#ywamperth

[mybravesong]

Until next time Perth!

Happy new year everyone! I’ve got exciting news, I’m heading to Broome in March. Hold your horses, I’ll explain a bit further down. Since my last update, I've been back in 100E ministry for the whole of January. 

Here are some highlights!

^ Partnering with the high school summer camp and taking them out on evangelism as well as praying times over Perth

^ Another ministry Worship for the Nations merged with the 100 Evangelists ministry

^ Partnered with Exodus Project to bring people out on evangelism

^ Jesus’ Night

We've been going into the streets and sharing God's word - we recently got to be part of Jesus' night hosted by Exodus Project. Love how many church communities came together. We got to take people out on evangelism and encourage others in that. In the night we prayed for people. Some got to walk again, others had a touch of God and some gave their lives to Jesus. The timing of the event was so amazing because had it been the next day, the event would have been cancelled because of the 5 day lockdown.

Yes, I’ll be going to Broome!  The end of 2020 came as swiftly as Jan 2021 has passed. I've been grappling for a vision into the future. I've definitely had my share of wondering what's God's plan. 

Some of the things God has revealed to me is: Yes, where I am is where God wants me to be. I used to dream of being up on stage to tell people about Jesus but in the past I never had the courage to do so - not even to whisper to a single soul. Deep in my heart had always been a desire to love God well but I was afraid to make Him known. I've seen how God has grown me to be bold and courageous in Him. 

God has given me a picture of a bridge - a bridge between YWAM and the local church for the purpose of equipping others for evangelism. I know there are many who want to share the good news but don't know where to start. It’s not a scary thing, it’s simply sharing the joy and hope we’ve found in following Jesus. He's helped me recognise that it's in working together that the good news of Christ will be spread. We are after all one body. For that reason, I envision that I will be in YWAM for some time.

Why Broome? Another thing that God has laid in my heart is to complete the outreach portion of the school I joined towards to the end of last year 2020 - School of Frontier Missions. It is a school that preps for front line missions. Part of that was a chosen focus on a specific people group. Mine was the Noongar people. It so happens YWAM had planted a base (we call them the Broome team) in the Kimberley's last year to reach out to the First Nation people in Australia. It’s the perfect place for me to go.

After seeking God in December and inviting others alongside to pray also, I got confirmation to go. In early January, I asked the base leader to pray about having me on board for SOFM outreach and had meetings with my leaders to process this. Just a week or so ago, I got a YES from the Broome Base Leader.

How long will you be gone Lynn? At least 3 Months! When are you going? I’m going on the 10 March. Yes I know, it sounds quite sudden but it's been a decision I've been actively pursuing behind the scenes of daily ministry work. I'm excited to partner with God in Broome and to gain a better understanding of this people group and God’s heart for them is as well as to partner with the team in their pioneering stages.

Through it all, the ways of Jesus continue to surprise me. I’m always challenged to lay down what I think should be and to grow in greater trust and faith in Him.

I want to extend this invitation to you to come alongside this vision. I’m trusting for ongoing support for current living expenses of $600 AUD per month which covers rent, ministry upkeep fees as well as basic essentials. Living in Broome will cost about another $2700 AUD for 3 Months (includes airfare). From there, there will be opportunities to reach remote communities with the gospel. These trips aren’t covered by the $2700 AUD.  Please join me in prayer and also about continuing support in this journey with God here in Australia and nations to come when the borders open.

Would love to hear if God gives you a word on how to come alongside this vision, please do share! I'd love to hear what God is speaking to each one of you and how we can work together to see the good news spread like wildfire!

If this interests you, you can reach me via Email: [email protected] or Lynn Tan on Facebook Messenger!

[mybravesong]

Singapore Trip & 14 Day Self Isolation

Hello everyone! It's been awhile since my last update so this is a pretty long one. I am now in Australia, currently finishing up my self isolation for 14 days. In my last update, I talked about the last year & how I am currently fundraising for YWAM.

A lot has happened since. In late Feb, my family & I had gone on a trip to Singapore visiting relatives. In the end, weddings were cancelled, plans were changed but it gave us time to spend with loved ones. In all honesty, the trip felt timely. It was as though it was planned and orchestrated by God. It was also the first time in a long time, my whole immediate family was with me on this trip. Here are some highlights from my trip.

Below: Caught up with a couple of friends <3 

Below: Showing love to Construction Workers during this Covid19 crisis

Below: Ohana <3

It was a wonderful trip. During the trip, we did see a slight glimpse of precautions in wake of the virus in our first week in Singapore. That did not however prepare us for the coming days in Perth. Since being in a 14 day isolation, I have seen our world suddenly engulfed by fear & a lot of uncertainty. I too was deeply affected by this. I also carried a lot of anxiety for fear of the possibility of having the virus. And as you know, I initially planned to join YWAM around this time but unfortunately due to self isolation, I cannot. As many things are shutting down around us and with the rapid amount of change going on, there have been lots of changes within YWAM Perth as well.

Times like these cause a lot of shaking in our inner life. It's like our carefully sculpted foundation is suddenly enveloped in cracks & worse still, we can’t stop it from collapsing. I too struggled really bad and I tried to hold it altogether. It's times like these that reveal where our security really lies. It made me realise what I placed my security in was truly fragile and I cannot find steadiness in it. My man-made foundation of day to day systems, money, people, talent & coping mechanisms cannot withstand what the world throws at me. I did not have peace. I had thought my security had already been found in God but He has revealed there's still much more work to be done in my heart. I had become too proud with the little knowledge I knew in my head & my heart had grown distant from Him. I am being brought really low but in that, I am thankful.

It has taught me I don't have to be pretend I'm okay when I'm really not. It has taught me to not run away from my problems but to take courage & voice my struggle with closed ones, find strength in God & take things one step at a time. It's taught me we are all human, we all have tough days and we can be kind towards one another. I'm learning in this season to be thankful for things I've taken for granted - personal freedoms and rights of the everyday life. I’m thankful for Godly friendships & family. I'm thankful for our health care staff on the frontline. I'm thankful for our government that has taken up the challenge of leadership in such a difficult time. I'm thankful to be alive.

I don't know what God is teaching you today but I pray you would find strength in Him in your day of trouble. I don't confess to know everything about life but I know leaning on God has helped me overcome a lot over the last few years. He has not been a distant God that many think He is. 

There are still tougher days ahead. I believe what the world needs the most now is the good news & Jesus truly is good news. It is in times like these that God asks of us to not hide the light we carry but to show others that there is still hope & there is still a tomorrow in Jesus and peace is a possibility.

Isaiah 60:1-3, 19-20 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.

We draw strength from the source. Look to Him. He is our everlasting light in the darkness. May these verses encourage you greatly as it has for me. I do still intend on joining YWAM Perth, it’s just a matter of time. Ministry will look differently but that update is for another time. Have a great week ahead & do let me know if there’s anything I can pray for. Let us encourage & build one another up in these coming days <3

[mybravesong]

Hello February 2020!!

Hello February!! Time flies when you’re not looking. I think that’s been something that has rang true in the past months after the School of Evangelism ended in late September. I’ve since mentioned I will be in Youth with a Mission from late march until at least the end of 2020. I’ll add an update about fundraising at the bottom of this post. 

Anyway, I thought I’d catch you up to speed on what’s been happening. I’m gonna be a bit vulnerable here and admit to you that since returning home, I actually struggled a lot adjusting back to suburban life. It definitely has been kinda a reverse culture shock. I really thank God that He held onto me through the first few months & I want to say a huge thank you to people who’ve reached out and showed me love after returning late last year. In being back home, God revealed to me the importance of this season and specifically pointed out 3 elements - rest, recalibration and reconnecting. Rest from a crazy schedule, Recalibration to God and Reconnecting with friends & family. 

Something I had to re-learn again was to receive from God, His love. I think I got used to giving out so much there were times where I missed out on just being content in His presence. He was teaching me in a deeper way to hold onto His ways more than the world’s ways & my way. It was like learning to dance when you’re just not great at it (but somehow or another you think you’re an expert - that was pride; something I had to lay down). Hahaha! In addition to that, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to connect, share Christ with others as well as looking for ways to grow and prepare myself for the coming year. I am now thoroughly enjoying my season here with friends & family. Here are some highlights from the last few months!

^ Catch-ups with friends

^ Met this lovely couple from Africa (what a divine appointment)

Birthday with the fam <3

^ My birthday with these peeps!

^ Celebrating Christmas with my home church

^ Roadtrip with the fam! <3

^ Celebrating Chinese New Year with the family!

It’s been so good & I can’t believe it’s passing so fast. If you scrolled all the way down, you’re probably looking for an update from Fundraising for 2020!! <- this link will be updated with the specific amount.

The gist of it is - we’ve already raised ⅓ of 6000 which we were looking for which will cover accommodation, ministry contribution and basic needs. I’ve been so grateful to God for His constant reassurance through this. He’s shown me in little ways that He is trustworthy & faithful. Thank you so much for everyone whose seen what God is doing & have been prompted to participate in this!! If you’d love to partner with us in 2020, do drop me a message. Please do continue to keep us in prayer for this coming season. Also, for all of you, I’d love to hear how you’re doing & how I can pray for you too! :) Thanks for reading & be encouraged! <3 

[mybravesong]

It’s Not About You, Lynn

It’s not about you, Lynn.

That phrase echoed in my heart. I had met a friend earlier in October and it came out of my mouth. I don’t quite recall the exact things we were talking about but I looked at her and said - sometimes we think we’re the main character of the story but actually it’s God.

In April this year, I joined a second level school (basically it means you’ve completed a Discipleship Training School and you can opt to go into more specific areas of training - I picked Evangelism). The word evangelism doesn’t quite sit comfortably with most people. I mean I would like to put it into a dusty corner of life where it’ll never see the light of day. But yet here I was being put into this uncomfortable spot in my life where I had to question myself - Do I really believe the gospel message? Is it REALLY good news? And what is my response to it?

Our beliefs shape our responses. If I believe a chair can hold my weight, I will sit on it. I can assure you I was without doubt - fearful of a lot of things. Thankfully He was with me through everything. I’m reminded that without fear, courage and boldness hold no meaning. During the whole school, time and time again, God reminded me: 

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

And so, God challenged me in this, Lynn would you still choose to be brave, courageous, bold despite the apprehension, despite the fear, insecurities, inadequacy, disappointment, hurt, sorrow in all things - not just sharing the good news. I said, “Yes, I am willing.” The good thing is God doesn’t let us do it on our own, I got to do this alongside these lovely ones!

(From Left: Zach, Daniel, Anouk, Emily, Zoe, Tess, Lydia & Teina)

Here are some highlights!!

(Us sleeping in the frankfurt airport)

(Skits in a beach town)

(Stats from Paris)

(Sharing a word with our host church)

(Sharing the good news in the walkways)

It was a wild ride with lost phones and even a lost passport. We found ourselves at beaches, sitting with the homeless & even in a temple to share God’s love to each one. There were definitely tough moments - being shouted at, being ignored etc but I was like that, ignoring what God is trying to say, doing things my own way but God’s love is so big. I’ve never ceased to be amazed by His pursuit of people. I saw God meet people through us, some in really hard moments of their life by the sideway, in parks etc. 

In September, I returned to Perth. In the last months, I’ve been refreshed once again by God and just sitting content in His presence. I’ve had a fair share of weddings, catching up with some of my homegirls, picked up barista-ing and even working with our church’s community arm - wrapping presents for Christmas, tuition for kids, even partnering with an NPO that reaches out to the homeless here in Perth.

Since coming back however, I’ve been asked many times, “Lynn what’s next for you?”. I love how excited people are for me. To be honest, I had an incline but I wanted more clarity before sharing. So after seeking God about it, I’m now ready to tell you lovely people. But firstly, I want to thank you for taking an interest in what God is doing through me. I appreciate every one of you!

So here’s what you’ve been dying to know - I’ll be applying for staff at Youth with a Mission Perth this coming year. In seeking Him, He also reminded that I am His. He’s made it very apparent to me of His big big heart for people. I’m excited but nervous at the same time. I definitely felt the stretch in this school but I believe God is not done with me yet.

Please stand in prayer with me! Each staff in YWAM has to pay for their own accomodation etc while constantly engaging the community and bringing the good news on the streets. The need is real but our God is even more real. If you’d like to be a part of this, pray and ask God how. Maybe it’s to stand together in prayer, maybe it’s giving up a bit of your coffee money per month, forwarding this blogpost to someone else or giving a word in season etc. Our God is a creative God. It could look like so many things and I don’t ever want to limit what God wants to do through you! :) Let’s take this faith journey together and see what God will do. If you have a question or would like to ask more, just message me! :D 

I hope this update encourages you. When we choose to step out, God honours that step of obedience and He will grow you in ways & depths you can only imagine! As I look back, with the amount of change I’ve seen in me - I can only say it is God. He alone gets the glory! :)

[mybravesong]

Purpose in the Busyness

This is a bit of a different update - it’s been a few challenging couple of weeks. Previously, I mentioned embracing the call for leadership and it has been tough but it’s been a privilege. We’re having a lot of fun!! Here are some highlights:

^ Dinner with My co-lead Kathrin!

^ Our whole school is learning a stamp routine for Open Airs in Europe!

^ Zach sacrificing his face for a donut tower at the base event

^ We had the chance to preach on a park bench in the city. Each taking turns. This is Teina! Crazy! God brought him out from drug addiction and some crazy stuff!

^ This is Emily C, Zoe & I! Part of the London outreach team

^ On the 1st June - my whole school did a 20km walk-a-thon (city to fremantle) to raise funds for some people still trusting for finances! This is us walking through the city.

^ The guys on our London Team (From Left: Teina, Zach & Daniel)

A lot has been happening from plans for the upcoming outreach, a research project, fundraising, creative workshops, leading evangelism groups, events, late nights and many meetings, Holy Spirit been brought to my attention that as I feel the weight of the task at hand, there is a tendency to isolate myself sub-consciously thinking I can handle it on my own (in my own way - based on experience) and “hold it altogether”, so unaware of the dangers of doing so. Experience is great, don’t get me wrong, but so often we can fall into the false security of experience to see us through God’s promises that we don’t allow Holy Spirit to lead us in new ways of doing things. What you think will work one season, might not always work the next. I’ve been very challenged in this. When we choose to get weight down by the “responsibilities”, the once exciting work then becomes a dull duty as we start to focus on what is not working (according to our experiences).

Proverbs 21:2 says: All deeds are right in the sight of the doer but the Lord weighs the heart.

I’ve had to really sit down and ask myself some honest questions: Is Leadership about me? Does my leadership help those around me or do I just look to “levelling up” and gaining more recognition for the things I am doing? Do I work for the pat on the back from others? 

These may seem like simple questions with obvious answers but it reveals what is happening on the inside because it’s the daily simple decisions we make that reflect our relationship with God. The questions therefore become - What is the motive of my heart in leadership? As much as I have to give out, am I making time to be filled in to give out again? Am I living day to day or am I living in light of the big picture? Have I reflected well the nature of God in my communication? Am I being a servant to those under my wing? Our decisions become not about ourselves or our happiness. When we choose to make daily decisions like these, they have the power to turn a generation to God as Jesus came to show us.

Jesus had a clear picture of discipleship. He didn’t do what was good in the eyes of men. Many questioned his moves but He did not allow how others saw Him, to affect the decisions He made - whether to move cities or spend time with the Father. But what He was focused on was how to point others to God.

In some cases, you might never see fruit in your lifetime. But I’m so encouraged by Hebrews 11 where it says - “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Are we allowing ourselves to be convicted by Holy Spirit? It goes on to talk about Abraham and Isaac. The truth is they never saw the promise land in their lifetime but they walked in such conviction of God’s promises. Or how about John the Baptist, he spent 30 odd years in preparation and his ministry only lasted 6 months. Or what of Noah who was so convinced, that he spent 100 years on the ark only to have people mock him in unbelief.

If that’s you today and you’re feeling like your world is caving in and the weight of the work is too much to bear. Remember the people of the Bible who against all, held onto the promises of God. I leave you with this:

Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Psalm 118:5-8 In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

[mybravesong]

The Call to Lead

A couple of us entered pass the glass walls of Pete’s office (Pete is our base leader here in YWAM) and took a seat on the black leather couch nicely nested in his corner office with our staff. Pete also takes a comfortable seat right across from us along with Ari and Christel (our staff). He opens his mouth and we dive into an introduction about leading teams out of the country in the second half of our study. As he spoke, this thought came to me - “Wow, they see something in me worth investing in!”. 

I’m talking about these spiritual giants that have been loving Christ and loving people for many many years, often going through crazy adventures into the world with Holy Spirit - seeing people set free from their demons and encountering Christ. These are people who have plowed in the harvest fields for years!! And here I am, just a student and yet, they see me and say, “I see leadership in you, Lynn!”. 

Over the last few weeks, God has been speaking to me about Joshua. I’m not talking about just one day or the other. It’s literally every other day for the last few weeks. Joshua had to take over Moses in leading the Israelites across the Jordon. That is no easy task leading a whole nation to the Promise Land. But God said I want you to lead the Israelites. I think about leading a team and it’s no easy feat. I told God, “It’s too big for me, I can’t do it” and yet God said, “But Lynn, it’s not too big for Me!” So, He says in 

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Wait Lynn, what’s this about? Aren’t you already leading a team on the streets right now? Yes, I am but I’ve recently also been asked to co-lead a team with the lovely Lydia & Zach to London, Europe! 

^ this is Lydia! She’s from England :D

^ Lydia & Zach!

Yes, I’m going to London, Europe. And so yes, I feel so stretched beyond what I feel I can bear and yet, He is giving me grace to lead, to love, to serve my team. It’s so so big but I count it as an opportunity to grow, it is a privilege and I receive it with grateful hands. If that’s you in this season, one where it feels you’re being stretched - trust that He is Lord of all and because of that, He will be the one who will supply your every need! He is with you as you go through the storms of life, He loves you so much. Be strong and courageous!! You are so valuable and priceless to Him. The God of the universe says You have worth!! Do drop me a note, I’d be happy to keep you in prayer <3

^ This is our whole team! <3 (From Left: Emily, Zoe, Me, Tess, Anouk, Zach, Lydia, Daniel & Teina)

On top of that, since my last update and I’ve been learning about what it means to church plant. We as the SOE(School of Evangelism) have had the opportunity to have breakfast together as well to go to the beach. 

I’ll also post a couple of pictures of all my friends below! :) 

^ Here’s the Singaporean Crew! We had steak!

^ This is the very special crazy “want to go for a run, Lynn?” Anna everybody! <3 </p>

^ People from my Team (Emily, Christel & me - also the car ticket guy)

^ Joel, Me & Kat (on the way to scout locations at night)

^ The “We will go” crew! (From left, Ben, Me, Elizabeth, Nate & Sam)

Overall, It’s been fun and yet such a challenging time. I hope this update brings you much encouragement. I’m confident in God and what He is capable of. I will continue to trust in His timing and that He will indeed see me through this huge task!! Please do keep me in prayer as I continue to ask God for vision for the team going forward. I’m looking forward to exciting times ahead! :) 

[mybravesong]

It has begun!!

Hey everyone, this is a bit of a short update. It's been exactly a week since I've entered into the School of Evangelism. I've met a few of pretty cool peeps! I have close to no photos though. Here’s a picture of Elise & I twinning with Zach in the background!

It is different from what it was like in DTS. On the first week, we had Neil Cole author of the book 'Organic Church'. This week was mainly about church planting. We even had the privilege of helping host a breakfast on Saturday morning with people from all over Perth who have a heart for church planting. 

He opened our eyes to see evangelism in a new way (based on the parable of the good seed & 4 different types of soil) not as a structure but something fluid and uncontainable by human hands. He talked about how if we get the DNA of the seed right, what we multiply will be right. DNA stands for Divine Truth (Relationship with God), Nurturing Relationships (Relationship with others) & Apostolic Missions (Evangelise). It really related to what God placed in my heart for fundraising which was Relationship with Him, Relationship with others and all I did was talk about what God was doing! I see now, He had already started the work and this was just confirmation of what God is doing.

We were also called to go to where the wolves are. Another thing is, I've been asked to lead a team for evangelism. It's a humbling experience because I didn't think to be asked. It's a little crazy when the school's 3 staff members suddenly want to ask you about something haha! I prayed about it and I believe God is challenging me to not shrink back and continue to advance and be bold and courageous in this. It will not be about me, but Him leading the team. He also reminded me that all authority belongs to Him so GO. He is the light of the world and He will be with us wherever we go (which is also related to the experience I had during DTS)! God's confirming word after word and prayer after prayer that He is on the move and I need to walk in tandem too! Please do keep us in prayer as we walk the streets of Perth bringing the good news wherever we go! :)

[mybravesong]

He turned it!!

Psalm 30:3-5 You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit of death. Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

As many of you know, I will be embarking on a new school - School of Evangelism. It's just a few sleeps away and I’m super excited about it. But that’s not quite what this post is about. I wanted to just share in honesty my journey in fundraising the past month and a half. Every other night in February, I’d lay my head on the bed and my eyes would stare into the abyss of blackness in the night. The neurons in my brain continue to fire away and I feel so alone in my thoughts. "God, why am I waiting? Is what you say really coming to pass? Can I trust You? Was what I heard true?" The long wait felt like I was stuck in limbo between two worlds, dipping my feet in one while in another. I was struggling.

Yes, I was very consistent with my daily quiet times with God. It was temporary solace for the many hours I would spend just feeling - for lack of better word; DOWN. It was not that I did not know that God was good but I could not understand why I was feeling anxious. That's a horrid thought. You might say - where is this coming from? God has been so good and you have seen the transformation in my life - you've also heard how He has been providing. I don't quite know how to put this into words but I started to worry and I was impatient - I became blinded. It was a slippery slope. This went on for a good 2 weeks late February til early March. Oh, how quickly we can fall to our flesh if we aren’t careful like in Matthew 26:41, Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!". Looking back, I recognise now even more so - be aware and the importance of powerful prayer.

God is faithful, He revealed to me hidden pride and I came to Him in repentance. It was not easy after but at least I knew what I was waging war with. Throughout the last month and a half, I was in a constant heated battle within myself to continually choose Jesus over what I wanted and in my timing. I prayed hard and cried hard. There were times, I slipped and fell back into my old thinking - into a cycle of pride and self-sufficiency. If I was not getting the results fast enough, I need to be putting in more, I need to save more. I need to do more. I will be the first to admit, that there were days where I'd wake up with no motivation to keep going. Oh boy! What a time to be so human and so forgetful (I say forgetful because we can quickly forget who we are in Him and who our God is). A lethal combination!

And yet here's the other thing, even in the struggle, He says - “Lynn I am the same, yesterday, today and forever”. Yes, God’s still the very same and He chooses to be personal and meet us where we are anyway. He’s doesn’t choose to save us from our demise because we are good but because He practices this simple truth - He loves us. Can you imagine if that weren’t true? What’s more, He chooses us to carry His presence wherever we go. What an amazing love!! This is truth that I’ve consistently experienced in this season. My heart is so thankful and grateful to God because He did not leave me despite it all but also for people like you, who chose to walk in obedience with whatever God showed you to do - whether it was to give or pray (I value your prayers so much, they saw me through a lot of moments!!). Thank you so much!!! I know for a fact, that it was He that brought it altogether but I also love that we’ve all done little bits of the puzzle that He’s weaving together (Reminds me of the widow and the 2 small copper coins). I can't recall the number of times, He's said time and time again, “Lynn - trust me, I've got this.”

I've seen His Father heart through: 1. my dad - despite being in a rush to go to work, paused and came round to encourage me (he also gave me a big hug which was very nice), also after I scratched the car and he still assured me, prayed for a reaffirming of my identity in God. 2. community - whenever I felt really unsure if we'd reach our 10k goal, I'd get a word of encouragement (I really value your words of encouragement because they spur me on towards Christ!) or conviction to give, a meal paid for and even surprise bank transfers. I am very humbled!!

It was Father God just consistently reaching down and saying, "Lynn, I love you. Remember, fundraising is not about the 10k goal. It’s about My relationship with you and your relationship with others. I've got this - let go, Trust me!" He's also shown me areas of my life that need to grow in surrender - mindsets that needed to be changed, to kick pride in the butt and be quick to ask for forgiveness and mostly to value people more in action and speech. Even though I am still yielding to God in these areas, I can testify that He was the one that did this! On Friday, we were still at 7.5k. My sister and I made cookies to sell. On Saturday, I got transfer of 1000 and on Sunday 1001. And on Monday, my sister felt convicted to give $5. I calculated the total on the Monday itself and realised we reached 10,000.28 (I'm 28 this year). 

Yes, that’s right!! We've reached the goal of 10k. God is really accurate and His timing is perfect!! I write to you just 63 days after we started fundraising so you may recognise His faithfulness and that ultimately the glory does not belong to you or I but the glory truly belongs to God alone! 

I thought I’d end with this song. It really is a reflection of God’s goodness despite where we are in life, He’s turned it around! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOa10F8YkgI Be encouraged because we serve a God of faithfulness and goodness. He will not let you stumble as you lean in towards Him. He does not promise that you'll always have sunshine and rainbows but He promises that He is with you wherever you go! :)