August 4
Eleven days ago when our new child was born, we had less than $10. Now, through provisions by God, we have enough money for the month of August. We are thankful that God has provided us with many Brothers in Christ who offered us meals during the first days of Olivette's life.
Why is obeying and trusting God so difficult for many? There is a command spoken by Jesus one time in all of the Bible and we all obey it. That command is the act of communion. The church reads that command and pushes the obedience of the church to that one command, yet turns a blind eye and screams legalism and "works based salvation" at the myriad of other commands spoken by our God. There are over twenty warnings and commands against things of this world such as money, wealth, possessions, luxury and self-indulgence. It is written, you cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ unless you renounce all that you have. Flee the things of this world.
August 14
We received the news yesterday that we would not be the camp hosts at the Pit campground this year. This means when November comes we will have no place to park our home, we will lose $500 per month income and we will no longer have the great opportunity to live amongst the climbers to better serve and share the Gospel with them.
This may sound like bad news, but to me this is a toss out of a bird's nest. The Lord knows that we desire to have a hostel here. It is a lofty goal that only God can provide for. I could easily get comfortable camp hosting all year and never move forward to a more fruitful ministry. Not having the camp host position forces me to wholeheartedly seek the hostel with full faith.
The news does not come without a hopeful opportunity either. The church we have begun attending only one month ago has mentioned the possibility of purchasing a building for their needs. The purchase would include a parsonage that is of no use to them. The pastor has mentioned it as a possible use for us and our ministry. I will take this prayer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
August 29
A substantial tree limb has come down at our property in Texas. it is currently resting over our neighbor's fence and on his shed. We currently do not have the money to remove the tree. I will continue to pray the Lord provides to solve this problem and no more damage is done.
We also have $0.21 left in our account, but praise Jesus He knows our needs before they come! My sister and brother sent a gift of $50 to us and it will carry us through the remainder of the week.
August 31
Yesterday my father was taken to the ER for severe pain. They found a serious infection and administered antibiotics to stop the infection. They also found cysts. They will be doing further tests in the next few days. My father does not know the Lord. I pray that he seeks out answers and the Lord finds him. I pray that God moves him to obey His commands and to love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I desire this more than his health.
The Lord has answered my prayers about our van! The pistons are in good shape so they are salvageable and able to be rebuilt. The entire engine rebuild will cost us close to $1,000. I pray the Lord provides for us that extra money to repair our van. The brother who is fixing the van has offered to loan us the money but I must refuse. We are told in Romans to, "owe no man anything," and I will strive to obey this command.
Current prayers:
- Father's salvation
- Money for tree removal
- Money for van repairs
- Possible nutrition job
- Looney Bean job
- That I serve my Lord
Once again the Lord has provided with all of our needs! The expense for the removal of the downed tree in Texas cost almost the exact amount that we received from a brother in Christ. Praise God for His love, generosity and promises.
September 11
Yesterday was full of blessings from the Lord. He answered a direct prayer for a part-time job. I was offered a position at a coffee shop doing work in the early mornings. The hours are perfect as they do not interfere with much family time.
I was also privileged to share the Gospel with an unsaved climber!
September 14
Current prayers:
- House for Hostel
- Van repairs
- Job
- Provisions for September
- A ride to Arkansas for 24HHH
- Two unsaved climbers
God has once again, as promised throughout the Bible, answered our prayers and provided for our needs. I have been praying daily that the Lord would offer up the means to fix our van. For two months now I have been waiting, with complete faith, for that deliverance. Yesterday, while out for a run, I felt the burning desire to drop to my knees in prayer before our Lord. On my knees before our one true God I thanked Him for all that He has done, and asked that our van be fixed. That very night I talked to a brother who offered to cover all the expenses for the van! How great our Lord is!
September 18
Current prayers:
- Living Waters school
- Where to park RV
- Trip to see family
The ways in which the Lord provides for us is astounding. By only lifting our needs up to God in prayer a brother was moved to cover all of our expenses on our van, and a dear sister has inquired of our needs.
September 29
How great is our Lord! Explaining the inner workings of His provision is becoming difficult. I am currently returning from a trip to Arkansas for a climbing event, a trip that was flooded with support from the Lord. A brother offered to drive me five hours to the airport and cover my expenses while in Arkansas. A sister in Christ has offered me a place to stay tonight, and a brother has offered to cover my bus fare back to Bishop. When I arrived in Arkansas a fellow climber offered to drive six hours out of his way to pick me up from the airport. These are all answers to direct prayers to Jesus Christ. He is a gracious Lord who desires to meet our needs within the scope of his will. I prayed only to God for these needs and he fulfilled them through others. Bethany was also blessed with plenty of support from our church while alone with the kids.
October 11
I've started a part-time job this month which has been a blessing. It allows for us to set aside money for our personal bills, the hostel and service to others. But, it also takes time away from reading God's word and praying. Lately I've felt no desire to put myself out there and discuss spiritual things with people. I've told no one about Jesus in over two weeks. I must get back into God's word!
November 4
A few days ago as a test of our faith. We had less than three dollars left, the van was almost out of gas and I had to work the next day. The van was so low in gas I did not believe it would make it into town and back to the Pit where we are staying. Our next form of income was not coming in for nearly one week. Regardless of these facts and with no solution I drove to work, knowing I may be stranded with out gas or money. I prayed fervently all morning for God's grace to once again fall on our needs. After work I sat down in prayer and decided to get some work done on the computer. And behold, God again answered my prayers! I checked our account and our camp hosting payment was deposited that morning, a full week early.
Give up your life and the world and serve the God who gave you life! His promises are true.
November 14
The Lord continues to provide! We felt that we had been weak in proclaiming our Lord to others. After much prayer the Lord opened three opportunities to share the Gospel.
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