A Journey to Mars

Hello all,

What a year 2008 has been. I'm sure you can agree. As you know, I have been interning at Mars Hill Church in Seattle for almost 9 months. This has been a full time position, although it is not a paid position. To make ends meet each month we depend on the financial support of our family, friends and church body. There is no way I can describe to you in words what we have been learning through this, God has been very faithful to reveal to us our false idols, our false securities, our false comforts... He has also revealed to us unparalleled grace, peace, forgiveness and His pursuit of glory in our lives.

Just a couple weeks ago we went through the dirtiest and darkest time of this season as we planned for a vacation; yet again the money we saved had to be used for rent, how were we going to take a much needed sabbath? How were we going to celebrate our wedding anniversary? Our expectations of 'what we deserved' and what sabbath means were smashed... it wasn't until we were broken before Jesus, accepting that our sabbath and vacation may mean a week at my parents house, that God put it on my heart to actually ask someone for help. Friends gave to us graciously and abundantly and we were able to have a great time of much needed rest, visiting friends and family in CA.

So here we are again; the beginning of the month and rent is due. I again am brought to my knees, the place were battles are fought. I wrestle with my pride, my preconceptions of the comfort that I deserve. Then the Spirit provokes grace in my heart towards myself. Yes... I do need to pay rent, but really Jesus is the one who pays the rent. (it makes me sad, angry, and laugh at the same time!)

That said, I would like to ask you to consider pledging a monthly sum of support for the next four months. This would greatly help Sarah and I finish strong in what God has called us to without being distracted by the financial stress to the degree that we have recently been experiencing. It can be as little or large an amount as you feel called to, please don't think you wouldn't be of valuable help because you can't give much. Every dollar is a blessing.

Currently, we are about $600 dollars short of rent for September, the check is due tomorrow at 5pm. This is pretty standard each month and we know God will provide by the end of the day tomorrow. Please prayerfully consider if you could help us through January to relieve some of this burden.

We are eternally grateful for your support through prayer and finances.

Lots of love,
Joel and Sarah