Time is ticking away quickly. June will be here before I know it and it will be time to board a plane first for Munich, Germany and then on to Bucharest, Romania. Then, we’ll board a bus for a long ride to Piatra Neamt. Upon arriving we will have a packed week! I’m excited, nervous and expectant.
I know this trip will change me as much as anyone and I spend time wondering what that will mean. But, before I even pack the first things in my suitcase there is so much more that has to take place. Preparation takes place on many levels – spiritual, physical, financial and I’m sure others I haven’t even considered yet. Whenever someone tells you that preparing for a mission trip will stretch you, they aren’t kidding. My faith has been tested.
Unfortunately, the primary worry for most people (including me) is, “how will I come up with all that money?” I too am struggling with that concern. We are a one income family and the expense of the trip isn’t a part of our normal budget. The ongoing recession doesn’t help much either. I believe that this is an area where God is continuing to stretch and grow me and demonstrate to me that He is the true provider for my family. From job loss to unexpected expenses to increases in insurance and other costs, God shows me each time that I just need to let go. Since I decided to go to Romania, I have just been in awe about how God has provided in unexpected ways to defray the cost of the trip.
Even with these unexpected funds, I still believe firmly in working to raise funds in whatever ways I can to pay for my trip. So, brainstorming with my wife, I will be doing various things between now and June to raise the additional funds needed.
Fund Raising Events and Activities
- March 24 – Wednesday Night Supper at RRBC with proceeds going towards my trip (Registration required – register starting Sunday March 21) Menu = potato bar
- April (date TBD due to weather) – Garage sale in the parking lot at RRBC.
- Anytime – PC repairs, clean-up and upgrades (by donation of your choice)
- Anytime – purchase a Beta Version t-shirt. Check out the design and costs.
- Anytime – Video projects i.e. photo montage memory DVD’s, etc.
Most of all, please continue to pray for our team as we prepare. Please pray for safety, protection for us as we travel, serve and return. Also, please pray for our families that we will be leaving for a while – for their safety.
