Time to "Spring" into action!

Wow! What a mighty God we serve! Every time I feel weak, fearful, or inadequate, God is faithful to show me His strength, His peace, and His adequacy. Yesterday I felt weak, so God provided me an opportunity to be strong. I could not have overcome this obstacle in my own strength. I cried out to the Lord, He answered, and His strength was sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

What opportunity is God giving you today to demonstrate His strength and sufficiency through your life?

I am so encouraged by the support and passion of the church in my life. Transparency, relationships, accountability, encouragement, prayer, support...the list goes on. When the church is living in Christ's identity and His mission, the gates of hell will not be able to stand against it (Matthew 16:18). I have the privilege to be surrounded by people who live in the identity and mission of Christ. I encourage you today to live out the identity Christ gives you and the mission He sets before you. Surround yourself with believers who do the same.

Today someone approached me wanting to donate a couple hundred dollars toward my missions efforts. It never ceases to amaze me the power of God to provide in miraculous ways! I choose to never undermine or take for granted the generosity of those around me. It will always amaze me, and it will always remind me that God is exactly who He says He is. 

Tommy, Michael, and I were able to finish designing, printing, folding, packing, and stamping all my support letters. That was an incredible blessing to have their support through their service! Thank you, gentlemen, for your love to me and support to missions in this way! Letters go out tomorrow!

A good friend and mentor gave me the idea to start an On-Site Tech Support fundraiser. It's an incredible idea that I decided to pursue. I am trusting the Lord to use these efforts as a means to bless others and reach people who do not know Christ. I want to use the giftings that God has given me to glorify Him and advance His Kingdom.

I am working on two fundraising ideas with Marisa McClain who is also going to Africa this year with Reaching Souls.

1. We are developing a "concessions stand" for the students who attend church on Wednesday night. Many students purchase snacks and drinks from the gas station across the street on a weekly basis. Soon, they will be able to get their snacks and drinks without the risk of crossing Walker Ave. and all the profit will go toward Marisa and I's Kenya trip!
2. We are working on a after-church-cookout for an upcoming Sunday afternoon. We will grill hamburgers and hotdogs near the Family Center and all enjoy a meal together at tables on the basketball court! All proceeds and donations will go directly toward our Kenya trip!

We are establishing these two fundraisers in such a way that other students/adults who are going on short-term mission trips in the future can use these ideas and efforts more easily to raise money for their missions efforts! We want to see a long-term impact and encouragement for foreign missions by our efforts now. 

I am so excited to see all the different ways God provides in the upcoming months! I am anticipating that God will blow me away by His provision, strength, endurance, and providence in the upcoming months. To God be the glory for all He is doing and all He has done! 

In Christ,
-Justin D. Werner