I've gotten to watch God work in amazing ways over this summer. I've (actually God) managed to raise over $6000 in support to go to Japan.
In about 2 months that entire amount has been realized mostly by the wonderful people in my church. I've gotten donations from everyone, elders to children, and I understand the widow's mite a bit better now that I see how precious those few dollars can be!
So, It's off to California Wednesday to meet my team of 16, and we're off to Japan by the end of the week.
I've also gotten to watch God sustain as I've reached the point of exhaustion. My body and mind are tired, and I just don't want to work any longer. I'm just ready to be done, but God says "No, not yet, just a little bit more until you're over this hill". And sure enough, here I am, still standing because Christ is holding me.
So, here's the quick breakdown of how God has provided so far:
~3 years ago I became aware of a calling to go to Japan
~constant leading through those three years towards Japan
~Christmas Conference with Campus Crusade I learn about a mission opportunity in Japan
~God finally opens the door and I'm accepted
~The Tsunami, earthquake, Nuclear disaster happens, affirms this is the right road
~School ends and I begin raising support
~Initial letters sent out, and raise about $1000
~I ask God for direction, and he leads me to do odd Jobs
~over the next 4 weeks I raise the rest of the funds $5000+
That's short, and there's been so much more daily things, but those are the milestones. The last one has been a blur to be honest. So many things at so many different places! I've been doing everything from hauling lumber, watching dogs, washing windows, washing cars, to fixing computers and converting tapes.
An extra BIG help has been that my family was in a small wreck in the car I'll be "inheriting" after I graduate. Our car has a small dent in the back that if you're not looking, you wouldn't notice. (The other car didn't fare nearly as well, in fact not well at all) Since it will be mine after graduation, my parents gave me the option of using the $1800 in insurance money towards Japan, or fixing the damage. It was an easy choice for me, and it's gotten me almost a 1/3 of the way there!
We spend so much time looking for these miracles, but when I add up all the small miracles (He works all things for the good of those who follow him) it actually adds up to a big miracle. In really every way, what I've learned and how I've been growing already has made this a bigger miracle than if I had found a winning lotto ticket on the ground!
So, am I excited? Yep! To all who have gotten me this far and been instruments of God, Thank you so much! You've been part of a big miracle that's I haven't even scratched the surface of!
Oh, and another thing, although I've raised $6000, I really need $7000 more to go to college next year to pay for housing. Guess what? I got accepted to be an RA. That just happens to cover all my housing expenses! All of a sudden that $7000 is covered? How cool is that? I also don't know the roommates (yet) and they may be Christians or non-Christians, and I'll have a hall full of a mix of the two. What better way to prepare for that responsibility than to practice my evangelism? Oh that's right, that's what I'm learning this summer! :)
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