Faithfulness

In this journey that we are on I have been learning so much about the God that I serve. He has revealed Himself to me in ways that blow me away! Daily He is reminding of His faithfulness, and in turn how shallow my faithfulness to Him has been at times. If He is the God that I claim Him to be, how can I ever doubt Him? Maybe I am the only one that struggles with these type of questions, but then again, maybe I'm not. I am so thankful that His faithfulness to me is constant, never failing, full of grace and forgiveness, and is there for the taking. I know that this month is the month of thankfulness, but I want to be truly thankful for all in my life every single day, that includes the hard and trying times. Today, I am thankful for His faithfulness in every aspect of my life, even the not so pretty ones.

Steer Inc 2013

I had the opportunity to travel to North Dakota for the first time over the weekend to a missions conference and really enjoyed this experience. Steer Inc. was founded by farmers in North Dakota as a way to "steer" money to missions. They have sent over 10 million dollars to various mission agencies and missionaries around the world just in the last 10 years and have sent over 20 million dollars in total since their founding in 1957. They also have a long history with World Gospel Mission and currently work with 16 missionaries in WGM. I was amazed to find out that what they need was not more money, but willing farmers to give money to. Since farmer's cash flow is not always constant and can sometimes be a once a year deal, farmers joined together to form this organization so that they could still financially help missions in a consistent way. Steer actually gives the farmer money to buy a cow, hog, or inputs for the crop, and then the farmer basically blends that into their operation. A lot of times the work and land cost are already being used for their own use anyway, so for example, the one or two cows Steer Inc. buys, blend right in with the other 30 cows they already have. Then when that cow has a calf once a year the sale of the calf goes to Steer Inc. and Steer pays the mission agency/missionary of their choice. Anyway I know for those of you who don't farm this may not be too interesting, but it is just one way that God can use people in extraordinary ways to be a blessing to others.  -  Andy

http://www.steerinc.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzm8FWUd4QY&feature=player_embedded

Reflection

As I reflect on all that has led us to this point, that being full time ministry; I can't help but be blown away by the fact that God wants to use our family. It's a very humbling feeling and one that takes my breath away. It amazes me that no matter how many times we mess up or don't get it right, He still chooses to use us to reach the lost. That goes for all Christ followers, no matter who you are, if you have a personal relationship with Christ, He uses each one of us. How awesome is that? I am so grateful that we serve a loving and merciful God, one that forgives, transforms, and meets us where we are. So, I leave you with these questions. What is God asking you to do? What is your role in the Great Commission? Because we all have a role, it is not a task for just missionaries, church leaders, and pastors, or an optional command, but is for every single Christ follower to obey. Please don't misunderstand me, I do not believe that God will call everyone to overseas missions, but I do believe without a shadow of a doubt, that He calls each one of us to reach the lost and live intentional lives. We just need to come to the place where we give Him complete control of our lives, and be willing to say yes, no matter where He leads.

-Stephanie