Simply Trusting

With the holidays that come with this time of year, the pace of life has definitely picked up. We’ve had several different exciting events already, with more to come. To start, we had an exciting Thanksgiving meal for the dorm the week before American Thanksgiving. Lots of yummy dishes, like green bean casserole, stuffing, turkey, and sweet potatoes were included. As we enjoyed the food and fellowship, and reflected on what we are thankful for, one of the biggest things on my mind was the fact that I feel more at home here than I ever thought I would this soon. To be able to sit at the table and talk and laugh with those around me after knowing them for less than two months; to feel like I’m fitting into the ways of the dorm; and most of all to find reassurance every day knowing that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I truly have much to be thankful for. I know that this post comes a bit after the fact, but I also want to say how much I am thankful for my family. Many parents h...

The thoughts in this post may seem a bit scattered, but this can of increased activity in the dorm which, in this case, is a good thing. Gradually, I’m learning my place here, among the staff, and with the students. One good word that describes my goals in being here is “Balance.” Balance in relationships, developing new ones in the community here, and trying to maintain those from the states. Balance in getting to know my students, trying to help guide and discipline, but also learning when to come alongside and just be a friend. Learning how to balance time, giving sufficient time to meal preparation and other necessary activities in addition to rest time and sleep. For experienced parents who may be reading this, you are probably thinking “Wait til you have your own kids!” I just count myself blessed to have a chance to learn from the students here. I’m learning that all of life is learning, and I’m grateful for a patient Teacher, and fellow students. I’d like to give you occasiona...

Funny how when you’re young, Christmas seems to take forever to come. Then once you get older, you blink and another holiday, month, etc.   is upon you. I’m very excited to be starting my third week at Sonne. Getting acclimated here has included getting to know a very special and unique fellowship of believers. They are open and accepting, and passionate about their part of the ministry here. I have also had some great opportunities to get to know the guys. This has gone a lot faster than I had expected. Whether it’s a little conversation here, a game there (I learned to play Risk this week), helping with homework, or whatever the situation, getting to know these people better is a continual joy. At dinner the other night I had a flash-back to my first meal here, and while it’s a good memory, I was relieved to find that I have become 100% more comfortable here. I’m really enjoying getting to know the dorm-staff here as well. While there is a definite variance in personality, the di...

As I sit at the desk in my room in Sonne, I can hardly believe that I’m here. The last weekend at home flew by, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to mom, dad, and the boys, and boarding a plane for London, then Basel. The flight to London was not as long as I remembered which is always nice for a transatlantic flight. When I arrived at London-Heathrow, I was a little confused because its huge, and it was also 6 o’clock in the morning. My flight to Basel left a little late because French pilots and other flight staff had gone on strike that morning, but we still made it to Basel in good time. I was very relieved when I had pulled all four of my bags off the luggage belt. It seems that the only time I have trouble with my luggage is when flying domestic in the US. Ironic. Marty Shilling, our dorm dad, met me at the airport after customs, and we loaded my luggage into the car. Thankfully, all of it fit! They have lots of great culturally rich traditions here, and I was introduced ...

It's funny to discover how God has directed our paths even when we didn't realize He was doing it. My pastor had scheduled a Commissioning Service for me during tonight's evening service on Wednesday, and we were thankful God had directed him this way when we found out I was leaving on Monday! Tonight's service was a huge blessing. A former missionary, and great student of the Word, gave the challenge to me out of Micah 6:8. This was very special because God had begun to use that verse in my life during the time at Csehy this summer. Now it's meaning is intensified for me.   " He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8  The first two commands pertain to dealing with mankind, and the last to my relationship with God. If God is first in a person's life, everything else will fall into place. This is my prayer as I enter this new phase in m...

Just when we think we know the extent of the workings of God, He makes us marvel yet again! As of today, my support has reached the point which will allow me to depart for Germany and become part of the ministry there. Lord willing, I will be arriving at BFA next week! In truth, the time since late July, when all of this started, has passed rather quickly. However, as is true when we wait for anything, I often became a bit impatient. God has been incredibly good every step of the way, which causes me to look forward to His workings in the future with great anticipation. His way is best, always.  Packing does not excite me (I don’t know why). The destination surely does. I’m excited to be in Germany, but for some reason the prospect of figuring out what to take and what not to take is a bit overwhelming. But just as He has been guiding thus far, I know His hand is in this as well. So just a few more short days and my life will have relocated to a new country, new people, and new re...

I have the opportunity to share with a ladies' group at my church this evening, and I'm excited! Please pray that I will say exactly what God would have me share. My church is my primary group of supporters, so I don't have to worry about whether they are behind me or not! Pray that people will be blessed and God's name will be honored. Still in need of about 5%, so please pray!!  Click here to donate online!

As we start this week, I have a brief prayer request. Please pray with me that God will protect me from fear and anxiety as this process enters the home stretch of this stage. I am convinced that this is His will for me. After a few minor seeming setbacks this morning I experienced a huge amount of anxiety and doubt. I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness to us even in things like that, and for the constant consistency of His Word. Let me share with you some of the verses that encouraged me: "Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.  Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours." Psalm 86:4-8 As I write this, I have the classical radio station on in the background. They are ...

This evening my family and I had the blessing of participating in the evening service at Grace Gospel Chapel in Rio Grande, NJ. We've been visiting this church ever since I was little with my dad's choir, for weddings, and other things. The people are wonderful, and their joy is infectious! The pastor had asked for information from me concerning BFA, and when I gave it to him tonight he asked me to share briefly with the church. I was a little hesitant to ask for support. This is such a tight economic time, and they have been so generous to us before. However, as I finished sharing I felt like I should offer some info on how people could partner and support. After the service as we greeted people, I was approached by a kind older couple. In quiet voices, they said, "We need to talk to you. We would like to support you for $100 per month. How do we go about doing that?" What a blessing, and how marvelously humbling! As of now, I need about $30 per month. God has provid...

After so many incredible expressions of love from so many friends and family, I am just 9% away from the 80% support level and a plane ticket to Germany! Praise the Lord!  If you are reading this and have not yet decided to partner with the ministry of BFA, I would encourage you to prayerfully consider giving. Remember that by giving, you aren't just supporting an individual. You are helping to support a ministry which ministers to missionaries and their families!  If just 9 people give $20 per month, the goal will be reached. Click here to donate:  Donate Online  This link will take you directly to the TeachBeyond online donation page and has instructions on how to give. Thank you so much for your prayers! God's timing is perfect, and I know that the need will be supplied in His time. Praise Him!

I am praising God for His marvelous provision today!! As of now, I have 70% of the support I need. Praise the Lord! However, in order to depart for BFA I need to have 80% of my monthly support pledged. I am currently in need of 10% more, which is $200 per month.  This could be 20 people at $10/month, 10 people at $20/month, 5 people at $40/month, 4 people at $50/month, 2 people at $100/month, or of course 1 person at $200/month. If you are interested in giving, or know of someone who is, please contact me: laurenholland25@yahoo.com. As soon as the last 10% is pledged, I can buy my ticket and make plans to leave. God's provision is awesome, and I am very excited to see how He is going to provide for this next stem. For information on how to give and giving options Click here:  Donate Today! God is so good, and I pray that more people will continue to catch the vision and partner with this ministry!

'Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." John 14:13-14 We serve a God who created the universe, sent His Son to save us, and works in our lives daily, and yet we doubt His ability to answer prayer. Sometimes when I pray, I have this "if you're able to" mindset. I ask God for things, or to do things, but for some reason deep down, I don't acknowledge that He's truly capable to answer. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time trusting, especially when I can't see whom I am trusting. The more proof I see that the person is really there, the more inclined I am to trust. However, in the verses above, all it tells us to do is ask, and He will do it. No fleece, no strings attached. Just ask. "I will do it." That's not an "If I have time," or "I'll try." It is "I will" from "I am." The ultimat...

I am overwhelmed by the response to support letters.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed!! What I never realized before this experience is how humbling it is to be in this position. To see how people have given so sacrificially is indeed humbling and a rebuke. One week from yesterday is October 1st. When I think of what God has done in the past month, I am again in awe. When I think of how we will see Him work in the month to come, I am excited.  To anyone that may happen to read this that is older and more mature, you maybe be thinking, "how naiive!" But to have as my only choice to lean on Christ is a thrill indeed. Though I trusted Him to a degree before, I am learning to trust Him in new ways. Each day is another opportunity to exercise this new trust.  For example, the other day I was praying about a new camera. My dear old Kodak of 5 years finally stopped working, and I was trying to rationalize spending 2 years abroad with no pictures to illustrate what I wa...

Today is September 20th, which means that October is a mere 10 days away. My goal is to be in Germany in October, and I currently have about 10% of the 80% pledged support needed.  God has provided already in  many humbling ways, and I know that He is able to provide the rest.  If you are interested in joining the support team, please see the links at the bottom of the page, or email me personally at laurenholland25@yahoo.com. There is a definite need here, and the sooner I can leave the better. Please pray with me that people will give as God leads them, and that I will continue to trust.

I am overwhelmed with the incredible care God provides. Several new supporters joined the team this week, and I am extremely grateful! Pray with me that God will continue to provide!

While the weather is nice, I've taken to having my devotions outside in our front yard.  Today, as I sat thinking and praying about support, noticed the sparrows. There had been one or two hopping around all week, but this morning there was a whole flock of them foraging through the grass and evidently gorging themselves on something very tasty.  "I wonder if they are even aware of their needs," I thought. The same God that cares for them, cares for me, and yet I sit here and wonder if He remembers I'm here sometimes.  "Are not five  sparrows  sold  for two  cents ? Yet not one  of them is forgotten  before  God.  Indeed , the very  hairs  of your head  are all  numbered.  Do not fear ; you are more  valuable  than many  sparrows." Luke 12:6-7   God, grant me a bigger picture of Who You are, and a greater measure of faith to believe Your promises to me are true.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 I find myself returning to this verse throughout this process. It's exciting to know that the same God who empowered Paul and worked in him so mightily is my God too!  Last night I received notification from TeachBeyond about new supporters! Praise the Lord! Support is coming in His time and His way.  Thank God for His Sovereignty!

Just wanted to share the chorus to a hymn we sang in church yesterday. I had mindlessly sung the words many times before, but yesterday they embedded themselves in my mind. "Oh the height and depth of mercy! Oh the length and breadth of love! Oh the fullness of redemption, Pledge of endless life above!"  As we sang, I realized that this, above all, needs to be my power-source. God has given us everything, and what does He ask of me in return? That I live my life wholly for Him, a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) for His complete honor and glory.  He doesn't leave us unequipped, but gives us,  "all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." (2 Peter 1:3)   As I thought about the words to the song, all that I have been given, and the ministry I am joining, I was greatly humbled.  He has given me so much, and now I want to give back by pouring into the lives of others the love the He has gi...

Once again, I am reminded that God hears our prayers.  This morning as my mom and I went on our routine walk, I was feeling kind of down and out. My confidence in the fact that God could and would provide was pretty low.  We prayed as we went, and I am ashamed to admit that mine was an attitude, of "Please do, though I don't see how it's possible." I was immediately remorseful, and asked Him to strengthen my faith. This afternoon with the mail came a monthly supporter. Praise the Lord! This is His work and doing, not mine. Proverbs 3:5-6