Mutual Encouragement

Well there are about 10 hours left until Mom and I leave Canandaigua to begin our journey… our suitcases are still empty, and piles of things lay scattered around the house.  By a hope and a prayer we’ll be organized to go on time!

I’m writing you this update because I hope that you can be as encouraged as I am today…  two months ago I announced that we would be making this return trip and I made a feeble, doubt-filled request for financial support fully intending to be pouring money from my own pocket to fund this trip.  Well, with 10 hours to go, I have received $3,760.  I only asked for $3,500… you guys gave me too much! J 

I need to take a moment to boast about my home church, The United Church of Canandaigua.  Approximately 90% of this money has come from my home church family in one way or another… without skipping a beat, you quickly sent money and supported me with love, encouragement, and generosity.  Thank you for always being there for me, for supporting this ministry no matter what, and for praying for me without ceasing. 

As we do our last minute scrambling, I’m breathing with peace, anticipation, and JOY sustained by the Holy Spirit’s gentle reassurance.   He is already providing for every penny needed, plus some extra, so we can flexibly give as needs arise and comfortably function to meet our daily needs.  With every moment I spend lesson planning (2,000 years of Church History crammed into 2 weeks?!) I am finding a refreshing, life-giving motivation which comes only from doing what you love… and can’t wait to get back in the classroom with my students.

This trip is about mutual encouragement.  It is about people who love the same Lord coming together to learn more about him by serving him together, encouraging one another in our faith journeys through our various gifts and abilities, all for His glory.  I pray that today, and as you continue to share this journey, the Lord will give you your full share of this mutual encouragement!

I hope to send an update or two while we’re gone, but who knows what the internet will allow J

As we go, please pray for:

-Peace, rest, and energy

-Safety and health in body and spirit

-For divinely coordinated appointments… there are many people we would love to see who are scattered throughout the country, please pray these meetings happen!

-For mutual encouragement J