Shock, rejoicing, weeping, and several doses of reality.
Those are some things I have experienced the past several months as I have continued to prepare for my trip to Cote d'Ivoire.
Since my last update, a lot of life has happened. I am officially a high school graduate (thank you Lord), I have been blessed with two jobs, and I have been able to share my story some more, getting the word out about what God is doing in my life and I have been amazed by what God has given as fruit.
These past several months have been far from easy, though. There is always the time where God needs to put us into the fire to refine us and to prepare us- I would say that I have felt a great deal of that. Until several weeks ago, my support raising was stagnant at 3% and it had been that way for about seven months. I had promised myself that right after graduation I would buckle down, and devote a majority of my time and energy into Africa planning and preparing and so I did. I felt I was doing everything that I could-- working right out of high school, making appointments to share with people in their homes, licking what felt like every envelope on the face of the earth, and praying my guts out. But I got nothing. At least that's what I felt at the time.
With no financial support coming in, I felt discouraged, confused and quite frankly frustrated with God. Why is it that He would move and help me jump over so many other hurdles, and then allow money to stand in the way?? This is the same God that owns the cattle on a thousand hills- money is not a problem for Him! Why would this desire be so strong and real in my heart if it was not God's plan for me? Maybe this just isn't God's timing- if people do not feel it put on their hearts to give, maybe it just isn't the time for me to go.
Those were my thoughts for a few days, especially after finding out that my launch date was now pushed up two weeks to AUGUST 31st. Everything suddenly felt impossible.
But, with much guidance, council, prayer, tears, and a little rest- God has made it clear that this is very possible for Him and I just need to trust in Him.
On June 2nd I presented my plans to the congregation at my church, this last Sunday on the 23rd I was the hostess of a Pancake Breakfast to support me with donations, a pop can drive plan is in the mix, and nearly every week in between I have had a table set up willing to answer any questions. I have been diligent and faithful- exactly what God has asked of me.
In four weeks time, God moved hearts and brought my support from 3% to 65%!!! It has been so amazing to see God's deliverance once again in my life-- there truly is tangible hope that this ministry is going to happen and I am so blessed.
I am continuing to work work work, staying in the word, seeking out encouragement from friends and family, and I will take the next sixty four days, one day at a time with purpose.
I felt like giving up- I refused to call it quitting but, that is what it would have been. I am going to till the end, not having any potential regrets for my future; wondering 'what if '.
If God has laid it on your heart to learn more about my ministry through Journey Corps and give in any way, please check out my webpage:
https://www.worldventure.com/sslpage.aspx?pid=1419
God is good.
Tiffany Marie Johnson
