I don't like talking about money. It is one of those subjects that seems to poke people right in the spot that is tender, whether they have lots of money or don't have any. So no surprise when people ask me about money for my trip to Tanzania, I can get a bit uncomfortable...
I have been learning a ton about myself, my perception of money and how to respond when people ask me if I am getting paid or if I am raising support.
Ok, so the answer is: I am raising support. But I think a better, more accurate answer is that God is raising support. Here's why:
This morning, my friend asked me about how much I need for the trip. I responded, "I don't need a certain amount in order to go but they have given me an outline of what my living expenses will be while I am there. "
We meet as a group every week to pray and so this friend said, "How about we pray that God provides $15,000 by the end of April." My first thought was, Jim, are you crazy? by the end of April? How about we pray for that amount by the end of August when I leave for Africa? But what I actually said, "Ok, sure, we can pray for that." Leave it to Jim to see that God really does want to go above and beyond what we think possible, so why not ask for it.
I went about my day as usual, not really thinking much more about the conversation and prayer time from this morning. Well, I get home, check my email, and just about fall out of my chair. I have an email from Village Schools, notifying me that I have had several people donate money on my behalf. I am thinking, "I haven't even really begun to talk to people about the money aspect, much less told them how they can donate to me specifically! How is this possible?" Well, God can work in interesting ways, and He totally exceeds our expectations. Turns out these people donated more than 20% of the total that Jim mentioned this morning, no small chunk of change by any means. It is only the second day of April and the first day I have prayed with other people about the money aspect. And here is 20% of the total already here. Wow, that is quite something!
Papa, I thank You that You are the provider and the reality that money is not a problem for You. Thank You for taking care of us so wonderfully!
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