There I sat, feeling defeated, deflated. “Oh, God, why am I here? What do you have planned? Nothing seems to be working out, yet I know that you have planned this. I will be faithful and do what I can, but I really need you to show up too.” Taking a deep breath, I remembered scripture and God’s promises and allowed them to push me up onto my feet and back to the computer; I had more people to reach out to.
It had been a week since I had landed, and I had yet to meet with any future ministry partners. Finally, Saturday rolled around, and I went to my first-ever, face-to-face meeting with potential partners. I prayed on the way there: “God, give me the words to say. Open their hearts to what we are doing. Give me courage.” I arrived first, with my gift bag in hand and eagerness in my heart to see these dear friends again.
As they strolled up, joy swelled in my heart. We hugged. The husband then said, “So why are you here?” The wife, laughing, said, “She’s here to share about the ministry and if we want to become partners.” With a big smile, he replied, “Well of course we do!” and then opened the door to the restaurant, and God was opening the first door to many on my trip to the States.
My (Jessica) time in the States this summer was extremely fulfilling and encouraging. In every place that I visited, we gained a new ministry partner! While it seemed hard at first, God took care of me through His church. Meeting with old friends, new friends, family, and churches was amazing. God is at work all over the United States, and it was amazing to be a part of that and to see the Church active in every place I visited. Thank you to all of you who took the time to visit with me.
Visiting with Mountain View Presbyterian members, one of the churches that partners with us.
Visiting a Thai restaurant in Tennessee with my aunt and mom; two of our partners!
Sharing my ministry with a wonderful small Bible study group in TN.
A lovely visit with an old college friend in TN.
Visiting with my old youth pastors and new partners!
My dad and stepmom hosted me while in WA and partner with us in our ministry.
Connecting with my former co-worker and friend to share about our ministry.
Visiting family in a great Mexican restaurant in CA.
Started my trip with my nephew and his dad (mom was working but joined later) going to Disneyland in CA.
There were many more people I met with, but I was terrible at taking pictures. This is something that I have to become better at as we continue this journey. So thankful to those who met with me whether they are pictured or not.
At the beginning of the trip, we were only at 1/6 of our needed monthly support. By the end of my trip, we were at a little over 1/3 of our needed support. That’s doubling what we had started with! This means that we can pay our bills! Praise God! We are excited to welcome you to our team if you have donated once, become a monthly supporter, are a prayer warrior, and/or joined our newsletter or one of our groups. Thank you for being sensitive to God’s direction in your lives and choosing to partner with us.
This week, I started back at school. The worship has been amazing and is emboldening me for the year to come. I will have 55 eighth graders and 16 seventh graders in my English classes this year. Advisory class will be a little different with 17 students, mixed genders, and 40 minutes. Last year, it was about 25 minutes and only 7 girls. As you pray, please pray that I am sensitive to my students’ needs and can speak into their lives in a way that is glorifying to God. We will be dealing with complex topics, and I want to make sure that I present ideas with a Biblical worldview.
Personally, we, as a family, are happy to be back together. The kids are looking forward to starting school again, even if it’s only to see friends and to play sports. Elijah is excited about some of the deals that he has in the works, one which is for a large Christian humanitarian group and will grow their impact for Christ in northern Thailand.
Praises:
We were all safe while we were separated from each other.
God has increased our partners.
We have money to pay for rent, electricity, water, and food.
There have been great times with extended family both in the States and in Thailand this summer.
Requests:
People would share about our work and help us build connections.
God would call more people to partner with us.
A good start to the school year.
Closed deals for Elijah.
Thank you for reading our update and keeping us in your prayers. If you want to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! May the Lord bless you as you do His will and build His kingdom.