It is the season for new year's resolutions and goal setting, as of yesterday we still had not set specific resolutions/goals out there for ourselves personally or as a ministry. Well, I mean of course there are goals that we hope to accomplish but what I mean is nothing specific that we felt led to do outside the usual. That changed yesterday.
Our pastor (Sharon Daugherty) issued a challenge to our body of believers to set aside the next 21 days as a fast to seek the face of God for direction and for His kingdom to be manifest in our lives, our land and the world. She read out of Isaiah 58: 6-12 and that's when it hit me because that's the scripture that I have been meditating on for the past few months and it has seemed to become somewhat of a theme for One Child Campaign. While she was speaking, I asked the Lord what this fast should consist of and slowly I felt that I needed to fast things that would hinder my seeking first God's kingdom for our family and ministry. Sometimes, these are things that are good but can still be a distraction. I wanted to also challenge each of you, our friends, family and supporters to ask God what he would have you to do these next few weeks.
The first thing that we felt to set aside are all forms of social media: Facebook, Twitter, etc. We know that this is the way that we keep in touch with almost everyone, so especially for me, it is a sacrifice. I love the people that God has brought into our lives, but feel that He's wanting to speak to us and give us a strategy for the next year...and if that means tuning out some of the distractions that I have created for myself and get focused on getting plugged into the Vine and learn how to be a more productive branch, then that's what we need to do. If God speaks to us to fast other things as well during this time, we will.
My mind went immediately to all the reasons why I just "can't" unplug: we are raising support for the ministry, our adoption and we need a big marketing push for our March 11-20 (spring break) Ethiopia orphan awareness trip, etc., etc., etc...but it cut deeper when I felt the Holy Spirit ask me if I trusted Him more than social media and marketing...ouch. Whose Kingdom am I building anyway? Ouch. That did it - so from today, January 10 - 31, we will be on a break from FB and Twitter - a kind of "anti-marketing" in the world's eyes, but a statement of faith that if our God is for us, then what could ever stop us.
We will be checking our email during this time a couple of times a week, so if you have questions or need to contact us, you can do so at caleb@onechildcampaign.com or becca@onechildcampaign.com. We will also be checking voicemail and returning calls a couple of times a week.
We ask that you pray for us during this time that the purposes of God for One Child Campaign and our family will be accomplished. Here is a list of things that we are believing God for during this chosen fast:
- direction and prioritization for the ministry
- to effectively build His kingdom and not ours
- to never operate out of competition, only out of love
- discernment
- for our hearts to be daily broken for what breaks the heart of God
- to hear His voice and obey
- greater faith, vision and resources
- provision for the ministry and our family
- strategic ideas, systems, projects and partnerships
- a removal of distractions
- structure for volunteers and interns
- wisdom and insight
- orphan awareness trips to fill up, so more people and churches can be activated
- our ministry partnerships: Covenant Church/Orphanages, Heavenly Hope Ministries, Children's Hopechest, CFI Drop-in Center/Hope for His Children, Emmanuel Orphanage, Hope for the Hopeless, Grace Baptist in Kombolcha, Project 61/Korah, etc.
- doors to be opened that no man can shut
- to be able to give to others more and support other ministries
We also commit to praying for each of you in these areas, if you are willing to commit to standing with us in prayer for these areas - please email us and let us know. When each member of the body does it's part, together we are stronger. We'd love to also hear from you if you feel to participate in this fast and what God is speaking to you. In these days, it's never been more important for us to hear the voice of God and walk in our calling.
Much love to you all, we look forward to the greatness of God being manifest in your lives!
Caleb and Becca David
Isaiah 58:6-12:
6Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.
9Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
10And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:
11And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
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