Finances | Where I stand.
Let me start with this. God is so amazingly faithful. I dislike that so often I am reminded of this through physical things (like money), and it seems to take longer to identify his faithfulness in the spiritual realm, but that’s another topic. I’m excited to announce that through some incredibly generous donations my internship costs in Rwanda are now completely covered! Amazing. In the weeks and months leading up to this God has provided multiple people who have supported me in the same way. Their (your) generosity blows me away. Thank you to those of you who supported me in this way, it is an incredible blessing, one I hope God would repay upon each of you.
This week has been a week of God interceding with finances, and in general, reminding me how much he is in control. If you will allow, here is a quick recap of my week…
On Sunday I had a meeting with the team from Highlands that will be coming to Rwanda in June. At that point I still had a substantial amount that needed to be raised to cover my trip costs for Rwanda. Monday morning I had a meeting with Tyler (the missions pastor at Highlands). Upon arriving at the meeting I found out that the entire amount was taken care of. I was blown away. Totally blown away. I repented to God, honestly, I was a little nervous with only one week left where that money would come from. I was so grateful that God would prompt the hearts of his people to support me in this way, and, that they would respond to that degree…amazing.
Later that day I went to REI, probably my favorite store out there! I needed to get a duffel bag and was contemplating a few things that I didn’t need. I caught myself justifying those “want” purchases as I was driving to the store, then after arriving and sitting in the parking lot and examining what my real needs were and how I could best steward my funds I got out of my car to go into the store. As I was walking up to the store I looked down on the ground and there was a $20 bill just sitting there. I looked around. No one. It was as if God was saying, “be discerning in your purchases but remember, money is just money, it is a resource that can be used for good or evil, but it isn’t on par with anything spiritual. Keep the right perspective and I will provide for what you need.”
That was quite a bit to process in one day. Well the week continues. One thing I’ve been evaluating is a few purchases for camera equipment for the trip. Most of you know I’m a photographer and the opportunity to take shots while I’m there for 2 months is exciting! I was contemplating purchasing a second lens for the trip along with a second battery. After a little while through I decided the lens would have to wait and that I would just get a second battery. After looking online at prices, the cheapest battery I could find was around $50. So I posted a message on facebook asking if anyone had a battery for a canon SLR they wanted to sell. Sure enough a buddy of mine sent me a message saying he had one, and that I could have it!
While the $20 and the battery may seem small, it is about more than the monetary value, for me this has been a constant reminder of God’s presence throughout this process. Seeing as how I only have a week before I leave it is very encouraging to be able to feel his presence like that!
One last thing. I figure some of you may be asking the following question:
What happens if we still want to donate?
At this point, any donations made through the link on this site will still go into my account with FH. While my international budget is taken care of I can still raise a couple thousand dollars for the local portion of my internship which was from the end of January through the middle of April. Much of the costs for that I covered with student loans since I didn’t have a paying job outside of photography. All that to say any further donations would be used to help me cover costs I incurred during the domestic portion of my internship.
Thank you all so much, please continue to pray, and please let me know how I can pray for you. Your support, in conjunction with God’s presence in this have been so encouraging. I’m excited for what’s to come!
Unbelievable!! That is SO amazing, SO awesome! I am SO glad you have had the opportunity to have God work in YOUR life like He did with the Highlands monies! AWESOME!!!