August 15, 2019 – We have reported that we want to establish one livelihood group with every church that we plant in the Balkans. We currently have 8 livelihood groups but we have 19 churches planted and we are looking to start 15+ more churches in the next year. What an opportunity. To do that we need to expand our distribution network so we the new groups’ products have distribution outlets. We also need to get startup funds to begin the new groups with the people in the churches.
We are looking for supporters (either current or ones we have not met yet) who will help us by investing new donations to this need.
After our upcoming vacation, we will begin in greater earnest in our weekly travels to partner churches. In between churches, I am working on connecting with businesses to add our products to their shops, participating in craft and vender fairs on weekends and connecting with business leaders about what we are doing asking for their investments and donations for our projects.
Now I am asking our weekly email receivers to do the following.
- Pray that God would lead us to the right people, in the right place to share our story and need so that we can continue our expansion.
- Connect us with folks you know that could help us develop the livelihood groups, add our products to their shop or help us expand our current marketing programs and outlets
- Think about hosting a display of our products at your church (especially if we are not coming to your church this time around) or a local craft fair this fall (we will send you everything – you just show it, tell our store and sell what you can).
This week I am asking you to pray for the above-mentioned needs. Pray that we would connect with the right folks in God’s timing to accomplish what He wants done.
On a note of praise – Several months ago we asked everyone to pray about a vehicle for us as we are home. We did end up purchasing one from a family who were becoming missionaries and moving to another country. It was older but seemed to be in good shape, we took it to Florida and have had some problems with it – but we are getting them fixed. We knew it helped us for a quick need but were not sure it would be the best vehicle for all our travels. This past week I received a text asking if we would like the current vehicle we are diving given to us as a donation. It is a very functional van – one we have been using for several of our partnership tours. We responded yes. So now we have 2 vehicles (we will be getting rid of the first one and investing the funds back into the work). All that said to share that God is faithful and does answer prayers in HIS time! With that blessing, we know that what we are doing is where we need to be about for the kingdom at this time. Thanks again for all your support!