Our Favorite Thing

As we travel and itinerate one of our prayers is that we will minister to the churches that we go to. More than just raise funds from them, we want to bless them. Raising support is a necessary part of what we do. We have to gather the cash budget to get us to the field and monthly pledges to keep us there. It is not a dread to us or burden to us to raise money. I don’t know that I would call it a joy yet, but it is what it is.

I guess, offering people the opportunity to give and partner with us financially is ministry. I’m not sure there is any greater discipline for the heart than the obedient investment of our finances. Jesus did say that where we invest our money reveals the position of our heart. I have always found it funny that Jesus had so much to say about money, but if a minister does these days he’s considered a crook.

Nonetheless, raising money is fine and we embrace it as a part of what we do, but we love to be a blessing to people in other ways. To leave something with them that encourages and strengthens them really is our aim. We are noticing a couple of very interesting things though. God is taking care of the finances. As we simply share the need without violating our conscience by being obnoxious or pushy, He’s speaking to people. We are also noticing that God is using these churches to minister to us way beyond money!

Our favorite thing about itinerating so far is that at the end of almost every service, the church gathers around us and prays. Oh, it is so awesome! They pray these amazing faith filled prayers for our ministry. They pray these powerful prayers of protection. THEY BLESS OUR CHILDREN! As I’m sitting here with tears on my cheek, I’m reflecting on the things that have been spoken over my children and their ministry to Swaziland. Dez and I are not in this alone, our kids are a part of this team. We knew that, but we are so thankful that others know that to.

Your financial support is such an encouragement to us. We can’t get there and stay without it. However, your prayer support is our favorite thing!

RF