It seems so odd that it has taken this long to formally start the support-raising process, but this is a whole new reality for us, and I think we’re starting to adjust. If you are seeing this blog, most likely it is because you saw the link on a support letter you recently received. So first of all, THANK YOU! You obviously read through the whole thing to the bottom in order to find the link, and took the time and effort to come here and learn more. That means so much!
Now, to talk a little more about what we mean by “support-raising”. That is the phrase that I think most people are familiar with in the context of missions and such. At EMI, we operate under the philosophy that we aren’t just asking for money. We are partaking in an endeavor with the Lord to build and grow His Kingdom, and we are excited and passionate about this – to the point of wanting to invite others to partner with us in this ministry. Regardless of whether or not people can give financially, I would not want to cheat anyone out of the opportunity to respond to God’s leading to partner with EMI in the mission of helping meet the needs of His children around the world.
As I said in the letter, we are asking God to call MVP’s — Ministry Vision Partners — who will seek God in how He would like you to respond.
The real stretch for me personally in this process has been the wrestling over the list of names I’m looking at right now. I’ve had some kind of connection – often a close, valued friendship – with just about everyone on my list. However, due to life changes (graduating from college, marriage, kids, moving out of state, etc.), I am not as connected to many as I once was. There is the bitter-sweet pang of nostalgia and from time-to-time I mourn the loss of those special connections. But it’s okay. I know that’s a normal part of life.
Frankly, some names were on the list, then off, then on again…and finally I decided that if I was that unsure of whether or not I should contact someone, I should just iinclude them, since obviously I don’t know the answers to the inner dialogue of my “What if…?” questions. I’ll just trust that God knows and let go…it’s not in my hands.
For most everyone that knows Wendy and I, EMI may be quite unheard-of, so I want to introduce stories of what God is doing through EMI now and then. This post has already gotten longer than I wanted though, so I’ll save EMI stories for the next post! 🙂
–God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful
(Thessalonians 5:24)
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