Friday, September 16, 2011


People have asked us what, so far, has been the hardest part of going into full time mission work.

It isn't the fear of safety, it isn't the fear of walking away from a good career, it isn't the fear of walking into the unknowns.  The answer, hands down without batting an eye, is asking people for financial support. I am assuming many of you understand considering I have actually had person after person say to me "I would love to do what you are doing, but there is no way I would ask people for their money."

Because you see, we live in a world of self- sufficiency. We are told if we can't do it on our own than we shouldn't be doing it at all.

The thing is, this is the worlds reasoning- not Gods.

God is all about team work, relationships and the body working together for His Kingdom. He realizes that the poor and the orphaned cannot afford to 'pay us' to do the work we are doing here- so He uses people like you and I.

"You may say to yourself, "my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth."

Mother Teresa once said when referring to the poor, sick and hungry that "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise". In other words, when we serve- we are really serving Him. And when we give, we are really giving to Him...

But let's be honest- do we really live like that is true?

I read the other day that "more money is spent each year on chewing gum than on world missions."

Think about that for a minute..

We spend more on something we put in our mouths, chew for a while and spit out- than we do on bringing Jesus to those who need Him as much as we do.

"So because you are lukewarm- neither hot or cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelations 3:16

Do you know what breaks my heart about this the most?  How many of you have ever stepped into a wad of chewing gum that someone carelessly spit out- not once caring about the person who would come along and step it in? Isn't that in essence the same thing we do to kids like Norma...


and kids like Walter...


when we are willing to spend more on a pack of gum- than we are on His Kingdom?

When we first started on this journey into full time mission work, I admit it was hard to share with others what we were doing because we didn't want them to think we were asking them for their money. Trust me, you can sense it when people distance themselves, afraid it is going to cost them something.  But what we've come to realize is that this has nothing to do with us- and everything to do with them... Those who are partnering with us are not giving to us- they are giving to God. We are only responsible for the part He asked us to do. The rest is between them and Him. Once I realized that, the weight of the world was lifted off our shoulders... and put back onto His -where He intended it to be all along.

We are so grateful for our incredible partners who daily choose Him over ordering pizza, upgrading their cell phone or a package of gum. I hope you don't ever get tired of hearing how much we appreciate you- because we want you to know we couldn't do this without you.

If the Lord has laid missons on your heart and you'd prayerfully like to consider being on our team- please click here for more information.

"Make known among the nations what He has done" Isaiah 12:4

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7 comments:

MnM said...

I know previously you were looking for on-going partners. Are you still in need of more partners or just in general for donations? Is there a standard monthly donation your partners give?

Blessings on your journey!
(margaretmtk@gmail.com)

Renae said...

You make me smile sweet friend!:) Love and hugs!!:) Praying the Lord will continue to meet your needs in miraculous and wonderful ways, knowing you will continue to give Him the honor and glory!

Bryan & Whitney said...

So great! We are struggling with the fundraising right now for the same reasons. It is so easy to get discouraged. But....we are so thankful that we can journey with your family. You guys have blessed us so much :)

Ashley Gibson said...

This spoke to my heart - thank you! I'm sitting here right now - chomping away on my minty gum....totally shocked. I will never think about buying gum the same ever again (or other things that I buy, but don't really need - like more nail polish, air fresheners (which I buy like they're going out of style...), rolls and rolls and rolls of paper towel...the list goes on and on).

Instead - "GOD! What more can I give to you! Show me where I can give to Your kingdom, and not mine!!".

Beautiful.

Unknown said...

I love you! Enough said!

xoxo

Tony and Dawn said...

I have been contacting churches now for four months to raise support for work in Russia. Some are polite, some are not. It is hard to ask for support, and some days it is hard to get up the nerve to stop by a new church. I understand the economy is bad, but a love offering would go a long way toward buying Bibles or gifts for the orphans. I do know who is in control of all things and I know He will open the right doors. God Bless -

Love said...

thank you.