new numbers, faithful God.

Shortly after posting my monthly support at 57% due to the 2012 monthly support budget, I found two additional pledges totally $75/month in new monthly giving, and another $950 in one-time gifts!  So, as things now stand, I’ve received:

• 59% of my monthly pledged support
• 87% of my one-time support

In other words, I’ll be fully supported with $1,600 in new monthly pledges and $3,300 in one-time giving.  God is working through your prayers and giving, and my overall support is right at two-thirds: thanks!

More importantly though, God is building his kingdom in Ukraine, and his providence in my own life keeps pointing that direction.  Financial giving is only one of the tools God is using to build my trust in him and send me to Kiev.  At the truthXchange conference last week, and at the L’Abri conference, I met a number of people who offered contacts they have in Kiev, or sources for Ukrainian language and Russian language evangelistic and discipleship tools.  One friend recommended I connect with his friend, who I didn’t find a the conference, but ran into two days later in Terminal G of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

55%

This week I haven’t seen an increase in my monthly support, but I’ve been encouraged by supporters praying and telling me that they’re praying. Two months ago I’d only received 34%, and through your prayers God’s given me 21% increase.

Pray with me for my next 25%, which will take me to 80% monthly support. Watch your email for an update tomorrow morning. Enjoy your Friday evening (if its Friday evening in your timezone). Thanks, friends!

prayers rising

some of you have told me that you’re praying daily for my support – thanks!

I emailed everybody this morning asking for concentrated prayer, and by the time I got to work a friend had emailed me notice of a new monthly pledge. After work I had another email from a cousin with a monthly pledge. Also, I received three encouraging emails from folks who’re praying with me for God to provide.

These may seem little, but receiving two pledges and three encouraging emails the same day I emailed everyone is a HUGE encouragement: thanks, folks!

By the way, whoever pledges the next $25.99 per month (ok, call it $26 to make it even, but then you may as well round up to $30) will put my support at the 50% mark. Any takers?

slow building

Frequently, friends and people who know I’m raising support ask me how its going. My standard answer is, “Slower than I’d like.” I have my brochure, MTW prayer card, and a business card. I am learning how to organize contacts and follow up with people. I’ve taken two weekend trips to share the ministry with good friends in other cities, and I’m beginning to schedule appointments with people here in Chattanooga. I’m also still working full-time with my other job, and sometimes its hard to make time in the evenings for the work of support raising.

This past Sunday morning I enjoyed taking 15 minutes to tell about 45 to 50 people in the adult Teaching Group at my church about the ministry in Kiev, and about my calling and desire to serve there. I had a few brief, encouraging conversations with people after the class ended. Then last night after meeting friends for weekly 75-cent tacos, one of my friends told me he and his wife intent to support me once they complete some longer-term budgeting. God continues to surprise me with unsought encouragement.

Please pray for me. I need:

• Diligence to keep building momentum in sharing the ministry in Kiev with people.
• Clarity as I communicate the ministry in Kiev.
• Boldness when I ask people to support me with finances and prayer.
• God to move people’s hearts to give to his work in Kiev.
• Thank the Lord with me for his steadfast love and grace!