Change of Plans.

Over the past couple months I have been struggling with raising funds and I had wondered why that might be. Through prayer and conversation with various pastors, I have come to the conclusion that the reason is that now is not the right time for me to continue on in the 365m program. Just like Paul was called to Macedonia and was diverted until the right time for him to arrive there, I sense that now is not the right time for me to journey to Scotland. I have enjoyed my time in conversations and in the courses and am thankful for the growth and spiritual development that has come out of what I have participated in. I do not fully understand why I have come this far without going all the way, but I trust and hope in whatever God has planned for me.

The funds that have been raised in my account will still be administered to the missionary field in Scotland. As a matter of fact, I will still be giving to those that are going. If you still have a passion for Scotland and have not been able to give there are still two other missionaries going to Scotland: Daniel Manning and Brianna Thompson.

Thank you again to everyone who has given financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Grace and peace to you all.

Closing in...

Greetings all!

The past couple months have been a mixture of busy-ness with work, school, fundraising and family life so I apologize for posting again so late!

Since my last update I have had the opportunity to speak at two different churches which I greatly appreciate both for allowing me to share about the Lord's calling for the Church in Scotland. I have, however, fallen behind on my goal for this point quite a bit more than I had anticipated. With two months until my departure, much work is still needed to be done.

If you have been waiting to give financially, now is that time. Just a reminder that all gifts that are given are considered gifts specifically for the ministry that is to be done in Scotland (meaning it does not go into my own pocket). By your giving, I will be able to join the youth ministry team of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Perth as they share the love of Christ with those teenagers and their families.

Thank you.

The Highlands are Drawing Near

Greetings everyone!

I have been humbled by not only the financial support that has been coming in, but the words of encouragement I have received as well. So first and foremost, thanks to all of you who have been there for me financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Secondly, one prayer request has been answered! For a month or so I had been getting a shortage of hours at work (Walmart) but this week I was informed that I would be getting a promotion! I started my new position today and it went quite well, so thank you to everyone who has been praying for that situation.

Finally, the second signature course for the 365m program came to a closet this preceding week which marks another milestone I have completed in my preparation for departure. In one more week I will be beginning the third and final signature course which will conclude mid-November. It has been such a privilege to participate in these online courses and to learn alongside 10 other seminary students. These peers have been a source of encouragement for me as we have conversed inside and outside the scholarly setting. I am grateful for them, so if you are reading this, please keep them in your prayers as well.

I still have quite a ways to go spiritually, financially and personally before I will be 'ready' so I ask that you would continue to prayerfully consider what type of support you would be able to provide, and then act on it. If it is to pray, pray. If it is to encourage, encourage. If it is to share with others, share with others. And if it happens to be to give, then by all means give.

Grace and peace to all of you.

(If you do choose to give you can click on the "Become a Partner" tab or you can click here and access my online donation page directly.)

Approaching the six month mark...

This week (specifically Thursday July 31) marks six months until I am scheduled to board a plane that will take me from Kansas City to Perth! This is quite exciting for me. As my first course in the 365m program comes to an end I find myself realizing that I truly am going to find myself living almost a whole year in Scotland. The idea baffles me, to be honest. A year ago I had just begun to allow the idea of pursuing a seminary education to sink in, and now I am almost done with my first course. Our passions and dreams truly can become our reality. We must put them into God's hands and ask Him boldly to shape us. We cannot simply sit idle waiting for these masterpiece plans in our heads come into being, we must act on those passions!

I am excited to find out how the next six months plays out. I hope that you will be right there alongside me as well. Please continue to pray for me during this time.

PS: My support letter is nearly complete and I am awaiting approval from my supervisors prior to sending them out. I hope to have the opportunity to sit down with anyone that is interested to talk more about how we can partner together in this calling God has placed upon the Church to go into the heart of Scotland.

In the beginning...

Greetings Friends!

I have accepted a calling, a mission, a journey to travel "across the pond" to Perth, Scotland! But you probably already knew that (more than likely without even having to look at the title of my blog). I want to thank you for your support! Whether it be through giving of your hugs, advice, resources or prayers, I appreciate it all. I will be updating more often once I actually arrive in Scotland, but I wanted to get a head start. I will be posting the latest news involving my preparations for my trip and the different opportunities to support my journey as they come into play.

You can check out Trinity Church of the Nazarene, where I will be serving, here!