...Renewed Strength...

When Tom and I met, I was a divorced Christian woman in her late 40’s running a successful business and raising a son in high school. While I had been involved in evangelism for nearly twenty years, I had always been bi-vocational relying on the photography business as my primary source of income. The ministry work and photography often intersected, but as a 20 year veteran running a business my salary was relatively stable. I was frequently hired by non-profit ministries to document events, capture their vision, then create memories they could share with their donors. I had great experiences working briefly with many ministries, but it was understood I would be compensated. I didn’t give thought to how they raised the funds to hire me. I was a ministry expense to them.

Not until meeting Tom did I truly understand what relying on God for finances meant. I remember asking how Innovative Truth raised funds to pay all the ministry expenses and give him a salary every month. Scratching my head in confusion, we probably sounded like the old Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First?” comedy routine!  I would ask repeatedly, “…so let me get this straight, your ministry partners send a tithe monthly, quarterly or annually to allow Innovative Truth to continue discipleship?” I was dumbfounded! I have always supported ministries, yet hearing how a man faithfully relied on YOU, his ministry partners, to fund the ministry felt foreign. As a budget-strict, frugal woman I understand and honor being a good steward of money. I am always bothered by gala’s or events I attend where there is so much waste. I was impressed to see how Tom kept your ministry humble, God-centered, and made adjustments when necessary. I lived by a budget, yet had never relied on the generosity of ministry partners to pay my mortgage or keep food on my son’s plate. So as any new girlfriend may inquire, I asked Tom the next logical question, “what happens if your ministry partners forget or have a tough time and can’t send a tithe that month?” Tom gently responded, “Ministry expenses always come first. Should a partner for whatever reason not send a pledge, my salary is decreased.” He calmly went on to say, “Tonya, I do not fear because God always provides.” I remember being so impressed. I felt the humility and faithfulness in God that Tom exuded. As his girlfriend, I thought it was amazing! Then Tom asked me to be his wife (GULP! Ok, you can laugh because here is where you insert a photo in your mind of my eyes getting really big and scared!)
On December 31st we will celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. I confess I have not been as confident in the financial department as Tom. I wish I could tell you the decision to give up my business to join your team full-time was made with great courage, but I am a flawed woman who was used to self-reliance. I was nervous. God is not finished with me. I continue reading scripture about God providing for our needs, even financially. I had so much faith in God’s strength, goodness and love in other areas. Truthfully, I am still in awe every month that everything really does balance no matter what has been placed before us. My financial concerns seem silly as I see what an incredible ministry you have built.

It has been an amazing year filled with indescribable moments for Innovative Truth. God has worked through your ministry to reach so many people. Your commitment to Innovative Truth has brought people to God who had otherwise been forgotten. Your exuberance was felt as Kim accepted the miracle of life in her pregnancy in March. Your acceptance was felt as 2 women were baptized after reconciliation with God in May. Your prayers were felt as Kim mourned the death of her child in June. Your joy was felt as 11 women accepted Christ as their savior in July. Your compassion was felt as you helped countless victims of the hurricanes in September. Your faith was felt as you supported 5 new small groups now meeting every week. Your love has been felt supporting Tom and I as we find a way to continue answering God’s call while I battle cancer. Trusting God financially may be new for me, and asking for financial support may never be easy, but feeling God’s power, unconditional love, and trusting His ability to always provide have become my daily experience.
With no intention of allowing cancer to stop the momentum of Innovative Truth, we have found a way for me to facilitate small groups via video despite not being present due to a compromised immune system. As God often does, He has used the situation to reveal another avenue to disciple His people who are homebound due to illness, age, mental condition, or otherwise. We are excited to push His plan forward. So here’s the “new me” not being afraid to trust God financially and now humbly asking…  We would like to raise $8,000 to pay ministry expenses and launch the latest project God has unveiled. I acknowledge this petition is being sent later than we would have liked. It has been a tough month and I have needed God to hold my hand as I learn to trust Him more each day. We humbly ask you to prayerfully consider helping us bring this project to fruition with a monetary donation in addition to your regular giving.
We are honored to walk beside you in this full-time endeavor. Your prayers have become the song in my heart. I am grateful for your patience in teaching this woman the faithfulness of a team brought together by God. Thank you for accepting me. Your love, friendship and support give us courage to ‘run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

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Renewed in His strength,