If we were going by my plans, by now I was supposed to be in the Ivory Coast. To back up a little, this whole thing started right after I graduated in May, with my Masters in dietetics. It was one of those things that I didn't really have my heart set on going anywhere in particular, I just wanted to go somewhere, and do something, in another country. And without realizing exactly what I was getting myself into, in July I found myself presented with the opportunity to teach nutrition education in the Ivory Coast for 7 months, to people suffering from HIV/AIDS at a medical clinic there. It was like God was saying, "Christine, I know your heart. This is what you have been praying for for over a year. And here it is! The choice is yours." My yes was already on the table, so without really even thinking about it, I gave it. I was so excited that this was actually happening!
I started raising support. I called churches, sent out letters, organized bottle drives, bake sales, and fundraiser nights at local restaurants. I sold chocolate bars and homemade body butter. God sent so many amazing people to help with all of these things. Friends, family, neighbors, strangers who just wanted to help in any way they could. I am so thankful for each and every person who played a part, giving time and money and thoughts and prayers. Through them God was trying to teach me something that I couldn't quite grasp yet. I still thought I was independent, that I could lean on God and that it would be enough to raise all the support I needed. Don't get me wrong, it is SO true, that I can do nothing without Him. But He was trying to teach me that I could not do this alone, nor was I meant to. I didn't want to draw attention to the fact that I was leaving or make a big deal about it. I just wanted to go and remain under the radar. I thought I was being humble, but realized I was actually being proud and selfish. Because I can't do it by myself! I need help, soo much help! It's called the body of Christ for a reason! We are here for each other, so we don't have to do this life thing alone.
"For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body." - 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Everyone has a different role to play, and no part is better than another. But everyone is needed for the body to work like it's supposed to! We need each other.
In the past 4 months of trying to raise support, mostly through thinking that my own efforts were enough, God has provided $4,919. I still need a little over $5,000 to go. I am trusting God to provide the rest of the support I need by the end of November - in one month. I say this in faith, because I believe that this will take a miracle. But I also believe that God's word is true that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Stepping out in faith in Him allows God to work wonders in such a way that no one can deny Him the credit. I don't want to deny God the Glory that is all His, so I am totally surrendering this to Him. Please pray with me for God to work a miracle over the next month to do what only He can do!
Lots of thanks and love,
Christine
Interested in helping? The most important thing I am asking for is prayer. I believe it is powerful and that God moves through our prayers! Please pray for His provision and for His blessings on everyone who has/ is going to play a part in this journey. Pray for the Ivory Coast and the people there. Pray that they would see Jesus in the love of all the people who work at the clinic there. Pray that Jesus will help me love them like He does once I am there. Pray for hearts to respond to Jesus and to know the Amazing Love that is found in the wide open arms of the Father!
Interested in giving?
You can give monthly or through a one-time donation. Every dollar donated matters and is so appreciated! You can give securely online at cmfi.org/cfleming, or if you prefer, you can send donations through the mail as well. Checks can be made out to CMF International with “Christine Fleming” in the memo, and sent to CMF International, PO Box 501020, Indianapolis, IN 46250-6020
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