The Journey Into Greater Trust

Many of you have asked what I will be doing while in Manta and that is a great question! The short answer is: I really don't know. Back in January, I contacted my friends Rich and Lisa Brown who live in Ecuador and oversee mucho ministries in South America. I explained I would have about five weeks free and asked if they could use an extra hand. They said "of course!" They asked me where I wanted to jump in and I told them- wherever they felt was the biggest area of need and where I would be a good fit. They quickly responded by asking me to pray about helping them with a new orphanage they opened this past spring. The Eason family (please check out their blog: Eason Blog) is still going through a very steep learning/cultural adjustment curve and could use an extra pair of adult hands to help with the five kiddos (possibly more by the time I arrive) at the orphanage. They also loved the idea of using art to help enhance the drab facilities (I am planning on painting some murals). 

So in less than a month (June 27- Aug. 3) I will be descending on Manta, with less of a set agenda and more an attitude of leaning into God and trusting that he is going to work through me (and you) in a way that is fruitful for his Kingdom purposes. I admit that having an agenda satisfies my need for control and pride of feeling useful/important while serving (an oxymoron). However, the Lord has been thankfully teaching me a lot about trusting in him and his sovereignty in the midst of my circumstances. Below is a quote from Henri Nouwen that has been rocking my heart and I hope encourages you:

"The root choice is to trust at all times that God is with you and will give you what you most need...God says to you, 'I love you, I am with you, I want to see you come closer to me and experience the joy and peace of my presence. I want to give you a new heart and a new spirit. I want you to speak with my mouth, see my eyes, hear with my ears, touch with my hands. All that is mine is yours. Just trust me and let me be your God.'" -Henri Nouwen, from his book: The Inner Voice of Love

Prayer Request:

• The Eason's have asked for prayer: "We are currently working to get a recently hired (last week) staff set up and trained. We are working to get through the files of the kids. We have the rest of this month to get everything correct before our government inspection. Pray that we can get everything done and get things running correctly here. Pray that God will continue to give us the strength we need."
• Pray that I create space for God each day and live in total dependence- so He is able to abide in me and produce fruit.
• Pray for fruitful work and relationships while in Manta.
• Pray for God to work in mighty ways and for amazing testimonies!
• Praise!- I have less than $300 left until total support has been raised for the trip. THANK YOU SO MUCH for those of you that were able to financially give. If you would like to donate towards this mission, please click here: Donate