The Scripture...

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again…” -2 Corinthians 5:14

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Here we go...

Today is the day! Glory to God in the highest :)

Leaving DC...10:00pm, July 15th...tonight!
Arriving into Germany... 4:30 pm, July 16th... tomorrow!

Thanks so much for your support and prayers. Looking forward to sharing this ministry with you all.

Yours in Christ,
Lauren

Monday, July 5, 2010

"Daughter, I've got you covered..."

Yesterday, I was able to stand before my home church in Maryland and thank them for their prayer and financial support. This is Glade United Church of Christ's first time supporting a missionary to the nations. The Lord is certainly doing a mighty work at this church. Over 40% of my two-year salary has been funded by the missions committee and individual members of the church. Please pray that this time in Germany would bless them and increase their understanding of the Great Commission as well as open their eyes to the global needs around the world.

More good news...

After speaking with several members after the service, my finanical support immediately increased from 95% to 104.9%. It was almost as if the Lord was saying, "DAUGHTER, I'VE GOT YOU COVERED. FOR YOU SEE, MY LOVE IS EXTRAVAGANT AND SO TOO IS MY PROVISION OVER YOU." Words cannot seem to describe my thankfulness and my love for our incredible God who keeps His word and always proves Himself faithful! These additional monies received will be placed in a subaccount that will be used for my travel expenses back to the US, the purchase of resources to stay in contact with my supporters, and it may also be used to support other TeachBeyond missionaries who are in need of financial support.

I have been wowed by God this week. He continually affirms me in this ministry.

I am not in want. My cup is overflowing indeed.

WOW :)

Saturday, July 3, 2010

A cup that overfloweth...

12 days until my departure for Germany...
14 days until my church in MD begins our sports ministry outreach camps in Dabringhausen and Aurich
29 days until my service with BFA begins...
43 days until I receive my dorm assignment (MS boys & girls, HS boys, or HS girls?)
50 days until I get to meet the new BFA students...
51 days until I get to meet the returning BFA students...

95.6% funded for two years in Germany...
$1524.73 of my $1595 monthly goal has been pledged...

Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be
in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of
death.
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me,
in the presence of my enemies.
You annoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

My cup overflows. I am not in want. The Lord is my shepherd. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me for His name's sake. He is with me.

Just as David describes the character of God in Psalm 23, nearly 3,000 years ago, our Lord has not changed. Friends, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same God that redeemed Joseph's family through forgiveness, the same God that brought the Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage, the same God that delivered David from the hands of Israel's enemies and from his own sin...this God is our God too. Just as He did in the past, today our God redeems families, today our God delivers His children from their sin, today our God makes our cups overflow. Why? Because He loves us.

His love is so radical, but it is incredibly real.

As I reflect on the past three months of fundraising and the time I have had to think about this calling to Germany, I have come to more deeply understand and know that the Lord leads me and guides me for His name's sake and that He makes my cup overflow because He loves these children, these MKs, at BFA. The reason that the money from friends and family has come pouring in on behalf of the ministry at BFA is because the Lord loves these children. He has so faithfully called me and provided for all of my needs in Germany because He loves these children and is deeply concerned about their spiritual and emotional growth. He loves these children so much that He sends missionaries to teach them, care for them, and love them.

My hope and my prayer is that these children whom I serve will know how much the Lord loves them. He has placed at least 100 staff members from across the world at BFA on their behalf. How incredible.

Just as the Lord cared for the Old Testament kings, leaders, and prophets, so too does He care for you, for me, and for these missionary kids. Believe that the Lord is your shepherd, look around you and see that you are not in want.