This is a combination report, thank you, and confession. We announced a month ago or so our intention to return to Africa. We are on track with the plans and have made good progress on the fundraising part of the project. Because we have the chance to share the need for stewardship to churches in Kenya, we are sponsoring a preachers’ gathering of over 100 pastors. That project is not inexpensive, so the need is great. And Sherry and I have to get there and have funds to operate for two months. We have been surprised some, but God is gracious. So thank you for helping us.
And this is a thank you. Many people and churches have shared with As We Go Missions and we are very grateful. Unfortunately, I have not kept up with acknowledging those gifts as I have intended. I am working at being better at that.
That brings me to the heart of this post. I confess, I am not the most organized person you will ever meet. Because of that fact, I make lists. You will find a number of lists on my phone under Samsung Notes. There are notes for packing for Africa, Winema, Haiti (someday hopefully), and Mexico. There is a list there of the distances on the Western Chehalis Trail from the old Sears building. I have my surgery list and some notes that have backup codes for websites I use. If you want to know where we held Haiti clinics in 2019, I have a list along with one telling me who was on the team that year. I looked just now, and I have 91 notes, mostly lists. If I don’t have a list, I will inevitably forget something. And usually do even with a list.
A problem with not being super organized is that list making is tedious. Filling in blanks and organizing things that I want to get done takes time and energy. Not only am I not the most organized person, but I also don’t like tedious, repetitive, tasks. I certainly procrastinate and might be borderline lazy.
All of this to explain why several things that need to happen have not happened. I am very thankful for all the support people have given us as a mission. There have been some very generous people. Some have given regularly to the mission, others one-time gifts. It has been my intention to write notes (I did finally buy some stamps, now I need a box of cards). We have been receiving support in several ways. Some give through this website, “Donate” at the top of the page works great. A few have found that the bank uses Zelle and some comes that way. I get checks in the mail (this has brought anticipation for the mail to come). That means I need to compile all those names and addresses into some order (organization?). This week I finally found a computer program I can use. Now comes the hard part (well there are two hard parts actually). I have to figure out how to use the crazy thing. I know the church software (sort of), but there are real differences. The bigger issue is entering all the names, addresses, emails, phone number, the relationship to us, and whatever else the program tracks. I set a goal to work on that project today and I suppose I could be instead of writing this. In my defense, I set aside Monday morning to write this blog and it is Friday (really now Saturday).
Let me finish this by saying thanks to all who have helped this mission. I am amazed and surprised at what we have been able to accomplish in our short life. There is a lot to do yet. The Maranda Clinic will be our responsibility beginning January 1. Mothers’ Village to furnish, and people to support. Some work with us, others we are helping with scholarships to school. And there is Sherry and I’s next trip. We are about 30% the way for our fundraising. If you have supported us in the past, will you consider doing so again. If you have thought about it, but not done so, now would be a great time to do so. And the whole idea is new, we would love to add you to our database, when I finally get it up and running.
God bless you and the work He is doing in Africa, and Mexico.