Let's Stay Connected!

Don't feel too bad if you can't keep up with exactly where I am and what I'm doing.  My computer's confused about where I am too! :)  That said, I want to stay connected, so keep reading!

I made it back to Charleston a week ago just in time for the Super Moon, FBS at State Championships, and the holidays!  As we enter Thanksgiving week, I'd say I have a lot to be thankful for.

Thankful to be able to witness and cheer on the FBS Hurricanes as they earned their very first ever state football championship! FBS is my alma mater, where I taught French the last 3 years, and where my niece and nephew go to school.  My nephew, Nicholas, is on the team, #17. :)

Friday night, a friend hosted a party for me to share about what I'll be doing.  It was truly encouraging to share the journey I've been on and to have others who are a part of it with me as I continue on!  One thing I'm aware of is that the upcoming ministry role isn't all about me and how much I do need the support of those around me.

Thankful for friends--new and old--who stayed to listen, ask questions, encourage and pray

When asked how others can support and stay connected with me, I shared these ways and want to share with you:

1.  Stay connected through social media and email.

I plan to regularly post on this very blog.  Each time I post, I post to Facebook and in the future will send the link to anyone on my email list (please contact me if you'd like to be added).

2.  Give to the ministry.

Like all EE staff, I'm responsible to raise my living & ministry expenses.  I need $5000 USD /mo per year.  A monthly or one-time donation of any amount is helpful!

Online giving:  Click here.

Give by check:  Contact me for details.

3.  Pray!

For me, EE Europe, and those who need to hear the Gospel.  I'll be setting up a Facebook group for those who give or wish to pray to regularly share what God is doing and specific prayer requests.  I also plan to send regular newsletters on top of the frequent blogs so that you know how to pray.

Stay tuned for my personal webpage that SAMS is creating.  It will be an all-in-one stop with my bio/pic, link to blog, and link to online giving.  ETA: January.

And while I'm still in the States (at least through the holidays): if our paths haven't crossed, and you want to connect in person, please let me know!

Farewell, Fiji Friends!

Fijian Farewell Song to Internationals 

Coming to Fiji these 6 weeks was a challenge.  At the beginning of September, I needed to sell my condo, raise support, and try to get to Switzerland as soon as possible.  Not only did God provide, protect, and bless the sale of the condo--which closed while I was here--but He also had people approaching me who want to partner with me financially before my support account had even opened--which also happened while I was here.  While I still have a long way to go with that, I actually have a goal of leaving early January.

    See the rainbow? Two days in a row!

The Leadership Development Training has been a very significant step to prepare me for my upcoming role.  The content has given me a better understanding of the structure and tools within the ministry.  The workshops brought fresh encouragement as we were able to share and train locals with the Gospel while also learning different styles and techniques from others.  The atmosphere including time set apart for personal and corporate prayer, Word, and worship has nurtured my relationship with God and been conducive to hearing from Him.  The unity of worshiping, living, and learning among a variety of diverse cultures and denominations has enriched the experience not just personally, but also because it is a tangible expression of EE’s vision of “every nation equipping every people group and every age group to witness to every person.”

    Group at Graduation With Certificates

Planning and goal-setting can theoretically be done anywhere in the world, but my experience here where all of these conditions that I mentioned co-exist has been ideal for the Holy Spirit to inspire me and shape the process in a way I’m not sure could’ve happened at a desk or coffee shop back in my busy hometown--at least not in the same way.

          Sunrise from Training Center

As we conclude the final week here, I feel strengthened in vision, affirmed in the call, and prepared to take the next step: to move to Switzerland and join the team in Europe to carry out God’s command and EE’s mission: to glorify God by equipping believers to multiply in and through local churches in Europe "and surrounding areas"--for friendship, evangelism, discipleship, and healthy growth.”