Well, we asked the Lord to answer us quickly as to when we needed to make our first trip- and He did! This July is no longer an option and next summer might still be a possibility, but we know He is leading us to go this October now.
Certain doors have closed and others stand open. We are just called to walk through.
The good in all the uncertainty over the last week is that the Lord has used it to show us several things, and one of is them quite surprising: When we should have been disappointed in a "No" we felt the peace of assurance that we are still to go. It makes absolutely no sense to me that we don't have anything more concrete (ie. a comfort zone), but that is when God reminded me of something He clearly said years ago, "Tiffany, I'm not going to have you do things the 'usual' way." That is so hard for me as a person who doesn't like to stick out and prefers proof and positive track records. Perhaps that's just why. I forces me to rely solely on Him.
Please keep us in this journey in your prayers. It's days like today I know we have a long way to go- but oh, how wondrously we will get to glorify Him through it!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Prayer Needed!!
So, there might be a slight change in plans.....soon!
We were just told that a much better time for us to come over would be this July 9th-16th. There are two main problems with this:
1.) Kevin (Ruel) doesn't have vacation that week, and
2.) We certainly don't have the funds to start purchasing tickets yet.
That being said, it's no problem at all if God wants it to happen that way!
Pray that God will make it clear quickly if we are to try for this July, still go October (even though it seems to be very bad timing), or wait until next summer and pray we'll be able to get a vacation the right week then.
The Spirit has confirmed over and over to us that we are meant to go over there. It's just a matter of timing now. We are being called to have faith and flexibility in this.
We were just told that a much better time for us to come over would be this July 9th-16th. There are two main problems with this:
1.) Kevin (Ruel) doesn't have vacation that week, and
2.) We certainly don't have the funds to start purchasing tickets yet.
That being said, it's no problem at all if God wants it to happen that way!
Pray that God will make it clear quickly if we are to try for this July, still go October (even though it seems to be very bad timing), or wait until next summer and pray we'll be able to get a vacation the right week then.
The Spirit has confirmed over and over to us that we are meant to go over there. It's just a matter of timing now. We are being called to have faith and flexibility in this.
Monday, April 4, 2011
A New Command
34 "I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:34-35
Did you know the Republic of Ireland is considered Roman Catholic?
In a 2006 census, 3,681,446 of Ireland's 4.2+ million people claim to be Roman Catholic. That's almost 87%. Another 125,585 consider themselves part of The Church of Ireland, which basically means they are Catholic minus the Pope. Around 20,000 are Orthodox and around 50,000 are other Christian. That's a lot of "Christians".
So why in the world are we bothering to go over there??
Well, besides for the fact God told us to.... I'd like to give you another statistic. The area we are living in now, Nashville, TN, is considered 95% Christian from a 2010 Barna Poll.
Really?
Never would have guess that with all the crime, greed, and Me-ism, I've seen around here. Also, try asking the random person what God has been teaching them recently and what He has asked them to do. You'll get a bunch of blank looks mixed in with several scowls.
Christians are meant to be known for the love they have for one another and their personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelical Christians particularly: As we are here in the belt-buckle of the Bible Belt. We are suppose to operate on Grace over works. Roman Catholics lean toward works: Confession to priest, rosary, penance, etc. I am not saying that all Roman Catholics are doomed to hell. Just like any "religion" - including Evangelicals - there can be false doctrines that pop up and become ingrained into their belief system. They do not, however, define themselves as having a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
That is what we are called to do over there. We are to love them and shine brightly with the light of Truth, sharing how to live life daily with a Savior who has given us grace beyond measure, and loves us enough to have died for us.
What amazes me so much and helps to confirm what God is doing, is that I love them so much already. Only God can melt my hard heart to love a people I have never even met.
By this they will know I'm His disciple....
John 13:34-35
Did you know the Republic of Ireland is considered Roman Catholic?
In a 2006 census, 3,681,446 of Ireland's 4.2+ million people claim to be Roman Catholic. That's almost 87%. Another 125,585 consider themselves part of The Church of Ireland, which basically means they are Catholic minus the Pope. Around 20,000 are Orthodox and around 50,000 are other Christian. That's a lot of "Christians".
So why in the world are we bothering to go over there??
Well, besides for the fact God told us to.... I'd like to give you another statistic. The area we are living in now, Nashville, TN, is considered 95% Christian from a 2010 Barna Poll.
Really?
Never would have guess that with all the crime, greed, and Me-ism, I've seen around here. Also, try asking the random person what God has been teaching them recently and what He has asked them to do. You'll get a bunch of blank looks mixed in with several scowls.
Christians are meant to be known for the love they have for one another and their personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelical Christians particularly: As we are here in the belt-buckle of the Bible Belt. We are suppose to operate on Grace over works. Roman Catholics lean toward works: Confession to priest, rosary, penance, etc. I am not saying that all Roman Catholics are doomed to hell. Just like any "religion" - including Evangelicals - there can be false doctrines that pop up and become ingrained into their belief system. They do not, however, define themselves as having a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
That is what we are called to do over there. We are to love them and shine brightly with the light of Truth, sharing how to live life daily with a Savior who has given us grace beyond measure, and loves us enough to have died for us.
What amazes me so much and helps to confirm what God is doing, is that I love them so much already. Only God can melt my hard heart to love a people I have never even met.
By this they will know I'm His disciple....
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Day Fun!
Throughout the day I have posted several fun fact and, well.... "other stuff" about Ireland and St. Patrick's Day on my Facebook page. I've listed them here in order from first to last, so take a few minutes and just ENJOY!
*Leprechaun In Mobile, Alabama
*Leprechaun In Mobile, Alabama
*Here's the page of some wonderful people we have been getting to know. There are some great stats on why Ireland needs prayers!
*There's No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama
*Irish Hand Dancers
*OK, here's the next thing:
Say, "IRISH WRIST-WATCH" aloud and quickly...if you can ;-)
Say, "IRISH WRIST-WATCH" aloud and quickly...if you can ;-)
*And for the Grand Finale....
Oh, Danny Boy
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Movin' On Up!
God has allowed us to have a foothold into our funding need for this fall! You have no idea how much it means to have something in there. Even if it were only $50. Please continue to pray for us!!
A friend of ours sent us a few programs about Ireland that were very interesting. To whet you appetite along with us, here is the link to the one that touched us the most.
Enjoy!
South Ireland: Waterford to the Ring of Kerry
A friend of ours sent us a few programs about Ireland that were very interesting. To whet you appetite along with us, here is the link to the one that touched us the most.
Enjoy!
South Ireland: Waterford to the Ring of Kerry
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
We Need Your Support
One of the many lessons the Lord has been teaching me is to ask for help. I've always claimed that it's not pride or saying that I don't need others and can do just fine on my own, but rather that I don't want to burden others. While that may be true, God has taught me that is but another form of pride: One also of not wanting to admit weakness and that I was taking away my dependency on Him and the blessing of giving from others.
I'm still learning :-)
On that note, however, I am going to ask you for your support for us in going to Ireland this October. There are two ways right now that you can do this:
First and foremost is PRAYER.
While most of us like to say, "I'm praying for you." and mean that we will - at some point, we are asking that you truly make it a point to pray. Place a note in your calendar, schedule, or set an alarm on your cell phone. Please commit to a few scheduled times whether it be once a month, once a week, or every day!
Pray that...
1. We will keep our eyes focused on Christ Jesus through this whole process and will be flexible when He needs.
2. That we will have enough funding to get over there this fall. We believe He's calling us to make an initial visit this October, and need to raise all the money to go. Our personal budget is stretched to the limit as it is and well, ....we are learning to rely on Him when He calls!
3. That God will make this first trip clear as to which direction we will focus on over there. Right now our heart are leaning toward Dublin, but we want to be open to however He is moving over there. The best place to be, after all, is in the center of His will.
Second is Funding.
We are not officially with World Harvest yet, and so can not raise support through them. This initial trip to Ireland will begin that process hopefully, or make it clear we need to search in a new direction. Either way, we will need your support.
I am willing to be perfectly candid when talking about this. What we hoped to set aside from our income tax returns has already gone to the initial class we are taking through World Harvest's Sonship program. While it was not cheap, we are very excited about it and know this is where our money was to go this year. With Ruel's hours at work being cut back, we've realized we are going to have to rely heavily - if not completely - on outside donations. One thing we promise is transparency. I know that sounds a little political....but it's the truth. All funds we receive will go to our mission work. If God allows us to be blessed beyond what we need for this trip, it will be but aside for the next one, or any materials we need to purchase.
*If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at tkgodbey@gmail.com and we will answer you to the best of our ability.
Please send any donations to our home address below, or contact us at the above email address if you prefer another means.
I'm still learning :-)
On that note, however, I am going to ask you for your support for us in going to Ireland this October. There are two ways right now that you can do this:
First and foremost is PRAYER.
While most of us like to say, "I'm praying for you." and mean that we will - at some point, we are asking that you truly make it a point to pray. Place a note in your calendar, schedule, or set an alarm on your cell phone. Please commit to a few scheduled times whether it be once a month, once a week, or every day!
Pray that...
1. We will keep our eyes focused on Christ Jesus through this whole process and will be flexible when He needs.
2. That we will have enough funding to get over there this fall. We believe He's calling us to make an initial visit this October, and need to raise all the money to go. Our personal budget is stretched to the limit as it is and well, ....we are learning to rely on Him when He calls!
3. That God will make this first trip clear as to which direction we will focus on over there. Right now our heart are leaning toward Dublin, but we want to be open to however He is moving over there. The best place to be, after all, is in the center of His will.
Second is Funding.
We are not officially with World Harvest yet, and so can not raise support through them. This initial trip to Ireland will begin that process hopefully, or make it clear we need to search in a new direction. Either way, we will need your support.
I am willing to be perfectly candid when talking about this. What we hoped to set aside from our income tax returns has already gone to the initial class we are taking through World Harvest's Sonship program. While it was not cheap, we are very excited about it and know this is where our money was to go this year. With Ruel's hours at work being cut back, we've realized we are going to have to rely heavily - if not completely - on outside donations. One thing we promise is transparency. I know that sounds a little political....but it's the truth. All funds we receive will go to our mission work. If God allows us to be blessed beyond what we need for this trip, it will be but aside for the next one, or any materials we need to purchase.
*If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at tkgodbey@gmail.com and we will answer you to the best of our ability.
Please send any donations to our home address below, or contact us at the above email address if you prefer another means.
Ruel and Tiffany Godbey
*Ireland 2011
1006 Dellrose Dr.
Bell Buckle, TN 37020
I'll keep you updated with a percentage as soon as I can set something up. Thank you all for the support, encouragement and love. What an exciting ride for the Lord we are taking together!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Moving On Up
We have now initiated the process of starting the beginning! :)
That's what this process is like so many times. One moment we are ready to go and the next we realize that big leap we just took was just a drop in the bucket. Any way you look at it, this journey is exciting- one drop at a time!
We have started the application process for the Sonship Mentoring program and hope to start on that soon. The other exciting piece of information is that it looks like we will make an initial trip to Ireland this fall after all! Since neither of us have ever set foot on the green isle, we felt it would be a good idea to wander about prayerfully and grow to love the people over there. While mentioning that to our Recruiter, he thought it would be an excellent idea. Please pray that God will work it all out and for us to not let our desires - or fears - get in the way of His timing and provision.
Can't wait to let you know more as we learn of it!
That's what this process is like so many times. One moment we are ready to go and the next we realize that big leap we just took was just a drop in the bucket. Any way you look at it, this journey is exciting- one drop at a time!
We have started the application process for the Sonship Mentoring program and hope to start on that soon. The other exciting piece of information is that it looks like we will make an initial trip to Ireland this fall after all! Since neither of us have ever set foot on the green isle, we felt it would be a good idea to wander about prayerfully and grow to love the people over there. While mentioning that to our Recruiter, he thought it would be an excellent idea. Please pray that God will work it all out and for us to not let our desires - or fears - get in the way of His timing and provision.
Can't wait to let you know more as we learn of it!
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