World's Worst Beggar

pictures 1) A group of us pray for children around the world at the Children's Ministries Institute.

2) Some of the teachers get involved in a Nerf war.

3) A group of us perform a skit demonstrating age group characteristics.

I've taught kids that God answers prayer three ways: yes, no, or wait. But occasionally I try to make a loophole. Last year I begged God to provide enough support that I could begin training in January 2009, thinking a forced yes/no answer would improve my chances. God still went with wait.

I did attend the first seven weeks of the Children's Ministries Institute(R) this fall. I learned how to teach toddlers, challenge children in spiritual growth, teach adults to teach children, and much more. Just as profusely as I had begged God to put me in the spring class, I now thanked Him for "ignoring" me. Our fall class prayed together, sought God together, and shot each other with Nerf guns, and I thanked God for putting me in this group at this time. Even the teachers were impressed with our class.

I began praying that I could finish all of CMI with this class and then begin the next step of my preparation (internship). I painfully accepted God's no and returned to raising support. I guess I have a habit of begging God for smaller blessings than He has planned.

I am in a support-raising lull. Support and ideas for how to raise it are coming slowly. Still, I want to prepare for minstry by seeking God, studying French and books on West Africa, and doing all I can to glorify God in this time. David was anointed king twenty years before his enthronement. I haven't yet spent twenty years preparing for my ministry (God, please no!), and though sometimes the slow progress makes me doubt my calling, I've decided that since the Bible tells of wait-ers like David, Abraham, and Joseph, God will have to do a whole lot more than make me wait if He wants to guide me somewhere else. Now I just can't wait to see how His plan will turn out better than mine!

Praise God That:

I was able to attend seven weeks of Children's Ministries Institute.

God always has something better when He answers prayers no or wait.

Please Pray That:

God will provide ideas and opportunities to raise support.

I will trust God's timing and be able to use this slow time to prepare for ministry.

I am currently at 64% of my regular support goal.