I just wanted to write a quick note letting you all know where I stand, financially, at the moment. The current amount in my account is
$2,115.00 and that is after the cost for the September plane tickets was removed. By September 8th, the day I arrive at training camp in Georgia, I am required to have
60% of our total mission cost. To reach that amount, I need to raise
$2,055.00 more in the next
18 days. That sounds a little scarey I know. The flesh in all of us leads us to be a little freaked out about money from time to time. Then, God reminds us that He is in charge and knows the outcome.
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." ~Psalm 16:8
The other 40% for my trip is required by Adventures In Missions, to be in monthly pledges. By the grace of God, my church will be providing $300.00 a month in support. That will cover $2,100.00 of the monthly support needed by the day I return, May 15th, 2009. This is only leave me needing $798.00! Wow!
(There is also the unnecessary amount I would like to raise to come home for two weeks at Christmas. That amount would be roughly, $2000.00. I say "unnecessary" because it is not required that we return home for our break. They have asked that we consider how burnt out we might be though if we do not return for that short time. I can stay in South Africa for the entire 9 months, if need be.)
I know, I've thrown a lot of numbers out there but let me explain why. The biggest thing right now, is the remainder of funds that I have to have in the next 18 days. If I do not have the full 60% by then, I will not be going on the trip. That may sound a little harsh, but AIM does not have the resources to work with the ministries they do and also to support me. In fact, the money raised for my trip doesn't just go towards my stay, it also goes towards the ministries we'll work with.
I ask that you please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY some more for me in this time. I know that God will provide this money. He already knows where it will come from and what He will use it for. God it faithful!!
"Your lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies." ~Psalm 36:5
Can we even truly wrap our minds around such a faithfulness??
