Ephesians 3:20-21 New International Version (NIV)
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen.
A goat.
That was my "big idea" for our student ministry last year. My desire was to craft a service experience for our students that would make the needs of others real to them. I thought that if we could, perhaps, purchase a goat or some chickens to provide to a family in a developing country, our students would feel a more personal connection than just raising money for a larger, more impersonal organization.
..."him who is able to immeasurably more..."
After a conversation with Tommy Campbell at the 410Bridge and a student in our ministry, it became clear that God wanted our group to lead an effort to raise enough money to build a sustainable water solution for Kaihura, Uganda, a community of 5,000 people. God's idea was much bigger than my own!
What about the "personal connection"? God provided a way for us to host the Daraja Children's Choir last fall, giving our students the opportunity to spend time with about 20 kids from the community of Kaihura, itself! We worshiped with them, played with them, and hosted them in our homes!
..."immeasurably more..."
I would love to recount for you all of the ways that God was clearly at work, providing more than our $40,000 goal to build the well, but the stories are many, and my fingers (and your eyes) would get tired! I would love to share with you many more stories of God's work, so let me know!
..."immeasurably more..."
In order to Honor God for all He did in the Water for Kaihura campaign, we had a celebration. It was here that my new friend Tommy shared with all who gathered, that he believed this wasn't the end of the story, but, in fact, it was only the first chapter of a much bigger story that God is writing!
We started talking about planning Mission Trips to Kaihura, to further encourage the people there and begin to build lasting relationships with them. I loved the idea, but it seemed a long way off. As we kept talking, I learned of a church from Atlanta who was going to Kaihura in October. Tommy mentioned the possibility that they may be willing to allow a couple of us from Columbus to join them on their trip. That sounded awesome, in a "wouldn't-that-be-cool-but-I-can't-see-it-happening" sort of way. Shortly after, I had lunch with a friend, Josh, who said, "You have to get there in October!" I appreciated his encouragement, but too many things had to align. Too many people had to "ok" it. I just couldn't imagine it.
..."immeasurably more..."
One by one, God has been opening doors and eliminating obstacles. It is evident that He wants me to go. Once again, there are too many "God-stories" to tell in this blog post. Suffice it to say, I have my passport and am preparing for this trip that promises to change my life. I have been so blessed to have a majority of the expense covered! I am almost there, but I do still need a little help to take care of some expenses that are outside of my means at this point to pay. I set up a Go Fund Me site to make it easy for people to help support the effort. If you would like to contribute, click here.
..."immeasurably more..."
I know that the "immeasurably more" goes so much farther than financials! Will you commit to praying for me to experience all that God has for me and to be all that He wants me to be in this story that He is writing?
..."to him be glory..."