Say, "CHEEEESE"...

So, our first class of training here at CIT ended a little over a week ago and here are our group photos...we're SUPER photogenic. Ha. 

Also, you can see from the pictures we have fun. 

God has placed so many fun people in my life this summer who have a similar passion for the world and furthering the kingdom of God around the world! God never ceases to amaze me in his provision.

After the class ended I had a nice little break and decided to head to Charleston, SC with some new friends who were about to head to Scotland. It's nice knowing I will have good friends nearby in the UK!

Update on support and when I head to England:

Once I receive 90% of my monthly support I will purchase my airline ticket to England! That seems SO crazy to me because I am extremely close to having that ticket in my hand! 

Basically, I need $750 per month more to purchase my ticket and I am hoping to reach this goal by October 1st. Please pray with me for more monthly supporters and intercessors. And I am praying and hoping to be in England by the end of the year to join the church in their ministry to the people of Colchester. 

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart."

2 Corinthians 4:1

More Training Pics...

Owen and Sophia (other trainees' kids) came to play with me on Friday :)

Saturday a few of us (12 actually) went to a Scottish festival 

in Franklin, NC

The team going to Scotland: Scott, Jennifer, John Spencer, and Sophia Stadalsky and my roommate Megan Kibbey

The Wilkins, Philip and Autumn, and their four kids are Ethan, Peyton, Morgan, and Owen. Such a fun family!

Scottish Dancing

The Mountains of North Carolina...breathtaking.

Missionaries Representin'

              

My new friend, Peyton Wilkins :)

Scottish game: Log Throwing

Fun times with fun people! 

Most importantly, we are consistently learning and growing here at CIT. God is revealing to me so much more about who I am in Christ and who he is. This preparation to go serve overseas is priceless. Please pray with me as I seek more intercessors and donors. God's provision is certain.

Missions Training at CIT

Summer Training at CIT in Union Mills, NC

Training consists of myself, along with 28 other people, taking 5 classes: Equipping for Cross-Cultural Life & Ministry, Spiritual Formation, Dynamic Teams, Interpersonal Skills, and Facilitating Church Planting Movements. Outside of class you can find us playing volleyball, swimming, relaxing, building lasting relationships with one anther, and encouraging each other in this journey toward the mission field. It has been extremely refreshing and exciting to be around so many people who know exactly where I am; same struggles, fears, sacrifices, joys, and passions.

Support Needs as of now:

I need to raise the remaining 40% of my monthly support. I am almost there...almost England bound! This could look like: 

54 people committing to $25/month or

27 people committing to $50/month (not many at all!) or 

13 people committing to $100/month

Obviously any amount helps tremendously. It's so fun to see God bring together so many people for one purpose: "Taking the Gospel to the nations." I am praying for the Holy Spirit to move others to join this team of furthering God's kingdom in Colchester, England.

Serving a God that is Able...More than Able.

Support Update:


It is Monday, May 2nd, and I am at 60%! 


God has faithfully provided what I need to attend 3 months of training this summer in Union Mills, North Carolina! God said, "Ask and you will receive." How often do we really and truly believe this and take him at his word? Do we really believe his word? If so, our lives should resemble that belief. This is conviction in its rawest form for me. 


It is exciting to serve a God who is able...able to provide all our needs, able to exceed all expectations, able to surpass all human understanding, able to bring hope and restoration to a fallen, broken world. Let us continually remember and rejoice in this simple, yet astounding fact- God is able...more than able. Let us live out this belief in order to further God's redemptive work here, on earth, among the walking dead.


As for my next step, I am waiting for the official word to attend training this summer. Then I will plan to leave the first of June and return to Harrison the end of August to raise the remaining 40% of support I need in order to make the move to England.


I'm excited to see the continuous work of God in the coming days.

Almost There...

51%...thats where I am in this whole support raising extravaganza. I need 9% more to go to training and I am still trying to get that by May. Let's break that down a little:

It could look like the following:

18 people committing to $25/month

9 people committing to $50/month

4 people committing to $100/month

2 people committing to $200/month

or

1 person (family) committing to $400/month (kinda extreme I know but I mean it could happen!)

These are just some tangible ways of looking at how I can raise that last 9% to go to training this summer.

My thoughts:

Oh, the joys, the fears, and the uncertainties of life.
To know the unknown, to fill the empty, to comfort the hurting, to mend the broken, and to bring joy to the disheartened. Who is this man that brings this to the banqueting table? Who is this man that calls us to feast and bask in his goodness? It is our Creator. Our Lord and Savior. The one they prophesied about, the Messiah. Now what do I give in return? My most valuable possessions? My respect? My attention? No, I give it all - my life. My life in the hands of the creator of life itself. What could possibly make more sense?

Support Increase & My Sweet nephews

Ok, so I really wanted to post a picture of my sweet grandma and my awesome nephews that take after their awesome aunt (that would be me). Just kidding! But really...

AND...I wanted to update everyone on where I am on support here at the end of March. My goal of raising 60% of my monthly funds needed by May 1st is quickly approaching! However, my support has increased significantly over the past month to 44%! I know it can be done and I'm excited to see God glorified through His provision.

Please pray with me as I share with the youth at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock this weekend about what I will be doing, the role they can play in that, and what God may be calling them to do in response to the Great Commission.

Support Update

Well, I am seeing progress! I am at 29% of my needed monthly support.

My goal is to raise 60% by May 1st in order for me to attend training in North Carolina this summer. Please pray with me for God to provide the remaining amount by raising up supporters who feel God leading them to be a part of this ministry.

Amidst all the support raising the last few months, I have been able to celebrate with several close friends in their marriages: Mark and Callie Whisenhunt, Jake and Kara Hilburn, Clay and Stacy Cunningham, and Andy and Polly Pendergrass...such fun friends and all devoted to glorifying God in their marriages!

Encouraging thought of the day: "Joy is when I see the way God sees."