76%, Rising Dollar, and Depature Goal

Due to recent developments, my support now stands at 76%. It was higher, but the church I mentioned in my previous post (read the post from a few days ago) will not be able to give as once promised, bringing me down from 82%.

Over the past few weeks, the dollar has actually started to go up compared to the Slovak Koruna! That's good for me- please continue to pray for this.

Hopefully this week I'll be able to tell you more details about my departure goal date.

Right now with the support I have, I could serve for about 7 months. As you know, I've committed to 12. Though it is tempting to leave now and get started, I feel as though I should wait upon the Lord's provision and hope that 100% comes in. If you're confused about when I'm leaving, and why I could technically leave now, that's normal. :) I'll explain it in a few days.

Stay tuned!

82% and Important Prayer Request

Here's an updated breakdown of supporters needed! By the way, I know a lot of you can't commit to monthly gifts, and any gift whatsoever is so appreciated, no matter how much. So don't think that since you can't do monthly gifts it wouldn't make a difference! This is just an easier way for a lot of people to see it.

$585 per month (or $7,025 total) still needed

3 people at $100 per month
4 people at $50 per month
4 people at $25 per month


Prayer Request: As you're probably aware, the dollar continues to drop steadily compared to the Slovak crown. My MTW representative and I are going to be looking at this soon to see how much it has dropped and how much more support I'll be needing because of it. Please pray that the drop will be small and I won't need to raise a substantial amount more.

Also, a church that had committed to a substantial amount ($2,400) will probably be pulling their donation completely. Their financial situation at the church is VERY bad because of certain events over the past few years with their congregation. Please pray that -their financial situation would improve and they would be able to follow through with their commitments... or that God would provide this loss to me soon. By the way, this loss is not included in my support still needed because it's not 100% sure.

79.5% and Saturday's Total

For those of you who don't know, we had an excellent turn-out yesterday at the car wash! At one point we had 28 workers! I'm not exactly sure how many cars we did, but we didn't really get more than a minute or two of rest working from one car to the next- so a nice steady flow from 8:30 till 4 pm. We made $1,030! That boosted me up to almost 80%. Now, I believe my numbers are:

4 People at $100 per month
4 People at $50 per month and
3 people at $25 per month

This is feasible to obtain before my goal of the end of September!

77%

Hey y'all! Yes, we're over 3/4 of the way there. Only $750 per month left!

We'd love to have you come out this Saturday to the car wash, either to get your car washed or help scrub with us. This event will be hosted by the Grace Reformed Baptist Church youth group.

As most of you discovered, my goal is to be in Slovakia starting my service before October. Would you prayerfully consider being a part of this and sending me to serve in Trnava?

Almost 3/4....

Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm at 72%!

In the next month, expect my percentage to go down some due to a few factors--1) the dollar is still dropping, and their currency is strong, SO that means more will be needed. We're going to look at that in a few weeks though. 2) A church that was going to give a substantial amount is more than likely going to have to retreat from their pledge because of unforeseen severe financial stress.

In the meantime, I'm going to rejoice in my status now :)

Car Wash! Saturday, August 9th in Mebane

Hey everyone! I wanted to invite you join us while we scrub cars to raise funds for my mission to Slovakia! It will take place Saturday, August 9th in Mebane on Mebane Oaks Road at the Advanced Auto Parts (in front of Lowe's Foods, beside Blue Ribbon).

We'll get started pretty early, probably arriving at 8:30 or 9 and staying until we get tired or run out of business :) So far the GRBC youth group is going to be heading this up. Whether you'd like to actually scrub the cars, hold signs and/or dance by the road and try to get people in, or go out on your own entrepreneurial excursion and sell lemonade or watermelon or something, you're welcome to do that too.

If you can make it, we'd love to have you. Also, if you have any scrub brushes, buckets, soap, etc. please bring them so we don't have to buy them. Not exactly sure what we're doing for lunch, but if someone, or a few people, would like to donate a few pizzas or something that would be excellent!

Comment on this post or send me an email at andetruman@gmail.com (or call me at 407.739.8571) if you want to come help. Thanks!

Presentation at GRBC

I want to thank everyone for sticking around after prayer meeting to hear my presentation! It was so great to be able to share some of the details with you. Obviously, because I had little time, I had to condense everything...leaving many details out. If you'd still like to know more, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and we can get together for a meal or coffee if you wish!

Questions from The Ladies Missionary Society Meeting - 60%

There were a few questions from the Ladies Missionary Society this last Saturday that I needed to do some more research on before I confidently answered them.

Q: "Do you have a book ministry? If not, do you ever plan to have one? If not, are there Christian books readily available in Slovak for new Christians?" (If I am leaving out anything for the person that asked this question, please leave a comment!)

A: The staff at The Building has thought about, and is continuing to think about starting a book ministry. Specifically, they would like to start with translating some of Kris Lundgaard's books. As you may know, Kris is there with his family. While there is not a wealth of Christian books in Slovak, they do exist for new Christians. There are two specific publishing houses printing these books in both Czech and Slovak.

Q: "Once someone professes faith, what happens after that? Is there a plan of action? Does the Slovak pastor 'take over' or is it a group effort? Who are they accountable to, who helps them along in their faith?"

A: Generally, it is a group effort, as it depends on which relationships are stronger. We just joined the denomination in Slovakia with its' own pastor (Juraj), so the planning is coming.

I'm sure I'll understand the answers to these questions better when I am there, but I hope this helps you understand a bit more. Keep the questions coming!

Good Resources about Slovakia - 57%!

I just found this website that has some great info about Slovakia, probably the most in-detail resource I've found so far. http://www.iyfnet.org/section.cfm/192/193

Presentation at Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Mebane - 53.4%!

Hello all! I wanted to let you know that I will be giving a presentation at the church on Wednesday, July 9th right after prayer meeting, Lord willing. I'll be explaining in further detail what I will be doing in Slovakia, more about the country, the ministry, and the needs of the people.

I would love if if you came to hear what's going on! Right now the date is penciled in, so if it changes I will let you know.

In the meantime, if you'd like to get together face to face for a meal or coffee, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Thanks, and hope to see you there!

50.4%

Hello all! I wanted to inform you that I am currently at 50.4%! That's very exciting!

I would also appreciate your prayers about a few presentations I have coming up in the next few weeks. I'll be speaking at a PCA church in Burlington, NC this coming Sunday morning...as well as a Ladies Missionary Society at my home church in Mebane, NC and also speaking at my home church to everyone on a Wednesday night coming up soon (though we haven't set a date).

Thanks y'all!

When am I leaving?

That's a mighty good question. People ask me this almost daily and I wish I had a better answer for you. I leave when I get 100% of my funds for the next year. MTW requires this so that fundraising isn't a part of my work on the field (it wont distract me), and so I'm not financially stuck over there in the middle of my year.

Some people ask, "What if it takes you another year to raise the support?". Well, MTW's general rule of thumb is that the longest it should take to raise support is the amount of time you're going. Obviously some people have the resources, connections and church support to get them there almost immediately. However, in my particular situation it is not working out that way.

I started raising support in September. So in late August/September of this year, if I'm not there yet, we're going to "renegotiate" the amount of time I go. If I am only at 60% or so, then more than likely we will lower the period of time I go. If I am at 95% then I will continue raising support till I get to 100%. We'll have to cross that bridge when I get there.

MTW, the team in Slovakia, and I, are hopeful that I will be on the field before that time- but obviously God wants me there when he wants me there.

I boldly ask for you to PLEASE pray for me during this time. It has been a trial lately and my patience still needs work. I am working at Camp Chestnut Ridge as a cook/pseudo-chef and doing as much fundraising as possible when I am not there.

Lowered Costs

Heidi ho! Wanted to let ya know that I lowered the prices on my photography fundraising book. A few people are enjoying these books already! Check it out! http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/163423

Don't be Intimidated!

Lately, I've heard the following quote from so many people, "Anything I can give probably won't make much of a difference for you. You really need people to come along with thousands of dollars per month!"

Well, first of all, I only need about $2,000 per month remaining - so technically I only need ONE person at that much!

Second, please don't think that unless you have a lot to give it won't make a difference! Please hear me! Every single dollar makes a difference, and it doesn't matter to me if you can't give much. It just means so much to me that you'd be willing to give ANYTHING! That's between you and the Lord. I used to be embarrassed around missionaries or anyone doing mission work because I thought that my $10 or $20 couldn't make a difference. I no longer think that, and gladly give anything I can, even if it's only a few dollars.

Please don't let the total amount I need to raise to intimidate your giving!

We're at about 43% today. Slowly but surely getting there!

Do you have any friends, family, churches, small groups, etc. who has a heart for missions? I'd love to tell them about what the Lord is doing in Slovakia and how they can be a part of it!

Are you in a small group or bible study? Have you considered pledging together as a group? Giving as a group gives your group a chance to be a part of sharing the Gospel around the world, and may only end up being literally a few dollars for each person! Call or e-mail me for more info!

Answer to Prayer and More Prayer Requests

Just wanted to inform y'all that I finally got a car today. I had been borrowing my family's truck for a few months, and needed to get my own.

I also may be looking into the possibility of finding another place to live in the Mebane/Burlington/Hillsborough area. If you have, or know someone who has a spare bedroom that I may be able to temporarily stay in, please contact me. Any time period can be arranged, but since I am praying that support raising will be quick, I do not plan on the period being long.

I know I've said this a thousand times, but please pray for my patience during fundraising. I trust the Lord in his infinite wisdom and sovereignty...but my sinful human self tends to feel the difficulty in waiting for the provision. Please pray for my attitude and my heart as well, that I will continue to trust the Lord.

In times when things are difficult, I constantly remind myself that God has changed my heart, and I feel that He's clearly called me to His service--and even though financial difficulties have been with me from the beginning, it is no indication to stop raising funds!

Greetings all! I wanted to check in and give you all an update of how things have gone since Saturday. As you know, I am up in Pennsylvania speaking at a Round Robin Missions Conference. There are many churches involved, but I am speaking at 6 churches this week to bring awareness to what God is doing in Slovakia and my journey to get back!























































Sunday I spoke at Faith Reformed Church in Erie, PA. It went very well and I spoke for about an hour at the adult Sunday School class. It's always impossible for me to stuff my entire story in an hour, but I think we did pretty well for the time I had. Thank you, Faith Reformed Church for allowing me to speak and for the wonderful luncheon! Also, thank you, Barb for allowing me to stay at your house Saturday night! Sunday after the service I drove south a few hours to my next destination, Fairview Reformed Church in Industry, PA. I am actually staying with the pastor of Fairview, Richard Raines and his wife until Thursday. Since many of the churches are within an hour of Fairview, their house will be my base for most of the week. Sunday evening I went to Fairview to attend the evening service there and for Pastor Raines to introduce me to the congregation. I broke my first rule of public speaking which is *Don't drink caffeine before you talk* so I was a little shaky but I survived. It was more of an informal service, especially at the beginning, so Pastor Raines called out to the congregation to see who would take me bowling and out to lunch! They quickly volunteered. So the next morning, at 9:30 a.m., they picked me up to take me bowling! There were about 20 people there or so, and people that were 3x my age were schooling me in bowling. However, for just rolling out of bed, I played a decent game of 128! I think early morning bowling should be a new trend! Stay tuned for more updates! Wireless internet is not an easy thing to find in the country of Pennsylvania, but I did find one coffee shop with wi-fi. Take care!

I wanted to give you an unfortunate financial update. Because of the consistent plummet of the American dollar against the strong Slovak Koruna, my budget requirements have risen and I lost about 3% of what I had due to the rise.

I did some research and noticed that not even 5 years ago, $1 U.S.D. was worth approximately ~40 Slovak Koruna, while today it is worth approximately ~21 Slovak Koruna. (Correct me if I'm wrong). I wouldn't be surprised if my required budget continues to grow as the dollar drops.

God is surely providing despite hard times. I would appreciate your prayers in this matter, and that the Lord would swiftly provide the remainder of this support!

This weekend I'll be flying up to Pennsylvania for a little over a week to attend a round robin Missions Conference with about 8 or 9 smaller churches. I'll be getting a rental car when I get there and driving to about 6 different churches, some ranging up to a few hours away from eachother.

Please pray that my nerves won't be shaken, and that I can effectively communicate what God's been doing with me--both confidently and comfortably. Also please pray for my safety while traveling. The last time I was up in that area in February, I ended up breaking down and selling my car!

We're still at 41% or so today. An overwhelming number of people have offered to help in some way or another in the past few weeks though, so I'm trying to have a positive outlook on my support status.

For example, last night I spoke to a group of 10 who are in a bible study group. Our time went very well and I am so appreciative of them allowing me to come and speak! Special thanks to Tony and Ina Diana!

I hope to also have an informational session at my church in Mebane as soon as possible. Please pray that this would happen swiftly.

So many of you have asked to meet with me personally to find out more about the ministry in Slovakia and where I fit in. My schedule revolves around you! Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me and we'll set up an appointment. I'd love to buy you some coffee!

That's it for now. Thanks everyone!

Getting a Head Start

I finally finished the first installment of my language study flash cards tonight. There are approximately 650-700 cards that I've made by hand...they were made by cutting up blank 3x5 index cards into thirds, then punching a hole in one end, writing English on one side and Slovak on the back, putting a rip cord through a stack of 25-75 (depending on difficulty), then using a caribeaner to keep it all together. It probably cost less than $5.00 for the entire set. I won't lie, it took an incredible amount of time to do this, but I think it'll be well worth it.

Ever since I returned from Slovakia I've been trying to remember words and phrases here and there, but since the new year I've been trying to focus on finding methods to learn the language (especially since I've been living in NC with extra time to dedicate to this). Now that I've finally completed the flash cards I can start studying more efficiently.

That uneasy face I'm wearing is because of the difficulty I've already experienced in learning and remembering words and grammar rules. So even though I don't expect to have any reasonable knowledge of Slovak by the time I get to Slovakia *(whenever that may be)*, I do hope to at least get a head start in learning vocabulary and essential phrases.

Anyone have any other suggestions for learning a language? Or even Slovak?

Staying Patient

I'm sitting here reading the first few chapters of Romans and saw a few verses that made me smile...

- (Abraham) He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said.....but it's not just Abraham, it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless.

- We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, w're never left feeling shortchanged.

Please pray that the Lord would give me the patience and peace that 'surpasses all understanding'.

We're at 41% :)