The Flores Journey

Really, Lord?

Posted by Claire Friday, August 7, 2009 comments (0)

In our previous post, we talked about beginning the process of fund raising. Well, here we are, a few months into the process and we can't help but feel discouraged. So far we have received only one time donations and one "pledge" to donate monthly. We realize that we haven't been doing this for that long, but still it's hard not to wonder if perhaps this isn't meant to be.

Don't think that we're giving up at the first sign of adversity, but it's hard not to wonder if perhaps this is God's way of showing us that South Africa is not His direction. That perhaps we heard wrong.

We still both feel a burning passion for the people of South Africa. We still feel at peace with our decision to move there. But each fund raising appointment we go to bears the same result. "No, we're sorry. We can't support you at this time." or "We can give a little bit, but just this once." Believe you me, we're not judging. We know the time in which we live. We realize there is economic crisis going on.

But doesn't God make a way where there seems to be no way?

Not gonna lie, that's hard to believe right now. We know He is faithful. He has time and time again proved Himself to be just that.

But oh, it's so hard. Disappointment and discouragement are lurking at the doorways of our hearts. And so, we wait on God. Wait for Him to pull through. We are so far from our goal. So far from our need being met. We are working and doing our best to contribute ourselves; but it's so hard. So hard to believe that this is possible.

We are doing our best to walk in thankfulness. God has already provided in so many ways for our right now. But our future in South Africa seems distant and unattainable.

What is the Lord teaching us? Patience? Is He going to test our loyalty and then pull through at the last possible second? Or is He perhaps telling us, "Not now."

We will now do what we only can do. We will wait and we will pray.

Please join with us in prayer as we seek the Lord's face for our next step. Pray that if this is His will, that funding will come. Pray that if it is not, that He will reveal that to us quickly. We are living so in transition and it's trying on us as a family. It's difficult to not know where you'll be in the next 6 months. To be living out of suitcases. We've laid it all down for this calling... a calling that we can only pray comes to fruition.

We thank you for your prayers.

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The Beginning of the Process

Posted by Claire Saturday, June 20, 2009 comments (1)

We have recently begun the tedious process of support raising. It's not easy, to humble yourself and ask other people for money. It goes against everything we've been taught, and every ounce of pride we hang onto... but it's something that, in this case, must be done for the advancing of Christ's kingdom.

The funny thing is, when someone asks us for support, we don't blink. We don't look at them and think they are a mooch, or lazy, etc. but for some reason when it comes to us being the ones asking, we immediately conclude that those are things people connect us to. We have had a couple of appointments thus far, and they've gone well. We haven't gotten any support out of them, but they were encouraging even just through the comments people made and affirmation we received.

At the end of the day, we just have to trust that if this is really what God has called us to do (which we know He has!) then He will provide. After all, we serve a God who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills" who could literally CREATE money for us if necessary.

Why do we fear when He is the One who goes before us and stands behind us?

But somehow, we still find ourselves doubting that our goal will ever be reached.

But God. I had a pastor when I was younger who would often repeat that phrase. "But God." "But God." He would always say that the most dismal Scripture verses were followed by that powerful, revolutionary phrase. "But God." No matter how much we doubt, or how dismal things appear, "BUT GOD." God will accomplish His will. God will advance His kingdom. God will send workers into the harvest. God will reach the people of Cape Town, South Africa.

He doesn't need our help. But He gives us the opportunity to become involved for our benefit and His glory.

Faith isn't always the easiest virtue to uphold, but it is certainly the most relaxing one.

As we continue in this fundraising process, we know that God will prove Himself faithful. Even when we are faithless.