giving and receiving.

Timely, timely, timely is the Lord.

As I have been reading my Bible this past week, several things have jumped out at me that have encouraged me.

        There are a few chapters in 2 Corinthians where Paul talks about giving (chapters 8 & 9 specifically). I couldn't help but relate as I am here across the world, supported by those who give. Paul urges the Corinthians to give, as he looks at the faithfulness in giving displayed by the Macedonian churches. He talks about "sowing generously and reaping generously" (9:6) and also about how "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in good work" (9:8). Those things were somewhat familiar to me; I might have even blogged about those before. What REALLY stuck out to me was what I found in the next few verses..

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (9:10-15)

     All of that is wonderful--reasons to give, reasons to trust. But look at the part I have bolded. THAT IS WHERE I AM SUPPOSE TO RESPOND. People give. They are generous. And what do the receivers do? They remember those people. They pray for them. The result is thanksgiving to God, glory to Him, magnifying His work and goodness.

     So that is what I have been trying to do. And it has been such a blessing, remembering each of you as I receive notice of a donation. Some of you who have been in my life for years, some from college, some just acquaintances, some family. But all of you are givers and have been a blessing to my heart. 
So thank you. I am thankful for you each and all.

All of that being said, I am still in need. I have been blown away with the response since my last post. A lot of people have given! As of Sunday, January 19th--I am at needing $3,025. That is 121 more donations of $25 by February 1st. Thanks for standing with me in faith and continuing to pray.

Know that I am praying for you and ever thankful for those of you who give and encourage and support and simply talk to me. You have made this journey wonderful.

Brittany :)

literally stepping out of the boat.

Midwifery partnerships to meet needs physically and spiritually. That is what it is all about.

Those of you who keep up with my adventures may remember my trip to Cambodia this past September. What an eye-opening trip! Spiritual darkness like I have never seen before, women so far removed from understanding their bodies and how/what it means to give birth, young babies and children dying because of traditional practices that put their babies at risk. My heart was challenged and changed.

Vonn and I continue to pray for the country of Cambodia, not knowing if one day God will call us to serve there. My experience there was used to continue to kindle the fire in my heart for the NEED and the DESPERATION. And also reminded me of the vital role a midwife plays on the foreign mission field.

Below is a link to a video a teammate of mine made of our experience in September. Thank you to those who made it financially possible for me to go. Thanks to those who stood faithful in prayer to bind back the enemy in spiritual battle. Our organization continues to send girls there for further ministry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Q6uegGybo&feature=share&list=FLzfAmdcAl6auOEDOzklURTQ

As an end of week update, I am at still needing $3, 675 by February 1st to finish up my last semester here in the Philippines--that equals out to 147 more donations of $25. Donate via the link to the left of this post.

Thanks for standing with me and trusting. I'm am beyond thrilled to use what I have learned here for the rest of my life!

Midwife Brittany