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Isaiah 30:21 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
Your ears will hear a word behind you saying: “This is the way, walk in it. When you turn to the right, or when you turn to the left.”
My husband and I have been praying over the next steps for our ministry, Jehovah Jireh. We provide housewares for the refugee community. In practical terms, this means that our liaison will contact us requesting specific donations such as plates, or flatware, or towels. I’ll peruse discount stores, thrift stores or estate sales, then coordinate dropping off the items. It is very sporadic, but we’re happy to help when we’re asked.
Recently, we’ve found new organizations that also need these types of donations. We would love to expand and formalize our ministry to meet these additional needs but we have two fairly large roadblocks: 1) The process of applying for a 501(c)(3) is daunting and 2) funding for the legal paperwork, in addition to the items we purchase each time, is very meager from our personal finances. Our prayers over the last few months have been something like this:
Jesus, we know the idea for serving our refugee community through our resettlement ministry is from You. We want to steward the resources we’re given from You in the way You desire. Our hearts are to serve refugees, and those aging out of foster care, to help them feel at home and have the necessities. Jesus, You know the limitations our personal resources have, and You know we have no idea how to make this happen. We trust You Lord. We ask You to give us wisdom and discernment in our next steps. AMEN
These types of prayers have been uttered, in some variation, over the last few months. Then, in the last week, BOTH prayers have been answered! Without any striving or seeking on our part, the Lord has revealed both an organization that could serve as our oversight board, allowing us to utilize their umbrella 501(c)(3), AND an opportunity for a part time job that could provide this additional funding. Last night, in our prayer time, Mike and I thanked the Lord for His faithfulness. While both of these may be the answers we’ve been looking for, we also know that neither could pan out. What we are clinging to is trusting GOD to provide the path, in His timing, and with His provision.
Jeremiah 29:11 Tree of Life Version (TLV) For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.
Jesus, we are so grateful that You know us better than we know ourselves. Your timing is always perfect! Thank You for planting this ministry idea in us, and now we trust You fully for its fruition. If the oversight organization works out, and the part time job comes through, we thank You! However, if these are not Your ultimate plan, for now, they are evidence that You hear our prayers! AMEN
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Elizabeth Rosner…..
Christ follower. Prayer warrior. Wife, Mom, Hugger, and Encourager.