April Update

This month has been amazing! Over $400 in support alone. It's the home stretch and funds are due by May 10. And you want to hear some amazing news?

Just $151 to go!!!

Thanks so much for the support you've shown me. Thank you for allowing God to work through you. Thank you for the opportunity to experience what God's doing around the world.

My missionary philosophy is that why would I travel half way around the world to share Jesus with others, if I am not doing it in my own home town. Going to Ireland is not something I'm doing to say that's I've done missions work. To me that is not congruent. I desire this trip to be an extension of what I'm already living. If I am not already showing the love of Christ to my neighbors here in Grand Rapids, what justification do I have to jump on a plane and minister in Ireland. For this reason I have a hard time referring to this as a missions trip. It is far more then that phrase connotes.

This trip is a chance to experience God in a new way, among new people. To see how the Irish worship and see new creations. To jump past American Christianity and experience another tribe and nation. To meet my brothers from another mother and sisters from another mister. It's a time of renewal and dependence on Christ.

My thoughts, as of recent, are filled with concerns. Below is a list of prayer requests:

1. Please pray that God provides me others in the larger group to connect with. I fear loneliness when I initially get in the country. Though I am going alone, that is probably not the case for the majority, as many churches and families come on this trip.

2. Please pray that my impulse for control is not my undoing on my flight over. Pray that everything goes smoothly and that I may rest on my overnight flight. I'm fearing jet lag.

3. Please pray that I allow the Holy Spirit's courage to work through me and my timidity does not hinder God's work. This is probably a prayer that needs prayed more often.

Thank you again for your support. I cannot express how thankful I am.