(So I don't get accused of recycling blog material, please let me explain: I received more RUF support information this weekend, so I've updated this older post instead of writing a whole new one.)

The LORD continues to humble me with His beyond-generous provision for me and the work I believe He's called me to. And again, He has seen fit to raise these funds in a manner that literally removes any chance at all for me to take even the smallest bit of credit or glory. As of today HE has raised up about 70% of my support (through pledges or donations) for the 2006-07 academic year. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement; would you please continue them? And would you please take time to lift up the other 30 or so RUF interns who are sharing in Christ's suffering as we/they labor to raise up the needed funds to get us to campus in the Fall. For some of us, the money is coming in quickly; for others it is coming in at a nerve-rackingly slow pace. Either way, though, as God works through us He is also working IN us. As He sovereignly moves people to support us through prayer and material support, He is simultaneously and lovingly testing, growing, and nurturing our incredibly meager faith. He is a gentle Master...and all that He asks, He provides (Derek Webb's words, not mine) tenfold through grace.

It warms my heart to see how God, with each one of these RUF interns, is literally gathering an entire community of people (donors, prayer supporters, interns, families, churches, campus ministers, etc.) to take His Gospel and proclamation of divine love to university campuses around this country. It makes you think...behind every minister, every missionary, and every Christian...is a whole community of believers praying, financing, encouraging, and laboring.


TOTALLY UNRELATED, BUT IMPORTANT OTHER NEWS, I'm now officially a "Local" here in Athens. When I walked into the barber shop this morning...the lady quisically mumbled, "Number 6 on the side, clipped on top, and off the ear?" She was just doing her job...but in my mind I knew something profound had just occured. I sat so proudly in that chair...knowing that after 7 years in this town, I have finally "made it".

That's awesome and exciting! How great to see God's faithfulness!!! And thanks for the note at the top, I guess we all did rip Brandon a new one when he recycled.

You're killing us man. I'm not allowed to look at your blog anymore.

Be praying for my support raising dessert in a couple weeks. I'm at 30% to go to campus.

Nothing but love for ya,
Della

I would like to apologize and repent for the above comment. That was my insecurity and jealousness at it's best. I hope that you will forgive me.

It is truly amazing how God is providing for all of us. I truly believe that He has set each of us on this path and will provide in His perfect timing. I rejoice with you. And in the lessons I am learning the Fundraising Summer 2006, I also give praise to His graciousness to me through my weaknesses.

Hey Della...glad to see your posts here...no need to apologize since no offense was ever seen or taken. I can't wait for training in about two weeks now...that's gonna be an incredible time. I will be praying for your desert that's coming up. And I rejoice along with you...God is amazing in His provision. He is definitely using this support raising process to remove much of our dross and teach us to lean more on His sufficiency and less on our own works. Regardless of how quickly or slowly our support comes in, He is the One moving His people to give...and He is the One who will see to it that His servants are adequately equipped to carry out this particular caling in our lives.

I also have a weird feeling that in a few months...we're going to be longing for the "easy" days of support raising when we are falling flat on our faces day after day trying to learn how to minister to people who are unfortunately just as broken as us. We'll see though...at least John Stone thinks the first year will "suck"...as he so eloquently suggested.

Thanks Courtney! Yeah... I remembered Brandon's ordeal when he dared to recycle material...didn't want to piss off the 3 people who read my blog by making a similar error :)

Hope Decatur is going well this summer.