...the great faithfulness, patience, and strength I have come to know. I write this post with tears streaming down my face and a heart pounding in awe of the immensity of this faithfulness.
During Christmas Break 2010, I spent 10 days in Nicaragua with several other Dordt students. For that trip, I needed to fund-raise 2200 dollars. It was a challenge. I think I had about 1500 dollars from supporters, but I funded the rest of the trip. It may be a little wonder why I have been so incredibly nervous about fund-raising the 3500 dollars needed for China.
Friends and family keep telling me.. simply trust, just trust that the money will be provided. I admit, saying that is much easier than actually believing and doing that. However, with my recent struggles at raising financial support for Nicaragua, I have been just banking on all of my summer earnings going towards the China trip. I guess you could say that I figured I'd need to trust in myself to fund the five weeks of ministry.
However, that crazy and selfish idea was blown out of the water. In a matter of minutes, I was shown that trusting in myself, and actually trusting in anyone except that which is always faithful, will simply lead to failure, disappointment, and ultimately, destruction.
Three days before Spring Break began and I headed off to Camden, NJ, to lead a Dordt service project team, I decided to sit down at my computer and check the status of my fundraising. Last I had checked, there was a little over 300 dollars in the account. I scrolled down to the bottom of the page, and tears not only streamed, but gushed out of my eyes. A river poured its way down my face and saturated my shirt. In a few short days, I had been supported with over 2000 more dollars. I sat at my desk trembling, unable to move from the chair. Sobbing, I spoke aloud of the thankfulness, joy, and every other emotion that coursed through my body in that moment.
What I should have maybe said first, however, is to anyone who may be reading this and supporting me--whether financially or spiritually--thank you.. From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU. Your financial support has challenged my self-reliance and drawn me even closer to that everlasting faithfulness we may both know and love. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I recently returned from an incredible week and a half spent getting to know eight other brothers and sisters at Dordt, serving the Camden community, and seeing love exhibited in the most unique and creative ways. Upon my return, I eagerly rushed to my computer to check the financial status of my China account. I still have a ways to go, and once I raise enough funds for the program, I can continue earning funds to pay for my plane ticket and in-country expenses. However, the stress has left my mind. A feeling of relief and ultimate dependency not on myself has replaced that sinful fear and lack of trust.
I thank you, beloved brothers and sisters, for loving me and believing that I have been called to and blessed with this special opportunity to serve on the other side of the world.
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