Going

Thanks to Molly who showed me how to retrieve my old post! Thank you so much! Sorry, the comments are gone but I would be greatly encouraged if you felt like leaving a new one. Blessings!
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See.... I knew I would be on the hook to share once I said I would. The excitement and blessing of this whole upcoming Ukraine trip feels like one big giant yo-yo.

It is hard to explain the ups and downs without sounding a bit like a yo-yo-- which I pridefully don't want to do. But God is bigger-- He always is. And I trust him completely to use my words how He wants them to come out-- even if I don't do that great of a job.

So please forgive me. Truly, my intention wasn't to keep some big ol' secret as much as my not telling you was because I was waiting for my perfect words to come to me before I shared it. But what do you know-- they never came-- and so as I type, I am completely relying on Him to share what He is doing in Ukraine.

Remember hearing the name River of Joy? Does that ring any bells? Well this is where Julia and I are going this summer. It really came about in the most unexpected way-- but God had it planned all along. As my eyes were opened to this little ministry in the beautiful peninsula of Crimea, the concept of reaching out in fellowship to the surrounding neighbors and families to show them love... hope... and the grace and salvation of Christ-- I was drawn. The beauty of something so simple as a summer camp for children where they can play, have three meals a day, and learn about Christ so that in the end they can go back to their families filled with hope-- well that just sounds absolutely amazing. The camp is so important to the kids. For most of them, it is the one thing they have to look forward too.

I figured that we would just help send a child to camp through sponsoring and that would be enough. And yet I felt this gentle nudging. This whisper.

Go.

Not only did River of Joy need sponsors, but they could also use a few extra hands to help during the camp. Cook. Wash dishes. Show a smile. Help with crafts. Sing. Apply band aids. Be the hands and feet of Christ.

Go.

Once I shared with John we both agreed that this was something that we should do. I made the commitment that we would go.

Over the last few days, things have come up that have made me wonder if going is really a possibility. Just when I was calling out to God-- How Lord? How?-- he answered through an email showing His provision.

Christine, you have got to trust.

I know that God. That is my verse that I cling to. Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart....

I know the good Lord will provide. He always does.

He will provide for the sponsorship of not 30 but hopefully 40 children to come to camp this year.

He will take mustard seeds and grow them up in the lives of these children.

He is calling us to plant those seeds. Will you help us?

As I was sitting in the dentist's chair the other day, I was in near tears trying to decide what was more important. Getting my broken teeth repaired or planting seeds in Ukraine this summer. I crazily contemplated just having the dentist pull the teeth that needed crowns because it would be cheaper-- and what's the big deal not having a couple of teeth? I would still have most of them.

But as I sat in the dentist's chair waiting, I realized that I was trying to figure things out for myself... take care of myself... and was absolutely not trusting God to manage the bigger picture. Have I really surrendered my life to Him?

A part of me knew that my fear of the dentist was feeding into my thinking.

But our Lord says not to fear.

So I went ahead with the dental treatment telling God that I would trust.

I trust you God.

I trust you with the plans for my life. And I trust you for the plans for River of Joy. And I trust you for the plans you have for the rest of your children.

I trust you. I don't know how.... but I will trust.

When I got home and opened up my email, the first one was from a friend who simply asked,

"What is the best way to get funds to you to help support your Ukraine trip?"

I am in awe.

He does provide. He calls other to be His hands and feet too, and they are doing.

In the next few days I hope to begin a few fundraisers. Julia has crocheted this beautiful blanket, and I am designing these cute owl canvas bags.

There is also a wonderful fundraiser in the works to help raise scholarships for the children going to camp.

A friend has offered to help make something to donate for a fundraiser.

It would a wonderful way to show the kids love by making them a personal gift bag with toiletries, art and craft supplies, and some little treats. All could be gotten at a dollar store. A handwritten card.. a note.. a picture.. from the family who gave the gift bag would make it personal. Imagine getting a gift from someone who you didn't even know just because God loves?
I have goosebumps running up and down my arms as I type this.

God is working. He is all around us. Let's be his hands and feet and reach out to those who can use some hope and encouragement.

Will you partner with us?