So Close!

In just 13 days, I will finally be headed down to Florida for the start of this amazing journey God has allowed me to participate in.  Words can't describe how I have been feeling recently - anxious, excited, nervous, happy, overwhelmed, etc.  God has been so gracious these past couple weeks and has made such an impact during my daily readings.  My time with Him has been so sweet, and I have learned so much about His love and care for me.  I am working through both 1 Samuel and Romans and each time I open up the scripture, I learn something new or see something in a whole new light.  It has been so encouraging :)

There have been a few areas that I continue to struggle with concerning this trip.  I realized today after service that what they all boil down to is me not applying the gospel message to every single aspect of my life.  It is easy for me to see how the gospel is applied in a big way - my imperfection and need for the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross in order to have a personal relationship with God.

I was failing to apply that when it came down to my insecurities in regards to being prepared enough for this trip.  I kept looking at myself, comparing my own weaknesses against others - wondering how in the world I am being given the opportunity to not only go on missions in Fiji, but be a leader for our team. 

God so graciously reminded me this morning that I wasn't looking to Jesus as my only hope and security.  I was looking at myself to have the strength, knowledge, skills, and ability to accomplish this mission.  How silly it seems now!  We read through Ephesians 2:19-22, and I was reminded that I am simply joining God on this journey to Fiji. I am not in charge, and I am not the leader.  God is the cornerstone.  He is holding all things together.  He is making it all work. 

I am not going to be the one leading people on this trip, I am merely the weak, imperfect vessel that God has graciously chosen to allow to join Him.  My leadership role, and participation in general, is not based on my behavior or my skills.  I am so thankful for this reminder that I am not the cornerstone - GOD IS! 

It's in Christ that I find my peace.  It is when I am able to simply take a step back, look at the cross and realize He is my peace.  He is my salvation.  Everything I have and everything I am and will be is all a gift from God - who loves me and allows me to participate as He makes His name known to the nations.

Financial Support Team

All of my trip donations are due this Friday, May 23!  If you have been considering donating, please take these five minutes to do so now.  To those who have already donated, I want to thank you for praying and considering how you could invest in God's Kingdom Ministry in Fiji!

Steps to Donate:

1. Go to www.pioneers.org/give/missionary
2. Enter the following inofrmaiton
   1. Name: Allison Shumpert
   2. Account Number: 175146
   3. Donation Amount
3. Click "Add Gift to Cart," and select "Next"
4. Enter your personal information and select "Next"
5. Enter your E-Check/Credit Card Information

Please note there is a 3% deduction from donations made via a credit card.  An E-check option (entering your account and routing number) allows for your full donation amount to be credited to my account!

Prayer Support Team

• Pray for my time with the Lord to continue to be so sweet and allow me to grow closer to Him.
• Pray that I continue to apply the gospel to every tiny aspect of my life, to trust in the Lord as my security and peace.
• Pray for our group as we all make final preperations before heading down to Florida for orientation.
• Pray for the Island Encounters Team in Fiji - strength and energy as they are hosting a team currently, and prepare for our arrival.  Pray also for funds for their ministry to continue to meet their needs so they can continue serving God in Fiji.
• Pray for the Pioneers team in Florida.  I am sure they are busy making preparations for the arrival of all of our teams soon!

Check out this awesome video that a team put together from their time at Island Encounters earlier this year :)

http://vimeo.com/92249824