Generous Gifts

Trust Him. He will provide.

I know this, but I don’t know this. I have to be reminded, always. Money is such a burden to me and the discomfort of asking for donations is overwhelming. I want to give these reservations to God, put my faith in my Provider, but the anxiety paralyzes me. A deposit of $950.00 USD is necessary within 30 days of our acceptance. This deadline is September 28. I waited this week, hoping, praying that I would receive a gift to cover this payment. I really wasn’t praying though; not with my heart; not with commitment; not with expectancy. I knew I wouldn’t have enough money for the payment and that I would have to take from my personal savings. I spoke with Karen last night, my spiritual mother, and shared with her that I was both going to send the payment myself, and that I would need to pay $100.00 to have it arrive in New York on time. She spoke with love, but frustration. She encouraged me to wait. I was convicted and emailed Thrive to explain that I hadn’t yet sent the money and could not have it arrive until late next week. They replied with grace and I made arrangements to send a payment on Friday.

Karen and I meet each Thursday for dinner. She had encouraged me to wait because she had collected a number of gifts from my sponsors. Earlier today, Karen met with one of her ESL students for coffee. Her student shared with excitement that she had recently committed her life to Christ [praise God!]. They spoke about God and discussed questions of faith and Christian living. Her student then said this: “I want to give.” Karen shared wisdom about tithing and the number of ways you can give to God. Karen spoke of the church, her support for overseas missionaries, and as an illustration spoke of the cheques she was bringing to give to me. The woman was moved and quickly wrote a cheque to add to the collection. A person, who does not know my name or my story, gave me $600.00. I don’t even know how to accept such generosity.

I woke this morning with not a dollar yet received in sponsorship: $15,000.00 shy of my $15,000.00 need. I received $4,640.00 today. How affirming! Thank-you SO much to those who were able to support me.

Trust God. He does provide.