Provision

I have to admit, there was a small part of me that was worried about getting in enough money for this trip. I shouldn’t have worried, though, as I have seen God come through on countless occasions. But as the bills came in, and numbers for the Kenya portion of our trip didn’t add up, I was a little concerned. Prepared, but concerned nonetheless. So, after looking at my bank statements dozens of times, I decided to pray. Funny how we so often leave that for the last thing.

As I went into the final weekend before leaving, I was confident that God would stretch what I had to cover what He had for me to do. But part of me hoped for more, because the more money we have, the more help we can be. Theoretically. I got up and went to church today, ready to worship and say goodbye. (Okay, I wasn’t really ready to say goodbye, but I knew it was my only option at this point. Whenever I leave, my last Sunday at church is always the hardest part.) One of the ushers, who I’ve come to know over the last few months, opened his wallet to me. I never even asked him for money. A benefactor, who shall remain anonymous, and his lady friend also gave me a large sum. These two have paid for an amazing percentage of my trip, simply out of obedience. He told me that since he is not able to go, he know he is able to send. Every time he gave me money, he apologized that he couldn’t do more. What a heart. These people were also not on my mailing list for letters, but God made sure they found out so they could be obedient while I was being obedient. I got paid today, for work that I did many weeks ago, and it was payment that I wasn’t at all expecting. And finally, some dear friends of mine stopped by to drop off an envelope. Between this family and the mysterious benefactor (who is not unknown to me, but I think he doesn’t want the credit), half my trip was paid for, not including airfare. What an awesome God! Beyond that, several people gave in smaller amounts that God multiplied like the loaves and fishes. I know He smiles on them, like the widow in the story who gave her two coins.

Speaking of mystery benefactors, someone left four bags of school supplies on my porch a few weeks ago. Thank you! My high school students and some families provided over 300 pounds of clothes and shoes to take. (I really wanted to get students involved, and a woman from the orphanage in Rwanda told me she needed clothes for teenagers, and they sure came through!) My pharmacy graciously donated 12 huge bottles of Tylenol, which was matched by my dentist in countless toothbrushes. We had books coming out our ears as well. We were gifted some new soccer balls and soap and toothpaste and things from other people who took trips to Africa and couldn’t fit it all. A family who has done some traveling loaned us their GSM phone so we can have a phone while we’re I Africa. It was amazing seeing God come through and providing all of this for our trip. Our biggest problem was finding room for it all! (Most of our personal stuff is in our carryons and part of one suitcase. The other 5 suitcases are full to the brim, with 70+ pounds of goods to be spread across East Africa.) Sarah’s people gave lots of stuff too, but I don’t know who they are or what they gave.

Beyond the money and things that came at us, the best gift has been the encouragement and prayers from all of those who surround us. People who have traveled to Africa before have given us tips and tricks and any words of wisdom they could offer. Countless people are praying for us, even people we don’t know. Those prayers are felt and coveted.

I’ve got to say that I’m a little overwhelmed with the grace of God right now. Part of me is overwhelmed looking at how much stuff is in my basement, waiting to be packed, and the large stack of suitcases in the back of the van. Part of me is overwhelmed, almost to tears, from the last-minute financial provision. It shows me not only how much God loves Sarah and me, and how His hand is definitely upon us in this trip, but also how much He loves the people of Africa- the people we will serve with and live with and get to know and come to love.

It’s like the line from the old song. “And grace my fears relieved…”

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