~the team~
Sooo, I know this is a little "off" and not normal for a blog, but I'd like to just post the letter I've been sending (or will be sending) to many of you. I wrote it at the "LIFT" fundraising mini camp that Elim had this summer. We learned a lot about support raising & had fun doing it.
Before I post the letter, let me tell you something BIG God's been showing me.
you ready? It's big.
I NEED PEOPLE.
There's God, yes. HE IS EVERYTHING, don't get me wrong. But He has created me not as an independent being, but as a dependent being. He created me for relationship. For others. For people.
Romans 12:5 says "so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
So, legit, I belong to you and you belong to me. That's close! And honestly, I've not been very good at letting people get close. This summer, though, lemme tell you...this summer has rocked my world in such a good way. Being together with 5 other young adults, guys and girls, who are filled with Christ and love to love on you has radically helped me become a more complete person. I need others. It's not a weak thing, it's beautiful! God takes diverse, different people and unites them into one Body...Jesus. I can't even describe it, but if you've experienced fellowship with real brothers and sisters in the light, you can attest to the beauty.
Okay, so that being said....here's the letter. I'm not sure I'm the best letter writer, so thanks for bearing with. ;D
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I hope you've had a good summer! It's been awhile since I've updated you on my time here at Elim. Forgive me if I've been too out of touch or off the radar; sadly for me, it can be easy to do! I want to let you know what's going on in my life because you're important to me and I'd love to have you partner with me in what I'm doing for the Kingdom.
If I could sum up the past semester and leave you with one word to come away with, it would be this: freedom.
Freedom comes in the realization that I can never measure up, but yet Jesus measured up for me. His holiness is credited to my account! My sins don't make Him love me less, and my accomplishments and obedience don't make Him love me more. Wow--now THAT is freedom!
This summer, I've been having tons of fun traveling around with Elim's ministry and recruiting team, Kingdom Force. I've been challenged to walk out this "freedom" concept because in struggling with fibromyalgia, weakness has been an issue. I've had to continually remember that God's love can come to me and through me no matter how useful I'm feeling. It really helps to be part of such a supportive group and also to be involved in something bigger than myself. I'm in the midst of this ongoing journey, and so thankful to have progressed to where I am now. I know that God has me right where He wants me.
I also know, through continued prayer and listening to the Lord, God wants me to continue here at Elim until I finish my 3-year Worship Leadership concentration. That means I will be here for at least another year. I know that I need to continue dedicating myself to ministry preparation and hands-on experience under the guidance and covering of people who know what they're doing. I could not have been at a better place these past 5 semesters. Elim's vision is to prepare and send out workers for end-time revival ministry, which is the very vision and desire God has put on my heart!
When thinking about what I'll be involved in after Elim, I know that my passions and the opportunities available to me will set me off running. God has been stirring my heart more and more to embrace the fullness of my calling and anointing. I've seen gifts of prophecy, leadership, teaching, preaching and worship leading arise in me and I've continued to feel stirred to eventually go and make an impact for the kingdom internationally.
Here's where you come in! Elim costs about $10,000 a year for room, board and tuition. Right now there are no government-backed educational grants or student loans to help people experience this kind of ministry preparation. Having a lot of loans after I'm finished here would also shackle me from being able to go and do God's work with freedom. The time I've spent here so far is thanks to people like you, and it's made such a difference. Without the burden that a job places on me both mentally and physically, I've been able to dedicate myself fully to God's refining process. Yet, I still need continued support to meet my financial goals while I remain at Elim, so would you stand by me, helping me to get the training I need to fulfill my call to ministry?
Specifically, would you please consider giving a special gift of $250 between now and Sept 30? Any amount would be a help, but $250 or more can really make a big difference. All you would do is send your gift to Elim Bible Institute with the enclosed card and they will make sure it gets into my account.
Whether you can help financially or not, I would still love it if you would be part of my Encouragement Team. I always need prayer and uplifting words! If you let me know--either online or with the enclosed card--I can include you in my updates.
In whatever you can do, you can be sure that the seeds you sow will grow a harvest bigger than either of us can imagine. Thank you so much for reading this--you've already sent a huge boost of blessing to my heart. God bless you as you venture forward. I look forward to what God will do through both of us!
The best is yet to come!
Carleigh Kaiser
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There's the letter! Thanks for reading my blog!
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
