Unlikely Economics

I (Dave) set a new personal record last Friday when I got--not one, not two, but THREE job offers. OK, so maybe "substitute teacher" is stretching the definition, but it was a real possibility for work. Two of the job options (subbing or working part-time for a food testing lab) seemed like good ideas because those jobs left me with ample time for contacting churches and working on Partner Development. Nonetheless, I accepted the third offer, which is a full-time job working as a teacher's aide. This has set me to thinking about God's economics.

This new job opportunity (which includes insurance benefits) came along at just the right time. My short-term insurance recently ended, Erika will soon lose coverage, we have a baby coming soon, and our bank account has sprung a leak that just won't quit. The new job seems to be God's way of providing for all of those needs, as well as giving me a chance to be involved in education again! But what about the time we need for Partner Development?

You may remember our story about Erika's birthday when we were awarded a $10,000 matching grant. Last week we finished (finally) all the official paperwork for that grant AND last week we moved above 50% of the way to fulfilling the match. What that means is that since Erika's birthday in July we have received more than $500 in monthly pledges! And along with those pledges, we've gotten wonderfully encouraging notes from our partners. One, an adult MK, wrote about his understanding at a personal level the need for this type of ministry. Another supporter increased his pledge and explained how excited he is to be an active part of what God is doing in Europe.

I have learned during this week of upheaval in the US economy that God's economy is something altogether different. Only He can meet our needs now and in the future, so I must be careful not to put my confidence anywhere else--not in my bank account, not in my job, and not even in my "abilities" to convince people to give money to camping ministry.

Things change so much in 4 months

Here is a picture of Erika in May...

...and a picture of Erika in September.

So much has changed, and not just the things you can see in the pictures! There have been good times and hard times, both of which we trust God will use for our ultimate good and His glory. There have been steps that bring us closer to ministry in Croatia and things that feel like setbacks.

Here are a few steps we've taken towards Croatia:

1. Just last week we heard news that the government is at last beginning to issue work permits to our co-laborers!
   
2. We have been asked to begin some more writing for the MK Camp website/internet magazine.
   
3. We have seen the Lord add several more financial supporters.
   
4. We have cut our monthly expenses, streamlined our lifestyle, finished most of our training, and begun to practice language.

All of this is in an effort to be ready when God opens the doors to Croatia for us.

We are so excited to see what will unfold in the next 4 months! If the Lord wills (James 4:15), we will be holding our son (in between diaper changings), finished with all of our training for SEND, and be "outward bound" for Croatia. We know there will likely be more "surprises," but we know that God is constant in His love for us, His plan for us, and His ability to work out all things for the good of those who love Him. We look forward to what He will bring next!

Thoughts on "support discovery" (by Dave)

We are certain that God is leading us to ministry in Croatia, but going with a faith-based organizations means waiting and asking for funds to support that work. I thought I would share some reflections on how my attitude has changed from "we are begging for money" to "we are offering opportunities."

As I do the math on our ministry budget there are two things are that are clear to me:
1) This is God's work and as I heard a pastor say: "God's will, God's bill." (It is beyond us!)
2) God works through people. (Money doesn't grow on trees)

Some years ago my mom went into the hospital, and after a few days my dad made an observation that I have not forgotten. God could have healed my mom through prayer, or sent a pastor to heal her through the laying on of hands, or some other miracle. He didn't. Instead, God sent many people from the church and our family who sat with her, encouraged her, and supported her when she came back home. By using many people God multiplied the blessing of my mom's recovery.

I can see God working in the same way for Erika and me (Really, God is working for the MKs and the unreached that we are going to serve) . If somebody gave us a check today for $468,000 we could finalize plans to move to Croatia for our first term, but who would go with us? As of today we have at least 52 committed prayer partners, 23 committed monthly givers, a loving church, and many other supporters who have given us gifts and great encouragement. All of these people will go with us (in God's eyes and in our hearts) when we begin to minister in Croatia.

Just like God brought together a team of people when my mom was in need, we can see Him bringing a together a team of people to support the ministry to MKs. As we leave for Croatia and as we see lives changed it will not be to our credit nor for our encouragement alone. God is multiplying the blessing of His work!

P.S. We are creeping closer to having half of our monthly financial needs met. We still have a match-grant available for new ongoing supporters. Praise God for His provision!

Midwest Adventure

Our Midwest Adventure Mission Statement: To see as many of our Midwest supporters and friends as possible (we wish we could've seen everyone!) within a reasonable amount of time, and using a reasonable amount of gas. And now for the rundown of our exciting life on the road!

Wednesday (to Chicago):

• lunched with Holly (mmm...french onion soup at Bistro Margot)
• coffeed with Sarah, an "MK Camp" alumnae who is starting her freshman year at Moody
  
• visited the Espiritus and the Millers (thank you to Kristen for drawing my uterus on a whiteboard while explaining what labor will be like)
• slept in Lewie and Ryan's creaky-floored appt

Thursday (to Paletine):

• lunched on Devon Ave (mmm...Indian buffet)
• took at pic in front of The Indian Garden (this is where Dave once surprised me by paying for lunch while I was in the bathroom and then declaring that we were on our first real date)
• supped and slept at the Englishes (thanks, Heather, for the veggie-full dinner!)

Friday (to Kenosha):

• stopped by an outlet mall and found 1) an adorable plaid onsie for Stroopie, 2) a greasy foodcourt lunch, and 3) a fantastic deal on Harry and David truffles
• toured lake-side Kenosha with Uncle Gordy and Aunt Debbie in their convertible (with the top down!)
• compared bellies with Dave's cousins, Sarah and Emily (all 3 of us are due in late November)

Saturday (to Wausau):

• ate delicious homemade blueberry pancakes (thanks, Uncle Gordy!)
• drove to Wausau in time for a splash pad birthday party for one of our niece Abby's friends
• had a biscotti bake-off (chocolate vs cardamom) (like that's a competition...)

Sunday (in Wausau):

• drank foamy lattes while taking turns getting spit up on while trying to feed our niece, Lauren (poor girl!)
• attended (and enjoyed) Dan and Kristy's church
• watched Dan go crazy with a borrowed smoker (chicken, beef jerky, tomatoes, onions, squash, jalapenos, etc.)
• survived a night of Bible Bingo with our nieces while D&K went on a bikeride date

Monday (Labor Day in Wausau):

• puffed a pancake for breakfast and ate it with foamy lattes
• experienced our first small-town waterski show
• sat around and did not labor

Tuesday (to St Paul):

• drank foamy soy lattes
  
• caught up with Uncle Tom at a Panera in St Cloud
• had Thanksgiving-style dinner and stayed overnight with the Thompsons (with a due-date 4 days after T-day, this may be the only Thanksgiving dinner I eat this year!)
  

Wednesday (to Devil's Lake):

• lunched with April and kids at Potbellies
• mall-walked with April and kids
• camped at Devil's Lake (it was warmer, dryer, darker, and quieter than we dreamed possible...heavenly)

Thursday (to home):

• woke up in the rain
• took down our tent in the rain
• hiked in the rain
• drove home in the rain
• unpacked in the rain