Adventure Ministries (a singles ministry in Omaha). Pray that God would use these to get the word out about this ministry and possibly support me.
If you'd like to contribute to this ministry on a monthly basis or a one-time gift please send checks to: R.C.E. International, P.O. Box 4528, Wheaton, IL 60189—4528 and put #2987 in the memo.
New neighbors moved in across the hall and they gave me all their old boxes which will save me lots of money! The Lord provides in so many ways! I'll be moving the things I want to store at my dad and mom's house on June 4th and then spending time with my family until the 20th when I leave for Pre Field Orientation for two weeks. After that, I teach three weeks of Extended School Year (summer school for special education students). Then one more week with family and off to Austria (Lord willing).
Currently, I have 19% of my one-time costs and 36% of my monthly costs. This weekend a man from Reesa's church said he would like to support me and Reesa. The people God is raising up to support me are coming from places I would never have dreamed. He gets all the glory!
The next step is more home presentations and a fund raiser at Great Adventure Ministries (a singles ministry in Omaha). Pray that God would use these to get the word out about this ministry and possibly support me.
If you'd like to contribute to this ministry on a monthly basis or a one-time gift please send checks to: R.C.E. International, P.O. Box 4528, Wheaton, IL 60189—4528 and put #2987 in the memo.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Risk...
Today my friend Trevor sent me a text to listen to truthforlife.org with Alistair Begg. It was all about Ecclesiastes 11. Verse 4 says, "Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every could, they never harvest." Verse 5 goes on to say that we cannot understand the activity of God.
Begg quotes Julius Caesar who says, "There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads onto greatness but if you miss the tide you're going to be paddling out there for a long time waiting for the next wave."
Waves don't come along all that often...not the kind that will rush you off into a whole new opportunity. If you constantly sit waiting, watching, wondering, analyzing, doing all the pros and the cons and the ups and the downs, you'll be sitting there until the day you die. Of course, it's good to do that but you can't let it paralyze you.
Ephesian 5:16-17 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
It's not an ideal time for me. It's not ideal to quit two amazing jobs in a time where people are loosing their jobs. But if I don't go, where will I be years down the road...farther behind. I can't watch the clouds...or I'll never harvest. Don't wait for ideal conditions...there are no ideal conditions!
With this being said...I turned in my letter of intent saying that I would not return to school next year. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.
Begg quotes Julius Caesar who says, "There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads onto greatness but if you miss the tide you're going to be paddling out there for a long time waiting for the next wave."
Waves don't come along all that often...not the kind that will rush you off into a whole new opportunity. If you constantly sit waiting, watching, wondering, analyzing, doing all the pros and the cons and the ups and the downs, you'll be sitting there until the day you die. Of course, it's good to do that but you can't let it paralyze you.
Ephesian 5:16-17 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
It's not an ideal time for me. It's not ideal to quit two amazing jobs in a time where people are loosing their jobs. But if I don't go, where will I be years down the road...farther behind. I can't watch the clouds...or I'll never harvest. Don't wait for ideal conditions...there are no ideal conditions!
With this being said...I turned in my letter of intent saying that I would not return to school next year. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
To sign or not to sign...
I've been seeking wise counsel about the decision of signing a contract for next year or not. I met with Pastor Chuck and he explained to me that God doesn't always want us to go directly from point A to point B. We may be on our way to point B when God causes us to go in a zig zag. But sometimes in moving towards point B we end up where God wants us to be. He reminded me that if I didn't end up raising all my support and serving in Vienna it wasn't the end of the world. In fact, that might be how He gets me where I'm suppsed to be. He asked me where my heart was and I told him serving the Lord. He asked me why I was so scared of not signing the contract and I told him I was scared of not having a job next year if I didn't raise all my support. He then asked what I loved more, job security or serving the Lord. Am I more in love with my job or Jesus?
After this meeting, I talked to a retired missionary from my church on the phone. He told me they had a missions meeting where one of the elders talked about his cell phone. Having a cell phone was convenient, he could call people on his way home from work, and people could get a hold of him on the golf course. However, it cost him $65 a month and he thought about how much that would benefit a missionary. Then another elder talked about how he had cable and he wasn't sure how much TV God wanted them to watch anyway. And he, too, wondered what that money would do for a missionary. This really encouraged me and showed me that God could bring in the money in ways I never dreamed of!
It was after much thought and lots of prayer, that I have decided not to sign my contract here at Lewis Central. I'm moving towards Vienna and if He chooses not to bring in the support, I'll be interested to see what He has for me next. I'm putting my total trust in Him. Jesus has my heart; and I'm going to serve Him wherever He leads me.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
After this meeting, I talked to a retired missionary from my church on the phone. He told me they had a missions meeting where one of the elders talked about his cell phone. Having a cell phone was convenient, he could call people on his way home from work, and people could get a hold of him on the golf course. However, it cost him $65 a month and he thought about how much that would benefit a missionary. Then another elder talked about how he had cable and he wasn't sure how much TV God wanted them to watch anyway. And he, too, wondered what that money would do for a missionary. This really encouraged me and showed me that God could bring in the money in ways I never dreamed of!
It was after much thought and lots of prayer, that I have decided not to sign my contract here at Lewis Central. I'm moving towards Vienna and if He chooses not to bring in the support, I'll be interested to see what He has for me next. I'm putting my total trust in Him. Jesus has my heart; and I'm going to serve Him wherever He leads me.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Missions Festival
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was our church's missions festival as well as one of the worst snow storms we've had all year. Ha! Reesa and I set up a booth and shared with those who were brave enough to face the ice.
Many were excited to hear about our future ministry at Vienna Christian School. But not only that, many people were supportive about my situation at work and a sweet couple prayed with me as I still face the decision of what to do about next year.
Many were excited to hear about our future ministry at Vienna Christian School. But not only that, many people were supportive about my situation at work and a sweet couple prayed with me as I still face the decision of what to do about next year. 
The disciples were out fishing and not having much luck when Jesus says, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." and Simon says, We've got fish folks! Soon, both boats were filled with fish. Is Jesus asking me to drop my nets in Vienna.
Luke 5:11 says, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people! as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus." Jesus comes right where we are and invites us to follow Him. Jesus calls us to not be afraid. They left everything.
My delima is knowing the difference between stepping out in faith (leaving everything) and being a good steward of what God has given me. I have two wonderful jobs and am at 25% of my monthly support. Honestly, I am scared. Each day at work I am faced with the question of what I have decided. Please pray for wisdom!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Lord, teach me to pray...
This week has been amazing. Tuesday my good friends the Bittners brought home their beautiful baby girl, Mariah. We have been praying for their adoption for a long time now. In church this morning we sang "How Great is Our God" and "I stand Amazed (How Marvelous)." Tears flooded my eyes as I thought about how marvelous He truly is and how He really does answer prayer. In Sunday school, we read the passage from Luke 11 where the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Verse 3 really stood out to me, "Give us each day the food we need." God's provision is daily. If He gave me all my support right off the back I would no longer need to rely on Him. He goes on to teach the disciples to be persistent in prayer. Practicing persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work. Would you join me in being persistent and bold about praying for my support money to come in?
Feb 27- March 1 is my church's Missions Festival. Reesa and I will be setting up a table and talking to people about our trip. March 15 Reesa and I will have the opportunity to speak during the Sunday School hour at our church about our trip. I have plans to call a lady in WI this week to see if it would be possible to speak at her church. After that is set up I hope to call my Grandma's church and see about speaking there. From there I will be starting "tea parties" with girls in different cities to talk about my trip. Pray for safe travels and open hearts.
Friday, I have a job interview for a summer job opportunity. It sounds like they would be flexible during my PFO training in the middle of summer. Plus, I would absolutely love working there. Pray that God's will would be done one way or another.
I'm starting to sell furniture from my apartment. So far, the Lord has really blessed me by giving me my asking price or close to it...and one time even more than my asking price!!! PTL
Feb 27- March 1 is my church's Missions Festival. Reesa and I will be setting up a table and talking to people about our trip. March 15 Reesa and I will have the opportunity to speak during the Sunday School hour at our church about our trip. I have plans to call a lady in WI this week to see if it would be possible to speak at her church. After that is set up I hope to call my Grandma's church and see about speaking there. From there I will be starting "tea parties" with girls in different cities to talk about my trip. Pray for safe travels and open hearts.
Friday, I have a job interview for a summer job opportunity. It sounds like they would be flexible during my PFO training in the middle of summer. Plus, I would absolutely love working there. Pray that God's will would be done one way or another.
I'm starting to sell furniture from my apartment. So far, the Lord has really blessed me by giving me my asking price or close to it...and one time even more than my asking price!!! PTL
Monday, February 9, 2009
Standing on the ledge...
This week has been very difficult emotionally. At work we are already planning for next year and discussing student placements. I felt that I needed to let work know about my plans but was not ready to quit as I only have 19% of my support raised. I'm confused about what to do. I told one of my associates and the teacher I co-teach with and they were both very disappointed. My co-teacher was wanting to loop with me (have the same kids the next year and teach 3rd instead of 2nd). I feel like I am letting people down. I talked to my boss this morning and filled him in. He has given me until the end of this month to give my notice.
Many emotions are flooding my brain at this point. Am I being stupid for quiting my two amazing jobs? Is this really where God is leading me? What if I quit my job but don't raise all the support? What if I'm not able to go but no longer have a job in the states? What if...?
I see myself as standing on a ledge. I'm ready to do God's will and have committed to serving Him for two years in Austria but am afraid to take the leap. Why is it so hard to jump? My faith is so little. Please pray that I would have a peace about quitting my job.
I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli
My heart beats standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like it or go back
There's no turning back
I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So, I'm letting go
This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
A fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone
I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It fees like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So, I'm letting go
Giving into your gravity
Knowing you are holding me
I'm not afraid
I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
It fees like I'm falling and this is the life for me
And I'm letting go
Many emotions are flooding my brain at this point. Am I being stupid for quiting my two amazing jobs? Is this really where God is leading me? What if I quit my job but don't raise all the support? What if I'm not able to go but no longer have a job in the states? What if...?
I see myself as standing on a ledge. I'm ready to do God's will and have committed to serving Him for two years in Austria but am afraid to take the leap. Why is it so hard to jump? My faith is so little. Please pray that I would have a peace about quitting my job.
I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli
My heart beats standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like it or go back
There's no turning back
I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So, I'm letting go
This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
A fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone
I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It fees like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So, I'm letting go
Giving into your gravity
Knowing you are holding me
I'm not afraid
I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
It fees like I'm falling and this is the life for me
And I'm letting go
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