We live in Sicily based solely on donations. We’ve lived this way since June 2016 and haven’t lacked anything. Sure, there have been times where we have felt unsure that we would have enough, or unsure that God would provide, but we’ve always found that God has answered every time. We have always had enough.
And just as a side note, if you would like to give a donation or support our family on a monthly basis, you can see how you can do that over on our donation page! đŸ˜‰
Anyway, from time to time, people ask me how they can live in the same way that we do. How could it be possible that we could live and work full-time to do the ministry work? Frequently, I think that they imagine that there is some organization that is itching to give away money and support some missionary to do something somewhere.
Of course, those types of organizations don’t exist – or at least I haven’t found them! – so I explain that I believe that there are people, churches, or organizations whom God has called to support the work that you are called to do, but you have to go find them. From there, I frequently begin to hear many different forms of feedback:
Well, you don’t understand. The culture is different here than in America.
Well, you don’t understand. The economy is different here than in America.
Well, you don’t understand. I can’t just go to someone and ask them to support me.
To which I simply respond… You’re right. I don’t understand. I suppose this all depends on God’s calling for you. If He has called you, I am sure that He will provide for you.
So recently, I heard a couple of people tell me: You know, I was surprised because I did this work and there were quite a few people who stepped in to help cover the expenses of the trip.
Exactly. God provides.
I was reminded of all of this as I read the beginning of Luke 8 today. Jesus was traveling throughout the towns of the northern regions of Israel, Jesus himself was financially supported for his travels:
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Luke 8:1-3
Jesus is proclaiming the Kingdom. His 12 disciples are with him, but it says that there are three other disciples, three women who had been cured of diseases and evil spirits. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. And Luke points out that the women were supporting them. Luke never mentions, neither here nor anywhere else that I’m aware of, that the disciples were giving to the work – even though I suspect they were – but he makes specific mention of the contribution of these three women.
So, all of that to say that God is moving. God is working. And God provides for the work that He wants to have done.