Love, Healing and Thankfulness

Coordinating the Relational Fundraising Workshop may have been the most challenging thing I’ve done as work since becoming a mama. I constantly felt torn to be with Lanaïa as I heard her screaming in the background while I tried to pay attention to the teachings and the organization of each day but boy, was it worth it! I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to do this and thankful for a husband who supported me through it all!

So many participants experienced healing, faith growth and worldview changes throughout the week and that made every bit of sacrifice worth it! The Lord was moving and people were being encouraged to grow in Biblical understanding of what the Lord says about missionary support. Eyes were opened and I sensed so many people being freed of so much pain, misunderstanding and struggles. The Holy Spirit was moving and we all know the workshop was just the beginning of so many things to come in our personal and missional journey with Him. 

Although the workshop was about relational fundraising, it was ultimately focused on God’s Truth – His Word – which radiates love and healing. So many shared how they have lost friends and family since becoming full time volunteer missionaries which at times left them feeling as if they should leave the mission field. The teachings given helped remind and motivate all of us to keep moving forward, to not lose focus due to difficulties but to lean on Him for understanding and support. 

We were lead by a wonderful lady named Terry throughout the week and it was a great experience being able to work with her both throughout the preparation stages and during the workshop itself. She gave us great tools to help us in our fundraising journey and shared about the importance of having a team on the home front who is worthy in joining your team – a team that is full of individuals focused on supporting us through prayer, encouragement and/or financial. This is something that has actually been on my heart for many years but have always struggled to get things officially started for us. I think my main struggle was due to my identity as a missionary working in the communications department and my ongoing fear of being misunderstood (which has been being chipped away over the past few years but as time continues, I notice it still lingering in certain areas of my life) which was revealed throughout the workshop when she shared about being “worthy” of financial support. It is now something that I really need to listen to the Lord about to be able to break free from whatever strongholds that are holding me back as a daughter of The King. He chose me for this position and although I have no doubts, the enemy continually whispers lies that I sometimes end up believing without realizing.

Thank God for His Word and His servants that He sends to come remind us of His Truth!

But it wasn’t just me, so many others recognized lies that they believed and as truth was replacing them healing was happening! As I sat there observing what the Lord was doing, I had this strong feeling in my heart that things are about to change regarding missions in West Africa. It may take time but I believe that with encouragement and support from one another and ultimately with the Lord’s guidance, we will see more big things happening in West Africa! What an exciting thing to be a part of! 

Something else that I ended up being very emotional and thankful about was all those who have joined in on helping me make this workshop happen. I had a great team of friends who were not only there checking in on work but checking in on my well being as well. It is truly something special to be away from family but surrounded by others who have become family over the years. I get emotional whenever I think about just how special they are to me. Seriously, we have great people in this world and I feel so privileged to have so many of them in our life! 

So, THANK YOU.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed.

Thank you to those who have adopted us in their hearts.

Thank you to all of you who have become family here.

Thank you to all of you who have sacrificed for us and God’s work here.

Thank you for grasping the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than we could ever even understand.

The Lord is GOOD and together with Him leading, we can make a difference in tomorrow. 

Hugs!