Prayer is the Key

Dear Friends,

As we look at August 2011 as our target date for departure to Belgium, I become overwhelmed at times with the impossibility of that... impossible without God that is. But as I struggle through those thoughts in prayer, I cannot find a good reason why we should not be 'fielded' this year. Our life circumstances are pointing towards a move sooner than later... but there are still some key factors that need to fall in place before that becomes reality. And as I sensed the Lord telling me last week, these will only happen through prayer. One thing I know for sure... it won't be because of anything I did! To Him belongs all the glory!

-Belgian citizenship: I (Jonathan) applied for dual citizenship almost 2 years ago now. I currently am a US citizen only, but becoming Belgian as well would be extremely helpful in avoiding the hassle of applying and maintaining a visa for living and 'working' in Belgium. Please pray that my application moves from a 'lost' stack on someones desk into the right hands and citizenship is granted speedily.

-Sale of our house: Pray that God will not only sell the house but that He will also plant a family here who has a heart for ministering to our neighbors and caring for their needs.

-Financial support: Between monthly commitments and one time gifts, we are currently 30% supported. Cost of living in Belgium for us is roughly $5000/month. Pray that God will raise up people (and businesses) that are willing to invest the funds God has entrusted to them into the ministry we will be involved with during the next 2 years. Specifically we are looking for:
50 people who are willing to commit to $10/month (or the equivalent of a one time $240 gift)
40 people who are willing to commit to $25/month
10 people who are willing to commit to $50/month
5 people who are willing to commit to $100/month
5 people who are willing to commit to $200/month
Please pray that the individuals, families and businesses who will be partnering with us financially will feel and respond to His nudge.

-Time & energy: Raising a support team is very time consuming and physically and emotionally taxing. I do not have the margin to meet with over 100 people individually to share our vision and ask them to pray about joining our support team.
Please pray that God will bless us with people who approach us about supporting the ministry. Please pray for physical strength at the end of a workday in the hot sun. Please pray against discouragement, as our adversary tries to tear us down.

-Spiritual growth: Please pray that this season will be one that grows our faith, revolutionizes our prayer life and deepens our love for Him!

-Unity: Pray that the devil will not get a foothold in our family, as he will seek ways to discourage, distract, derail and destroy the unity in our family.

Thank you so much for your prayers!!!

Serving Christ Together,
Jonathan & Grace