Less Than a Month Until Africa!

Praise the Lord!

He has provided all of the necessary funds for my plane ticket to be purchased!  What a relief it is to know that I will be able to get to Africa.  Thank you to all who remembered me in their prayers and to all who gave sacrificially of their finances.  You are making a difference in God’s Kingdom by being an example of Christ to those around you and throughout the world through Pioneer Bible Translators.  I am so grateful that God has put it on your hearts to be a part of this ministry, especially as it is getting started and moving in the direction God has set. 

Prior to this week, I divided my “to do” list into before- and after-purchasing-the-plane-ticket so I wouldn’t overload myself with responsibilities.  Well, now that I have crossed that hurdle, I am reminded of just how much more work there is to accomplish before I can go, because now the focus shifts from getting to West Africa to staying there for 18 months.  That means in addition to raising prayer and financial support, I am in the process of applying for my visa, finalizing and purchasing my packing list, and finishing up my immunizations.

Once again, I want to thank you for your commitment to this ministry and to me.  My faith is continually strengthened as I am reminded of God’s faithfulness, provision, and love.  Through your obedience to Him, He has provided much-needed monthly and special financial gifts.  

Below is the progress that has been made and the need that still exists:

Expenses needed to prepare for and travel to West Africa:  $8,000

            Current Amount Raised or Pledged: 79%

            Goal for end of December: 100%

            Amount Needed: $1,500

Expenses needed for living in West Africa: $1,500/month

            Current Amount Raised or Pledged: 66%

            Goal for end of December: 100%

            Amount Needed: $510/month

For your convenience, here are a few links that explain aspects of partnering with my ministry.  If you have questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

What it means to partner prayerfully or financially with my ministry

How to become a prayer or financial partner

Ways to give financially

                                

Indebted to Christ and His Will,

Julie

November Update

Happy Holidays!  Well, we’re practically to that time and it seems the ‘busyness’ is already upon us.  And apparently I’m not immune; I have been traveling all over Ohio and southern Michigan meeting some amazing people. 

When I signed on to go to West Africa, I felt like I had relatively few ties and relationships that I would truly miss while there.  This is ironic, because in order to get to West Africa I have been reestablishing relationships (for prayer and financial support), rediscovering how incredible these people are, and creating many bonds that I now would rather not leave.

Don’t worry, I’m still set on going and excited to be doing so!

I would like to take a moment to reflect on something else I’ve discovered during this time.  Making this transition to relying on the Church (meaning brothers and sisters in Christ and churches) for prayer and financial support has been incredibly humbling.  As an American, I have been ingrained with this belief that you work hard and provide for yourself which in turn defines your level of success.  This notion was exposed as I experienced an internal battle whenever I was faced with the task of discussing my need for the Church to financially partner with me and this ministry.  Then, when it came time to accept financial support from others, I became even more aware of how counter-cultural this concept is. 

So right now, yes, I’m raising prayer and financial support, but God is also using this time to humble me and teach me about His extraordinary children and the importance of relationships with them.

Lastly, I want to give an update on current funds raised or pledged.  

Expenses needed to prepare for and travel to West Africa:  $8,000

            Current Amount Raised or Pledged: 24%

            Goal for the end of November: 60%

Expenses needed for living in West Africa: $1,500/month

            Current Amount Raised or Pledged: 39%

            Goal for end of November: 60%

Please prayerfully consider joining with me on this journey and knowing that you’re making an eternal difference through your prayers and financial commitments. 

Here are a few links you may be interested in while making this decision:

What it means to partner with me and this ministry

How to commit to partner with me and this ministry

How to give financially to me and this ministry

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and financial gifts.  I am humbled to think that you are sacrificing to see this ministry succeed.  I praise God for your commitment and faithfulness to Him.

Indebted to Christ and His Will,

Julie

Welcome!

Hey, thanks for stopping by!  Let me start by saying that I have no idea what this blog will become.  My hope is that it can be a place where I can share what I'm doing, learning, experiencing, and thinking.  

I am currently in Dallas, TX going through five weeks of intense training and probably won't be posting much until I return to Ohio (October 10th).  At that time I will be traveling around talking about this ministry God has given me.  If you are interested in catching up with me between now and the New Year just shoot me an email indebtedtochrist@gmail.com.  

In the meantime, please check out all the pages on here and let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Indebted to Christ and His Will,

Julie