The struggle is real.

Transparency without Hype.

Matthew 14 28-29 
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 

I am writing to ask for money. I am praying that God puts it on your heart to support me monthly, even if you haven't felt that stirring before.

I need to raise a specific amount of income in order to provide for myself and my kids. I do believe this is what God has called me to do, so I am trusting HIM to prompt the people He wants to give. But, I know you will be blessed by it!

It's my goal to be able to quit working my outside jobs by the end of July. I am currently working 6 & 7 days a week to supplement the support. I am exhausted, not seeing much of my kids and my church attendance has been spotty. I have not been able to give 100% to any of the areas of my life I am called to.

If you like, I am happy to discuss my role at YMI and why it's important and what exactly you would be investing in, by supporting me. I love to meet with people and share what God is doing at YMI.

Many folks have asked me if I am certain I heard from the Lord when I took this job. I am certain. There were many factors and "confirmations" that led to this decision. It was not an easy one to make, to leave the security of earning my own income. To come to complete and total dependence on God. But in some ways, I know that is what He wants from every one of us. It just looks different for each of us. Some of us are relying totally on Him to provide a husband, or a child, or a miracle of a health concern, or some other financial need, or employment or deliverance. 

Jesus commanded me to step out of the boat, and I obeyed, in faith. I am doing the best I can to keep my eyes fixed on Him so I don't sink. 

I need 20-25 people to commit to donating $35 per month.

Will you also take that faith step out of the boat and join me in this journey? 

Thank you.

Mia

MAY the 4th be with you...

Hoped that popular Star Wars Euphemism would draw some of you into this page! It is indeed May 4 and a lot has happened since my last post just a month ago.

MINISTRY- 

* I have had a chance to attend an "Explore Team Leader" Training a couple of weekends ago and I have to say it was amazing to learn more in depth what that division of YMI is doing and what the needs are. 

Explore is our individual person-short term mission trips for youth ages 14-22. And they are always in need of leaders aged 23+ we have destinations all over the world, so if you ever want to go let me know! 

* I was able to spend some time with Drew Hester this month, he is my boss and the executive director of Base Sports. He currently lives in Colorado Springs but is moving to WA in about 6 weeks. It's been so much easier to accomplish work and collaborate on things with him here in the office and it's been fun getting to know him and his family a little too. 

* My Base Sports ministry partner, is leaving the organization to pursue a different calling the Lord has given him and his family in AZ. This is a wonderful opportunity for them and he leaves on great terms with us, but it does leave a big gap in Base Sports. Which means my role and responsibilities will change and increase. On the one hand, I am honored and excited, but on the other, he leaves rather large shoes to fill and I'm nervous about how much I still don't know! 

* In addition to talking to & praying for churches that we have planted VBS with for this coming summer, I have also been writing a lot! That has been such a neat thing for me, writing things such as articles for our catalog, blog posts for AWANA, curriculum including Bible stories and Children's stories and more. 

PERSONALLY-

* I experienced a health and financial set-back this past month. I ended up with very serious bronchial infection (they believe may have been whooping cough) and was in bed for a week and unable to speak for 2 weeks and weakened physically by lack of oxygen etc... I am only now feeling back to health but still have to take it easy. I am still coughing a lot, especially at night and this means less energy during the day & breath capacity which makes it difficult to walk around in downtown Seattle. My kids have been battling quite a bit of illness and/or injury too of various kinds. As a result of my illness I was unable to work so that is why finances have been hindered. As well as some extra expenses incurred as a result of 2 of my children graduating from school! April was definitely a challenging month. 

* I have the opportunity to go to Nepal in October. (where the recent natural disaster occurred) and help lead a team of youth to work alongside our missionary partners there. Details will be coming this summer.

* 2 of my children are graduating. One from High School and another from College. There are a lot of details involved, but mostly just excitement and pride! It's a joyous time around our house these days. 

PRAISES: 

* I was gifted a "new-to-me" car!! Thank you all for your prayers. Another missionary in our office had no use any longer for one he had, so he gave it to me! No cost. It was given to him previously by another missionary and so it goes on... I am praying protection and health over this vehicle and am just thrilled that God DID indeed creatively work that out for me! 

*I have 2 more people that signed up to support me regularly. I am always humbled and amazed at those who have committed to this. Most of the folks who have signed up are not folks I would have thought to ask... and I am so thankful to THEM for being inclined when the Lord stirred their heart for me. 

NEEDS: 

*I am still in need of 20-30 folks to commit to supporting me every month at $35-$50 per month. Would you please pray and consider being one of them? (I am THRILLED at the opportunity to meet any of you in person if you like, and discuss the HOW, WHAT, WHY of YMI and my role in it!)

*I am in need of "One-time" Special project gifts for some expenses I have coming up including missions trips which is not covered by my monthly support. As well as medical bills that I accrued during my recent illness and moving expenses. (see below)  

*I need to move into a house by MAY 29th. This is a fairly critical need, which involves many things.  I am PRAYING that I can find an affordable rental house in the same school zone as where my kids currently attend. They have had to move and change schools several times in the last few years and I'd like for them not to have to do that again. However, we will go wherever God leads. I also need extra $$ for moving costs deposits etc... and I would need actual physical help packing and moving. God can creatively work this all out, but please be praying with me that He does this soon.  

* Please continue to pray for HEALTH and protection over each of us. It has been difficult and unprofessional to miss so much work and/or school. Plus I'm just tired of feeling sick & tired.

* Please pray for all the many transitions coming up. Professionally and personally. Kids moving home from college, potentially moving into a new house, kids moving out on their own, new roles and such for me to fill with Nathan leaving and so on... pray for wisdom, knowledge, unity and organization of details.

Thank you for reading all this!
Standing with you for the Kingdom,

Mia 

EXPLORE LEADER TRAINING 

This is the catalog/magazine that YMI just produced & this is my 2 page spread.
Marketing gal Rose did the pictures & layout, but I wrote & designed all the text!
I just love being able to write... 

Our Spaghetti Tower. Team building & communication. 

Drew Hester Director of Base Sports.
Soon to be located in WA.