Katy and I want to be transparent and keep you informed. As members of our prayer and support team, we want you to know what you're giving to and specific ways you can pray for us. To that end, here is a quick update on our road to Ireland.
You may or may not be familiar with how itineration works for Assemblies of God missionaries. It takes a year to a year and a half for most missionaries in the A/G to become fully funded and get to the mission field. We have a few advantages. We are well connected to pastors in OK, and we already have a solid support base. There are disadvantages such as the state of the economy. We are praying that God would maximize our advantages and overcome our disadvantages helping us to get to our mission field with less than a year of itineration.
Status:
Monthly budget - we are at 40%
- Thanks to you longtime supporters who are continuing with us. You make up the 40% we currently have coming in.
- This month begins a long stretch of church services and meetings to raise our cash budget.
Cash budget - we are at 1% (budget is $50,000 - covers ministry expenses for 3 years)
This month begins our long stretch of church services and pastor meetings to raise our cash budget.
Morale - Katy and I are encouraged and determined.
- There are moments I refer to as I.D.S. (Itineration Distress Syndrome). Symptoms are delusions of loneliness, anxiety, fear, craving for coffee, and occasional sobbing fits. I joke but itineration can be very difficult and is not for the faint of heart. These moments hit hard but God is always there to lift us up and remind us that where He guides He provides.
- Thank you for your prayers and support. We are constantly reminded that God has provided an amazing team to get us to Ireland.
Bottom line:
At this point we are estimating our departure for Ireland will be November or December of 2011. We are fervently praying to leave in November 2011. Thank you for your prayers and support. To see specific ways to pray for Katy and I click here. We are on the road to Ireland, but we are not traveling alone. You travel with us with your prayers and support. Thank you so much. It is a great blessing and comfort to know you are on our team.
If you are not currently on our prayer and support team but would like to be, click here.