Post 9.0

I was reading in my Perspectives book the other day and the passage of scripture the article focused on was Matthew 25, and more specifically the 6 physical forms of need. The article was entitled The State of World Need the majority of the article was focused on presenting statistics of hunger, water and preventable diseases throughout the world. I was floored by the numbers I read: for 2/3 of people worldwide hunger is a lifestyle, over 1,000,000,000 people lack access to clean water, there are 32.9 million refugees scattered across the globe, millions die every year from preventable diseases. The conclusion of this article was focused specifically on us to not be lulled into inactivity because of the enormous size of the task, but that collectively we can meet the needs of the world as a big team rather than one or two of us by ourselves. The statistics also showed that Americans spend 30-50 million dollars on diets and other low calorie food expenses, but yet hundreds die of cardiovascular diseases and obesity: Americans eat themselves to death. After I read this article I was reminded of a passage in scripture from Philippians 4:12 “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” verse 11 “…I have learned to be content with whatever I have…” I have thought about this passage a lot lately. I have always known how blessed we are in America, (I know it’s cliché, Thanksgiving is right around the corner) but if I step back and examine American culture and society as a whole, even though we have everything we need or could want, selfishness is rampant. Being content. “I have learned to be content with whatever I have.” Kids who want to give their food on their plate to kids in Africa get chuckles from adults, but really… for under 25$ one can give a gift of rabbits, chickens, bed nets, or clean water funding for people in 3rd world countries. I can’t believe even how selfish and self centered I am, I live in America and I know how to live with everything, a full stomach, and with plenty; but like Paul I want to learn the secret of living in every situation. Even in preparation for the 3 month missions trip to either Dominican Republic or Mexico, I want to prepare myself to be able to live with little or with almost nothing. America is a cruise ship, I want to get off and really see what the daily life is actually like in the rest of the world. You may be reading this and be thinking, “Wow, that’s good for him, but I don’t know how to take action to help.” Let me tell you right up front that prayer is the greatest weapon next to the word of God. We must be praying for the nations and interceding for the gospel to be spread wide across the globe. Secondly find and research missions organizations to financially support on a regular basis. I am in preparation to be going on a 3 month missions trip in January and needing to harvest $2,000 for the trip. If you would prayerfully consider financially supporting me that would be greatly appreciated. As of right now the directors of Global Boot Camp have not yet decided if our team will go to the Dominican Republic or Mexico. I am really excited how God will provide for this trip, I am so thankful for you who have faithfully prayed and sown into me during this season of Global Boot Camp. Blessings.

Post 8.0

One of the ministries we volunteer with is Against the Grain, a ministry dedicated to assisting single moms and their kids. Specifically for Global Boot Camp our involvement with AtG is with their Study Buddy program at Liberty Elementary. My involvement is one-on-one tutoring with a kindergarten boy whose parents are in jail. My role is primarily to tutor him in math and reading as well as to be a positive male role model or big brother to him. I go with the other girls in the program twice a week to tutor these kids. The more and more I am around kids the more I long to be a Dad. I am loving the experience of Global Boot Camp, especially with the ministries we are volunteering with.

Post 7.0

Right now I am in need of $1,855. I know God has called me to be part of Global Boot Camp but it seems that there is still such a long way to go financially. This morning I prayed for the support letters I sent a few weeks ago as well as the Facebook message reminders. I don't know exactly how the Lord is going to provide but it really doesn't matter, I just know He always comes through. I was reading in Hebrews today and was encouraged when I read: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 I have a settled confidence in a secure future that the Lord will provide because He is faithful and gracious to provide for His children. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Right now this dollar amount seems to be an overwhelming giant of a mountain but I know that my faith in Christ will grow as I believe and stand firm in knowing Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, and as Jehovah Jirah, our provider. I know I’m within Christ’s will because I am learning so much throughout the process, I have a confidence that however the Lord provides for me that He will still be given all the glory and honor. It would be greatly appreciated if you could financially or prayerfully support me during this season of my life. Today marks the 11th week of my enrollment in the program. I am still so excited for where God has yet to send us! Thank you so much for you who are praying for me, it is a blessing to know that I am being covered in prayer.