VineAgeStart A Community!Sign In

Posts for March, 2008

A Test of Faith & Taste of Humility

After 4 years of God’s financial provision as a missionary, I’m ashamed to admit that I sometimes I still doubt His provision. Today I receive my bi-weekly financial report from Alternative Missions & saw new donations for this upcoming MCT trip to Mexico. Upon seeing these donations, I shouted out praise to God (and consequently sent my dog into a barking rage). :) And in that moment, I also repented as my excitement revealed the doubts in my heart.

Our economy is changing and it has affected many friends and loved ones. While some believe the drop in the economy is simply a hoax from the government, I know people that have lost jobs and houses. Whether or not it’s a hoax or a truly difficult season, people are struggling financially and I am saddened for them. Consequently, these changes in the economy not only affect friends & churches, but also have effects in my financial support. This has made the fundraising for the upcoming MCT trips a matter of prayer & apparently worry. I didn’t recognize that my heart felt anxious until the security of donations came in.

At that same moment, I felt so humbled by the financial donations people made. Living on faith-based support might be different than working as an executive manager, but it is the same God who supplies our needs or takes away our income. Knowing some people that are struggling financially makes me keenly aware of the sacrifices they make to be obedient in the money they give to God & He gives to me. Lord make me generous with that which you have given!

All of this caused me to reflect (and blog), remembering what I know to be true - That God is good. That God is faithful. That God has called me. And that God is in control. And I’m so thankful.

*And if you’re curious after reading this, I only have $200 to raise for the Mexico trip (and another $1300 for Honduras).

Preparation for MCT Trip to Mexico

With the Missionary Care Team (MCT) trip to Mexico only 2 1/2 weeks away, I am feeling the pressure for preparation. With this being my first experience visiting with our missionaries as part of the MCT team, I have a lot to learn.  I have been reading various Missionary Care books & reviewing my notes from the conferences I recently attended. I plan to bring down some notes & useful resources just in case I have need of them, which means condensing and prioritizing (in addition to much prayer). Today I finished reading Missionary Care:Counting the Cost for World Evangelism, by Kelly O’Donnel (book report coming soon) & will begin reading The Family, by Balswick & Balswick to study Biblical values in the team and family setting.

For the most part, I will play the role of learner this first trip. Our 2 mental health care professionals have prepared resources and materials for each of the topics they’ll be teaching. Once we arrive, I will meet with them to determine if or what I will help them teach. Among other things, I look forward to learning how to facilitate teaching and discussion in group settings with cross-cultural workers (some of our staff are from Mexico). There is much for me to learn & I am praying for a heart & mind able to retain it all.

Upcoming Missionary Care Trips

It’s with great excitement that I share with you this news about 2 upcoming missionary care trips with Alternative Missions. In April, I will be traveling to Cofradia, MX to meet with our ministry teams from Cofradia and Tepic. Just two weeks later, I’ll be heading down to the Bay Islands in Honduras to meet with our staff in Helene. You can check out more about these trips on my website under “Events”.

Any missionary could tell you that their lives are challenging. Living cross-culturally and taking risks on a regular basis can affect many areas of life—one’s marriage, kids, health, ministry team, and relationship with God. That’s why I’ll be traveling with our Missionary Care Team to coach our staff individually and corporately. I’ll be traveling with Tom, the director of Alternative Missions, as well as two trained missionary care personnel (a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist). I can’t wait to deepen my relationship with each staff member through these initial trips as I am committed to caring for them for years to come.

In order to make these trips happen, I need to raise a total of $2,000 which includes airfare, lodging and meals. Would you please consider partnering with me in caring for missionaries by helping me meet this financial goal?

 

I would also like to bless our missionaries with small gifts that are easy to pack. Would you consider donating small gifts for our staff? I’ll come and pick up anything you have to donate. (There are 26 adults and 7 kids)

Ideas include:

* School supplies, stickers, books, clothes, or toys for the kids (ages 9mo—13years)

* Worship cd’s, specialty food items, stationary, or DVDs  for our staff families

Call or email me if you’re interested in either donating material or finances to purchase these gifts.

Serving Joyfully,

TJ Gause

 

 (Some of our staff in Mexio & Honduras)




Now Online

(secret kung-foo php code will go here to provide a list of online users)

Support Vineage