"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
The Heart of a Missionary
Have you ever stood in the middle of a forest on a winter day, when the trees have no leaves, and looked up? Watching and listening as the trees sway, creak, and moan in the gentle wind? Sometimes it looks like they're playing with the wind, and other times it seems as if they may topple at any moment. It's mesmerizing... and honestly rather terrifying! Like God's version of a Weeble Wobble, they wobble, but they don't fall down!
I recently made this observation as I was taking a leisurely stroll through a local park enjoying the unusually warm February weather we've been having here in Northeastern Ohio. This particular day I was feeling a bit drained and decided to take a break to enjoy the warmth. As I stood soaking in the sights, sounds, and sunshine around me, I had an epiphany. The trees were me.
The last month has been a whirlwind of excitement and transition. I am loving every minute of it, and yet, if I'm honest, it's been one of the hardest walks of faith I have ever taken. There have been more than a few times where I've felt like I was wobbling so much I would succumb to the whirlwind and topple over. And yet here I am still standing, just like those trees. In his Word, the Lord compares those who trust in him to a tree planted by water, whose roots grow deep into the ground drinking water so they never wither. Those same roots, growing deep down into the ground, are what keep the trees from toppling over when the winds sway them to and frow. They are anchored and held steadfast to their life source, braced for any storms this world brings them. But if that tree ever gets cut off from that life source, and it dies, someone shout timber, because that tree is coming down the next time the wind blows!
My epiphany that day has been a huge encouragement! The last couple months have been an adjustment, a learning experience, and a wonderful adventure. And though there have been some terrifying moments mixed in, it's all good! I don't have to worry about the winds as long as I am anchored to and trusting my life source, Jesus Christ! I can stretch my arms out wide, throw my head back, and play as the winds of this adventure sway me back and forth. My hair may get messed up as I wobble, but I won't fall down!
Coco's Commentary
All new jobs come with an adjustment period, but usually they have a nice paycheck at the end of that adjustment period. Though it still remains to be seen if Michelle really understood the assignment of what "100% self-funded missionary" means, I have to say, she's hanging in there pretty well working hard to raise support while completing her responsibilities as a Remember Nhu staff! She's already transitioned into her new full time position, and working from home suites her well! She finally listened to me, and decided to focus on one career instead of focusing on two like she's been doing for the last 5 years, and I am happy to report the benefits to her mental health and work productivity have been amazing!! (Imagine that, the bear knows what she's talking about!) Now, if we can just get her fully funded, we'd be rocking. But as Michelle shared above, even when the winds of financial uncertainty come, we can sway in peace, because we know we are anchored to the Savior. He has called us to this mission, and he WILL provide! Even if it's a little slower than we'd like at times. And so, we both are approaching this next chapter with excitement, anticipation, and lots of goals! The sky is the limit, and we can't wait to see what God does in this next chapter!
♥Coco
Prayer Pit Stop
For Michelle's fundraising adventure. That the Lord would provide the daily funds she needs to support herself at home, as well as what she needs to be able to travel for her work.
For Michelle, Sandy, and the teams from Oostburg, Wisconsin and Big Bear, California as they continue to prepare to take New Life Camps to the children in Kenya and Tanzania this June and July. That the funds would be raised, the planning would go smoothly, and the hearts of the children would be ready to receive what the Lord wants to teach them.
For Remember Nhu as a whole, as they pursue expanding the mission into places like Brazil, so more children can experience freedom from the risk of being sold and the hope that comes from faith in Jesus.
Coco's Visual Aids
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