I now stand at $8,660 contributed or pledged!  That means only $840 is
needed to reach the $9500!  I still need another $1500 to cover
airfare, insurance, and my visa.  Please pray that this last $2340
would be pledged soon.  I leave in a little more than two weeks!

I have been so blessed as I watch the numbers change in my account and receive e-mails from people telling me how much they're planning to give.  I was just studying today how Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms so he could hold up his staff so the Israelites could defeat Amalek; the Bible study I'm going through pointed out how there needs to be ministry within ministry.  Aaron and Hur's ministry was to (literally) support Moses while Moses was ministering to all of Israel.  It really reminded me how much I need people to minister to me even as I am ministering in Salford.  I have already received words of encouragement from so many people who are supporting me through prayer and/or financial contributions.  My first youth pastor (of 4) and his wife just made a pledge despite some financial issues they have had this year; how humbling it is to watch them choose to minister to me in the midst of their own need.  One of my great-aunts asked for a picture of me so she could use it as a reminder to pray for me every day; I can only imagine how mightily God will work through those prayers.  During a conversation with a friend, I heard nothing but words of encouragement, reminding me of the authority and power I have because the Holy Spirit is in me.  Another friend reminded me to "love the adventure" and relish change instead of fearing it.  Prayer support, financial support, words of encouragement, comfort, exhortation-- these are all ways people can minister to me so that I can minister to others.  Thank you for your ministry.