No, this isn't about Starbucks...
We all have this daily grind in which we find ourselves. It differs from person to person, family to family. Our grind -- Beth's and mine, that is -- is not what most people experience. It's not even really a "daily" thing for us. But it is a grind nonetheless.
Now "grind" usually evokes something negative. Once again, that's not really the case with us. Our grind can be a challenge, and usually is; but challenges can be beneficial, right?
So what is this grind and where is the blessing? Our grind is fundraising.
The blessing comes in the realization that as we labor away at fundraising, what we are really doing is giving others the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in Ireland in a very practical way. Those who are our financial partners often express how blessed they are to share in the joy and excitement of our ministry.
One of our very faithful supporters enumerated for us how she has been blessed by being a ministry partner with us. She writes:
"1. 'Where God guides, He provides,' and I have always found that when I give as He leads, He is faithful to meet every need that I have.
2. God answers prayer and it builds my personal faith to hear how He answers my prayers regarding the ministries I support.
3. It is exciting to play a part in a ministry that leads others to Christ and deepens their relationship with Him. When I give to ministries that do that, I am fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the Gospel in places I cannot go personally.
4. It blesses me to know God is using me to bless others through your ministry.
5. When I give as God leads, I am saying "thank you" to Him in a tangible way for all He does for me.
6. All my resources are from Him and I have a responsibility to be a good steward of all He gives me. I want to glorify Him through my giving and I think I do that when I support your ministry.
7. When I give to your ministry, I feel that I am an encourager for you and Beth and when my financial gift is added to that of others, we enable you both to use your God-given talents and abilities to do God's work and bring honor to Him."
I would like to publically thank all those who are a part of our ministry team, through financial and prayer support.
Hmmm -- that felt like an acceptance speech at an awards show. But in a way, Beth and I are receiving a reward everyday greater than we ever would have imagined -- the joy of knowing, without question, that we are doing what God has called us to do. Sounds corny, but it's the truth.
We are still plugging away at this and hope that we can reach our monthly goal soon. Maybe you like reading about what we're doing in our ministry and get excited when you find out how God is using us in the churches across Ireland.
If that's the case, maybe God would have you be a part of it. If so, let us know. Email us or leave a comment on this post with your email (it won't be published) and we can guide you through the very painless process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
And so we grind on...
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