Ministry Update 2/24

God did it!

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.

Some days in life are easier to rejoice than others. On the tough days we do mental gymnastics trying to remember the goodness of God and the reasons we have to find joy in Him. But sprinkled through the tough days of life are these moments when we overflow. Days when everywhere we look we can see the goodness of God and we find joy overflowing. This week is one of those weeks at Dare for More.

One year ago, we took one of the most daring steps the ministry has ever taken — we purchased property in Guatemala. It was not our original plan, but it was the plan we watched God put together for us. Our plan was to start small and gradually raise funds to add as God provided. God’s plan was to purchase a property with buildings already built. This meant Dare for More took a huge step of faith financially.

The cost was significant, a little over a million dollars. The family was gracious and offered a 5-year no-interest pay plan. We knew God was leading us to trust Him in this decision, so one year ago, we purchased the property. I set a goal of raising the funds to pay it off in one year. (I know, everyone said it was a little audacious)! But I am thrilled to tell you that we serve a great God who is not intimidated when we ask Him to do a big thing. As the last days of December approached, God did it. In one year, He brought in all the funds to pay for the property. (Happy dance is appropriate here😆)

The board and the team at Dare for More have jumped, cried, shouted, and praised our way through the last few weeks. We know this is a miracle and like the crowds who saw a few fish and loaves turn into a happy meal for over 5,000 people, we stand in awe and can’t wipe the smile from our faces.

For each of you who prayed, gave, and walked this journey with us, we hope you will rejoice with us now!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Our hearts are overflowing from a wonderful few days in Guatemala. We gathered with the team in Guatemala and several of our executive board members to cut the ribbon and start a new chapter in the Dare for More story. We had a big day of celebration, thanking God for His amazing provision and for caring so much for women and children. We ate, prayed, and laughed a lot. It was such a special day.

It’s hard to believe that we are so close to opening the safe house doors to receive women and their children. But in just a few short weeks our Guatemalan team will welcome the first women in to find safety, hope, and healing. We know that the days that lie ahead of us will be hard and dark in many ways —but today we rejoice! And we ask you to rejoice with us. We also ask you to pray for each person you see in these pictures. These women will be doing the hard work of rescue each week. We know without God, no healing can occur. So we ask him to give us wisdom, strength, endurance, hope, and faith to trust him for each heart and life.

For all the churches, foundations, and individuals who came and helped us open these doors, Thank you! For every penny that was sacrificially given, Thank you! For every prayer that you lifted on our behalf, Thank you! Together we have joined God in a very special mission and He has used each of you to play a vital role.

It’s Just the Beginning

Now is not the time to relax. The hard part is just getting started. Every ounce of hard work up to this point has been about creating an opportunity for us to do the main thing and that is help people. The buildings are just a tool to help people. So now the real work begins.

There is still much to pray about. We now turn our prayers to asking God to help us sustain what He has purchased. Every day we will provide food, clothing, clean water, a warm bed, counseling, education, legal care, and so much more for each person who walks in our door. In addition, we have a wonderful staff, transportation, and lots of utilities that will need to be taken care of each month. We need provision. I trust that you will continue to pray, give, and join us on this journey. Lives are at stake.

But today I hope you will rejoice with us!