Monday, August 11, 2008

Africa Update - Praising God for His perfect timing!

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." 1 Peter 5:6

How amazing! As I am writing this, I realize that I will soon be calling 410Bridge and verifying that YES we are going to Kenya and our tickets will be purchased! A little over a month ago, I had to call 410Bridge and tell them that we were not able to send them half of our deposit ($17,000). By God's grace, they extended our deadline. Again, three weeks ago, I had to ask for another extension....we still had $18,000 to raise. Last Friday was our initial FINAL deadline but again it was extended to today........we had approx. $4,000 more to raise. I must admit, from my perspective, it seemed like a huge amount to raise in such a short period of time. But God's timing is not ours. His methods are usually unconventional. But what we can know is that He is faithful to come when we call!
Quite honestly, if we had raised the money according to "our plan", then we would have felt it was aresult of OUR efforts....... now we can only say that HE did it!! It was so exciting to see the body of Christ pull together and give with open hearts......working together as a community. What an impact it will have, not only on us, but on those outside the church who hear the amazing story of how God provided. And yes...it was at the last hour.....when we were still $600 short that someone came up and wrote a check for $1,000!!! God not only gave us 100% but even gave us more which will start a mission fund for our church. Praise God!!!!

THANK YOU for listening to the Lord, for giving so freely. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful opportunity to go as a church and help the people of Kwambekenya. To HIM be the glory!
Asanti Sana!

Sue Shook
Kenya Trip Coordinator

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more then all we ask or imagine" Eph. 3:20

6 comments:

wanda b. said...

How is it that even when God shows Himself over and over again to us, our faith is so small? I am so thankful that He continues to do great things and does not let my little faith get in the way. My prayers will be with the group going and that great blessings will be on Kwambekenya. God is good!

Anonymous said...

Why spend so much money to go to Africa when you have people in the local community that could desparately use that money. As far as Africa goes, that money could do so much more if it was leveraged to buy things like wells and boats, instead of sending a handful of people their for a week. You might say it will impact them so much that they will come back and influence the world, but from my past experience that will not happen. I am in no way questioning God, but questioning how man chooses to use God's resources.

Jeff said...

Good for you Sue! Only through people with your determination and commitment does God's work get done... Have a fantastic trip. And to the comment about spending locally... Everyone is entitled to their own convictions on when/where to serve, but... I have traveled all over the world and seen the desperation lives of many who don't know the Lord. These mission trips do more than words can express in countries that have zero local support. Here in the U.S. we are overflowing with local support for our people compared the rest of the world. It is these trips that have a lifelong impact on communities that so desperately need hope. This is why spiritual leaders like Mother Theresa chose to spread God's will to the four corners of the earth.
-Jeff Abbott

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! It has been amazing to see how God has truly been involved in the growing faith of those going as well as the hearts of those who have given. I am also amazed at how bold people can be when leaving an anonymous message. To say that you aren't questioning God is quite a bold statement when that is exactly what is being done. Not one person has forced anyone to help provide a way for this team to go to Africa to help build such a medical facility that women will not have their babies on the streets or treat those who need medical care. The church has partnered with 410 Bridge who partner with the people of the village to meet their needs. Yes we may think they could use this or that but what about what the community that exists and their needs. God, and God Only, provided the funds while moving through the hearts of people. Would they have said the same thing about the fish and loaves of bread being multiplied from merely so little to feed so many. Sorry Christ, you know this could've been used for more bait to get more fish...you just don't know what your doing Jesus. I don't question you but I do question how you choose to feed everyone. Now, to say you aren't questioning God, you do just that when you question how he works in people and does things the way He wants to. I urge you to carefully consider how you state what you believe God may want when He just expanded the faith of many by such a process.. I have been more than encouraged and my faith has multiplied by seeing God do such a work in the hearts of people. Just as there were left over fish, there is extra contribution to start a mission fund for the church. For the first time I heard our church clap and cheer in unison when we saw how God worked. Why do we deny Him when he does such great things. I will continue to pray for the team and our church as we grow in our faith and mission for our everyday lives.
Don Deaton

Anonymous said...

God is so good! He gave you that money because he wants you to go to Africa and I am excited for all of you =] Love you Sue

Steen said...

Bottom line, I believe that God blesses and provides for his will, and doesn't if it is not. Sometimes I rest in that fact, that if he shows up, then I know I am doing what he wants, and if he doesn't...then I try something else until he shows! God showed our church that we are in his will! And I for one, want to CELEBRATE THAT!