It started with a conference. We connected with several different ministry partners via zoom in August and were invited to join a conference being held in Spain in October. Back then, we were sure everything would fall into place and we could join because we would already be here. Little did we know the long wait we have had. As September rolled around, it became clear things were not moving fast and we began to pray about coming to the conference and seeing Spain regardless of the long term visa situation. We felt approval and booked our tickets. As time got closer, we booked housing and a rental car.
It seemed more than we could afford, but we were willing to follow God here even if it was just a short term trip knowing that whatever is His will is His bill. The trip approached and we were disappointed feeling like God wasn’t coming through. Had we misheard?
It has always been my heart (Blessing) that I should earn or invest my own money into anything I do. When you invest money into something, you are putting your heart into it. It adds worth to it. Where your money is there also your heart will be. I had hopes that our mission trip and overall missions would be a 50/50. Us supporting ourselves somehow and receiving donations. I know what a joy it is to support missionaries because it has been something Kyle and I have done for almost ten years now. Investing in Kingdom workers who are following God. We give where God says and trust God to do the rest, as with planting a seed. You put the seed in the ground, water it, but God still has to make it grow and produce fruit.
All that to say, we invested our money in this vision trip and hoped somehow God would take the little we had and bring partners along with us, financially and spiritually. So as time for the trip drew near, though we had prayer partners, we did not have many financial partners. It seemed what hope I had thought I had at the beginning of this journey back in April was proving false. Well, four days before our trip, God brought the people. We received almost exactly half of the trip cost. What a blessing! It did not cover it all, but a partnership is what I wanted and it seemed God honored that.
The Conference
We arrived in Chinchon where the conference was held two days before it began. We were able to get settled and adjusted to the different time zone before it started. Kyle went to the conference, and I watched the kids.
Kyle was very encouraged through it all. The first day he found out that, out of all the places in the world, a couple that is working toward moving here as missionaries lives only two and half hours from where we live. What a coincidence! To top that off, the second day, he met a person at the conference who was from our very own town! Amazing!
We were both encouraged by a message about Joseph that was shared. When Joseph said to Pharoah about the dream interpretation, “I can’t, but God can.” We were reminded that most of this journey, we cannot accomplish what God is asking, but we are relying on Him to accomplish it through us. In addition, meeting the people so near us who were on this missionary journey to Spain, as well, seemed further confirmation and a reminder that we are not alone.
The final day of the conference, they had church that I and the boys joined for. I was able to talk with two of the women apart of the ministry. Hearing their stories, and wisdom from their experience thus far as missionaries encouraged me. We hope to continue to build relationships with them, knowing they are friends and resources we can learn and pull from through-out this journey God leads us on.
Meeting Bethel
The time finally arrived for us to travel north to meet Isabella, Bethal and the ministry here. We were able to meet them the day after we arrived which was an unexpected blessing. We chatted and learned a little bit about the ministry here, and the plan for our time with them before we head back home. There are several different meetings and gatherings planned for us to meet many of the families and people involved with the mission.
We wanted to let you in on the latest as we prepare for ministry in Spain. Isabella has shared with us the steps ahead one of the most exciting is the chance to help people with weekend camps that will give children not just fun memories, but a strong foundation in God’s Word. There’s even a special camp she is wanting to plan for around Fat Tuesday, where instead of focusing what she called Carnival which is similar to Halloween in America, the kids will get to come to camp and learn about God’s love and truth leading into Lent.
Right now, we’re closer than ever to being able to say “yes” to this calling. We finally have a financial number to work toward before the invitation letter and visas can move forward in monthly support. God has already provided 55% of that which includes some self-funding, and we’re so grateful for every bit. We will not be able to apply for our visas until we are able to write a financial letter verifying our support for the full 100%.
Would you consider joining us as a monthly supporter? Your gift doesn’t just help our family, but it helps open the door for children in Spain to grow up knowing the hope and security that comes from a real relationship with Jesus. We’re trusting God and inviting our very closest friends and family to stand with us in this next step.
If you’d like to be part of making these camps and a whole year of faith-building ministry possible through our family please pledge your support through a monthly gift. Your support, prayers, and love mean more than words can say as we walk this journey together.
What’s next
When the time is right, God will bring all the pieces together. It seems like such a mountain to climb, but here we are with God and you spurring us on. We know that the work we do is eternal. The seeds we are planting in our children, the work that God has done in our lives, and the work he has done through us through this blog, Living Stones, and living out a life for Him.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Every gift, big or small, helps us move forward in faith.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you.” (Numbers 6:24)
Discover more from flintoutreach.org
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Father God, You know exactly what is still needed and by when. Release the full funding in a timely way so they can advance into this next leg of their journey. Calm their hearts as they wait and encourage them with concrete progress. Thank You that You certainly are a faithful provider! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Amen. I am reminded of Isaiah 55, God knows the way we should go. Just like when he told Noah to build the boat. Noah built, but God brought the animals to him and shut him up when it was time for rain. Perfect plan and perfect timing. That’s the God we serve!
Pingback: In the Andes Mountains - flintoutreach.org