Noun: confidence or trust in a person or thing

For about a full year now, the Lord has been teaching me one thing in particular: faith. This word is thrown around: "walk of faith," "our Christian faith," and "believe in faith." But what does it really mean?

It is used so much because it is so important...it is the cornerstone of the Christian life. Indeed, I know that I have "faith" because I believe in the unseen. I believe in the inerrant Word of God. I believe in Jesus and His life and ministry.

Yet, I didn't fully understand what it means to act in faith. Ethics means "rules of conduct." They are not things we only believe with our minds, but we act in accordance with them. However we behave shows what ethics we hold to. The ethical dimension of the Christian faith is how we live it out. How it changes our behavior. True faith requires action.

I had belief, freely and readily speaking the Truth of God's power, provision, and love, but I often did not act as if I actually believed He can do whatever He wants. In the gospel, a woman approaches Jesus unknown to Him. She believes that if she simply touches the hem of His garment, she will be healed. Instead of simply stating this, or believing it with her heart, she ACTED on it. She moved her physical body in unison with the movement of her mind and heart.

Jesus discovered her and seeing her faith told her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." Her faith allowed God to heal her. Her believe and the action of faith, gave God the opportunity to simply prove Himself once again. What if we never give God the opportunity to prove Himself and His magnificent love and power?

This is what the Lord has been teaching me. This is what the Lord has already been doing with my time in Guatemala, before I have even left. This is what my God is about--redeeming my doubt by showing me how to live faithfully, then giving me an opportunity to do so. When I first asked Him about this trip He showed me Hebrews 11. The entire chapter is filled with examples of those who acted on faith, true faith, and let God work through them to do incredible exploits: Abraham, Noah, Moses, and many others. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

At the beginning of this process, I worried that I would have difficulty raising the funds to go. Knowing that my financial resources were almost non-existent, as is usually the case for a college student, I was concerned that I would not be able to get the money I needed once I had committed to going. In response, the Lord has blessed my efforts. I don't have all I need yet, but He has provided in ways that I never imagined. Having been blessed by friends, family, and my church family in ways I had not planned on, I understand more about how the Lord powerfully provides for those who follow His will.

I have also wondered if my health and safety would be issues. But upon questioning God, He gave me peace that His protection covers me in every way-financially, spiritually, and physically. I have been wise to seek advice from people who have been to Guatemala before. I will continue to speak with doctors and make smart decisions about my housing and travel, but I have again been reassured by God: "by faith, Lauren, walk by faith."

Now, I am in need for the trip. The family with whom I was planning on staying can no longer house me. They are disappointed about this, as am I. More than that, I began to worry. Then He reminds me once again: "by faith." So I know that the Lord will provide. No matter the outcome, I know His plans are bigger, better, and He often gives more abundantly than we expect or ask.

I'm often not very good at this, but He is faithful when we are faithful. What a promise!

Letter

Dearest Friends and Family,

Currently in my junior year at Indiana Wesleyan University, I’ve spent much of my college career pursuing my course of study in Marketing and growing in my faith in God. In the spring of 2010, I discovered Business as Missions and helped establish a student group called IWU Students for BAM. In short, BAM is a method of doing holistic missions work both in the US and overseas using the talents, skills and passions each individual is given to better God’s world. Learning more about the ways BAM is done and the opportunities available completely changed the way I saw my major and calling in life. In addition, the Lord has been moving my heart to greater compassion for those who are hurting and underprivileged. During a Spring Break mission trip to Atlanta, Georgia, I worked in very broken parts of the city with children, low-income families and the homeless. During a weekend class trip to Chicago, we visited ministries in the roughest neighborhoods, the places with the least hope. Yet, we saw God working in amazing ways—He shows Himself even in the most seemingly hopeless situations.

This summer I have the opportunity to go to Guatemala City, Guatemala to do missions and business work. A very close friend of mine, Jessi Miller, has extended family living and ministering there. They are currently running many different businesses that help fund their missions work, hosting visiting mission teams, bringing supplies and ministering in rural villages, teaching people in a village how to run businesses, volunteering with local ministries, and starting a homeless ministry.

In Guatemala City, the stark contrast between wealth and poverty is inescapable. Children are raised in slums by parents who lack the ability to care for them. Gang activity is increasing, making the impact of violence more prevalent. In rural villages surrounding the city, parents lack an effective way to provide for their children. Lack of proper nourishment leaves children underdeveloped. The basic literacy rate is 76 percent. These needs do not even begin to underscore the spiritual needs of the people there. After seeing the way God revealed himself in hopeless situations in the States, my heart has been directed towards the needs of those in Guatemala. Showing me His love for His people in Guatemala, God has laid the groundwork for this opportunity in amazing ways and with incredible providence. I’m excited to follow His leading by going to Guatemala this summer to be His hands and feet.

During my time in Guatemala, I will be involved in marketing and planning for some local businesses and ministry organizations. I will also be out on the field serving and ministering directly with the Guatemalan people, including spending time at an orphanage called Casa Bernabe and at Casa del Alfarero, a ministry with the parents and children who scavenge at the local dump. I will be spending about 2 months in Guatemala from June 22nd to August 22nd.

First and foremost, I am asking that you and your family would be in prayer for me as I prepare and while I’m on this trip. Please pray that He would provide, keep me healthy and safe, and use me to help His people. I strongly believe when we pray God moves in response as Jesus says in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." Your faithful prayers are the most important thing to me. Second, I ask you to consider supporting me financially. Jessi’s family has generously offered to provide for much of my needs, but there is still a remaining amount I need to raise before I can go. This trip will cost about $1,500, including travel, room and board, medical expenses, and passport cost. I greatly appreciate all your help!

In His love and service,
Lauren Rahman