I stole this video from my team leader in Honduras... Mike Pettengill. He put together a summary video of 2009. It was so fun to watch it and see all of the things that the Lord has been doing through this team in the past year. It gives a really good picture of what ministries they are involved in and how the Lord is growing their work there. This month they purchased two properties that will become a ministry center and a permanent medical clinic!
I'm so excited to get down there and join them!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
contributions and Belgium
Great news! If you make a onetime contribution to MTW by midnight on December 31st it is a tax-deductible donation for your 2009 income taxes. Also MTW has recently started online giving capacity directly from your credit or debit card to my support account. You can either make a one-time contribution or set up ongoing monthly support from your credit or debit card. To give towards my work as part of the Lord's ministry in Honduras, go to this link and scroll down to “Innes, Shannon”, click on “donate” and follow the prompts. Thank you for your support!
In other news... I leave for Belgium January 9th for my last official MTW training... that is so soon! I feel like I have lots to get done before then, but it will all get done! The Lord provided all the people that I needed to get my work responsibilities covered while I'm gone, which was a huge blessing! Now I just have to get packed... how to pack for 5 weeks in one suitcase?!?
I am hoping to leave for the field only a few short months after I return from this training. Please be praying for the Lord to provide monthly supporters! I am at about 65% of my monthly need and I am not able to leave for the field until I'm fully funded. Please join me in praying that the Lord would move people's hearts to support this work. If you are interested, please let me know and I would love to give you more information and talk to you about the ministry!
In other news... I leave for Belgium January 9th for my last official MTW training... that is so soon! I feel like I have lots to get done before then, but it will all get done! The Lord provided all the people that I needed to get my work responsibilities covered while I'm gone, which was a huge blessing! Now I just have to get packed... how to pack for 5 weeks in one suitcase?!?
I am hoping to leave for the field only a few short months after I return from this training. Please be praying for the Lord to provide monthly supporters! I am at about 65% of my monthly need and I am not able to leave for the field until I'm fully funded. Please join me in praying that the Lord would move people's hearts to support this work. If you are interested, please let me know and I would love to give you more information and talk to you about the ministry!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Grace in Practice
I have been praying a lot recently about what grace looks like practically played out in my life. What does it look like to really love people, especially when its hard. One of the big things I've realized is how much easier it is to offer forgiveness for something that has happened in the past... it is so much harder to offer continual forgiveness for something that is happening in the present. What does grace look like when that person keeps messing up? I am just stunned again to realize that this is my relationship with the Lord. Not only has he forgiven my past, but also my present and my future. He moves towards me in relationship even though I am hard to love and choose other things over Him every day of my life.
Andy used these quotes on Sunday morning... and I've decided I need to read the book that they came from. It's called "Grace in Practice" by Paul Zahl.
"Grace is love that seeks you our when you have nothing to give in return. Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. Grace is being loved when you are unlovable. It is being loved when you are the opposite of lovable."
"Grace is one-way love"
I ordered the book today on Amazon... I expect great things :)
Andy used these quotes on Sunday morning... and I've decided I need to read the book that they came from. It's called "Grace in Practice" by Paul Zahl.
"Grace is love that seeks you our when you have nothing to give in return. Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. Grace is being loved when you are unlovable. It is being loved when you are the opposite of lovable."
"Grace is one-way love"
I ordered the book today on Amazon... I expect great things :)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
everyone loves a Christmas tree!
I think in honor of Christmas, we should just pretend that this chart is full of cute and well decorated Christmas trees... who wouldn't want to sponsor one?!? You'll have use your imaginations because remaking my chart was way too much work!
Great news! I now have 59% of my monthly supported pledged! And I have just passed one-third of my needed one-time support. The Lord continues to provide for me. It seems as though things have slowed down recently. But I'm praying that is due to the busyness of the season, I have not not gotten discouraged... the Lord has all the money and when He is ready for me to have it and be fully funded, I will be.
Yesterday Megan and I got the opportunity to speak at my grandmothers Bible study. They were having a Christmas luncheon and chose to use their time together to hear about what the Lord is doing around the world. What a blessing! These women were really sweet and very encouraging. I know that this Bible study group will pray faithfully for us! Please pray that the Lord stirs some of their hearts to give financially as well.
One quick story about yesterday...
One of the older women in the group came up to me and started chatting. She ended up saying, "You know, some days I wish I could be young again. I didn't have faith in the Lord when I was your age and never would have done something like this. Now that I believe, the Lord is going to have to use me to other things... but there are days I wish I could go back." Wow. The Lord really reminded me that He has called me... first to Himself to walk in relationship with Him from a young age, and then clearly called me overseas. I'm so thankful for both of those things.
Last update: (This is what happens when you don't post for awhile, you actually have something to say!) Last week I bought my plane ticket to go to Belgium for cross-cultural training! I will be gone from January 9th-February 11th. It's amazing that its really happening and honestly, not all that far away!
If any of you is interesting in year-end giving, please let me know or send a donation to...
Mission to the World
PO Box 116284
Atlanta, GA 30368
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
PC Rendevous 2009
I promise to post about Honduras and support before the end of this week... but I need one more tangent post...
This past weekend two dear friends from college came to visit! I consider myself more than blessed to have Krissie and Amy nearby and I get to see them often. Having Cassie and Aimee was just an extra special time! And we got to play with Aimee's two little ones, Tyus and Eli... so precious. Here's a picture of us before we left the boys with Maggie while we went to dinner.
I just cannot even begin to tell you how encouraging this time with them was. It has been 5 years almost since we were all together and the Lord has done a lot in our lives since then. I have personally been in a dry spot with the Lord recently. I've been feeling like I want to learn, but I'm just not getting anything new. I have just been so complacent. But talking to them about the hard things that life has thrown at us, either personally or in our ministries, or with our friends... we just kept coming back to the grace of God. How much we need it personally and how much we need to show it to others.
I feel like I am so acutely aware right now of my need for grace and the Gospel. And yet, so excited to remember that the Lord is so much bigger than all of my failures. I was excited to get to talk on Sunday night to the youth about being excited about Christmas and remembering that it was through Jesus that God CAME to earth to dwell among us and exhibit the character of God in a visible way to the world. I am so thankful for that!
“I cannot get away from the wonder of these words, “He came.” The story of pity and mercy and redeeming love are all here in two words, “He came.” All the pity that God is capable of feeling, all the mercy that He is capable of showing and all the redeeming grace that He could pour out of His heart are at least suggested here in two simple words: “He came.” All the hopes and longings and aspirations and dreams of immortality that lie in the human breast had their fulfillment in those two words.”
A.W. Tozer
Love it. Here's some fun pictures of our time!
Cassie and Ty at Panera
I just cannot even begin to tell you how encouraging this time with them was. It has been 5 years almost since we were all together and the Lord has done a lot in our lives since then. I have personally been in a dry spot with the Lord recently. I've been feeling like I want to learn, but I'm just not getting anything new. I have just been so complacent. But talking to them about the hard things that life has thrown at us, either personally or in our ministries, or with our friends... we just kept coming back to the grace of God. How much we need it personally and how much we need to show it to others.
I feel like I am so acutely aware right now of my need for grace and the Gospel. And yet, so excited to remember that the Lord is so much bigger than all of my failures. I was excited to get to talk on Sunday night to the youth about being excited about Christmas and remembering that it was through Jesus that God CAME to earth to dwell among us and exhibit the character of God in a visible way to the world. I am so thankful for that!
“I cannot get away from the wonder of these words, “He came.” The story of pity and mercy and redeeming love are all here in two words, “He came.” All the pity that God is capable of feeling, all the mercy that He is capable of showing and all the redeeming grace that He could pour out of His heart are at least suggested here in two simple words: “He came.” All the hopes and longings and aspirations and dreams of immortality that lie in the human breast had their fulfillment in those two words.”
A.W. Tozer
Love it. Here's some fun pictures of our time!
Cassie and Ty at Panera
Friday, November 13, 2009
Parenting Pamphlet
Also... at risk of being overwhelming by writing two posts right in a row... I'm doing it anyway.
Yesterday I started the ever humbling process of actual putting into action something I've said for awhile that I was going to do. I started writing a book. So far it's 3 paragraphs. I might be finished. :) I really don't like writing all that much... this may be more of a pamphlet than a book when all is said and done. And really it's meant not for general perusal, more as a personal memory trigger since my memory lasts approximately 3 days.
Anyway... the point is that I don't want to forget the many things I've learned about both being a teenager and parenting teenagers over the last 5 years. I think that being in my role as a youth leader, the Lord has allowed me insight into what parenting really is... ultimate discipleship. It is hard and challenging and totally worth it. So, there is a lot I want to remember.
To that end, I had some girls write down things from a teenagers point of view... things they're parents have done well, not so well, things they wish they had done, things they want to do when they are parents, things I should do as a parent, etc. It's been really helpful, and I would love more insight. So... if you're a teenager reading this... give me feedback... my future children (Lord-willing) will thank you. If you're a parent reading this... please give me feedback... your wisdom and experience is priceless. If you've ever been a teenager or had a parent... that should be everyone... let me know some thoughts :) It's a lot for a blog comment, so you can email me if you want... ssinnes@gmail.com.
Thanks for your contribution to my parenting pamphlet :) Maybe one day I'll have reason to use it!
Yesterday I started the ever humbling process of actual putting into action something I've said for awhile that I was going to do. I started writing a book. So far it's 3 paragraphs. I might be finished. :) I really don't like writing all that much... this may be more of a pamphlet than a book when all is said and done. And really it's meant not for general perusal, more as a personal memory trigger since my memory lasts approximately 3 days.
Anyway... the point is that I don't want to forget the many things I've learned about both being a teenager and parenting teenagers over the last 5 years. I think that being in my role as a youth leader, the Lord has allowed me insight into what parenting really is... ultimate discipleship. It is hard and challenging and totally worth it. So, there is a lot I want to remember.
To that end, I had some girls write down things from a teenagers point of view... things they're parents have done well, not so well, things they wish they had done, things they want to do when they are parents, things I should do as a parent, etc. It's been really helpful, and I would love more insight. So... if you're a teenager reading this... give me feedback... my future children (Lord-willing) will thank you. If you're a parent reading this... please give me feedback... your wisdom and experience is priceless. If you've ever been a teenager or had a parent... that should be everyone... let me know some thoughts :) It's a lot for a blog comment, so you can email me if you want... ssinnes@gmail.com.
Thanks for your contribution to my parenting pamphlet :) Maybe one day I'll have reason to use it!
Dear sickness...
Dear sickness... I'm kicking you to the curb.
After 4 straight days of laying around on my couch suffering through fever and shallow breathing I'm rebelling against sickness. On the agenda for today... a bagel run with Megan and a trip to the grocery store! After that, I'm probably going to need a nap! Sad, but true.
There is something really good about being sick for a control freak like myself. It reminds me that life really can, and will, go on without me. It is important to me to feel needed and purposeful. And while I think that is a good thing in it's own rite, sometimes it gets out of hard and I feel like the Lord needs me. One of my favorite lines of a song is from Caedmon's Call's song "Two Weeks in Africa".
"We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing.He doesn't need us, but He lets us put our hands in."
He doesn't need us... but I'm thankful He lets us put our hands in. What a good reminder for life and ministry and family and friendships. The responsibility does not rest on us to be perfect Christians, sisters, mothers, friends, youth workers, missionaries... the Lord is doing something... something big. And He is using us, imperfect jars of clay, to show that He is one who is doing it, he's just letting us be blessed to be a part of it.
After 4 straight days of laying around on my couch suffering through fever and shallow breathing I'm rebelling against sickness. On the agenda for today... a bagel run with Megan and a trip to the grocery store! After that, I'm probably going to need a nap! Sad, but true.
There is something really good about being sick for a control freak like myself. It reminds me that life really can, and will, go on without me. It is important to me to feel needed and purposeful. And while I think that is a good thing in it's own rite, sometimes it gets out of hard and I feel like the Lord needs me. One of my favorite lines of a song is from Caedmon's Call's song "Two Weeks in Africa".
"We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing.He doesn't need us, but He lets us put our hands in."
He doesn't need us... but I'm thankful He lets us put our hands in. What a good reminder for life and ministry and family and friendships. The responsibility does not rest on us to be perfect Christians, sisters, mothers, friends, youth workers, missionaries... the Lord is doing something... something big. And He is using us, imperfect jars of clay, to show that He is one who is doing it, he's just letting us be blessed to be a part of it.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
quotes
"What we do in secret determines the soundness of who we are in public. Prayer is the secret work that develops a life that is thoroughly authentic and deeply human." - Eugene Peterson
"Our trust is not rooted in false hope or fanciful dreams. Our confidence in the Lord's love for us and His all-powerful hand resides in who He is and what He has done in our lives." - David Hoffeditz
The Lord is urging me toward a greater prayer life and a greater understanding of His great love for me. I'm thankful for these two reminders...
"Our trust is not rooted in false hope or fanciful dreams. Our confidence in the Lord's love for us and His all-powerful hand resides in who He is and what He has done in our lives." - David Hoffeditz
The Lord is urging me toward a greater prayer life and a greater understanding of His great love for me. I'm thankful for these two reminders...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Belgium Here I Come...
The Lord is AWESOME! November 15th is still 20 days away and I'm at 50% of my monthly support! Honestly 11 days ago I was not thinking I was going to get to Belgium for prefield training in January and now it looks totally doable! I still need for some more one-time support to come in to cover my costs, but I am confident that I will get there. Thank you to everyone who has given so generously!
In other news on the training front, I am currently reading a book called "They Were Single Too" by David Hoffeditz. Contrary to what you might think after my last post, I am put off by anything with the word single in the title. So, to be honest, I have put off reading this book for awhile. I just expect books about singleness to be cheesy and honestly unhelpful. Well, there are a couple reasons I've appreciated this book so far... one... it's written by a man. There isn't much out there written on singleness from men's point of view, so it's been nice to have that insight. Also, he quoted my favorite article (see last post) in the first chapter, so I can't hate it! :) I'm not done yet, but so far I'm enjoying it as the author goes through basically a study of the lives of 8 Bible characters and pulls out applications for me at this time of life.
This week I have three support meetings, so please pray for those times to be encouraging and fruitful.
In other news on the training front, I am currently reading a book called "They Were Single Too" by David Hoffeditz. Contrary to what you might think after my last post, I am put off by anything with the word single in the title. So, to be honest, I have put off reading this book for awhile. I just expect books about singleness to be cheesy and honestly unhelpful. Well, there are a couple reasons I've appreciated this book so far... one... it's written by a man. There isn't much out there written on singleness from men's point of view, so it's been nice to have that insight. Also, he quoted my favorite article (see last post) in the first chapter, so I can't hate it! :) I'm not done yet, but so far I'm enjoying it as the author goes through basically a study of the lives of 8 Bible characters and pulls out applications for me at this time of life.
This week I have three support meetings, so please pray for those times to be encouraging and fruitful.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Singled Out...
Today's post has basically nothing to do with Honduras... the Lord is still being faithful to provide support... thanks to you all who are responding by giving! I will update more about that later.
Really I just wanted to share today the single most helpful thing that I have read in the last couple of years relating to singleness and the Lord and how those two things relate. I don't think that I am alone in saying that I struggle with the questions of why as they relate to my current marital status. And I can answer some of them quite well. I have loved my job over the past four years, I loved my community in college, I have grown to love the Lord and depend on Him on ways that I never would have, who knows if I would be going on the mission field if I were married at this time, etc. But even having some of the answers doesn't always stop the questions...
So the real answer. I am single right now because God is so good to me.
If you're single or not, I encourage you to read this article and be reminded of and encouraged by the character of the God that we worship who loves us and is GOOD to us!
http://www.unc.ruf.org/site_content/attachments/0000/1199/Singled_out_for_Good.pdf
Really I just wanted to share today the single most helpful thing that I have read in the last couple of years relating to singleness and the Lord and how those two things relate. I don't think that I am alone in saying that I struggle with the questions of why as they relate to my current marital status. And I can answer some of them quite well. I have loved my job over the past four years, I loved my community in college, I have grown to love the Lord and depend on Him on ways that I never would have, who knows if I would be going on the mission field if I were married at this time, etc. But even having some of the answers doesn't always stop the questions...
So the real answer. I am single right now because God is so good to me.
If you're single or not, I encourage you to read this article and be reminded of and encouraged by the character of the God that we worship who loves us and is GOOD to us!
http://www.unc.ruf.org/site_content/attachments/0000/1199/Singled_out_for_Good.pdf
Friday, October 16, 2009
13 in 31
It's kind of cool how those numbers worked out :) I am writing to day with a plea. In order to make it to prefield training in January, I need for 13% more of my monthly pledges to come in over the course of the next 31 days. I have to be 50% funded in monthly pledges to be able to sign up. I also have to have a couple thousand more dollars in one-time gifts in this same time frame. So, if you have been considering supporting me, please go ahead and send in your pledge cards and one time gifts. If you are already supporting me or are unable to at this time, please pray with me that this money will come in by November 15th!
I do have a great update for you in terms of trees :) I am now at 37% of my monthly pledges... praise the Lord!
Thank you all for your partnership!
Thank you all for your partnership!Wednesday, October 7, 2009
this one is for Amy
So... Amy wants an update:) I told her I don't really have anything new and exciting to say, but here goes nothing. Last week was a week full of support meetings and presentations. I really love getting to talk to people about what the Lord is doing and how He is moving my heart towards Honduras. This past week, my team met in Honduras to come up with a plan to move forward in ministry there... I'm excited that one day in the not too distant future, I will be there and a part of their ministry!! I got a little overwhelmed one day saying that I hope to go to language school in April... it's just not that far away! Crazy.
Support raising update... the Lord is so good. I have 33% of my monthly support pledged! Hooray for being a third of the way there! Thanks to all my new supporters!
Support raising update... the Lord is so good. I have 33% of my monthly support pledged! Hooray for being a third of the way there! Thanks to all my new supporters!
Please continue to pray for the Lord to raise up new supporters. I need to have at least 50% of my monthly support by mid-November to go to pre-field training. And I have received about $3500 toward my special gifts/one-time support. My goal for that is $30,000 and I have to have most of it before pre-field training... so pray for that to come in also. I don't want to be caught up in money... I'm just thankful for the Lord's provision in SO many ways! He is faithful!
Here are some fun pictures of my small group from the Living in Grace training. I really loved getting to know these women! I'm so excited to see the Lord working in each of their lives. It's going to be fun to stay connected with each other and encourage each other on the field. And many thanks to Dee and Sue, our small group "moms" for loving us so well and giving us so much of their Godly wisdom!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ex-presidents and curfews
Hey everyone...
Please be praying for Honduras. Things are heating up there as the ex-president has taken up residence in the capital in the Brazilian embassy. I have been keeping up with the stories through the news, but also through the blogs of the missionaries on my team who are there. Check out www.pettengillmissionaries.org for more insight into the situation. Today they have been able to get out after 3-4 days of mandatory curfews. They are back on track doing ministry work with the medical clinic today. They are also glad to be able to check in with those out in Armenia Bonito where they do most of their work.
We see that the effect of sin in the world goes a lot further than just being personal. It effects families, cities, governments, and nations. And yet we serve a God who is at work redeeming people, cultures, and even nations to Himself. Pray that through this time of instability in their government, people might see that they need to put their hope in something bigger than their goverment and their nation and that they would trust in Jesus. And pray for stability to be renewed in this country.
Please be praying for Honduras. Things are heating up there as the ex-president has taken up residence in the capital in the Brazilian embassy. I have been keeping up with the stories through the news, but also through the blogs of the missionaries on my team who are there. Check out www.pettengillmissionaries.org for more insight into the situation. Today they have been able to get out after 3-4 days of mandatory curfews. They are back on track doing ministry work with the medical clinic today. They are also glad to be able to check in with those out in Armenia Bonito where they do most of their work.
We see that the effect of sin in the world goes a lot further than just being personal. It effects families, cities, governments, and nations. And yet we serve a God who is at work redeeming people, cultures, and even nations to Himself. Pray that through this time of instability in their government, people might see that they need to put their hope in something bigger than their goverment and their nation and that they would trust in Jesus. And pray for stability to be renewed in this country.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Trees: A Hot Commodity
I just wanted to give a little financial update. These $41 trees are being snatched up left and right... apparently buying trees is the thing to do :) Seriously though... I am so thankful for the Lord's faithful provision. Thinking back, I was feeling defeated for all of two days before the Lord started to answer prayers and I have seen pledges coming in steadily since then. I know for a fact that this cannot be attributed to my persuasive and eloquent support presentations or my awesome letter writing abilities... I have none of those things. This kind of provision can only be from the Lord! THANK YOU to all who are listening to the Lord's call to give generously and be a part of His kingdom work!
In case the trees are too blurry to count... that's 24% pledged!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Psalm 62
I listened to this song approximately 15 times today between driving around different places. It came on as I was listening through Shane and Shane songs this morning and I just can't get over it. The words are so good and exactly how I would sum up all that I have learned in the past week!
Psalm 62
Shane and Shane
He’s the only one
Strong enough to lean
My heaviness against
The weight of all my sin
Falling on a rock
Leaning on a fortress
Oh the wall of God, Jesus
He won’t move
On God I rest, my salvation
My fortress, shall not be shaken
My mighty rock, and my glorious
I lay my head upon His chest
On God I rest
Oh I am calling out
Oh my soul
Oh my stubborn soul
Won’t you wait on Him
Wait in the quiet
Even in your fear
Oh your God is here, to lean on!
He won’t move
He has spoken
Hear his voice
I have come for the broken
So all ye weary come and rest
Psalm 62
Shane and Shane
He’s the only one
Strong enough to lean
My heaviness against
The weight of all my sin
Falling on a rock
Leaning on a fortress
Oh the wall of God, Jesus
He won’t move
On God I rest, my salvation
My fortress, shall not be shaken
My mighty rock, and my glorious
I lay my head upon His chest
On God I rest
Oh I am calling out
Oh my soul
Oh my stubborn soul
Won’t you wait on Him
Wait in the quiet
Even in your fear
Oh your God is here, to lean on!
He won’t move
He has spoken
Hear his voice
I have come for the broken
So all ye weary come and rest
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Living in Grace
For the past couple days I have been at "Living in Grace" training through MTW in the mountains of NC. It has been such a great time of refreshment for me. Honestly, the material isn't new to me necessarily, but since my life is always changing, it is good for me to be challenged again to apply these concepts to my life. I don't know why some of these things are so easy to forget!
Just a couple of topics that we've covered... the love of God, forgiveness, surrender, humility, repentance. Wow... if I really let these affect my life, it would look so different. I am finding again how my independent spirit and personality so deeply affect my walk with the Lord. I take my attitude of "I can do it myself" right into my relationship with God when all that He asks of me is to surrender and sit back and rest in His grace on my behalf. He asks that I rest in the merit of Jesus instead of trying to earn it myself. He asks that I trust in the power of prayer more than in my ability to "do". He asks that I see others as better than myself. He asks that I deal with my sin 100% in every situation instead of constantly finding someone else to take the blame. And He asks that I let the Gospel actually transform my life... that I would really see the Holy Spirit bringing about change because I am finally willing to surrender.
You can pray for me that the Lord would continue to drive home these truths in my life.
Just a couple of topics that we've covered... the love of God, forgiveness, surrender, humility, repentance. Wow... if I really let these affect my life, it would look so different. I am finding again how my independent spirit and personality so deeply affect my walk with the Lord. I take my attitude of "I can do it myself" right into my relationship with God when all that He asks of me is to surrender and sit back and rest in His grace on my behalf. He asks that I rest in the merit of Jesus instead of trying to earn it myself. He asks that I trust in the power of prayer more than in my ability to "do". He asks that I see others as better than myself. He asks that I deal with my sin 100% in every situation instead of constantly finding someone else to take the blame. And He asks that I let the Gospel actually transform my life... that I would really see the Holy Spirit bringing about change because I am finally willing to surrender.
You can pray for me that the Lord would continue to drive home these truths in my life.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
cutest blog... ?
So the promise of the cutestblogontheblock.com to make MY blog the cutest was probably a misnomer. I am far from it. Please bear with me as I try things out and use my non-artistic eye to try to match colors and such together. Clearly, having a cute blog is not my forte :)
On to more encouraging news however...
This week was a struggle at the beginning. I was feeling rather defeated about raising support in general. And then the ever-present technology struggle got me down as I was trying to get more support info printed and I couldn't seem to get my files right. After about 3 hours the computer won the battle and I just went to bed. I woke up still feeling discouraged. I have sent out lots of letters and talked to lots of people, but I just wasn't seeing pledge cards come in or people making commitments.
It turned out to be a great thing for me. The Lord was quick to remind me that raising support is a lot like being on the field in this way... He is still the one who does the work. I could talk to 300 people, but if He doesn't move their hearts to give generously or to pray, then it won't happen. I had been neglecting the most important part of my own support raising... praying for the Lord to raise up people to partner with me. This realization put me on my knees this week... still not as much as I should be, but I'm getting there.
And in His goodness, He allowed me to see answered prayer quickly! I know this doesn't always happen, but yesterday I had 5 pledges come in bringing me up to 15% of my support! Praise the Lord!
So... thank you to all my new supporters. You were an answer to prayer this week!
Tomorrow I leave for a week at Living in Grace training in the NC mountains. Please be praying for me while I'm there. When I get back I'll try to post an update on what the Honduras team is up to this fall... until then... check out the Pettengills and Mccanns websites!
On to more encouraging news however...
This week was a struggle at the beginning. I was feeling rather defeated about raising support in general. And then the ever-present technology struggle got me down as I was trying to get more support info printed and I couldn't seem to get my files right. After about 3 hours the computer won the battle and I just went to bed. I woke up still feeling discouraged. I have sent out lots of letters and talked to lots of people, but I just wasn't seeing pledge cards come in or people making commitments.
It turned out to be a great thing for me. The Lord was quick to remind me that raising support is a lot like being on the field in this way... He is still the one who does the work. I could talk to 300 people, but if He doesn't move their hearts to give generously or to pray, then it won't happen. I had been neglecting the most important part of my own support raising... praying for the Lord to raise up people to partner with me. This realization put me on my knees this week... still not as much as I should be, but I'm getting there.
And in His goodness, He allowed me to see answered prayer quickly! I know this doesn't always happen, but yesterday I had 5 pledges come in bringing me up to 15% of my support! Praise the Lord!
So... thank you to all my new supporters. You were an answer to prayer this week!
Tomorrow I leave for a week at Living in Grace training in the NC mountains. Please be praying for me while I'm there. When I get back I'll try to post an update on what the Honduras team is up to this fall... until then... check out the Pettengills and Mccanns websites!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
2 down... 800 to go
Last week marked my second dinner meeting for support raising... yay!
I know I have a ways to go, but I am encouraged to be at 6% of my monthly goal because people have already pledged monthly gifts! If you are interested in being on my partnership/support team, please let me know. I would love to have people start supporting me now - the sooner the better. All the support that comes in between now and when I leave goes toward my one time need of $30,000. I have put a (somewhat fuzzy) chart on here to show my monthly support progress. My final need is $4,100 a month. I am asking people to consider supporting me in incriments of $41 a month, so that could be $41/$82/$164/you get the point:) But any amount is welcome! The circled trees are the pledged support that I have recieved.
I know I have a ways to go, but I am encouraged to be at 6% of my monthly goal because people have already pledged monthly gifts! If you are interested in being on my partnership/support team, please let me know. I would love to have people start supporting me now - the sooner the better. All the support that comes in between now and when I leave goes toward my one time need of $30,000. I have put a (somewhat fuzzy) chart on here to show my monthly support progress. My final need is $4,100 a month. I am asking people to consider supporting me in incriments of $41 a month, so that could be $41/$82/$164/you get the point:) But any amount is welcome! The circled trees are the pledged support that I have recieved.
Right now this whole process still seems overwhelming, but the Lord has always shown Himself to be a provider and I trust that He will continue to prove Himself faithful now!
This process is a practice of faith, for me as I step out in boldness to ask and wait, and for those who will support me, to trust the Lord to continue to provide for their needs as they make a sacrifice for the kingdom. I'll keep you updated to let you know how the Lord is blessing this process, because I know that He will. Keep looking for more tree charts. Hopefully we'll continue to see more and more pink circles appearing!
Above all... please keep praying for me. It's tough to have good time management and balance the time I need to pour into raising support with time spent to still sustain my job, ministry, and life here. It's also hard to know how much to let me heart move toward my future ministry in Honduras while still wanting to be faithful in ministry here. So, keep me in your prayers as
I seek the Lord's wisdom in these things! Thanks!
I seek the Lord's wisdom in these things! Thanks!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Loving the Psalms
At first thought, I was going to begin with a disclaimer that this post would have nothing to do with being a missionary or going to Honduras. In reality, it has everything to do with it. Recently I have been loving the Psalms. I have read them before, but I'm reading through them again and just loving the picture of the Lord's faithfulness that I find there. I also love the glimpses into David's heart before the Lord and finding that I want to pray those same prayers that He prayed.
Psalm 86: 11-12
"Teach me your way, oh Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Oh Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever!"
I have known for a long time that the Lord wants my whole life, all of it. That everything that I do is for Him. And yet, I'm struck again by this... David is praying for an undivided heart. For me to pray this prayer is to ask to the Lord to remove my distractions. I really like some of my distractions, or idols as we have learned to call them this summer in Bible study, and I'm not sure I really want the Lord to take them. But I believe that it is good for me and most glorifying to the Lord when my heart is undivided and only seeking the Lord.
So... this has everything to do with ministry. I have to be willing to pray the very prayer that I am urging others to pray. I have to be willing to sacrifice my idols at the cross even as I am asking others to do so as well. And more than that, when I really believe the truth of Scripture... I want to pray this way. I want to see the Lord give me an undivided heart.
Psalm 86: 11-12
"Teach me your way, oh Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Oh Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever!"
I have known for a long time that the Lord wants my whole life, all of it. That everything that I do is for Him. And yet, I'm struck again by this... David is praying for an undivided heart. For me to pray this prayer is to ask to the Lord to remove my distractions. I really like some of my distractions, or idols as we have learned to call them this summer in Bible study, and I'm not sure I really want the Lord to take them. But I believe that it is good for me and most glorifying to the Lord when my heart is undivided and only seeking the Lord.
So... this has everything to do with ministry. I have to be willing to pray the very prayer that I am urging others to pray. I have to be willing to sacrifice my idols at the cross even as I am asking others to do so as well. And more than that, when I really believe the truth of Scripture... I want to pray this way. I want to see the Lord give me an undivided heart.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
First Support Meeting
I am excited to announce another productive moment in the journey of support raising! I have now had my first dinner meeting with some good family friends to practice my support presentation. It was so encouraging. These familes are great friends who gave encouragement and helpful feedback to make my presentation better in the future. Thanks to you all for your patience to listen and help me! In August I will be trying to be in touch with more people and hopefully have many more of these types of meetings.
Spanish learning tool #47, the label maker. You have no idea the many uses for a label maker, and though it went unused for a year in Gary's closet, it has now labeled my entire kitchen and living room from la lampara to la taza. I'm hoping vocab will sink in through observation... right now I can talk about food items, my family, and that's about it... so I really need some vocabulary expansion. Also I watched Sesame street in Spanish the other day... sad when you can't understand a show written for preschoolers.
I am feeling really encouraged right now in pursuing this calling on my life. I know the Lord is faithful even when plans change and at times things seem overwhelming. One of the biggest things is that I feel like in the midst of my crazy summer life the Lord is still giving me much needed times of rest. I'm so thankful for those!
Spanish learning tool #47, the label maker. You have no idea the many uses for a label maker, and though it went unused for a year in Gary's closet, it has now labeled my entire kitchen and living room from la lampara to la taza. I'm hoping vocab will sink in through observation... right now I can talk about food items, my family, and that's about it... so I really need some vocabulary expansion. Also I watched Sesame street in Spanish the other day... sad when you can't understand a show written for preschoolers.
I am feeling really encouraged right now in pursuing this calling on my life. I know the Lord is faithful even when plans change and at times things seem overwhelming. One of the biggest things is that I feel like in the midst of my crazy summer life the Lord is still giving me much needed times of rest. I'm so thankful for those!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Marathon Preperation
What a week this is turning out to be... and yet the Lord remains so faithful to give me times of rest and productivity in the midst of it all.
We decided on Monday not to take our youth group kids on our short-term trip to Honduras. I know that they are devestated... and I'm not sure that I'm much better except that I was better prepared for the bad news. It was such a tough decision... but in the end we are trusting that the Lord led us to the right decision for our group at this time. Sometimes you just have to trust. Sunday night we sang the song, "Blessed Be Your Name". In it there is a line that says... "You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name.". I was reminded that the Lord is always purposeful in all that He does. He was purposeful to give us the chance for this trip and to allow us to learn in our preperation. He grew our hearts for Honduras and led me to serve there more full-time as a result. He was not purposeless by any means. Now we just have to be open to what He has to teach us in the new plan.
"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Pr. 19:21
As for me personally... today was a marathon prep session for support raising. I really do feel like I got a lot done. I'm again thankful for Megan who takes the time to sit down with me and we keep each other on task and get excited over the little things. I made an info sheet today that took me 4 hours... when you see it you will wonder how that could be? It will look like it should have taken 30 minutes. Oh contraire. For the perfectionist using technology, nothing is as it seems...
And... great news... my prayer card has been sent to the printer... things are happening! One day this will become a reality!
We decided on Monday not to take our youth group kids on our short-term trip to Honduras. I know that they are devestated... and I'm not sure that I'm much better except that I was better prepared for the bad news. It was such a tough decision... but in the end we are trusting that the Lord led us to the right decision for our group at this time. Sometimes you just have to trust. Sunday night we sang the song, "Blessed Be Your Name". In it there is a line that says... "You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name.". I was reminded that the Lord is always purposeful in all that He does. He was purposeful to give us the chance for this trip and to allow us to learn in our preperation. He grew our hearts for Honduras and led me to serve there more full-time as a result. He was not purposeless by any means. Now we just have to be open to what He has to teach us in the new plan.
"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Pr. 19:21
As for me personally... today was a marathon prep session for support raising. I really do feel like I got a lot done. I'm again thankful for Megan who takes the time to sit down with me and we keep each other on task and get excited over the little things. I made an info sheet today that took me 4 hours... when you see it you will wonder how that could be? It will look like it should have taken 30 minutes. Oh contraire. For the perfectionist using technology, nothing is as it seems...
And... great news... my prayer card has been sent to the printer... things are happening! One day this will become a reality!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Good news, bad news, and pictures!
Good news... I have my first two supporters! Thank you for supporting me even before I have a fancy presentation ready to give! Honestly, I am blown away by the Lord's provision before I have even asked anyone.
Bad news...
I was supposed to travel to La Ceiba in about 2 1/2 weeks with the youth from church. Due to the instability of the government there, it looks like we won't be able to go. That's not certain yet, but looking that way. Please pray for us to have wisdom and discernment to make this decision.Pictures...
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thanks to Taylor...
I will soon have a picture for my prayer card! This morning Taylor and I went to the park to get a good picture for my prayer card. We were informed at training not to put our favorite pet (not a problem) or stuffed animal in our prayer card picture and beware of things accidently growing out of our heads in pictures. So... hopefully we got one that will work:)
Every little thing that gets done feels like a victory. I think that is the Lord's encouragement to me in all the little things so that I don't get too overwhelmed. Today I'm just excited for what's to come. Scared because change is hard, but really excited. I am daily thankful to the Lord for Megan. For those of your who don't know, Megan is a dear friend of mine who is headed to London with MTW for 11 months. In the Lord's timing, we are going through this whole process together of raising support, preparing to leave our families, and praying for the ministry of church planting that the Lord has provided. It is such a blessing to have her to walk through this time of my life with me. We are going to try to get together for a couple hours a week to work on things together and encourage each other.
I am sure that you have heard about the situation in Honduras right now. For more information from a missionaries point of view, read my team leader's blog at http://www.pettengillmissionaries.com/. It's good insight. We are praying for the country and the Lord's hand in their government situation right now. Also, we are praying for things to settle down so that our short-term team of 16 high schoolers and 4 adults from church will be able to go and serve on July 25th as planned. I'm not worried... God has everything under control and already knows what needs to happen for His Word to go out as He has planned.
Every little thing that gets done feels like a victory. I think that is the Lord's encouragement to me in all the little things so that I don't get too overwhelmed. Today I'm just excited for what's to come. Scared because change is hard, but really excited. I am daily thankful to the Lord for Megan. For those of your who don't know, Megan is a dear friend of mine who is headed to London with MTW for 11 months. In the Lord's timing, we are going through this whole process together of raising support, preparing to leave our families, and praying for the ministry of church planting that the Lord has provided. It is such a blessing to have her to walk through this time of my life with me. We are going to try to get together for a couple hours a week to work on things together and encourage each other.
I am sure that you have heard about the situation in Honduras right now. For more information from a missionaries point of view, read my team leader's blog at http://www.pettengillmissionaries.com/. It's good insight. We are praying for the country and the Lord's hand in their government situation right now. Also, we are praying for things to settle down so that our short-term team of 16 high schoolers and 4 adults from church will be able to go and serve on July 25th as planned. I'm not worried... God has everything under control and already knows what needs to happen for His Word to go out as He has planned.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
La Araña Muy Ocupada
The Very Busy Spider... by Eric Carle
This is my newest attempt at language learning. Last night Megan sat patiently while I tried to read it to her. I'm not sure any Spanish speaking toddler would understand my poorly accented attempt at reading this board book, but Megan was gracious about it :)
Language learning... one of the biggest hurdles that I will face as I get ready to go to Honduras. But even this morning the Lord has encouraged me that He will provide even for that. Gary pushed me to start back with Spanish dinners (our weekly gathering to eat and attempt to communicate while Gary patiently coaches us), Brian offered me Spanish CDs and a book that he has, and Megan let me read to her last night to practice.
One thing that I will need to be reminded of over the next couple months is something the Lord has been reminding me over the last couple days. He is sovereign over all things. Sounds simple, but I forget that it means that to the Lord belongs all the money, He is in control over time, and yes... He even is in control of language learning. When He allows, my money will come in... as He purposes it, I will have time to work a more than full-time job and still have meetings with people to share my vision, and as He blesses my studying, I will be able to communicate in a language that right now seems impossible.
Coming home from Atlanta on a roll ready to move forward has been great! And yet, I was reminded of my job here and how much I love it and I want to be fully invested here until the day I leave. The students I work with need that from me and it is to Christ's glory that I work. And yet, I want to be fully invested in raising support and preparing to get the field. It doesn't sound like there is enough time for both of those things. And yet... there is because the Lord has put me here and He will provide time for both things to be done well and to His glory. So... pray for me - for good time management skills and discernment. I really am just loving life right now and where the Lord has put me. I get to be a part of two things that I really love... and that's awesome.
This is my newest attempt at language learning. Last night Megan sat patiently while I tried to read it to her. I'm not sure any Spanish speaking toddler would understand my poorly accented attempt at reading this board book, but Megan was gracious about it :)
Language learning... one of the biggest hurdles that I will face as I get ready to go to Honduras. But even this morning the Lord has encouraged me that He will provide even for that. Gary pushed me to start back with Spanish dinners (our weekly gathering to eat and attempt to communicate while Gary patiently coaches us), Brian offered me Spanish CDs and a book that he has, and Megan let me read to her last night to practice.
One thing that I will need to be reminded of over the next couple months is something the Lord has been reminding me over the last couple days. He is sovereign over all things. Sounds simple, but I forget that it means that to the Lord belongs all the money, He is in control over time, and yes... He even is in control of language learning. When He allows, my money will come in... as He purposes it, I will have time to work a more than full-time job and still have meetings with people to share my vision, and as He blesses my studying, I will be able to communicate in a language that right now seems impossible.
Coming home from Atlanta on a roll ready to move forward has been great! And yet, I was reminded of my job here and how much I love it and I want to be fully invested here until the day I leave. The students I work with need that from me and it is to Christ's glory that I work. And yet, I want to be fully invested in raising support and preparing to get the field. It doesn't sound like there is enough time for both of those things. And yet... there is because the Lord has put me here and He will provide time for both things to be done well and to His glory. So... pray for me - for good time management skills and discernment. I really am just loving life right now and where the Lord has put me. I get to be a part of two things that I really love... and that's awesome.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The First of Many
You may wonder, why the title "many the miles"? First, I stole it from a Sara Bareilles song. Secondly, because as I bask in the excitement of the newfound knowledge that I will be heading to the mission field, it also seems like a million miles away. There is so much to do in the way of finding prayer and financial partners, getting through language school, etc. Well all the while being fully invested in my current life and ministry, which I love. So... it's just a little overwhelming. But still makes me absolutely excited to think that the Lord is bringing to fruition His call on my life. He has brought me this far and will continue to lead me.
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children-- " Deuteronomy 4:9
This has been a theme verse for me as I have considered my call to overseas missions. One of the many reasons is because God is reminding the Israelites to look back on His faithfulness in their lives up to this point and be reminded that faithfulness is His character. And I hold to that.
Okay... now the details. Today I got accepted by MTW (Mission to the World) to serve overseas in Honduras.
My life as a missionary: Day 1 (that was for Caitlin Keegan)
1. I got an official MTW nametag
2. I'm overwhelmed with too much information intake
3. I love meeting people with a similar vision to mine
4. I reminisced today over emails from Zambia... that was an awesome trip
5. I am looking for good missionary stories... let me know if you have one!
6. I went out to dinner with my fellow new missionaries
7. I ate delicious cold stone
8. I created a blog
9. I got frustrated because I can't get my blog to do what I want
10. I'm tired and going to bed
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children-- " Deuteronomy 4:9
This has been a theme verse for me as I have considered my call to overseas missions. One of the many reasons is because God is reminding the Israelites to look back on His faithfulness in their lives up to this point and be reminded that faithfulness is His character. And I hold to that.
Okay... now the details. Today I got accepted by MTW (Mission to the World) to serve overseas in Honduras.
My life as a missionary: Day 1 (that was for Caitlin Keegan)
1. I got an official MTW nametag
2. I'm overwhelmed with too much information intake
3. I love meeting people with a similar vision to mine
4. I reminisced today over emails from Zambia... that was an awesome trip
5. I am looking for good missionary stories... let me know if you have one!
6. I went out to dinner with my fellow new missionaries
7. I ate delicious cold stone
8. I created a blog
9. I got frustrated because I can't get my blog to do what I want
10. I'm tired and going to bed
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