Dear Friends and Family,
In thinking about putting together this letter, I thought of you all- the people who would receive it: my family, my friends, who have walked life with me and made an impact in my life at some point over the past 30 years. I am so grateful to each one of you.
If I’ve ever been transparent with you over the years, you know I have questioned God about my life story… Many of us have. I have also walked alongside others who have had similar questions and discovered I wasn’t alone in my thoughts.
I think that regardless of the timeline of our lives, and when various milestones occur, we are all given two options, to remain pliable, to be open to God’s moving in our lives, or to dig our feet in, and harden our surface, holding tight to the plans we want. God hasn’t allowed me to harden and dig my feet in over the years. I know that this is largely due to my prayers, asking God for what I truly desire with all of my heart, but also acknowledging that He knows best, that His Story, regardless of my understanding of it, is the story I want to live.
One of these stories began in February, 2009 when I traveled to the tiny little country of Rwanda in the middle of Africa. I left knowing that I was leaving a part of my heart, especially for the widows and orphans, and that God had more for me to do there. As the urge grew in my heart to return, I pushed on doors in the summer of 2010, just to have them close. I was disappointed, but I also knew He was using me locally in a homeless ministry, and my community. He had plans for me in my teaching job, and quite simply, His plan was His plan, and my job was to wait.
In February, 2011, I traveled with my church, Grace Capital to Haiti on a mission trip. God confirmed for me on that trip that He wanted to use me in poverty stricken communities as my heart for widows and orphans had continued to grow. I began praying while considering options.
I learned of a need in Rwanda for an interim director of a women’s training center, called the African Bagel Company. The founders were looking for someone to fill the position for 6 months, perhaps up to a year, while they are on furlough. It is an amazing ministry that operates a growing business, making primarily baked goods. They pull mostly widows from the streets, many with children to care for, and disciple them and teach them a trade that they can use to sustain and provide for their families.
The doors I pushed on have swung open. I am stepping out in faith believing now is the time. As a matter of fact, June 30th I board a plane to fill this position in Rwanda for at least the next six months, maybe longer. I know the skills and encouragement I will bring them will only be half of the story as God is guaranteed to teach me and challenge me through this journey as well, if I remain pliable.
I am excited, and I am scared. There are many unknowns. There is a lot of work ahead, an entirely new culture to live in and run a business in. The only way I can begin to do this is by God’s strength, and with the prayers of His people. I want to keep a heart of praying His Will in my daily decisions. While I have an idea of some of what’s ahead, the true journey will unfold in His time.
To step out and do this I am leaving my teaching job for a year to work without salary. I am praying that some of you may be moved to help me financially with my expenses during this time. It will cost me $1200 a month to live and work there. Thank you in advance. I am humbly grateful. Donations can be given monthly, or as special gifts. There is more information on the form below.
Regardless, if you could remember me in prayer- that is my greatest ask. Stepping out in these situations can bring opposition. I need the covering of prayer that you all can provide. Thank you.
If you’d like, you can share my journey with me and pray for me through my blog which I will be updating at www.livewideawake.blogspot.com
Sincerely,
Rachel Carter
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:27
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I, ______________________________________________________ pledge to support Rachel Carter’s mission financially in the following way:
Monthly for $ per month to support her work in Rwanda.
Yes, I would like a monthly email reminder.
A special gift of $ for her work in Rwanda.
Checks are tax-deductible and are to be made out to Grace Capital Church. Please cut off this form and mail with your donation to Pastor Mike Mavity, 542 Pembroke St., Pembroke, NH 03275
5 comments:
don't leave me:) love you!!!!
So excited that this has all come together for you! You are going to be such a blessing to each and every person you meet. Praying for you as you prepare to go!
Ray Ray
I am so excited for you! We will pray for you and commit $100/ month to support you. Love the adventure with God!
Bruce & Martie D
Morning! Rachel, I was reading Isaiah the day before yesterday, yesterday, last night, and now again this morning. For some reason, I just could not process it. This morning I prayed and asked God to please remove anything that would keep me from hearing Him. I told the Lord that I was just not going to let go until He would let me hear His word. The tears began to fall and so I knew my heart was finally ready this time I read it, vía Max Lucado :) I found much conviction in it and the requirements that the Lord has asked of us made me think of you. I thought, Lord, that is Rachel she is living out your Sabbath in a just way, how you require, by doing your work in Rwanda. So, I checked your blog update to write of this but there was none. I thought hmmm, I'll just comment again on the last one, but decided that would not work. So, I started to scroll through the earlier entries and landed on this one. I was surprised to find that it was the first mention to everyone of your plans. Then I got to the support part and actually struggled with it because my finances will be cut by a 1/3 in September yet my bills will not. I didn't wonder anymore as to why the Lord had me land on this entry. My personal life is so... hmmm... let's say "broken" :) on the 11 Jul someone asked me about my marriage and I said that it was broken. Two days later, I broke my ring finger playing flag football. Think God was trying to tell me something, Rach? :) But, back to Isaiah 58, I think God is trying to give me the opportunity to give to someone who is doing Isaiah 58, there. Where at this time in my life, I cannot be "there" but I can still be a part of God's work, Hence, the sacrifice which is being asked of me to do more than what I am already doing. I think I just starting to understand the meaning of sacrificial giving. I think the Lord is saying to me, "Raquel, yes you are doing many of these things, yet you still are very comfortable and I would like to teach you to trust me more and that trust will grow by giving more." So, Rachel I feel God is asking me to partner with Him vía your work. Funny though, because I wish there were more healthy things the women could make for the good of their own bodies and the good of others but I'll leave deciding business up to the Lord. I have an issue with sugar :) Well, Rach, I guess there are more entries to read. Thanks for listening, thanks for being an example of what the Lord requires. May God give you wisdom, strength, peace and always His love and joy! Raquel
you just amaze me
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