October 19, 2006
moving
please check jimplunk.blogspot.com for updates. If that site is inaccesible in Africa I will switch to this one. Thanks.
| By Jim | 03:52 PM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2006
September Update
Dear Supporters,
Here is the new project website: www.ethiopiahiv.org
I have some important support news. I have about 65% of my money and need 80% to do cross-cultural training in Colorado from October 30th-November 17th. Completing this training will enable me to leave for the field by December if I have all my support. So, if you plan on making monthly pledges you should turn it in ASAP! In my original support letter I stated October 31st as my goal for support raising, and I would like to stick to that. My training in Colorado will be the last step before leaving. Right now, I have all my one-time and $1835 in monthly pledges out of $2500. Again, I hope to have all my support raised by October 31st and leave for Africa by December!
This last week I was at Living in Grace in North Carolina. Staff members from the Spiritual Life Department gave talks and testimonies about grace and how we can experience it through repentance. It was incredibly encouraging since I have been struggling with the idol of trying to control my future and be content with where I am. We were taught that we must bring our struggles before God in repentance and surrender, realize His love for us is infinite through the Cross and that he has a plan for us despite our temporary and circumstantial feelings. It was also nice to be with other missionaries to encourage one another as we raise support and realize that this is just a tough time for all of us.
After that week of training, I went to meet Andy (boss in Ethiopia) who is here for leadership training next week. We had a great time getting to know each other and were eventually joined by Dr. John and Jessica White, who are also coming to Ethiopia for two years.
My work has changed. I felt the Lord did not want me working asphalt so I am now working a few days a week at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I shadow the nurse practitioners as they see patients who have AIDS. This has been perfect preparation. I’m also working part-time with my church youth group.
On a heavier note, Heather and I have come to the conclusion that the Lord does not desire us to continue dating at this point. It has nothing to do with my trip to Africa, but issues between us. We are striving to honor the Lord in this difficult time and realize he has a perfect plan amidst the pain and confusion.
Prayer requests:
1. That Heather and I would feel peace about our situation and would keep a solid friendship.
2. My monthly support would come in so I can go to Colorado on October 30th and to Ethiopia by December.
3. Lose ends would come together with packing, getting immunizations, and me finishing my Evangelism Explosion training in the next month so I can be ready to leave when I get back from Colorado.
4. Thanksgiving for being able to meet and talk with Andy and the Whites and for the spiritual blessing of last week at Living in Grace.
5. A continued call to serve in Ethiopia and the ability to rest and prepare during these last few months at home.
In Him,
Jim Plunk
jim.plunk@gmail.com
Donations: MTW, P.O. Box 116284, Atlanta, GA 30368-6284
NOTE: Jim Plunk Account: 016125
Monthly Pledges: MTW, 1600 North Brown Road, Lawrenceville, GA. 30043-8141
NOTE: Jim Plunk Account: 016125
| By Jim | 10:01 PM | Comments (0)
September 07, 2006
check out this site
| By Jim | 10:01 PM | Comments (0)
August 20, 2006
August Update
Dear Supporters,
This last month has been full of adventure and surprise. I am excited to announce that I have received all of my one-time need with a surplus! The surplus of one-time money will help to lower my monthly need, so one-time gifts are still welcomed. Completing my one-time is very encouraging because I can now focus on my monthly need. At this point, I have raised $920 monthly out of a needed $2500 (not counting the one-time surplus).
The Lord has been faithful in providing churches in which to speak. I have spent the last two Sundays in Mississippi speaking at Christ Presbyterian in Oxford and Grenada Presbyterian. I have received a one-time gift from Grace Presbyterian in Jackson, TN. It was very nice to be able to speak at Zion Presbyterian in Columbia, TN and meet Andy’s dad, who is the pastor.
The Lord has also been faithful in providing flexible work for this fall. I will be working for an elder in my church who has an asphalt paving business. The work will be tough, but he will be flexible with my traveling needs to speak at churches and to do training. The job is also good since I will have evenings free to call potential supporters and weekends to visit churches or friends at Covenant. I am very thankful to have been able to work with the youth at my church, but this is a better fit for my needs at this point than youth ministry.
I also have some missionary responsibilities this fall. MTW has required that I take an Evangelism Explosion (EE) class, which I will be taking every Wednesday evening at my church through the fall beginning on August 30th. It basically teaches you how to accurately and effectively share your faith. I also have a week of training in North Carolina from September 11-15. It is called Living in Grace and will be a good to time reflect on the concept of grace and gain encouragement from other missionaries. I will also try to study and take the GRE this fall so I can go to graduate school of some kind when I get back.
The week in July I had with Heather(girlfriend) was encouraging. We felt confirmation from the Lord regarding our feelings and commitment. We thank you for your prayers and are excited to be able to see each other more often this fall now that she is back at Covenant.
Prayer requests:
1. Thanksgiving to God for his faithfulness in providing work, bringing in my one-time need, and sustaining my relationship.
2. Prayer for traveling mercies as I drive to North Carolina for missionary training in September.
3. More opportunities to speak to churches and their mission committees.
4. Perseverance with calling supporters and studying for the GRE.
| By Jim | 09:19 PM | Comments (0)
August 04, 2006
Support Raising Milestone
I have raised my one-time need!!!
I would still encourage one-time gifts since the leftovers go towards my monthly need, but monthly giving is particularly desired at this point.
| By Jim | 09:11 PM | Comments (1)
July 29, 2006
Ethiopia/Somalia Conflict
Here is a helpful article on the subject.
| By Jim | 07:45 AM | Comments (0)