A little over a month ago, I sent out my support raising letters and didn't really know what kind of response to expect. At the least, I was expecting a challenge. When it came down to it, I knew I would get the money to go on project. I knew God provides. But it's so much easier to know, than it is to have faith sometimes. In short, I had braced myself for the worst.
I got my first responses within my first week back at school after break. Letters continued to arrive, with many more people being far more generous than I had anticipated. Thinking back, I can't even describe what happened. There was nothing I could have done by my own power. My God knew what I needed, had a plan and provided amply for me. I needed support. God gave me support in some unlikely places. I am so blessed and humbled -- I feel as though I did nothing, and God went ahead of me and has prepared the way.
WHOA.
This feat that I had dreaded since making the decision to go to OC, the enormous task that I envisioned being drawn out over two months, fraught with worry and stress, is done. Lesson learned, once again, that God provides.
What does this mean? It means that I can OFFICIALLY and FINANCIALLY to on Ocean City Summer Project. It means I have a place to stay, a staff that will pour into me, materials to learn about evangelism and put my skills into action. I can pay for my travel costs (which are no small investment) and lunch (not provided by the project), that otherwise would come out of my paycheck.
But what it really means to me is that God has given me an incredible blessing: a community of people who are investing, financially and spiritually, in me for a summer that will change my life and the lives of others. That God is already showing me the impact I have on the people around me for His work.
I'm completely blown away by God's power right now. I've been thinking of Philippians 4:18-19: "I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied... they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
This makes me excited for what else God is going to do in my life, even before I get to Ocean City. I'm beginning to learn what it means to fully depend on God even in the areas of my life, like finances, where it is hardest to feel out of control. I know that this dependence won't be as easy as it is now, when things are going well. I see this as God preparing me for the challenges I'll have ahead.
To my supporters: Your letters had more impact on me than you probably know. Each of your letters brought me joy and encouragement, no matter what amount you enclosed. Your post-it notes, cards and words of encouragement on the back of the response card made me smile and take comfort that God was using each of you to reach out to me. Your faithfulness is inspiring to me, and I want to keep you all involved in every step of my journey. I really can't express how thankful I am for all of you, and how blessed I am by your support of me!
I ask for your continuing prayers for my preparation for the trip. That I can continue to make time to invest in my relationship with God and other believers amidst this hectic last month of school. That He would be preparing my heart and mind for the summer. And that the excitement and motivation I have now can continue!
40 days til OCEAN CITY '10!!
Yay Emily!
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