Haley and James's Mission
Update
22 Mar 2023
Thank you to everyone who made a donation to our mission! We are only two weeks away now from going on our course for three months and we start moving in late July!
Many plans have changed over the past two months. Although James and I were very excited about our plan to start a new adventure in New Zealand, we didn't necessarily investigate God's plans for us--which hasn't been pointing towards New Zealand right now. Not only is my permanent residency for Australia still not coming through (which is late, and we will need it for NZ) and our funds short to make a move to NZ, but we've been asked to go to the Great Southern region of Western Australia to the Shire of Albany and Denmark. Towns and cities in this region have grown up to 4x their size in just a few short years.
After many prayers, dreams, advice from our missionaries etc., we put our hands up to go here. Then, so many things started falling into place: another couple who had wanted to go to Wellington NZ apparently put their hands up for it. James and I got offered multiple job opportunities down in the Great Southern region without our asking. Potential students down there expressed interest to missionaries up here in Perth. Places for us to rent were offered to us etc. etc. For a moment I thought, "Is it really meant to be this easy?"
God is on our side and has plans to prosper us when we aim to do His will, isn't it? He has the power to change circumstances and put the right people, places and events on our path. I think that when something we desire greatly seems difficult and poses many barriers, we need to make the effort to look inside ourselves to determine where the desire is coming from and if it's what's right for us. Sometimes barriers are those we need to push to overcome. Other times, barriers may be there to show us that we're straying from the path and life that God wants for us.
In my case, the last thing I wanted to do was "stay close to home" (Albany is six hours from Perth). For some reason, I looked down on staying nearby and felt I had to prove something to myself and others. Staying "close to home" and disappointing others by taking "the safe route" (all thoughts I had about the matter) were some of my fears. I felt that by moving to another country right away, sacrificing my chance at Australian Citizenship and giving up all of our savings to get there, I was somehow being or doing "the best." Not to mention the strong desire to live in such a beautiful and amazing country (New Zealand) without appreciating the incredible beauty that exists right in front of my eyes here in WA. Are those the kinds of values Christ had to sacrifice for humanity? Desires, fears, vested interests? Of course not. I now see so clearly what I didn't see before, and everything feels serene inside. None of the fears, desires, sufferings, pride etc. that were involved in the decision to move to New Zealand in the first place. It doesn't mean we never will, or that we'll never do another mission in another country. But I've been learning what it looks like to sacrifice our desires, self-centeredness, self-importance etc. to see new opportunities and doorways in our lives. To want to help others directly from the love of our hearts, regardless of what our personal circumstances look like.
Moving will still cost us a few thousand dollars, and we won't be earning income over the next three months while we're still paying our rent back in Perth, so I can't emphasize enough how much we appreciate everyone's donations and support throughout our process. All this love we've received from you, our friends and family, has been so beautiful. We love you and appreciate you too. I'm glad to have the opportunity to share with you. I'll continue to post updates about our move as it comes closer to the date. Be well! -Haley and James
DONATIONS12
Bryan Horton
Mon, 27 Feb 2023
$ 1500
So excited your adventure begins in just 5 weeks. We love you both and support you on your path. Love, Mom & Dad
So excited your adventure begins in just 5 weeks. We love you both and support you on your path. Love, Mom & Dad
$ 1500
William Koerner
Fri, 10 Feb 2023
$ 700
May He grant you His grace, guidance, help, and protection. Love, Pop-Pop
May He grant you His grace, guidance, help, and protection. Love, Pop-Pop
$ 700
Dale and Faye Brumagin (Aunt Cheri's Parents)
Sat, 7 Jan 2023
$ 150
Cheri told us about your mission. It is wonderful for young people to serve others and dedicate their lives to sharing Christ! We are so excited, and will be praying for you both.
Cheri told us about your mission. It is wonderful for young people to serve others and dedicate their lives to sharing Christ! We are so excited, and will be praying for you both.
$ 150
Ken & Cheri Koerner
Thu, 5 Jan 2023
$ 150
We pray for God's blessing on you all and that you will be protected in His care. We will be praying for both of you every day.
We pray for God's blessing on you all and that you will be protected in His care. We will be praying for both of you every day.
$ 150
Bailey Bennett
Sat, 31 Dec 2022
$ 100
Sounds like such an exciting adventure!!! We will be praying for y'all and can't wait to hear about it!!
Love,
Zach, Bailey, and Flynn
Sounds like such an exciting adventure!!! We will be praying for y'all and can't wait to hear about it!!
Love,
Zach, Bailey, and Flynn
$ 100
Alice Ng
Fri, 30 Dec 2022
$ 70
All the very best. ?
All the very best. ?
$ 70
Denise H. Bennett
Fri, 30 Dec 2022
$ 300
Haley & James-We truly could not be more proud of you, and are more than happy to support you in this endeavor for Christ. I plan to donate more later as well. Go & serve! And may you be blessed 10 fold for it. Love you both! Uncle Lloyd & Aunt Denise
Haley & James-We truly could not be more proud of you, and are more than happy to support you in this endeavor for Christ. I plan to donate more later as well. Go & serve! And may you be blessed 10 fold for it. Love you both! Uncle Lloyd & Aunt Denise
$ 300
Brooke Hartgraves
Fri, 30 Dec 2022
$ 100
$ 100
Anonymous
Thu, 29 Dec 2022
$ 50
$ 50