"Expect Great Things From God And Attempt Great Things For God" William Carey

As I studied D.L. Moody, William Carey, George Muller, and Jim Cymbala this summer they were a great encouragement to me as a missionary. All of them were ordinary people that God allowed to join in His work. What an amazing blessing to read their stories and learn how they faced the mountains and valleys. Their faith and courage is a good reminder that things don't always go as we want but they always turn out with God in control.

Because of my previous work experience I have a tendency to want to get things done when things are not happening. Mark tells me I'm prone to be a workaholic if he doesn't distract me with fun activities. Like many people I like the security of my checklist and the feeling of accomplishment, but God is working on me in this area. Will I be a living sacrifice and totally trust Him for provision for the scholarship students, my trip to Africa, paying the bills etc. etc.? Do I need to jump in have a garage sale, try to sell some family antiques, get a part time job as one friend told me to do or believe God? Am I presuming on God and not doing my part? Is this a lie to get me to question God's faithfulness?

I tell myself "I want to do my part in being obedient if God wants me to do something" but if I put myself on the altar and believe God am I a sacrifice crawling off the altar when I don't wait on the Lord? The urge is strong to take control of the situation and make it happen and in ministry our own timing isn't always God's timing. I think the Lord is trying to teach me to totally trust Him to direct me and rest in Him. It goes against my flesh to rest when I see the faces of the students, know they need encouragement, see how all the ministry plans God has laid out for us need further research. He has given me a passion for Africa and I yearn to return and let God use me however He plans.

So I am praying and asking and trying to discern what I should do? I have to trust him for our provision, and trust Him to provide for the kids we love so much in Africa. He knows their needs even better than I do. I want to be forever teachable like D.L. Moody, an over-comer like William Carey who said "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God," a great believer in prayer like George Muller, and remember what Jim Cymbala said in his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire "God is attracted to weakness...Our weakness in fact, makes room for his power." Bottom line I'm believing God.

Believing God for Provision for The Journey

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.

2 Corinthians 1:10-11

I’m believing and trusting God to “move mountains“ in several ways. First to provide for the trip in September to Uganda and secondly for the expanding projects He is presenting to The Rock to do. This summer has been a faith walk with many exciting developments and answers to prayers.

Mark and I have been so hopeful that the Lord would provide for one or both of us to return to Uganda because so many things are happening and there are things to implement.

Praise God for friends who donated air miles so I now have a ticket. Next I’ve been praying for the land portion of the trip during the two weeks I’m in Uganda and one week in Kenya. Recently some friends offered to match up to $1,000 for whatever was donated for the trip Sept. 21-Oct. 11. (I need $2,000 for all the ministry meetings and materials, lodging, food, transportation within Africa, Visas and phone costs.)

So as of today I need God to provide $1,000 more so I can go. We trust the Lord on this and ask you to join us in prayer for provision or to chip in financially if led by the Spirit.

Below are the specific things I hope to accomplish/be available to assist our partner ministries on during the trip:

1) Research with African Hearts leadership(our partner ministry) the farm project details (land, livestock, crops, personnel, players on the team specifically defined, begin developing a comprehensive site plan).

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2) Professional launch plans for Rock university scholarship students who will be graduation in the next year (introductions to businesses, possible internships, business training/plans scheduled for next Rock Class, CV resume development, printing).

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3) Small celebration for Scholars graduating (if anyone wants to send a card or funds for gifts I’ll buy them for them when I get there and attach your card).

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4) Mercy homes-get to know each individual child better, form a closer relationship.

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5) Kampala home boys Royalle Brass Band-available to assist in developing a marketing plan, customer list on the computer, schedule, implementation plan and sales training for the person designated by African Hearts to help the home become self-sustaining.

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6) Sponsored Secondary Students-medical issues and plan forward for help, tutoring, motivation to succeed and rewards if they do, develop plan with A H leadership of something that will work.

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7) Water well plan and research for our second mercy home in conjunction with the project team in that is coming together in the U.S.

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8) Ssenge ladies basket making-evaluate and plan for next step.

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9) Street ministry update-more clearly define The Rock’s role in the transition plan to the homes.

Free Indeed!

I believe the Holy Spirit challenged me to boil down to one word the spiritual basis of The Rock. The word He gave me was, “Freedom.”

Jesus is the source of all freedom. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

Spiritual freedom releases chains of bondage – whether they be financial binds, relational challenges, substance dependencies or spiritual and compulsive strongholds. Freedom through Jesus allows us to be who God created us to be.

In this redeemed state, we enjoy and use the gifts He has given us. In our ministry in Africa, we have seen people freed from demonic torments, from unimaginable abuse and from poverty. This was not done through financial help from the West, but from the power of the blood of Jesus.

With this spiritual freedom, our African friends (like those everywhere) are much like a flourishing garden that produces much fruit. They delight in honoring God with their lives and abilities and move beyond poverty. They desire a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.” They claim God’s blessings to move beyond dependency on the West.

The freedom message rings just as true in the U.S. where people who thought they had it made financially now find themselves in economic bondage. And, the further our society moves from dependence on God, the more bondage we find ourselves in with regards to dependency upon man-made institutions and our own hedonistic desires. We see broken homes, shattered relationships and lives void of meaning and joy all around us.

For these reasons, The Rock will be launching a “Free Indeed!” Campaign this fall. Our plans are to host a series of “Free Indeed!” luncheons and climax with a worshipful dinner honoring God for the freedom He offers us all through His Son. Also we will give thanks for all He has done through The Rock and trust He will provide the resources to multiply the work going forward. Stay tuned for more details!