Summer Support Raising
As I write this post, a handful of our students as well as Joel are at our first Summer Spiritual Retreat(SSR). I ask that you would join me in prayer over this time that it would be fruitful and safe! As stated in my last update, I am currently committed to support raising full time, and sadly was unable to join on this retreat.
Admittedly, I wish I was able to spend more time with students and to be a part of the journeys they are on over the duration of this summer. I hear bits and pieces here and there but am ultimately looking in from the outside. My primary responsibility for this summer is to raise support, and that means that especially if I’m slacking in terms of support raising, time with students comes second. By no means does this mean that I have cut off all relationships with the students or stepped out of their lives but regarding organized Epic things, I have taken a step back. Joel has taken on the responsibility of hosting bible studies and times of worship with students twice a week throughout the summer, as well as this retreat! I’m so thankful for him and how the Lord is moving this summer and I’m envious of the ways they have been able to walk together. However, this time of being somewhat separated from them has been humbling and a reminder of what the Lord was teaching me throughout the year, and that is that I need Him more than anything.
My approach to this situation has been to focus on support raising and finish super early, with the hopes of salvaging some of the summer time. This expectation has been met with a very different outcome thus far. I didn’t realize it at first(as my plan was delayed by my Covid experience), but in my desire to rush through the process of raising support, I began to focus on my own abilities rather than recognizing the Lord’s abundant grace upon me and surrendering to Him. That gradual shift in my mindset and loss of focus has been a reality at the start of this past month. Thankfully, by his grace, the Lord helped me to open my heart and used that experience to remind me of how desperately I need Him.
Honestly, in terms of finances and numbers, progress for my support is not ideal and I am considered behind(which is funny when looking back on my prideful plan to be ahead). Still, I find myself at peace and full of hope for this final month before my deadline. The Lord has faithfully guarded and restored me, even when my sinful nature pulls away from Him. He has never failed to provide for my soul, so I remain confident that whatever the outcome come August 1st, He has me in His hands.
This does not mean I will lazily wait for something to happen!! I promise.
As I seek to faithfully and obediently strive for his kingdom, I ask that you would keep me in your prayers!
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Psalm 143:5-6 ESV
This update was a bit lengthy and not filled with much of what I was actually doing, something I said I would try to avoid doing.
To quickly sum up, I’ve spent this month meeting with current and prospective supporters, sharing with them what I do, have done, and am praying the Lord will do this next year. If I haven’t yet reached out to you and you are interested please contact me! In addition, if you know of any family, friends, or church members who may share in the vision of this ministry and be interested, I would love to reach them as well!
Thank you for reading and your constant support 🙂
Last Updates in case you missed them!
Dillon Kim Ministry Updates 