Raising Support

For every missions trip I went on when I was little, I remember that the money would always come in at the last minute.  Actually, I expected it to and wouldn't get nervous until the day it was due and I heard my parents saying, "God will provide, we just have to wait and see how it works out."  Now that I am raising the money all on my own, I am feeling a little more of the pressure they dealt with for so many trips.  But, as they always said, God will provide.

Unfortunately, after prayer and discussion, my first trip to Argentina has been cancelled.  Neither myself nor my dad (who I was going with) felt that God wanted us to go in July; we felt like we were forcing something that was not God's will.  I am convinced that this will make the trip in January so much more fulfilling.

Although this does relieve some of the financial burden of the three trips, I still have $4,200 to raise by December.  This morning I reminded myself to bring my requests before my Lord and then opened my Bible to the next book I was planning to read--James.   And God's faithfulness jumped out at me:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."  (James 1:5-8, ESV, emphasis added)

I ask God for wisdom in the preparations for Africa and Argentina and He generously gives to me, but I seem to forget how to ask in faith for the financial backing of these trips.  I know God will provide, but knowing is not enough--I must ask Him to enter the situation and provide the money.  Please come along side me and pray as God provides for these trips.

Prayer Requests/Praises:

• God has provided $100 for my trip!  I now have $4,100 to raise.
• I need to get a visa to Cameroon soon.  Unfortunately, I cannot apply for a visa until I have purchased my plane ticket.  Please pray that the money comes in with enough time to get the visa.
• Before I go to Cameroon, I have to get some shots and I have to begin taking malaria pills.  The pills aren't going to be an issue once I get them prescribed by the doctor, but I don't like shots and I fear that I may need a lot of them (as it has been some time since my last shot).  Pray that I don't need many or that they can be taken care of with pills instead of the shot.
• Please also pray for the missionaries I will be visiting (the Jacksons, Catherine, and the Greens) and the people I will be able to show God's love and peace.  Pray that their hearts will be open and that they will see God shining through me before I open my mouth.  Pray that I will be receptive to God's voice so He can makes any changes in me before I go.

Thank you for your support!  I'm so glad we are able to partner together for this journey!

~N