God did not answer my prayer...he exceeded it!
To be honest. When I got the message from the shipyard that I had to pay over 20,000 euros more !!! than planned, I was shocked at first. Then I cried. And then I talked to my God. For one thing, I didn't know how I was going to get the money together. On the other hand, the idea of having to pay an extra 20,000 euros over the next few months and maybe even years was a pure nightmare.
I asked God to give me at least a quarter of the sum I needed - I asked for 5555 euros to be precise. That's all I could imagine. As I write this, the 5555 I asked for has been far exceeded. We are already at over 9000 euros.
I am stunned. And weeping with joy. I would never have expected or thought that. I am moved by the fact that so many people - well over 100 - have contributed something - everything from one euro to 1,000. Many, many people contributed 1, 5, 10, 15 or 20 euros. Together that was a lot. Others were able to give more and did so. That is also wonderful. A big miracle made up of 1000 small ones.
I was able - with the help of the gifts and some loans - to pay the shipyard - the ship is free and we can now work normally, welcome helpers on board, etc. It makes everything so much easier! It makes everything so much easier!
Encouraged by the 100+ miracles, I dare to ask my God to raise the rest of the money that is still missing, so that I don't have to pay off loans for months, but can use the money for further renovation work.
What you can do
- Add something to it: As much as you can and like. Information on donating can be found in the previous post.
- Make something: z. e.g. selling cakes or art in aid of the ship - e.g. selling cakes after the church service.
- Sell old things: Sell one or more items you no longer need in a mini flea market, e.g. in a group or community. Or use platforms such as eBay (items) or Amazon (books) to sell things. Then donate the amount.
- Helping out on board: It's marvellous in summer. Hard work and wonderful hours at the barbecue on board in the evening. No manual skills required!
- Donate materials: Maybe you have things that we can use. You can find a list here.
- Become a ship sponsor: Accompany the project over the next 10 - 12 months until completion by
- 5 min prayer per week or
- 5 hours of practical help per month (or 2 days per quarter)
- 5 Euro or more donation per month
The ship's sponsors are the first to be informed about current developments.
Thank you to everyone who has helped, prayed and encouraged us so far - 1000 thanks! It is wonderful to have such people at your side.
God loves you very much, Kerstin.
How could a good father deny his daughter something that is very important to her and that he has placed in her heart?
You took that step onto the water and followed Jesus' call. Peter dared to do this - and experienced a miracle. Doubts arose and he began to sink... He cried out to Jesus: Lord, help, save me...
And Jesus not only saved, he also explained something very important - that small faith is not suitable for great steps of faith, that great faith is necessary for this - and through your experiences your faith grows.
Most of the people who support you in this project will be touched by your great faith, your trust and your obedience to God - because such faith has become something of a rarity in today's Europe. Such faith is the faith that truly moves mountains. Such faith is what enables people to overcome the worst situations, the greatest personal challenges, temptations and pain.
The whole situation takes you to your personal limits - and even beyond. Some things can be understood rationally - but faith needs to be seen - and with God we leap over walls.
You are not alone on your path and God loves you very much - he delights in you - and he delights in this whole situation in which he can glorify himself.
Presumptuous? Perhaps.
Or maybe not and simply encouraging and the way I tick.
Ship sponsor? I'm in.
Steps of faith? I am with you.
Trust and obedience? I'm in.
Even a gold digger is allowed to rest from time to time and marvel at how something happens without her.
Veins of gold can be uncovered by hard labour - or by miracles - and the people of Israel received water from the rock in the desert, meat from heaven, manna day after day - and every seven days for two days.
Lots of joy and moments of rest and relaxation to be able to process all the impressions.
THANK YOU, Tobias, for the encouragement!
dear kerstin,
i'm glad that the teamwork idea is working so wonderfully and that so many people are opening their hearts and their wallets to support your beautiful project :)
i hope (and pray) that many more small miracles will happen and that you will soon have the entire sum together.
what I find most beautiful, apart from everyone helping together, is that God has given you twice as much...how encouraging to see that God gives us more than we dare to ask:)
all the best, keep trusting u it will work out...:)
best regards,
petra:)
Thank you Petra - I also find that totally encouraging. In view of the big challenges, my heart sometimes still flutters a lot... your "keep trusting" does me good.
...that's clear - who would feel differently?...some tasks just seem too big at first...
...but God puts many people at your side (even some you don't know...or some who don't know you and donate anyway) and shows you in a wonderfully clear way that you don't have to deal with this alone...:)
all my love :)