God's Economy

We regret to inform you … Five words no one wants to read, because whatever follows is sure to be unwanted news. A wave of shock pulsed through my body when I was notified that my grant request had been denied. My plans for spring sabbatical projects and medical missions in Kenya, Africa were in place – airline tickets had already been purchased. It was too late to apply for other funding. How was I going to pay for it!?

That put me in a position of humility (and embarrassment) trusting the Lord to provide for my needs. I decided to raise support for the portion of my time in Kenya when I would be leading medical mission teams for Open Arms International. The last time I raised support for a mission trip was in 1986.

To make matters worse, the world had just entered the recent economic crisis! It seemed to be a really bad time to ask others to help me financially. However, I was reminded that I was on God’s economy NOT the world’s.

While all this was happening, the Lord instructed me to make a large donation to a Christian charity. WHAT!? I have to raise thousands of dollars and You want me to give away hundreds?

My African mission journey began in the spring of 2005 when the Lord commanded me to go to Africa as a medical missionary. I was absolutely blindsided by that “God encounter” at an evening church service. I already had a full summer planned. A mission trip to Africa was NOT on the list. Regardless, I went on my first medical mission trip with Open Arms in July of 2005.

Obedience is rarely convenient.

I put the charitable donation in the mail slot along with a bundle of letters asking friends to help me with the expenses of the Kenya mission trips in 2009. Lord, you know my need. Please return this donation one hundred fold. I trust You.

If you have experienced God’s economy, you know that He provides lavishly. The Lord returned more than I asked!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (Prov 3:5)