This is a big year! Our son, Cory, turns 40. I turn 65. I know, those of you who know me can't believe it :) and neither can I, and Al turns 70; even harder to believe...but all true! How does this happen?
So we are acknowledging that, even though we are still working hard, we are in our "golden years." Multiple trips to Haiti each year, visits to our kids and grandkids in Australia. Life that is full and rich, even in the midst of the current chaos in the country.
Then there is the reality that we need to plan ahead...without knowing how much "Ahead" there is; 10 years, twenty years, thirty years, tomorrow? As we contemplate this our thoughts run to Haiti. How can we ensure that the work that is being done through Beautiful Response and Help the Youth continues. We are not in this for the short-term! The needs are long-term: and we have children who will need assistance to become all God has created them to be for many years. We are in for the long-haul.
When God first turned our hearts back to Haiti we realized it would involve raising funds. Our first response was, "But God, you know we are not good fund raisers!" (Yep, God knew, and assured us he would be the provider we needed.) Today we look back on God's faithfulness, and ahead realizing that we need to set up a trust or foundation to provide a base for the fundraising that will need to continue.
On the one hand that is very intimidating for us. Again, WAY out of our comfort zone! On the other hand it is very exciting. How will God provide? Who will come forward to give? What will this need to look like? Where are the "cattle on a thousand hills" that God has reserved to help his children in Haiti? Where will we get the boldness to invite people to be a part of something life changing for so many people? How much, Oh Lord? How many people will be blessed in the giving and receiving?
We are also mindful that we need to watch for the next generation of leaders to take on this ministry 5, 10, 15? years down the road. Who will God raise up? Who will find their calling in joining this partnership with our Haitian friends? Who will fall in love with God's leaders as well as the children of Haiti?
Big questions...big challenges! We need your prayers! We need your eyes and ears. Please join us in the quest for big hearts and the ability to invest emotionally, spiritually and financially in the work God is doing through Beautiful Response in Haiti. So many of you are dear to our hearts. We thank you for your love and support!
So we are acknowledging that, even though we are still working hard, we are in our "golden years." Multiple trips to Haiti each year, visits to our kids and grandkids in Australia. Life that is full and rich, even in the midst of the current chaos in the country.
Then there is the reality that we need to plan ahead...without knowing how much "Ahead" there is; 10 years, twenty years, thirty years, tomorrow? As we contemplate this our thoughts run to Haiti. How can we ensure that the work that is being done through Beautiful Response and Help the Youth continues. We are not in this for the short-term! The needs are long-term: and we have children who will need assistance to become all God has created them to be for many years. We are in for the long-haul.
When God first turned our hearts back to Haiti we realized it would involve raising funds. Our first response was, "But God, you know we are not good fund raisers!" (Yep, God knew, and assured us he would be the provider we needed.) Today we look back on God's faithfulness, and ahead realizing that we need to set up a trust or foundation to provide a base for the fundraising that will need to continue.
On the one hand that is very intimidating for us. Again, WAY out of our comfort zone! On the other hand it is very exciting. How will God provide? Who will come forward to give? What will this need to look like? Where are the "cattle on a thousand hills" that God has reserved to help his children in Haiti? Where will we get the boldness to invite people to be a part of something life changing for so many people? How much, Oh Lord? How many people will be blessed in the giving and receiving?
We are also mindful that we need to watch for the next generation of leaders to take on this ministry 5, 10, 15? years down the road. Who will God raise up? Who will find their calling in joining this partnership with our Haitian friends? Who will fall in love with God's leaders as well as the children of Haiti?
Big questions...big challenges! We need your prayers! We need your eyes and ears. Please join us in the quest for big hearts and the ability to invest emotionally, spiritually and financially in the work God is doing through Beautiful Response in Haiti. So many of you are dear to our hearts. We thank you for your love and support!
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