We learned from our accounting department last week that we have reached 51% of our monthly support pledges. Best part about the support pledges, so far, is that these dear people have begun to support our ministry NOW and each month their support accumulates toward our ministry launching funds. Others have donated special one-time gifts to the ministry launching fund. We have over 1/3 of the ministry launching fund accumulated and it is quickly approaching 50% as well. Praise God for his abundant provision.
We are also deeply grateful for the numerous times friends or family have given us a special gift for personal use. These gifts have met needs for printing and shipping ministry resources, meals on the road, hotel costs, gas, even our routine 3,000 mile oil changes. Yes, we have been on the road long enough to require an oil change every other month. Thank you for trusting God to provide and trusting us to use these resources wisely.
We are also blessed to have stayed with many hosts in cities across the US. We are so grateful for the ways you have lavished love on us: feeding us, allowing us to do laundry, treating us to activities and events, cleaning up after your house guests move on. Thank you for all the dollars you have saved in hotel costs. We have only spent one night in a motel in 12 weeks of travel. We have spent far less than necessary on food and groceries because of your generosity and hospitality. Thank you for taking care of the two of us like family. We love you all!
We feel like we are living among believers like Paul addressed in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15,
"Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!"
Yes, we thank God for His gifts (you) too wonderful for words!
