I’d like to make a confession: raising support is difficult. Now I say this not from a state of complaining but a state of repentance. Continually I want to make as many phone calls, send as many e-mails, write as many letters, and talk to as many people as I possibly can to generate the funds necessary for our team of six to go to Chiba City this May. Now essentially there is nothing wrong with striving towards our goal of $13,000 in just over a month. However when I work hard at it and do not remember who the ultimate Provider is, then I am merely striving after the wind.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

On the other side of things I can tend to get discouraged after not hearing from people I’ve e-mailed or written letters to or called. I want to just write if off and sinfully say “Perhaps I’m not supposed to go…” regardless how many times God has made this clear to me. I must hold fast. I must keep faith and I must be diligent daily requesting of my brothers and sisters in the household of faith to support the advancement of the Kingdom! I must make clear the need in Japan. The gospel urgency that is present. The overwhelming responsibility that John Evans and his family are going to take on once in Japan.

We serve and worship God. Matchless, incomparable, unfathomable, incredible God. He has been nothing but good to me. He loves Karis, He loves the six of us, He loves Japan.

Friends, pray for us to keep working hard at raising support and if you’re willing, please give at karis.onthecity.org/give