Funds:
The Father has ABUNDANTLY blessed my financial needs! I almost have 100% of my financial need fulfilled! *sighs* What a relief and a blessing! I am SO humbled by and thankful for the generosity and support of my brothers & sisters.
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." -- 2 Cor. 9:8
Personal Preparation:
As this is my first time serving for more than a week on the mission field (and without a team!) I have A LOT of heart preparation to do! Here are 5 things I'm doing right now:
1. Word study: I just finished reading the book of 2 Corinthians today and man, what a challenge that magnificent epistle is! Paul has a way of teaming boldness with humility that simply amazes me. His love for the Church and his confidence in Christ are clearly evident. {I'm planning to share more about my study of 2 Corinthians in a few days.} Tomorrow I will begin reading the Gospel of Matthew. I chose this book because I want to study closely the teachings and character of the One I will be representing while in Taiwan (and here in Pittsburgh.)
2. Other books: I just finished reading a really insightful book on how to deal with conflict in cross-cultural ministry {A post of my favorite quotes from this book is also coming soon.} I have a few other books on crossing cultures, as well as books specifically on Asia that are on the shelf, waiting to be read...
3. Rosetta Stone: Thanks to my dear friends, the Landons, I am the thankful owner of Rosetta Stone for Mandarin Chinese. Part of my purpose at Christ College will be to engage in conversation in English with students, but it would definitely be awesome if my Mandarin vocabulary wasn't limited to about 10 words. I'm hoping to soak in as much Mandarin as possible while I'm there and RS should be helpful preparation for my ears, eyes and tongue :)
4. Asking Questions: How can I show the most love possible to the students at Christ College in a mere six weeks? What personal sins will rise to the surface when I am confronted with loneliness, conflict and uncomfortable situations? {I'd love for you to ask me questions, too :)}
5. Talking to strangers: If you want the full explanation of this, just ask me. It's too hard to explain here :)
Prayer:
1. Pray for the hearts of the people that I will be in contact with--students, faculty, random people on the street (or plane)--only the Father knows where seeds will be planted :)
2. Pray that I would have clear focus on my purpose for serving and that I wouldn't get caught up in details and planning.
3. Pray for the staff at both MTW and Christ College who are working hard to get me on the other side of the world.
4. Pray that the Father would fill my heart with overflowing love for Him.
5. Pray that the Father would give me a humble spirit and that I would be joyfully willing to "become a Taiwanese child"--learning the most basic elements of a brand new culture and way of life.
Thank you again for your prayers and support! I look forward to sharing more with you soon...
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