Dear Friends,

God’s grace is everywhere. That’s what I keep trying to remind myself! Even though we get tested, there are still reminders of God’s grace all over the place. In this short update we’ll focus on our test at hand… Who will you turn to — in your time of need?

Our time of need is now. We have raised $7,250 as of this weekend (April 20th). That has left us a shortfall of just under $10,000. So, in 12 days (May 1st) we need to know where that ten thousand dollars is going to come from.

That shortfall is not all a vacuum though. There are a number of sure donors (at least 5 at my last count) that have not given amounts yet. We are waiting (and making calls) to see whether the Canadian Scholarship I applied for will come through with any money for us – anywhere from zero to 6-7 thousand dollars. There is also a loan or line of credit in case those first two turn out to be small.

God has us right where he wants us, in the ‘God gap’ (as I’ve heard it called by a retired Christian school principal whom I told my story to this weekend). The God gap is when you’ve worked hard to do what you can and you are up against the wall. You are out of resources and ideas about how to achieve your goal, and you must get on your knees and ask, “God, please fill the gap that’s left.” I once sent a friend a framed gift Bible verse, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Seems that the gift is doing more for us right now! Although that passage was talking about a real army attacking God’s people, God still gave scrawny Israel so much plunder it took them three days to collect it from the battlefield. And they never drew their swords! Thankfully, we don’t have to fight anyone and we have twelve days! God only asks of us what he asked of our ancient forebears – to put our hope on the Lord.

There’s much grace to be found by looking up. Spring is coming. We witnessed a baby’s baptism this weekend. We heard great stories of God taking care of some of those whom we know well.

God’s covenant promises are still going strong.

Until next time. God bless,

Dan Van Minnen