I never thought I would be glad to see an overcast Michigan sky, but I guess home is the sweetest place on earth, even when it’s not beautiful. In the last few days I have been blessed with the rolling hills and rugged mountains of California, but I’m so ready to be back in the forests and fields of my own state. I arrived early this morning, simultaneously encouraged by other people’s reactions to the Lord’s work and discouraged about my own.
As I mentioned in my last post, I was visiting Crossroads Community Church in Yuba City, California. On Saturday, I had a wonderful time meeting a few people from a Spanish-speaking church and sharing how God is raising up missionaries from Latin America. I then spoke at three services at Crossroads, sharing what God is doing through Bible translation. It is always a blessing to talk about the power of God’s word and tell people how they can get involved in providing it for every person in the world! And I was further encouraged with an opportunity to talk with the junior high and high school group at Crossroads. I shared about the importance of prayer and asked that they would pray for me, and then was surprised when the youth pastor took up a collection for me. The young people contributed as they were able, giving $9 in change alone. Although that may not sound like a lot, I have heard that dinner at a restaurant in Cameroon may cost as little as $1 U.S., so these young people gave enough to feed me for a week!
Despite seeing God’s provision, I have found myself struggling with worry. Not so much worry about prayer support; so many people have said that they will pray for me. And I have been incredibly grateful for the contributions that have already been given. But my hoped-for departure date of August 19th is rapidly approaching, and I cannot leave until the remaining 35% of my support arrives. I know that God has a plan for everything, and that it will all happen in his time. So, my friends, please pray for me. Pray that I will remember that God feeds the ravens and dresses the lilies, and that he cares more for me than for them. As I seek his kingdom, I know he will supply my needs in his time.
Luke 12: 22-34
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.