We have been itinerating now for 26 months raising funds to return overseas. However, we are still quite a ways away from the budget needed to return to South Africa. These last six months we have realized that the services were not happening and the monies were not coming in. The last two months we have been losing money instead of increasing due to the churches re-adjusting their pledges because of the economy.
AGWM has been so gracious in working with us and granting us extensions. Recently we had a conference call with our leadership and decided that our time of fundraising has come to an end. God has a new season for us. The funds we have will not allow us to go anywhere outside the US.
It has been recommended that we resign foreign missions and apply to US missions. With that said, we will still be ministering to university students.. Over the last several weeks we have met with leadership in all areas concerned. We are currently speaking with Chi Alpha about a place of ministry. Over the next seven days we are fasting and listening for God's will as to which university we should be ministering to.
This is a hard decision resigning foreign missions after 19 years (Mishael) and 15 years (Joe). But we know God is in control, and no economy is too difficult for him. All things are possible! Therefore we are at peace with the decision and transition. We are ready for what God has next in store for us. Missions is missions whether it is overseas or here in the U.S. We are simply trying to stay faithful to our commitment to God to go wherever He sends us.
We thank you for your prayers and support over these last two years, and also in the weeks to come as we navigate this process. We will need all of our partners to stay with us in order to fulfill this new assignment.
Our time table is to attend Reaching The University training in Missouri (June12-20). US missions will be approving applications at the end of July.
Orientation for assignment will take place in mid-September. In the meantime we are waiting on an account with US missions so that we may transfer pledges and funds. As soon as the account is open we will distribute the number. Until then, funds given to our AGWM account will go to Africa missions instead of us.
Prayer requests:
1) God's continued guidance and direction in our decisions about where we would minister in the USA.
2) God's favor in financial support (with the transfer to US missions there is a great chance of loosing partners as not everyone see's the US missions as missions.
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Blessings,
Newell's
1 comment:
I am so sorry about the lack of money that is causing you to make the decision to remain stateside. I know you will grow to love mission service here in the US. Chi Alpha is a great place to minister, and I believe they will love to have you. I understand that everyone is cutting down; I know we are. I also believe God has a plan, and He will lead you to the right place for you to minister. God bless you.
Sharon Stone
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