Tuesday, November 18, 2008

God is amazing!!

Good morning!!

It is such a great day!! I am so excited to be here today writing this letter to all of you. I want to say thank you first and foremost for being used by God. I have watched as you all, my family in Christ, have come around me and begun to be a part of shining Christ to the lost in the world. You have all touched my heart and in the end you have touched the hearts of those lost in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as well. Their place in eternity will be different because of these moments., and sacrifices.

Philippians 1:3-5, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

A lot has happened in the past two months as I have finalized a lot of the plans to go to New Guinea. I say the plans because they are definitely not mine but Gods. He has been so evident in all of this is and continually shows me that he knows so much more what my needs are than I even do. He has been bringing many along side of me to do this. Making it a thing of the body and that we will only be able to point to Him in the end. 

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


I have had the opportunity to share at over 40 small groups over the past 7 weeks, and it has been encouraging to watch the body yearn to see a change made. I have loved those chances and am hoping for more. I have made a short list of things I need and am selling the rest.  I have also finalized the plans for the yard sale of the century , thanks to a lot of donated items, for next weekend. It has been a stretching process to watch as the last of my personal belongings are sold. I am excited though, the only thing going to heaven with me is the souls of the lost God has used me to impact, making it easier to let go.  

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus

It has been amazing to watch as God has made Himself evident. I have asked you all to be praying for a short list of things to take to PNG. Through a couple of gifts by people in my church He has provided a laptop capable of doing video editing that I will use to keep you all updated on just what God is doing in my part of PNG. He has also provided for a digital camera to be used for the same purpose. I have also been given a ticket to get to PNG with American Airlines by a friend in my church. All I need to do is cover the tax on that ticket. God is bringing it all together and I can’t help but thank Him and point to His  greatness. He is amazing. I also can’t help but thank you for being a part.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For the involvement of the Village Church and the way God is providing there. I have been a lot of great conversation with the Jamie Hipp and Matt Elkins at the church, trying to plan all of this out. I am excited to say that I am officially being sent by the Village. It makes me so happy and proud to be a part of the team there reaching out into the world to shine Christ. We will be working to a point of sending short term trips much like the way the church does the teams in the Amazon. It is my hope that through this opportunity I will have the chance to see many of you there.  That you will have the opportunity to be a part first hand. Seeing exactly what is being done and playing a active role in that.

Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you

Much is left to be done yet though. I still need $1600 a month in pledged support. Please pray with me for Gods provision and guidance, and that God puts it on the hearts of more people to join with me in this way. Please seek the Lord in this as well, and know in the end it will be worth the sacrifice. I also need around $2300 for moving expenses and to purchase that last few things I need before going.  It is down to the finances and people being moved by God to have be a part.. I am excited to see how God brings it in.  This is  His thing and he is doing it, I just need the patience to wait on Him.
 
James 5:16 “ The fervent prayer of  a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 


So many things are coming together in a way I could only have dreamed. I stand  amazed at the path all of this has taken. In spite of a few set backs God has really provided, and worked things out. He is so good. I love how I could have predicted none of this., from the timing on down to those of you who God has brought along side me. None of it is what I expected. All of it is what God provided. I guess what I am saying in all of this is the glory goes to God, and I am humbled by it all. It all points back to Him. I have prayed that God would work it out and He is doing just that. Moving in hearts and bringing exciting things about in my church body as well in myself. In all of this I can’t help but rejoice. Jehovah Jirah has definitely been the provider.

Psalms 138: 8 “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”

I am so excited to see all of this coming to be,
God is so amazing ,
Thank you for being a part,

Thank God for:
 
The gift of a Mac Book and digital camera, which will help me keep all of you updated in a timely manner.

The gift of my plane tickets.  Thanks to a donation all I have to do is pay for taxes on the tickets.

For the way God has provided so far, and for the way people are getting involved.

For the opportunities I have had to share with people about the value their lives can have and how they can impact eternity for others.

“Strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf”  Colossians 4:12


Please Pray for:
 
That my final work permit would come through soon. 

That God would lay it on peoples hearts to be part of reaching Papua New Guinea.

That God would continue to provide the last things needed for my trip, like a video camera for sharing with supporters.

For the remaining finances to come in and for Gods provision. I still need $1600 a month in pledged support.

For more opportunities to share. I have had many chances to share Gods work and hope for more.

For Gods continued protection and safety. That Gods angels would be watching over me . 

For the $600 to cover some medical expenses associated with my visa, and moving. 

That the last of my belongings would sell quickly and help bring in the funds to go. 

“ The fervent prayer of  a righteous man is powerful and effective,” James 5:16