God’s Word is full of stories about His provision, such as
John 9 when Jesus gives sight to a blind man, or in Matthew 14 when Jesus feeds
5,000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. He healed those who were
possessed with demons, caused people who were paralyzed to walk, and raised
Lazarus from death to life. Unfortunately, sometimes when I read these stories I think
that’s all they are….stories of what He has done in other people’s lives,
rather than believing that He is the God who provides all of my needs on a
daily basis. I often am reminded of how frail my faith is when I am in great
need. I let worry and fear consume me rather than trusting in God’s power,
love, and faithfulness. Then, he
gently and patiently reveals His power to me over and over again. Last Fall as
Brandon and I were making the transition from Louisville to New York City we
found ourselves completely dependent on God’s provision. All of our decisions
didn’t seem to “make sense” at times. I was leaving a stable job that I loved
for no job at all. We were leaving a spacious, convenient apartment, with no
idea where we would be living or how we would afford NYC rent. Our monthly
income was very little and we were moving to a city with one of the highest
cost of living in the country. These realities were a little overwhelming at times and I
found myself questioning whether or not God was going to provide in each of
these ways. Despite these uncertainties God continued to confirm that His plan
was for us to be in New York, so we took a leap of faith.
Once again, God revealed my sinfulness to me through my lack
of faith, as he demonstrated His power and provision. Shortly before we moved
to New York God provided us the opportunity to stay in a studio apartment for
missionaries that was free….not paying rent in NYC for 6 months was such an
answered prayer! The day after we moved to New York I interviewed for my
current job as a nanny, and began working the next week. God provided us with
financial resources through our incredible ministry partners and jobs, so that
we are able to live and do ministry in this city. Praise God for being the same
yesterday, today, and always – for providing for our needs just like He did in
the stories we read throughout Scripture.
Recently God has provided in new ways. I have absolutely
loved being a nanny for the sweetest, funniest, cutest, and smartest little
girl in New York. However, I have missed being a teacher. A few months ago I
accepted a job as a teacher at Success Academy Charter Schools, which will
begin this July. While I am sad to leave my current job, I am so thankful for
God’s provision and I’m excited to invest in the lives of other kids in this
city. I don’t know the details of which grade I will teach or my exact school
placement until this July, but pray that God will use me to have an impact in
the lives of my students and be able to show them His grace and love.
God also recently provided a new apartment for us in one of
our favorite NYC neighborhoods…we’re one block away from Central Park!!! Apartment
hunting in New York is usually a nightmare, but we searched for apartments and
then put in an application to rent one within the same day. We absolutely love
our new home and we praise God for providing this wonderful place for us.
(Pictures are below).
Finally, in this crazy season of transition that we have
gone through as a church, we have seen God provide in so many ways. We have
seen many people leave the city/our church, but God has blessed us with many
new faces. We are excited for the new opportunities God is giving us to serve
our community and build relationships with people around us. We recently have
learned of some opportunities we will have this summer to invest in a community
near our church as we volunteer in their community events, and host our first
Vacation Bible School. We are praying for God to continue to show us His power
and faithfulness as He continues to provide opportunities for us to display His
glory in New York City. Please continue to pray for Brandon and I, the Gallery
Church, and the people in this city.
Our new neighborhood - the Upper West Side: Columbus Ave.
Here are some pictures of our new home!
