Trust or something like it

I realized that I only touched base on what God has in store for me next, so I will now give you a more in depth look at what’s going on. As I mentioned in my last blog this real life Carmen Sandiego is headed to New Zealand! That’s right in September I will be attending the Inheriting Nations School, which is on the Great Barrier Island off the coast of New Zealand.

“Inheriting Nations is about the heart and the head. On one hand it’s about a deeper, personal experience of God as Father, on the other hand it’s about exploring and laying strong biblical foundations and understanding in key areas. Together this beautiful blend of experience and Biblical wisdom will naturally flow from and through us into the nations as we walk together with Him.” –James Jordan, Fatherheart Ministries

So for 12 weeks I will be on an island taking courses to help me grow deeper in my relationship with the Father and further my opportunities in future ministries. I am so excited for this opportunity to rest in the Father and learn more about my identity as a daughter of the Almighty. I know this is where God is calling me to be for the next season of my life and I can’t wait to experience all He has for me. However, there is one problem. How in the world am I going to pay for this? Between tuition, transportation, and other costs I am looking at needing to raise $9,000 to attend this school. And just in case that wasn’t a big enough feat all of the money needs to be sent to the school by July! Hold up wait what!?! God what have you gotten me into? I am still living and volunteering in Bolivia until June and I need the money by July? So I have to fund-raise while living and working in Bolivia, then come home and immediately start working, trying to set up speaking engagements, and put together fund-raisers? Oh yeah sure no big deal….this is impossible!

Then during one of my many freak outs the Lord asked me the same questions He always does. Do you trust me?

Umm well yeah I mean of course I do, don’t I? I mean after all I am a good little Christian and missionary right? Actually when I sit down and think about the logistics of all of this I cannot even fathom how it is going to be possible to raise the money. So much for this strong unwavering faith, I have no idea how this is going to work out. That’s the thing though I don’t have to know because that is what true trust and faith in the Father is, realizing I don’t have to have it all figured out because God already has a plan. Thank goodness for that, because I am freaking out! Then I think to myself, why don’t I trust God with money? Too be honest there is absolutely no real reason other than basic human flaws, because when I think about it the Lord has always fulfilled His promises to me. Every time the Father has called me to do something he has always provided exactly what I needed. He called me to go on The World Race, and provided $15,500 to do so. He called me to come to Bolivia and serve and provided $6,000 to do so. Even back at home he has provided for me either financially or by sending the right people into my life at that time. He used people to provide me with the financial, emotional and spiritual support I needed and I am choosing to believe that He will do the same thing this time. So Lord I honestly can’t promise that I won’t have any doubts about this, but I promise that I will believe you are bigger than all of it. That you will fulfill your promise to me and provide for me so that I can continue to do your work!

By now I’m sure you are thinking, where do I fit into all of this? I am glad you asked. I need help to raise this money and I am asking that you consider partnering with me both prayerfully and financially! Yes this is me unashamedly asking for money and prayers (just calling it like I see it). In all seriousness though I know that this school is where God is calling me to be and I am trusting that He is going to use people to help me. Therefore, further growing my faith and building a bigger, stronger community. Blessings always multiply, so by blessing me, I know that God will in turn bless you! So please prayerfully consider partnering with me and see what God has in store for this next season of both mine and your lives! I am trusting that the Father will do something great!

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” –Deuteronomy 31:8