Jehovah Jireh

Today the many people that make it possible for me to be here in Ethiopia have been on my heart and mind.  I’m extremely grateful for you and your support!  When I felt God leading me to Ethiopia in 2010, one of my biggest concerns was the money that I would need to live here.  God has promised that He will provide; He is our Jehovah Jireh.  I have loved watching and waiting to see how God has and will continue to provide for me. One of the many ways that God has made it possible for me to follow after Him is through the generous giving of others, and that is something I don’t take lightly.

Since I have been here in Ethiopia, I have watched God provide faithfully for me.  From the moment that God called me here, He has been working to ensure that I will have everything I need.  I don’t worry about finances anymore because I’ve watched God literally provide every penny, or should I say santeem, for me over the past 2 years.  There are some months that are tighter than others because of course unexpected expenses come up for me just like everyone else.  I have to acknowledge, there are numerous times that that I don’t have the money to pay for something unexpected.  My first reaction is to worry and fret over it, but I eventually decide to give it to the Lord, and EVERY time I have watched Him provide in unexpected ways.  It’s gotten to the point that now I choose to trust God first instead of wasting the time worrying.  There is nothing that can build your faith more than relying on God for your every need.

The reality is that we all owe everything to God.  He is the one that provides us with our jobs, homes, and belongings.  However, I feel that it is much easier to acknowledge God’s provision when you are relying on the support of others.  I am working a full-time job just like most people I know at home who get paid a salary.  However, my salary comes from others who have made it a point to invest in my students and me. 

My church has been amazing and faithful in their support of me and my ministry here at Bingham.  The church provides faithfully for me each month and also supports me in other ways.  They have blessed me with airfares to and from Ethiopia, and with the opportunity to join and serve with them here in the country I love so much.    I would not be here without their support. 

However, there are also other people who support monthly or give randomly at exactly the times I need it most.  Without these people I would not be able to teach my students.  Your support is literally reaching the ends of the earth from North America all the way to Australia and all the continents in between.  God has entrusted 27 third grade students to me this school year who are citizens of 9 different countries.  I have students in my class from all over the world, who will one day grow up and travel all over the world themselves.  I have no idea how far my circle of influence will reach, and that is something that excites me!  Sharing about my relationship with God is one of my favorite things to talk about with my students.  My prayer is that one day something that I say will resonate and plant a seed in the hearts of my students.  I hope that my students will too one day desire to follow God’s plan for their life and will be blessed with people like you to cheer them on! 

Thank you for generosity, belief, and support in me.  And remember that the same God that provides faithfully for me, will do the same for you!  Trust Him and give your financial worries to Jehovah Jireh for He will provide.