A few months ago I was really depressed, because I couldn’t find a 3 step program that guaranteed growth in my relationship with God. I realized that even if I want to know someone, that person has to reciprocate before a relationship is formed. One day I asked a friend at the gym, “John, I feel as though my prayers and bible devotions fail to guarantee that God will cause me to grow, so how can I make Him show me His will?” He comforted me by saying, “Josh, maybe you should focus on doing your job in preparing your heart for the message, instead of focusing on God’s job in delivering it.” WOW, sometimes God gives people the right thing to say at exactly the right time. I remember Romans 2:4, “Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (new living translation) I’m grateful that my friend gently rebuked me.
I’ve grown so dramatically this past year, that today I realized it was God’s gift. It wasn’t my devotional time, my small group involvement, even my regular attendance to church. I believe it was God’s grace, mercy and power to unlock my mind and give me strength to obey through the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m excited writing this letter, because I am able to give God credit. I wasn’t faithful in my work, so am not entitled to God’s gift. I praise God for His amazing grace!
I am leaving for a new mission trip, and this time I will be gone up to 9 months! I’m excited, scared, out of my comfort zone, and growing through the process. God used you in my growth, so I hope you will continue supporting me while my heart is prepared for the things that God will show me in the future. I pray that He will continue preparing your heart through the support process.
Here are the details:
I currently need $5750 (by Sept 7th) for the lecture phase, up to $2575 (by Oct 1) for the outreach phase, and an unknown amount for the internship phase. Please consider helping me. I am taking a leap of faith, and cannot do this on my own! I need prayer support and money. Here is a video of the program:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
September 7th, 2010 I am going to Belize for my Lecture/training phase to learn:
- God's Nature and Character; God's Intention for Individuals, Peoples and Creation; God's Redemption; Recognizing Jesus as Lord; God's World: His call and His Commission; God's Leading: A response to God
On November 26th, I will begin my outreach phase:
- Designed to put the learning from the first phase to the test in an intense time of living, working, worshiping, praying, ministering and seeing God work together as a team.
On Jan 21st, I begin my Internship:
- Continue putting the principles and themes encountered during their lecture and outreach phases to use in settings that will allow the students to grow and develop even further
If you choose to donate, please address checks to Josh Wheeler, and mail to:
Josh Wheeler
402 White Oak Ave
Plover, WI 54467
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