Crystal’s Christmas Note

Hello Dear Ones,
When last you saw me I was preparing for my time in Sudan with great anticipation. For the past year the Lord has made it clear to me that I am to WAIT and depart for my beloved Africa in His perfect timing. This has been at times discouraging but I have grown deeper in the place of prayer and in putting God first above all else….ah, what a great reminder during this Christmas season when so many other things fight for our attention! Thank you for your support as I continue to wait and Merry Christmas!

Still Waiting…

Thank you to all of you who have continued to send in support, prayers and encouragement. I am continuing to wait on the Lord concerning Sudan. Yes, I know I will go! When is the only question.

I feel frustrated in one sense that I may have gotten my timing wrong as to when I am to leave but in another sense encouraged that the Lord has sustained my support for the time when He will release me to go.

The best I can tell you is that, as I wait, I am pursuing faithfulness with all of the things that Lord has put before me. He is still pressing me into extensive prayer times. I am a “go and do” type of person so I always have to fight my busy personality on this! It is what He clearly asks of missionaries and the reason I believe Mother Teresa, who spent many hours in prayer at her convent, had the strength to do what she did for so long.

He has also placed me in the lives of several individuals I help to support through my income, including two African children. I know that the Lord is their source and not me, but I must continue to do what I can while I am working.

Lastly, the work that I do is itself a ministry. As most of you know I am a caregiver for the elderly. I know that the time and attention that I give to the ladies that I take care of is very valuable to God. They are the “least and forgotten” of our society.

Perhaps the Lord wanted me to support raise ahead of time so that when He says, “Go!” I can just jump on a plane. I do not know at this time if it is a year or more away. I only press towards putting God first in all that I do.

Our Container has arrived!

This is a shout out,”Thank You!” to all of you who helped out with donations for the container project last year. The semi-truck full of school supplies, clothing, toys, tools and toiletries has safely made it to it’s destination at Harvester’s orphanage in Sudan.

Remember the pillowcase dresses!? They have some proud new owners too.

Thank you again for your participation,
Crystal

Sudan’s Referendum 2011

Please be praying for Sudan. Their referendum is this Sunday. The vote is to determine if the country will be split into two separate countries along north/south lines. The north is primarily Muslim and the south is primarily Christian. Violence is expected.

Also please pray for the protection of the children and workers at Harvester’s two orphanages as they will be at risk.

Meeting with Lance and Kim

The orphanage directors,Lance and Kim, are in the States from Africa. I was able to have a meeting with them and my pastor. It was confirming to both of us that we are a good fit for each other!
I expressed to them, however, that I do not have a departure date. The Lord has been very emphatic with me that I must spend an extended amount of time with him in prayer before he will release me to go to Africa.
They agreed that, though they are anxious for me to come, I must do as the Lord is directing me. So, for now, I do not have a date for when I am leaving. I am keeping all of the funds I have raised in a savings account. Any monthly support which comes in will also go into that account or help with my current training efforts.
For the Fall 2010: In addition to the time I am spending in prayer I am enrolled in a missions theology course and preparing to attend a missions conference in Nashville.

taking a break from blogging

Each year my church takes a month sabbatical from its services and activities. This way our members can restore and refresh their personal time with God as well as participate with other local congregations.

At the same time I have found myself in a season of consecration with the Lord. This is a time when He is setting me apart from the business of activities to be alone with Him in prayer. He has made it clear that this is a necessary step before I can leave for Africa.

If you don’t hear from me as regularly please know that I am checking my email and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

how to get involved

Check out the tabs at the top of this blog to learn more about my mission.

Interested in getting involved!? Email me at hey2hope@gmail.com

Get your copy of the Kansas City Star!

My photo and article about my work in Africa will be in the Kansas City Star this Wednesday 7/28. Look for me in the Food section! If you are not in Kansas City you can still check it out online at www.kansascity.com Search for: “Come Into My Kitchen”

humbling to see….

I have been making visits in Kentucky to various ones who have supported my work in Africa. Many of these friends I have not even met before but their lives have been touched by my father’s four decade ministry in the Lexington area. It is humbling to see the fruit of my father’s work stretching into my life and on into the lives of many African children.

another lovely evening of prayer

Had a lovely evening of prayer at Margaret Thurgleson’s Tuesday night prayer meeting. I can never have enough intercessors!

I am building my official prayer team and will be sending out one weekly prayer request email to those who join. Join by indicating your interest and committing to pray for me once a week!