FALLING INTO BLESSINGS
September 2005 Newsletter
“The Past” … God is the anchor of my soul
This past summer of ministry was amazing! After finishing up with First Year Missionary in June, I prepared for a summer full of mission trips! I led a one-week mission trip for a team from Ohio to the inner-city of Philadelphia. God challenged a lot of the students on that team through the homeless outreach, the street cook-outs, and Vacation Bible School.
I then led a month-long mission trip, called Ambassadors, in Philadelphia. They had significant experiences working with individuals, ministering to their needs, and leading them to Christ! All of the girls on that team now feel they are being called into full time ministry!
Then I led a team from Washington state on a 10-day mission trip to Jamaica, my second home! Once again, we were amazed by the hospitality of the local community and the way they responded to our ministry. The team was involved in street dramas, door-to-door evangelism, and VBS. The team was radically changed, and God used His servants to expand His Kingdom.
Attending the Adventures In Missions Staff Conference concluded the summer. It was a great time to debrief the year, cast vision for next year, and simply pray for and with the people in my life that most understand me. Overall, it was an amazing summer to serve God yet again!
“The Present” … God is never changing
For the month of September and October, I have been focused on three major projects:
1. Buying and setting up a home
2. Planning a wedding
3. Hurricane Katrina housing relief.
While adjusting and preparing for changes in my personal life, I also was working hard for AIM connecting housing volunteers with hurricane evacuees. It was a unique way to do personal ministry to those that had lost almost everything. I also am preparing and excited to get married on Oct. 29th, and starting my new life with Chris via. In the midst of all these changes, I trust that God is never changing and I can rely on him for his constant faithfulness and love.
“The Future” … God has plans to prosper
Many of you have been asking what my plan is now and if I’m still raising support. For a long time, I couldn’t answer those questions myself. After much prayer, patience, advice, and encouragement, I believe God has led me to continue to raise support as a missionary, with Adventures In Missions, for at least one more year.
For the next year, I will be focused on 5 different aspects of ministry.
1. Assistant chaplain for a women’s prison – This opportunity has come up and I am excited to serve God in this capacity.
2. Director of an after-school program – This is in conjunction with Tioga Heights Church in Kensington with whom I have a current relationship. The after-school program runs M-T, and helps over 20 students with homework, character development, and Biblical foundations.
3. Homeless outreach and street ministry – I want to continue the ministry and relationships I made last year in Philadelphia. This will consist of feeding the homeless weekly and leading a Bible study with those in drug and alcohol recovery weekly.
4. Youth ministry at Doylestown Presbyterian – This is ministry in partnership with my husband, by being a leader for Wednesday night youth group, leading a Bible Study for the girls and attending most church youth events.
5. Beginning phases of planting a Christian school in Kensington (inner-city Philadelphia) – This is a vision God has given me for a while and feel that many doors are opening to begin this process.
Although this seems like a lot of projects, much of living as a missionary is simply waking up and asking God what He wants me to do today. In addition to these ministry projects, I also plan to substitute teach in the Philadelphia and Bucks County school system to have a small supplemental income to help provide for our financial responsibilities. However to do full time ministry, the majority of my income must be provided for by the Body of Christ.
I NEED YOUR HELP!
If you have supported me at any time during the past year, let me say, THANK YOU! Your relationship and support for me is invaluable.
I am asking that you prayerfully consider making a one-year commitment towards supporting me through prayer and/or finances for my ministry efforts through Adventures In Missions. You can either make a one-time donation or contribute monthly. You can also set up automatic payment.
I need to raise $2000 a month, before taxes, to cover my living expenses. Should you decide to give, please see the attached support card, and return to Adventures In Missions.
Thank you for the ways in which you love and encourage me in my life and ministry.
Please consider being a partner in ministry with me to help advance God’s Kingdom and bring His message to the city of Philadelphia!
