We need to raise about $21,000 for one time expenses (like for our plane tickets, tuition for language school and initial moving costs) as well as an extra $1000 per month for living day to day. We've been struggling with trying to find ways to raise these funds so we can go to the Philippines. Some days, discouragement knocks on the door to my heart and my mind begins to wonder if we're really supposed to go to the Philippines or be missionaries for that matter. It's becoming more and more difficult to do support raising. Many people, especially people our age (people in their 20s and 30s) feel they can't give anymore money to anything or anybody because of the many financial obligations they have (like paying off the car or the mortgage etc.) We know we're competing against so many other organizations needing money.
As missionaries, we're going to have to find other ways to support ourselves to do the Lord's work. We're not sure if we can soley depend on the traditional ways anymore. I know there is value in raising support but it may be unrealistic to think that this is the only way to go. I don't know what these other ways are but as we continue with our fund raising, we're trying to think 'outside the box' and be innovative.
We're having an Open House in August (the 19th and 26th) to talk with people we know who live around here about our ministry in the Philippines. We're also having a silent auction to try to raise some extra money for our needs. We thought we would auction off some of our own personal art works (pictures and paintings) so we'll see how that goes. We're not sure who's coming or whether anybody will but we're praying the Lord will orchestrate it all for His glory. Please keep us in prayer.
If you are sensing the Lord tugging at your heart to give towards something God's doing, would you consider partnering with us? Might He be asking you to give monthly, quarterly, annually or a one time thing? You can go to SEND's Donor webpage and donate online or you can e-mail us for more information. We certainly covet your prayers as the Lord continues to stretch us during this time.
3 comments:
I came to your website to see how you guys were coming along in your plans to move to the Philippines. Trust in the word the Lord has given you! If He says you are going to the PI, He will provide. We live month to month here, but God has always been faithful to provide what we need. Do not fear. I've just been reading a study guide on faith and it says "Where faith is a matter of choice, you can be confident that God's Spirit is speaking the Word upon which you may base your choice to believe. Again using the story of the strom from Mark 4, let us notice that the disciples had His word ("Let us go over to the other side"), and they also had His presence." I will be praying for your family and we hope to see you here soon!
Guys, I just want to echo Melissa's comment. It's God's plan and HE will get it done. While we were fund raising i can remember days thinking we were foolish and coming up with our initial funds was impossible, but God kept encouraging us. There is a book I would HIGHLY recommend to you written by Loren Cunningham, the founder of YWAM, called Daring To Live On The Edge". Many times God reminded us of the amazing stories of HIS provision from this book in getting HIS thing done by supplying finances beyond expecation. Check it out if you haven't already and remember, A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Hey Daniel and Melissa,
Thanks for your encouraging words! We can't wait to meet up with you there soon!
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