Last Month’s Ministry Letter Recap: Taking Inventory
Once again it’s nearing the end of the month, and it’s crazy to think how fast time is flying by. Yet with all of that being said, I’m grateful for God’s timing as he’s been teaching me a lot of lessons throughout this season.
October 1st, 2024 - Fear
Have you ever heard the story where Jesus is sleeping on a boat, is awoken from his sleep, then says “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:24)
Well, I mention this story because with Halloween around the corner, I think being afraid is a common theme in culture. From haunted houses to scary costumes to horror movies to concerning amounts of sugar being distributed to children, fear seems to be prevalent during the month of October. Yet, Jesus suggests that great faith combats fear.
So, with all that being said, why are you afraid?
To be honest with you, working in ministry has been scary at times. I’ve had to trust God with finances, analyze myself and my imperfections, take risks, be challenged, and in many ways I wonder if Jesus knows how I’m feeling.
Like the disciples is he looking at me on the boat, and wondering Maurice why are you afraid?
Yet, when you continue reading the Bible story a transformation occurs as fear shifts into astonishment.
Hence, although I can’t deny that at times it’s been “sketchy,” I also can’t deny how someone with authority is sleeping on my boat. Jesus is capable of shifting fear into astonishment, and in order to get there all it takes is a little bit of faith.
October, 2024 - Growing in Faith
Throughout this month, God has repeatedly shifted moments of “storminess” into moments of awe, here’s just a few examples of when that happened…
1. Storm of Financial Timing into a Stillness in Community: Earlier this month when I was feeling concerned about God’s timing for when my ministry partner development would be complete, I felt driven by the Lord to not be afraid but keep pushing forward in faith.
So, I continued trusting God, and I ended up voicing how I desired more community during the ministry development process; and next thing you know, a group of us on Impact staff now have regular zoom “MPD Community Calls” where we can encourage and motivate each other in the midst of some frustrating work at times.
2. Storm of Isolation into Awe of Networking: While also pertaining to this ministry development season, I’ve felt frustrated at times as I’ve desired to focus my attention towards reaching students on campuses. Yet, due to God’s timing I’ve been guided to continue building a support base, before focusing my attention towards students. From meeting folks in New York to Rhode Island to New Hampshire and even Arizona, I’ve felt so blessed to connect with people, and share about this ministry; and I don’t know if I would know some of you all if I was operating in “my” timeframe and not God’s.
3. Storm of Busyness into Calm and Peace: Lastly, I think another major area of growth for me has been shifting my schedule and spending more time with God this season. As an undergrad in college, I remember doing so much work, maxing out my schedule, and in a way it was comforting. I felt like a packed schedule represented great value, so now being post undergrad, my “not packed” schedule is different and scary.
Essentially, I have to adjust my schedule to help with other peoples needs. In other words, I can’t overcommit my schedule but rather make myself available to others, and that’s scary. Yet, despite this newness in availability, I’ve been challenged in many ways to lean in, listen to God, and be available for him too, when this can seem difficult in seasons of busyness. So, even as last Sunday, Oct 20th was my birthday, I’ve really felt inclined throughout this next year to explore what it looks like to 1) Hear from God, and 2) posture oneself as being available to Him. (Scripture for thought 1 Samuel 3).
Numbers Update
Nonetheless, I am still super super close to reaching my full monthly support goal! I have about $300 of monthly support left to raise, and I truly cannot do this alone. Thank you again for joining my team, and thank you for praying for me and this ministry!
Support Tracker
My Prayer Requests
1. Continued TRUST and PATIENCE within this Ministry Partner Development season.
2. Divine connections, that I may continue to meet new people and share with them about this ministry.
3. Pray for The Impact National Conference (students, speakers, funding, accessibility, etc).