Let me tell you a quick story about how Jesus provides in crazy, wonderful ways.
When I signed up to team lead last May I was given a goal to raise $8,600 by October 28th. By the time we left the states I had about $2,000, already missing my first goal of $5,000 before launch. In France, I asked God what I needed to surrender and He revealed that I needed to give up control of the finances for this trip. God told me to stay silent for the next two months. He said “don’t publish a need, don’t ask for help, love your team and trust me.” People continued to give little by little, and I raised about $1,000 during that time. I missed another deadline and the leadership contacted me wondering what on earth I was doing. I asked them for grace and patience because God told me it would all come in by the deadline.
Finally, the two months of silence were up and God revealed that I could now publish the need, but I couldn’t do it by myself, I needed to let people into my need to fight for me. I asked my team to help me and they made a fundraising video (if you haven’t already seen it, you can view it here.) I carefully watched for about a week and raised less than $500. Disappointed and frustrated I prayed, “God I’ve done everything you asked, my final deadline is two weeks away and I still need over $5,000! I want to see miraculous provision. I want to see donations in the thousands, I want to see people giving anonymously.”
Again, He says “trust me,” so I gave it over to Him and forgot about it. I was rocked when I received $1,000 from a complete stranger. In addition, five days before the deadline I receive an anonymous donation of $2,500, exactly what I needed to meet my goal!
Coincidence? Stop.
- Although we know we can take care of ourselves, HE WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF US.
- I don’t want to rely on other people for help, but HE CREATED US FOR COMMUNITY.
- HE FIGHTS FOR US.
- He asks for TRUST. Even when we don’t understand.
When God speaks, I do as He says. His plans are so much bigger and better than our own, and when we forfeit control and let Him do His thing, it’s always for His glory. PRAISE GOD!!
God is obviously working through people to provide for this mission in amazing ways, confirming over and over my place here. So watch this video really quick, listen to my words and then we can talk more about the CRAZY THINGS GOD IS DOING!!
You probably aren’t surprised. Anyone who knows me knows that God has given me a heart for His children. He has entrusted this group of beautiful people to me, and I will fight hard for them in every way possible.
The truth is that I have no idea how to be a squad leader, I am inadequate in so many ways…BUT GOD has equipped and called me to LOVE PEOPLE, and that I do very well.
I will be working alongside two raised up squad leaders;
photo by Emily Cook
Matt Kane: One of my favorite humans on this earth so far. Hilarious, full of surprises, wise, humble and kind. He has literally given me the jacket off his back to keep me from freezing to death and he carries a pink goblet with incredible strength and dignity.
Emily Cook: Yes we have the same name! Annoying? Not at all! Because she has a way of making people feel special and loved no matter how many times you think someone wants to talk to you and they are actually talking to the “other Emily”. She walks in freedom, grace and just as much awkwardness as I do.
Together we are spending our time in Jordan this next month to learn squad leading things and strengthen our team unity. I’m so excited to continue growing in my intimacy with the Lord, and in friendship with these two, collaborating together on how best to serve this squad and where we feel Jesus calling us to.
What can you be praying for?
- Protection against the enemy. He works by dividing, isolating us and feeding us doubt.
- Health, strength and energy. A year is a long time to live this life…but two years? SOS.
- Spirit of wisdom and revelation. To set a pace for this squad moving to the beat of His heart.
- Fundraising. Yahhhh, I need food, housing and travel money for another 6 months.
- The lost. For all the people we work with and come into contact with to find freedom in Jesus.
God is just getting started. He is preparing me for something, and He is preparing this generation to bring revival to the nations. SO GET EXCITED AND HELP US SHINE HIS LIGHT INTO THIS WORLD!!
Galatians 1:15 “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”
Hi Emily
I can see the great work that the Lord is doing with you my friend; he is greater and awesome. Keep going and growing in his calling. He will open new doors for you in this new adventure.
Be blessed Dear friend.
Hi Emily,
I am very excited to see your continued work with your team and soon to be squad. You are an amazing person who I know God is using in great ways. You are touching lives in ways you may never know. You are in our prayers each day. Know you are missed and loved very much!
Ew I love this and I cried. This is so good, so real and so beautiful. I’m so proud of you and so blessed to have you in my life. I will be praying for you, every day. I love you my sweet sister-forever-friend. Even though this delays seeing you in the flesh even longer, I’m not worried about it.
Keep chasing our Mighty God. He’s got you – but of course, you know that already 🙂
#allthelove
Emily!!!! God is awesome and this is your testimony to look back years down the road and know that God is so in control and so full of blessings. And He will ALWAYS provide for our needs. Oh how wonderful it is to see the mighty hand of God show us His faithfulness ??Love you!! ????????????
What joy to see you effusing God’s love with each word you say and each beautiful smile that crosses your face, Emily. And I smile each time I read one of your beautiful testimonies. Continue on your journey, knowing that I am always thinking of and praying for you and the team. We love you.
I love you in so many ways. Of course you would do what has never been done before, because there has never been anyone like you before! God has been with you from day one at our training camp to the last day at this squad’s PSL and beyond. Keep trusting, keep surrendering, and never lose who you are. The more you lose yourself, the more you find yourself. And you, dear, are a living testimony to that verse. I see more and more shackles fall off every blog post, I see more and more light in your eyes every FaceTime, and I see you walk in more and more freedom in every interaction. Keep shining. The world and the World Race need your truth. Fight for freedom. Love you
This is amazing. I love you. Miss you. Am proud of you. Keep hearing what HE wants. God’s got a big pocketbook, my dear. And He’s a gentleman. He will pay. Always.
Yas!! I’m so excited for you stepping into this new role Emily! The squad is going to be doubly blessed by you!
Fantastic! Thank You Lord!!! Love and prayers!
Enjoyed this blog very much. You show such strength in your faith. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better as you and Matthew and Emily begin working together. God will provide for your needs and will guide you all in leadership.
Dear Emily,
We pray for you every day, and are assured that our Father in Heaven is providing for your safety and your needs. Hearing from you confirms that. Thank you for honoring Him as you do and being obedient to His will. He loves his children, and only wants what is best for them. We are enjoying decorating for Christmas and the joy that fills the air this time of year.
May you have that same joy where you are. God has great things in store for the remainder of this year. I am excited about what he has for you! We send Christmas blessings and our love.
Molly and Papa
So thankful for the way God is taking care of every detail of your life. The more you trust and walk in obedience, the more He blesses as only He can. We love and miss you so much but are thankful that you are doing the work of the kingdom. Love and prayers from Mom XOXO
Thank you so much for your support in all the ways Mr. Bush!!! I can’t wait until our next Romeos dinner to share all that God is doing in my life. Praying for you as well!! Love you lots!
Ew you’re perfect. Thank you times a million for loving me so well and being my soundboard and partner in crime. I cannot wait to continue bringing Kingdom with you in person some day! Love ya
Yes He is so so good my dear friend!! Thank you for your encouraging words, I love you so much my friend and pray God’s blessings and protection over you!
Aww Aunt Susan!! I like you so so much and love you even more. Thank you for following along on this journey with me and for all your prayers!
Tera. I cannot handle you. I thank God for the huge gift that is and will always be your friendship. You are such a testimony to loyalty and strength and courage and I am beyond blessed to call you friend. Keep doing your thing and seeking after Him with all you’ve got, He’s doing such cool things with you. So much love!
Gahhhh. I love this. You are so right haha such a beautiful picture of who He is. I love you and miss you every day.
Ahhh thank you Austin!! I still wear my key daily with so much pride. I love it!!
I can’t wait to get to know you better momma Vickie! I adore Matt and feel so lucky to have them by my side, I feel like I can take on the world with them and who knows? Maybe we will!
Wow, I am so lucky to have your prayers and support. Thank you for encouraging me so much. I love you both and thank God for you. Have a wonderful Christmas season! I will be near the place of Jesus’s birth around that time, it’s so exciting!
Yes He does!! It’s so amazing to witness and I love Him more and more every day. Thank you for the love and prayers, I love you both and miss you lots!
Haha yessssss. So excited Preston!
Letsss gooooo!!! God is good! Pumped to have you stick around with us!