A couple months ago, our church did a campaign called "I Will". The campaign challenged us to be people that WILL do things instead of being people who COULD do things. Pretty much, get out of your comfort zone and live out your faith! One of the teachings was about Zacchaeus. When Jesus told Zacchaeus that he was coming to his house, Zacchaeus was convicted and declared that he WILL pay back four times the amount that he had taken. It wasn't, 'well I could pay them back', it was and I WILL, and he did it! How many times have I considered doing something, felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit and just ignored it? Told myself that I could do it, but talked myself out of it. I had been praying about going on this trip to Haiti, and I wondered why God would call me to a country that I don't speak the language. I was convicted of my 'I could' attitude and said 'I will' apply to go to Haiti and the team filled so we are going! I also was reminded that love knows no language and that is what we are going to do, love on the children at the orphanage.
Another amazing part of this trip is the opportunity to co-lead the trip with a close friend and mentor. Most of my life, I have been one to hide in the shadows of the vocal leaders. I am an encourager and have, by default, led by example. It has been through the encouragement of the community around me that I have begun to use my gift of leadership. It is a vulnerable place for me to be, but I know God is blessing me in and through it. I would covet your prayers as I take another step in growing as a leader.
My closing thoughts are about vulnerability. Most of my adult life I have hid behind walls I have put up. I don't often invite people into my pain and into my joys. I didn't share life happenings because I didn't want people to see me hurting. In my small group, we are studying a Brene Brown book about being vulnerable. One part that particularly challenged me was how when we hide behind the walls we become lonely and miss out on authentic relationship. Say for example I start a new relationship. If I tell people about it, and tell them it is no big deal, or if I just don't share at all, how are friends and family going to be able to support me when times get rough or how can they celebrate it when times are joyful-it was after all no big deal. I saw my unhealth in this. I was recently in a relationship and I put myself out there sharing the ups and downs with the community around me. What a blessings to have that community to share with me. Some of you guys were the ones that celebrated with me when it was going great, and then supported me as it ended. Without that support I would have dug myself into a hole- a hole of shame and self-doubt. Vulnerability=healthy living in my mind. So why am I sharing this? I usually don't share the ups and downs in my mission experiences. I am guessing a fair number of you didn't even realize I co-lead a mission trip to Vancouver Island last Memorial Day weekend and that's not okay! I want to share this Haiti adventure with you. I need your support. I need your prayers. I need your encouragement.
If you would like to support me financially,please make checks payable to Cornwall Church and include "Cara Mulder, Haiti- Aug. ‘14" on the memo line (if you don't then you'll just make a nice contribution to the general fund!). Mail your payment to:
Cornwall Church
Attn Accounting
4518 Northwest Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
These gifts are tax-deductible and are non-refundable according to the IRS. Funds will be used for
airfare, lodging, transportation, projects and other expenses related to our team’s trip.
