It seems like everyone went back to school today. But of course it seems that way, it's the first day of school. My brother started high school today. One of my best friends went back to school as a teacher this year. Even my dad is in school.
We are not in school. We are not working. Instead, Jeremy and I are sleeping on a mattress in the floor of my old room. Pink carpet, yellow and blue walls, and purple curtains. The room now doubles as mom's office. We're sharing a bathroom with Joe. Not exactly where I thought we would be right now.
I thought we would be on our way to Spain. I thought we would be saying our final goodbyes.
Instead, we have 30% left of our budget to raise.
We have completed our required training and then some. We are continuing to meet with our funding coach. We are still booking churches until mid-October. At this time I refuse to schedule churches for any later. If you ask me, I'll tell you that we are going to be in Spain by October 31st.
I have faith. I have faith that we'll be fully funded in the next month. I have faith that as God has called us to this, He will provide for us. Not only will He provide for us, but He will provide for those who send us.
We went to Friedberg yesterday, and were incredibly encouraged by the support we received. It is good to be home. But, I would be lying if I said this is where I want to be. I want to be in Spain.
Each presentation we give, we end with this passage from Romans 10 (the Message):
But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?
The people of Spain need to hear the Good News. We are called to go, but we must be sent.
Showing posts with label fundraising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fundraising. Show all posts
Monday, August 26, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Gentle Teaching
Thirty-seven percent. That is where our account sits at this point.
I punch these numbers in the calculator on my phone multiple times a week. On days that the first numbers goes up- I punch them in over and over. Amazed at how the result changes.
When nothing changes for a couple of weeks my mood changes. I become frustrated. I wonder where the disconnect is.
Why isn't anything coming in?
Is it something I am saying during "the ask?"
Are we not making our purpose clear enough?
Do we need to change something?
Take a new approach?
Why isn't the money coming in?!
I wonder these things and I pray. I pray that God will send us to the right people at the right time. But I don't often stop to think that- maybe the right time hasn't come yet.
Maybe the right person isn't ready yet.
Maybe we aren't ready yet.
I really did think that we would be further along than 37% by now. I really hoped we would be at least half way. Maybe closer.
But we aren't. Here we sit- at 37% funded. Looking forward to Jeremy's last month of work. Cross-training and the potential of months without steady income.
I have started reading more out of Streams in the Desert. Because, well, it's appropriate and maybe a little cliche.
But, honestly, it couldn't be more encouraging.
I had not read out of the book in several days, so (I as sweated my way through 20 minutes on the elliptical), I opened it up to May 22nd and I re-read the verse at the top.
Commit you way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. Psalm 37:5
I
I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. Psalm 57:2
May 23rd
They were at their wits' end. They they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. Psalm 107:27-28
May 27th
Bring them here to me. Matthew 14:18
To me the Lord said, "Bring what you have to me. That $1,851 you have in pledges? Give it up. Let me have it and do with it what I want. You don't have it all. But I do. They don't have it all. I've got it."
My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
"You hear that? I've got it. I am the the source. I am the means and the way in which to receive it. You can't do this on your own. Give. It. Up."
May 28th
I will not let you go unless you bless me. Genesis 32:26
Not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42
I will no longer work by my strength alone. I will not work against the time He has allowed to pass. I will find the joy in this preparation and be grateful for the gentle teaching He has given me.
Monday, April 8, 2013
You ask...We answer.
I have kept a running list of questions Jeremy and I have been asked while raising support. Most of the time we have a chance to answer them right then, but I know there are some people who may be wondering about these questions and have not had a chance to ask. So, here are some of the most asked questions with answers. If anyone has any other questions, please feel free to contact Jeremy or me and we would love to talk with you!
When do you plan to leave?
Our goal departure date is September 2013. This is completely dependant on our funding. Jeremy has resigned from his job and will leave on June 30th. The school has already begun the process of hiring his replacement, so this is definitely happening! I say that our departure date is completely dependant on our funding, that means we cannot leave unless we are 100% funded.
OMS holds cross training in January and July of each year. We need to be at July Cross-Training in order to meet our goal. That means we must be at least 50% funded in June. But, obviously we want to be further along than that.
Where will you live?
Our first three months in Spain will be spent in Madrid (the capital). During this time our only assignment will be language learning. We will focus completely on language learning then so that the rest of our first term can be devoted to serving the people fully. We will mostly likely live with another missionary couple or with someone they know.
After the first three months we will move to another area near El Escorial. There we will have an apartment since will be our home during our time in Spain.
What exactly will you be doing?
It is difficult to explain exactly what we will be doing. I say this because, just as a pastor, or any other career minister, each day will look different than the next. Our end goal is to plant churches or house churches. We will be doing this by simply building relationships. In order to do this, part of my job will be teaching English classes. Jeremy will likely be working with a youth group that has already been formed. Our days will be filled with these activities along with team meetings, projects, planning events, and day-to-day activities.
The team that we will be working with has a goal to reach 25 different towns in an area northwest of Madrid. Everything that we do will be in an effort to meet this goal.
How long will you be there?
This is another question that is somewhat difficult to answer. Our first term with OMS is two years. After that time we will have six months of furlough. This will be a time when we come back to the States and visit family, supporters and possibly do more support raising if necessary. Following our furlough time we will return to Spain for at least 4 years.
At this time Jeremy and I do see our missionary status as a career. We do not see ourselves returning to the States to find another job or career anytime soon. Clearly, I say this knowing that God may have other plans for us after these first two years. But, at this time this is what He has revealed to us. Our time in Spain may just be the beginning. He may have another location in store for us or he may reveal something completely new. However, we are acting in boldness and confidence that Spain is His calling for us.
How will you make money? Will you have another job?
Our income is solely from our monthly faith promises. That means that as you respond to our presentations and calling with monthly faith promises- your funds are supporting the ministry that God has called us to. We will not have another job while in Spain. This is due not only to Visas but also because we want to dedicate as much time as possible to this ministry. We do not want to spread ourselves thin and not be able to give everything to this work.
Why do you have to raise SO MUCH money?
People have asked about the exact amount we must have pledged monthly. I sometimes hesitate to give the exact amount because I do not want you to be hung up on the number. However, the number is important. The people at OMS have carefully figured out just how much we will need each month to operate and function well as missionaries in this area.
Let me tell you that our salary is only a fraction of the total monthly pledges we need.
The best way I can think to explain our MSR (Missionary Support Requirement) is as if we were self-employed. Anyone who owns a small business can tell you that the money that comes in must not only cover your salary but also all of the business expenses that you will incur. Our monthly pledges cover much more than what comes into our bank account.
I hope this offers you a little more clarity about what we will be doing and also how you can be a part of this.
When do you plan to leave?
Our goal departure date is September 2013. This is completely dependant on our funding. Jeremy has resigned from his job and will leave on June 30th. The school has already begun the process of hiring his replacement, so this is definitely happening! I say that our departure date is completely dependant on our funding, that means we cannot leave unless we are 100% funded.
OMS holds cross training in January and July of each year. We need to be at July Cross-Training in order to meet our goal. That means we must be at least 50% funded in June. But, obviously we want to be further along than that.
Where will you live?
Our first three months in Spain will be spent in Madrid (the capital). During this time our only assignment will be language learning. We will focus completely on language learning then so that the rest of our first term can be devoted to serving the people fully. We will mostly likely live with another missionary couple or with someone they know.
After the first three months we will move to another area near El Escorial. There we will have an apartment since will be our home during our time in Spain.
What exactly will you be doing?
It is difficult to explain exactly what we will be doing. I say this because, just as a pastor, or any other career minister, each day will look different than the next. Our end goal is to plant churches or house churches. We will be doing this by simply building relationships. In order to do this, part of my job will be teaching English classes. Jeremy will likely be working with a youth group that has already been formed. Our days will be filled with these activities along with team meetings, projects, planning events, and day-to-day activities.
The team that we will be working with has a goal to reach 25 different towns in an area northwest of Madrid. Everything that we do will be in an effort to meet this goal.
How long will you be there?
This is another question that is somewhat difficult to answer. Our first term with OMS is two years. After that time we will have six months of furlough. This will be a time when we come back to the States and visit family, supporters and possibly do more support raising if necessary. Following our furlough time we will return to Spain for at least 4 years.
At this time Jeremy and I do see our missionary status as a career. We do not see ourselves returning to the States to find another job or career anytime soon. Clearly, I say this knowing that God may have other plans for us after these first two years. But, at this time this is what He has revealed to us. Our time in Spain may just be the beginning. He may have another location in store for us or he may reveal something completely new. However, we are acting in boldness and confidence that Spain is His calling for us.
How will you make money? Will you have another job?
Our income is solely from our monthly faith promises. That means that as you respond to our presentations and calling with monthly faith promises- your funds are supporting the ministry that God has called us to. We will not have another job while in Spain. This is due not only to Visas but also because we want to dedicate as much time as possible to this ministry. We do not want to spread ourselves thin and not be able to give everything to this work.
Why do you have to raise SO MUCH money?
People have asked about the exact amount we must have pledged monthly. I sometimes hesitate to give the exact amount because I do not want you to be hung up on the number. However, the number is important. The people at OMS have carefully figured out just how much we will need each month to operate and function well as missionaries in this area.
Let me tell you that our salary is only a fraction of the total monthly pledges we need.
The best way I can think to explain our MSR (Missionary Support Requirement) is as if we were self-employed. Anyone who owns a small business can tell you that the money that comes in must not only cover your salary but also all of the business expenses that you will incur. Our monthly pledges cover much more than what comes into our bank account.
I hope this offers you a little more clarity about what we will be doing and also how you can be a part of this.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Another (not so) Weekly Update
Hi Everyone!
Again, I'm not so great about posting actual weekly updates, but it has been a busy few weeks!
Jeremy and I are settled in our new temporary home thanks to some awesome friends!
We will be living here for the next few months until we head to Indiana for training in July. We are so very grateful for a place to stay and the great people God has put in our lives. God has continued to prove faithful in providing for all of our needs as we move forward towards His calling.
We just returned home from a quick trip to Washington D.C. on Tuesday. We celebrated my birthday and enjoyed time just to be together.
I may have also enjoyed a cupcake or two!
This weekend we are headed out again! This time up to headquarters with several Laurel University students for ONEWeekend, a retreat for those interested in missions. We will also be meeting with the head of Hope61 to discuss more details about how we will be involved in anti-human trafficking. We are excited to bring the desire to combat this evil to Spain.
Our support account is continuously growing. We are over half way to the amount we need in our account to depart. But, we are at 22% of our needed monthly pledges. We must have 100% of our monthly pledges in before we can depart for Spain in September. If we are not, then our goal date will have to be pushed back.
We continue to pray for God to show us the people who will join our team. We take every opportunity to share the need in Spain and how YOU can be a part of this calling. We thank God for each person who has supported us so far and those who will in the future.
We are thankful for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are thankful for your ears that listen as we share our calling and desire for the people of Spain to know Christ. Our responsibility is first to God to go as He has called us, but also to you as you will make our sending possible.
We do ask for you continued prayers. But, I will ask that you sincerely seek how God may lead you to reach the people of Spain as well.
Love and prayers,
Melissa
Again, I'm not so great about posting actual weekly updates, but it has been a busy few weeks!
Jeremy and I are settled in our new temporary home thanks to some awesome friends!
We will be living here for the next few months until we head to Indiana for training in July. We are so very grateful for a place to stay and the great people God has put in our lives. God has continued to prove faithful in providing for all of our needs as we move forward towards His calling.
We just returned home from a quick trip to Washington D.C. on Tuesday. We celebrated my birthday and enjoyed time just to be together.
This weekend we are headed out again! This time up to headquarters with several Laurel University students for ONEWeekend, a retreat for those interested in missions. We will also be meeting with the head of Hope61 to discuss more details about how we will be involved in anti-human trafficking. We are excited to bring the desire to combat this evil to Spain.
Our support account is continuously growing. We are over half way to the amount we need in our account to depart. But, we are at 22% of our needed monthly pledges. We must have 100% of our monthly pledges in before we can depart for Spain in September. If we are not, then our goal date will have to be pushed back.
We continue to pray for God to show us the people who will join our team. We take every opportunity to share the need in Spain and how YOU can be a part of this calling. We thank God for each person who has supported us so far and those who will in the future.
We are thankful for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are thankful for your ears that listen as we share our calling and desire for the people of Spain to know Christ. Our responsibility is first to God to go as He has called us, but also to you as you will make our sending possible.
We do ask for you continued prayers. But, I will ask that you sincerely seek how God may lead you to reach the people of Spain as well.
Love and prayers,
Melissa
Friday, January 18, 2013
January 2013 Newsletter
Hello Friends!
We hope your new year is off to a great start, ours certainly is! We made our first church presentation of the year and have three more scheduled for this month. As we see January is already half over, we know that our goal departure date is really just around the corner. We are working hard and trusting that God has his perfect timing at work.
We have recently begun talking with Hope61, the anti-human trafficking arm of One Mission Society. This is a new ministry that is targeting six countries prone to human trafficking. One of these six countries is Spain. Spain is basically the gateway to the rest of Europe, with trafficking coming from Africa. We have prayed about our part in this ministry. As church planters, we are establishing new churches that will impact their communities - which will in turn establish even more churches. If we place at the foundation of each church the need to combat human trafficking and the resources to do so, then we can impact the future of human trafficking in Spain.
Many of the victims of trafficking come from the "10-40 window." This part of the world is one of the poorest and home to some of the most unreached countries. Because of Spain's close proximity and need for the Gospel, we feel very challenged to combat the evil of trafficking. So, we want to challenge you as well! This is our January challenge: 10 people committed to 40 dollars per month. That is $40 a month pledged to spreading the Gospel and breaking the bonds of slavery. Would you consider being one of those people?
Praise Report:
Annette and Andrea Rosell recently started a youth group. There are ages 12-19 represented. It is great to have a place for young people to come together and fellowship with fellow believers, learning more about their faith.
As always, we thank you for your continued financial and prayer support as we continue in this journey.
Jeremy and Melissa
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Three Things Thursday: Orientation, Church Visit & Newsletters
One: Orientation was great! We spent two days with eight other missionary candidates learning more about OMS and getting to know each other. Most of the time was spend going over our Birkman tests and discovering how our personalities will effect us in our ministry on and off the field. It was also interesting to see how Jeremy and I work together according to our results. While I tend to be a "let's go" leader, Jeremy is a "let's be careful." So, while I am pulling us ahead, Jeremy is making sure everything is done well. I guess we are a good complement for each other!
It was a great time to spend with each other and the other candidates as we continue to work on raising our support.
Two: We drove up to Salem EMC in Salem, VA early Sunday morning. The congregation graciously welcomed us to share the story of our call to Spain. We are so thankful for those who gave and supported this ministry. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Three: Newsletters! If you are interested in receiving our newsletter please click the page above to sign up! We hope to send these out regularly to keep everyone updated on our progress. We will keep an archive of past newsletters so that you can catch up if you missed anything! I promise not to spam you or send you an inordinate number of chain emails.
It was a great time to spend with each other and the other candidates as we continue to work on raising our support.
Two: We drove up to Salem EMC in Salem, VA early Sunday morning. The congregation graciously welcomed us to share the story of our call to Spain. We are so thankful for those who gave and supported this ministry. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
 |
| Orientation group with Dr. & Mrs. Wesley Duewel |
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Update-Praises and Requests
This update is long overdue! But, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind. I returned from Spain nearly a month ago and since then we have visited three churches and will be at our fourth presentation tonight. At each service we have been blessed with the encouragement and support of everyone in attendance. Several people have made faith promises and become partners with us in this calling.
We cannot say thank you enough to those who have already partnered with us. But, we do want to say that we have confidence that God will use your gifts to bless the work He is doing in Spain. This journey is just beginning for us but we know that God has already gone before us and prepared the way. We are trusting in His timing and provision for all of our needs. Now, we do pray that you may do the same.
This weekend we will be sharing with Salem Evangelical Methodist Church in Virginia and from there we will make the drive to headquarters for orientation. Because of the timing of our interview and acceptance, we missed the last orientation so we are going a little later in the process than most. Our good friend Mark will be joining us on the drive as he is going for his interview!
Jeremy and I are nearing the end of school this semester! In a couple of weeks I will finish my final undergrad class leaving only one project and one CLEP test to cover my last credit hours. Jeremy is completing his master's degree with independent study classes in the next couple weeks as well. It is exciting to think about a time when neither of us will be in school!
We have all of this to thank God for but we also look to Him with some requests. Please pray for-
-Safe travels as we drive tonight and this weekend.
-The hearts of those we will share with to be open to God's leading.
-Us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty.
-More opportunities to share with churches in group settings and also individuals.
-(as always) for the hearts of those in Spain to be softened and prepared for God's word.
We cannot say thank you enough to those who have already partnered with us. But, we do want to say that we have confidence that God will use your gifts to bless the work He is doing in Spain. This journey is just beginning for us but we know that God has already gone before us and prepared the way. We are trusting in His timing and provision for all of our needs. Now, we do pray that you may do the same.
This weekend we will be sharing with Salem Evangelical Methodist Church in Virginia and from there we will make the drive to headquarters for orientation. Because of the timing of our interview and acceptance, we missed the last orientation so we are going a little later in the process than most. Our good friend Mark will be joining us on the drive as he is going for his interview!
Jeremy and I are nearing the end of school this semester! In a couple of weeks I will finish my final undergrad class leaving only one project and one CLEP test to cover my last credit hours. Jeremy is completing his master's degree with independent study classes in the next couple weeks as well. It is exciting to think about a time when neither of us will be in school!
We have all of this to thank God for but we also look to Him with some requests. Please pray for-
-Safe travels as we drive tonight and this weekend.
-The hearts of those we will share with to be open to God's leading.
-Us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty.
-More opportunities to share with churches in group settings and also individuals.
-(as always) for the hearts of those in Spain to be softened and prepared for God's word.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Our needs...His Glorious Riches
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
- Philippians 4:19-20
We are just in the beginning stages of fundraising for our ministry but already we are seeing how God is opening doors of opportunity. God is demonstrating His faithfulness as we begin to make calls and contact friends, family and churches to share our story and calling.
He has already shown us how He will provide by giving us our very first monthly supporters last week. We had not even planned to present our story that night but because He is good, the opportunity was given. We sat across the table from a couple who had "adopted" us while Jeremy was a youth pastor. They have consistently opened themselves up to us as friends and mentors. They are two of the most giving people I know and we are so grateful for the way they have promised to support this ministry.
I have been sitting here filling in dates that have already been booked at churches I know and ones I don't. As I see our calender already filling up, I can't help but become overwhelmed. Not overwhelmed with stress or anxiety but with gratitude and thankfulness knowing that God has already prepared the hearts of those who will hear our story.
Long before this calling was revealed to me or to Jeremy, God knew. He knew the needs we will have and the goals we will need to reach. He knows the exact dollar amount that we will need so that we can be on the field. As big this challenge as it may seem to us, God is bigger. He has a plan as to how we will meet this goal and He is making the way for us to meet it. I have faith that the right people, at the right time will feel lead to support the ministry God called us be a part of.
It has become clear to me how important it is for people to realize who they are really supporting when they pledge to our ministry. They are not giving money to us each month. They are not giving money to One Mission Society each month. No, instead the individuals, couples and families who will financially partner with us are giving to God. The money that we receive is a gift from God. You give to God and God gives to us.
Thank you to those who are praying for us. Thank you to those who have supported us along the way. And thank you to those who will give to God as He gives to us in this ministry.We are blessed to be called to this specific ministry just as each Christian is blessed to be called to his or her own specific ministry.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Weekly Update #1- Funding Class
Each week as we prepare for Spain I plan to post a quick update about where we are in the process and how things are going. Please check back to keep up with us!
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work"
-2 Corinthians 9:8
Jeremy and I started our fundraising class today. This class will prepare us to reach out to potential supporters and be fully funded in (ideally) nine months. We are excited for this class because not only are we going to learn the best way to raise support but we will also be connected with one other missionary couple and three single missionaries. The seven of us will be journeying through our fundraising and preparation together.
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work"
-2 Corinthians 9:8
Jeremy and I started our fundraising class today. This class will prepare us to reach out to potential supporters and be fully funded in (ideally) nine months. We are excited for this class because not only are we going to learn the best way to raise support but we will also be connected with one other missionary couple and three single missionaries. The seven of us will be journeying through our fundraising and preparation together.
The class is three weeks long, meeting for an hour and half, four days a week. Additionally, there is reading and prep work to be done outside of our meeting times. We know that this class will be extremely beneficial but we also know that it will require many hours over the next few weeks. But this is only a taste of the busy times that are to come as we continue to prepare.
We are already so thankful for the support of One Mission Society. We are so excited to connect with other new missionaries. We are so excited for the support we have already received from friends and family. We are so blessed to have friends and family who are as excited about our calling as we are.
As I look ahead to what God holds for us I am not scared. I'm certain there will be days I am frustrated or even discouraged but I am declaring now that I will not let fear become an obstacle in our preparation.
Prayer Requests-
That God will continue to guide our steps.
Time management as we work through this class as well as work and homework for school.
That God will continue to guide our steps.
Time management as we work through this class as well as work and homework for school.
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