Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

So, today is June 3rd. We are two days past our self-imposed deadline of reaching 90% of our required financial support level by June 1st. I wanted to take a moment to provide an update of where we stand, what our remaining need is (along with our strategy to get there), and share our updated time line.

We are currently at 77% of our required support level. At first I felt disappointed that we did not achieve what we set out to do by June 1st. But I am reminded that this is not about our goals and our timetables, but about God's perfect plan for us. While I have no doubt that we are called to serve in Ireland and that God's hand has been upon this endeavor, I am ashamed to admit that I have doubted in His provision when things haven't gone the way I wanted them to go. God is faithful - I just need to remember that! In many ways, our support has been like manna from heaven. It seems as though we get just enough every day to keep the percentage ticking upward. I am thankful for all that God has given to us so far.

Our remaining need is that we are required to get to 95% of our support before we can be released to Ireland. That is another 18% of our goal to raise - which comes out to $872 in monthly commitments to obtain. That would be only 9 people contributing $100/month! There are a handful of people for us to contact and/or hear back from, but the fact is that our network of potential supporters is dwindling.

Our strategy to get to 95% of our goal is this:

1) Pray
2) Pray
3) Pray
4) Be prepared for opportunities that God provides to share about our ministry and to ask for prayer and financial support
5) Reach out to those who are already part of our support team with 2 things in mind:
A) Do they have friends, family members, co-workers who have a heart for missions and may be interested in our ministry in Ireland?
B) Would they be in prayer about increasing their financial support by as little as $10/month or 33 cents per day? With nearly 50 monthly supporters on the team, this alone would produce more than a 10% boost to our required budget!

Our updated time line is that we will be cleared to depart when 95% of our monthly support is committed. Our prayer is that God will provide in time for us to fly to Ireland while Sarah is still able to (due to her pregnancy). The last day that she can fly is July 29th. If we are not able to go by then, then we will need to have the baby here and then wait a couple of months to travel, which would put us in December/January.

Well, that's the latest. We remain encouraged and optimistic and we know that we will be strengthened as we wait upon our Lord!