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Upside Down

Since leaving my month-stay in Ohio, life has felt upside down in several ways. When I landed in Florida, I hit the ground running. Within three days, I moved out of my apartment. Having been removed from that setting for more than one month now, I can affirmatively say that there was something in the environment that upset my health, and I feel 75% better now, so I am extremely grateful.

For the next three weeks, I was blessed to stay with a family in Sebring, 35 minutes from where I work. Unfortunately, I came down with Covid-19 while I was with them. They took great care of me; breakfast in bed, home-cooked meals, room service- the whole nine yards. I was spoiled, for sure.

An added blessing during my stay with them, especially during the time of isolation, was the ability to walk to a nearby pond where wildlife was present. It was great to sit by the pond for several hours throughout the day, witnessing God’s creation and spending those moments reflecting on God’s magnificence and His care for each one of us.

Before I came down with Covid-19, I had a meeting scheduled with a private investigator. We had been discussing a possible internship with his agency. I was looking forward to meeting with him as soon as I could. He lives in Ocala, FL, 2.5 hours north of Wauchula, where I currently live.

I have a friend whose mother lives in Ocala. I wondered if I could stay with her mom for three days while I make connections. Well, not only could I stay for three days, but her mom was currently residing with her in New Jersey, and I could stay in the home rent-free for the summer! Wow! What a huge blessing and great first step.

I went to Ocala on three separate weekends. I enjoyed it there. The investigator and I had trouble coordinating our schedules, so the first two weekends, we did not meet.

The second weekend I was there, I was able to visit Cross Pointe church. Upon arriving, I made instant connections and felt at home. There was an international student get-together that night, so I asked if I could join them. I was welcomed and had a great time! It had been a while since I had participated in an event that gave me so much joy! There were about 10-12 people there, most of whom did not have a relationship with Jesus. What an incredible way to show them God’s love and introduce them to the One who died that they would have eternal life!

Last Friday, I met with the private investigator. It was a difficult decision, but I decided to pass on the opportunity. While there were elements to the job that I would have benefited from, there were too many unsettling factors. Overall, it did not seem like a good fit. I sensed in my spirit that God had something better for me, so I walked away. After waiting for more than one year for an opportunity to make itself known, I was not ready to settle. I wanted God’s best.

I have since moved out of the house in Sebring. A friend loaned me their camper for two weeks, so that is where I am as I write this update. I love camping, so I am in my happy place. As upside-down as life can feel at times, I am so thankful that God is always holding us tightly.

I am looking forward to attending a conference with many private investigators in Florida on June 17-19. One of the speakers is Toby Braun, who donates time to investigate human trafficking cases. He will teach about the rise of human trafficking investigations and how investigators can equip themselves for this work. Perhaps, he will be a good connection for me. I am hopeful.

I want to say a special, deep, and heartfelt “thank you” to all who have given one-time gifts over the last few months. God has faithfully provided each month above and beyond what I need. Praise His Name!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. We are blessed!

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Change of Scenery

From the Palms to the Pines

Last month, our airplane was due for its annual inspection. We have been blessed the last few years to have the assistance of MMS to complete this task. MMS is a mission organization, located in Ohio, that assists other mission groups with their aircraft maintenance tasks. My co-worker, Andres, was scheduled to go to MMS to assist them in the work but was held up with other responsibilities in the hangar. So, I raised my hand. While I am not fond of maintenance work, I had been facing some increasing allergy concerns and welcomed a different environment for two weeks.

Dale and Deborah, my sweet hosts, have allowed me to stay in their basement apartment. They have invited me over for several meals and included me in their game night at their Amish friend’s newly built home. That was fascinating! I have also been loaned a car from the CEO of MMS so I have a great amount of flexibility which is a wonderful blessing.

After just a few days at MMS, it was apparent that God had used my poor living situation to usher me to Ohio. I was instantly impressed by the facility. MMS has certainly made the most of the resources God has given to them. As early as the first morning meeting, it was obvious that there was a strong sense of leadership and organization. There are camaraderie and familial spirit in the team here. I am learning so much, not just regarding maintenance but also through witnessing a well-oiled machine at work.

Below is a video of the work I have been doing here. Some of the material is the same as my last video but I believe you will still find it interesting.

https://www.facebook.com/mmsaviation/videos/1272221423173594/

My trip has now been extended until the end of April. I look forward to learning as much as I can before I leave. I will also be moving out of my apartment when I return to Florida so life will continue to be busy. I am thankful for the kindness of so many who make life in missions possible. From the hosts here in Ohio to the family who has opened their home for me when I return to Florida. Each of these places provides an opportunity to seek out the Lord’s next steps for me in a healthy environment. I am blessed. A huge shout-out of thanksgiving to those who have given this past month to help me make it through. Each month is a display of God’s faithfulness and He shines through you all. Thank you and God bless!

Replacing necessary hardware to ensure the baggage nose door doesn’t inadvertently come open during flight. That would make for a bad day.

Family Time & Lots of Cargo

I cannot believe that 2020 has come and gone.  This year God allowed me to begin my studies in Trauma Counseling, and I have completed 12 credits toward my degree.  I have learned so much and look forward to future classes. 

Since it has been a while since I have written, I will take you back a little.  I will start with my visit to my sister’s back in September.

It had been 11 months since I had seen my sister and her children. Our family made plans to rent a cabin where my parents could drive down from Wisconsin, and we could all spend time together.  It was so good to be together again.  We were able to celebrate my mom’s birthday and explore the Indiana Dunes. 

While with my sister, we spent much time walking trails and enjoying the outdoors. My most memorable trip was eating dinner at Jail House Pizza. The restaurant was transformed from a rustic jail, built in 1906, into the tourist attraction it is today.

Jail House Pizza
Amber (8), Auntie, Aaron (10), and Emma (11)

And, Lots of Cargo…

Harvest has been growing leaps and bounds. We have seen an increase in new missionaries we are serving in Belize, resulting in a significant boost in the amount of cargo we are preparing and sending. We have been receiving over 200 boxes each month, totaling over 2,000 lbs of cargo. As you can imagine, this takes up much of my time.

Please pray that God provides volunteers to assist with this growing and wonderful ministry. Please also continue to pray as I seek avenues to assist in the fight against human trafficking.

As always, I cannot thank you all enough for your support through encouragement, prayers, and finances. Since September, I have needed to decrease my monthly allotment by $600 and am currently only maintaining 50% of the funding that I had last year. I know God will provide, but I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers, especially over the next few months.

If you would like to donate, either a one-time gift or a monthly recurring contribution, please click the Donate button below. Again, thank you very much!

In closing, I would like to wish you all a very, Merry Christmas! Please take time to reflect on the best gift ever given–Jesus Christ! We have so much to be thankful for!

Bye for now,

Liz 🙂

Bahamas Flight

It was pretty exciting! I got to go on my first trip to the Bahamas.
I hadn’t flown in months and I hadn’t realized how much I missed it! We delivered supplies to help those affected by Hurricane Dorian. This trip consisted mostly of paper towels and toilet paper–the necessities of life. We all know that need a little too well, thanks to Corona! As you can see from the group picture, we were all so happy to be blessing the Bahamians in this way. The pastor (second in from the left) was so grateful for the needed supplies.

Brian, (in the gray t-shirt), and I have been doing A LOT of work in the hangar organizing. I had been wanting to tackle this project for some time. Little by little, I had been making progress but this past month we basically cleaned house. We have a little bit more to do but it is refreshing! It will make better use of the space God has given Harvest and will allow the mechanics to work much more efficiently.

We have seen an increase in missionaries using our services over in Belize. This past trip we had to leave 100 lbs of supplies behind because we had too much weight for one trip. Many supplies for this trip included backpacks, school supplies, and Bibles.

I am enjoying my classwork in the Human Services field. I am learning about many different injustices that people face and how we can help those in need all around us. I am doing research on the foster care system, especially as it relates to those children who have aged out of the system, their particular needs, and how the system might be improved.

Before I go, I do need to let you all know that as of September, I will not be fully supported. In fact, the percentage goes down to nearly 50%. I know this is a horrible time to raise funds but I know I serve a big God and He is not limited to our circumstances. Would you consider partnering with this ministry financially so I can sustain my work here with Harvest? Thank you also for your support in prayer. It is those prayers that keep me going!

Stay Safe Everyone!!!

Search/Rescue & New Opportunities

Hi friends,

Called2Rescue is the non-profit I volunteered with. What a delight!

Last month, I began praying and seeking ways to be involved in ministering to victims of sex trafficking. Within just a few days, doors started opening. The most interesting opportunity was the chance to help look for a 15-year old girl who had run away from home and had been missing for 10 days. The girl was found and is in a safe place now. That was very rewarding.

Secondly, through my church in NJ, I was introduced to a young woman who has been a victim of sexual assault and offered to meet with her virtually for counseling. We had our first session two weeks ago. We will be working through material together to help her find hope and healing through Christ.

Additionally, this Monday, I began Liberty University’s online Master’s program in Trauma and Crisis Counseling. I am looking forward to learning more as I feel unequipped right now. The reality that we as believers in Jesus have is that The Counselor lives inside of us, the Holy Spirit, and He will lead and direct our hearts through His Word. I am thankful for the opportunity to better understand how God created us, how to better help others, and be better equipped for the future.

Lastly, I will personally be meeting with the Director of Harvest (a former pastor) to go through an area of my life where I need healing.  While it will surely be uncomfortable, I know that it is necessary to continue working on these vices each of us have.  I don’t know if we ever ‘arrive.’ It seems to be just one human trying to help another human thrive in this journey we call life. 

Enjoying some R&R and came across a banana tree

Thank you again for your continued support both through your prayers and your pockets (as Pastor Tone Bellamy would say, haha!). While I was fully supported financially for one year, September will mark the end of that year. For the following year, I only have 50% of the funds needed to sustain my ministry. Please pray with me that God will provide above and beyond what I could ask or imagine. He is Faithful and I know that He will provide every need that I have. I am trusting Him.

Stay in touch and be blessed,

Liz 🙂

Quiet Month of May

I am rejoicing as Florida begins reopening. Currently, the state is allowing retail stores and restaurants to accommodate 50% capacity while gyms and other facilities become accessible again. What a relief! I know one of the churches that I attend will begin a modified reopening in June. I am looking forward to that!

I know many of you reading this post right now are not doing as well. My heart goes out to you as I know some have lost loved ones and had dear friends or family hospitalized. It can be a fearful time. I trust and pray that each of you are placing your trust in Jesus. He is our only hope–our refuge and strength.

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it

and are safe.”

(Prov 18:10, NKJV)

For most of the month of April, I worked from home. I used Microsoft Access to develop a database of the missionaries that we currently serve or have served in Belize. I tried to connect with each one of them to gain updated information and remind them of our services. I also received additional contacts from a missionary in Belize. Overall, I reached out to over 200 people. Since then we have received 4 new partnerships. We look forward to helping as many servants as we can to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in Belize.

After the 30-day stay at home order was lifted, I began working at the hangar again. Now that the heavy maintenance projects were behind us, I was able to spend more time organizing the hangar. That is something I had been anxious to do since I first visited. We continue to make good progress but we still have a way to go.

This week we began the annual inspection on our trainer plane, a Cessna 172. Lord willing, the coming weeks will consist of one flight to Belize and Honduras, a domestic flight as well as two trips to the Bahamas. It is always exciting to be a part of lives being touched and people being blessed.

Please pray for me as I seek opportunities to become more involved with the ministry of helping victims of sex trafficking. As you know, that is where my heart lies.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this update. You all are a blessing to me.

Love,

Liz 🙂