One of the monthly features on the Eurasia Community Blog is about our Financial Partnership Development program, led by Jenn Fortner. In FPD, our associates receive small group training and coaching as they invite individuals and churches to partner with them financially in the work God has called to in Eurasia.
Reaching the lost had always been a huge part of Rebekah’s life.
She served with Convoy of Hope, local youth camp outreaches, and had been on short-term trips overseas. She was a teacher, and summers off allowed her the time and money to be involved in these types of short-term efforts.
So when she signed up to become an associate with us, she wasn’t really prepared to raise the large budget she needed to come to Eurasia.
At first, she was a little anxious about it, but Rebekah was sure of her calling—God had asked her to do this when she was just 17—so she made the decision not to panic about asking people to partner with her financially.
Anytime she had anxious thoughts, or began to get nervous, Rebekah would declare to herself, “God has called me. He knows who is supposed to be on my partnership team. He knows when I am supposed to make it to Lithuania. His timing is perfect.”
Throughout this process, Rebekah also clung to Mark 11:22-23, which says, “Have faith in God…if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
Because Rebekah anchored herself in God’s Word and his promises, she was not shaken when doubts came.
And God has been faithful.
A month after Rebekah was commissioned, she had the opportunity to go to the Indiana District Council. As pastors walked by without stopping by her booth, she reminded herself, “God knows who is supposed to be a part of my team.”
Finally, one pastor did stop to visit with her. That chat led to an invitation for Rebekah to share at his church for a Sunday night dinner. “Now, we are a small church,” he explained , “but we love to take the little bit that we have and bless those going overseas to share the gospel.”
Rebekah did attend the dinner, and had a wonderful time. As they ate, prayed and worshiped together, Rebekah was able get to know the hearts of the people at the church and was encouraged by the focus they take on praying for and encouraging those serving overseas.
They even took a $250 offering for her.
It may not seem like much, but the generosity of the ten people that were in attendance reminded Rebekah that the smallest churches can be the biggest blessings.
She came home encouraged and blessed by this small and generous church that it was just what she needed to continue fundraising with a happy, trusting heart.