de colores

We had a meeting today with the group I'll be going with to New Delhi. We got our flight info (layover in London...!!!) and talked about what to expect regarding where we'll stay and care for kids. Most of the kids are toddlers, but a few older, elementary age. We talked a bit about activities we can do with the kids as well as some of the culture things we may face-- including a festival which happens to fall on one of the days we'll be in New Delhi, Holi. Here's a description from wikipedia:
"Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. Waiting for the day after the full moon in the month of Phalguna, or early March, These men and women are ready to spread the joy. Holi has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating many events that are present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder (and coloured water) at each other, and go absolutely crazy."

I saw this festival portrayed in a movie and wow...

So that is exciting and a bit frightening. A truly unique thing to experience, but with a bunch of toddlers... that may be an indoor kind of day :)

I'll leave you with a few pics I found online... beautiful.

wow.

You know those moments where all you can say is "wow." And you stand there with your mouth kinda hanging open in complete and utter amazement at how God moves.

When I first mentioned this India trip I was met with a great and immediate response. People let me know that they're praying, others offered prayer as well as funds. I was pumped at how God was providing and 100% confident that He was going to make it happen.

Now, I can't say that I've begun to doubt God exactly, but I began to wonder just how He was going to pull it off. I've been wondering if Kellen and I would need to, or should, pull funds from our usual tithe/giving (since, it's going to God's work), or if we should rely on a (hopefully) sizable tax refund in case the funds didn't come in. Always those thoughts were followed by a definite "No. I will provide. It won't be anything you do. Trust Me; let Me be God and do what I do."

So, hands off for me. But, there was a bit of a lull in responses the past few days. I was starting to fret a bit and offering God ideas, "Ya know, God, if people would give part of their tithe (like Kellen and I sometimes do for family & friends' mission trips) then that would be significant." I had the amount in my head, "$250... that would be awesome to see come in at once. Man can you imagine?! That would really help." But God is GOD. And in one day He more than doubled that $250 I had in mind.

See the giving thermometer? $950 total. Over halfway to the goal.

I am utterly blown away. I'm amazed at God's provision, humbled by people's generosity financially and prayerfully, encouraged by this huge opportunity to have my faith increased and excited to proclaim to others (believers or not) that my God is in the business of answering prayers.

Once again, if you can't afford to give financially, please let this be a reminder of how vital your prayers are and how much I appreciate them. God is always faithful and waiting for us to come to Him with our needs- even though He already knows them! That last fact shouldn't keep us from praying, but increase our faith when we pray. Our God loves us and hears us!

Thank you for your continued prayers!

My God is SO big...

Thought I'd share with you the post card I'll be sending out; some of you may already have it.

(Click on the pic to enlarge)

Things are moving along... I turned in my visa paperwork on Friday! So exciting. In less than a month I'll be in India. That's SUPER SOON y'all! My head is still spinning at how fast God has worked out details. I can hardly fathom that I'm going, and I'm thrilled to be able to minister to missionary families who are coming to New Delhi for training, encouragement, and spiritual enrichment, not to mention rejuvenation after being in full-time ministry abroad.

This fundraising venture is totally new to me and a bit scary. I have to admit: I always wondered why people signed up for mission trips they couldn't afford to pay for themselves; now I'm one of those people! God has an interesting why of teaching us things sometimes :) I've learned that God doesn't wait for us to have pockets full of money to call us to go somewhere or do something. He uses us, as we are, to go in His name and be a blessing. He asks some of us to humble ourselves and ask for the funds necessary to do so, and He blesses others with the ability to give to those in just such a circumstance!

I cannot say how important your prayers are; prayers for the funds to come in on time, for safety as I travel, for energy to love on the kids and families I'll spend time with, and patience to deal with the trials that may arise. Without a doubt I can say that my God will provide, He always has.

Thanks for taking time to lift up these needs in prayer. You can track the funds coming in on the funds-raising thermometer to the right.

If you are able to give you can simply click the "Donate" link to the right which will redirect you to paypal, or old fashioned checks are also welcome :)

make payable to

SEBTS

memo

India Mission, Beth Lake

Mail to

Beth Lake

339 W Pine Ave

Wake Forest, NC 27587

Thank you!!