wherever He leads, i'll go

Well the guys (Ben, Matthew & Jonathan) are working on cars outside and I am stuck inside sick with what I'm hoping is not turning into bronchitis. Figure this is prime blog update time.

For the past 2 years around this time, I have been blogging Africa updates for all my friends & family supporters. This year, however, the Lord has not called me to Africa for Camp LIFE 2012. This is not the calling I was hoping for, but it came so clearly that I could not ignore it. Ben's sister, Katy, works for Family Legacy Missions who I have traveled to Zambia with for the past 2 years. This past fall, Ben and I attended a testimony time where Katy shared what great work this organization was doing and how we could support her. While listening to Katy's stories of how the orphans in Zambia had touched her life, I couldn't help but recall my own stories of these amazing orphans and the boys I've encountered in my Camp LIFE groups the past 2 years; specifically my sponsored child, Sweet Samuel - oh how I love him! While taking it all in, I cried out to God, "Father, can I please go back this summer?!" "NO." Clear as day. No more, no less...but a definite, "no." Tears filled my eyes and emotions overwhelmed me... "But, why not? Isn't it a good thing to go visit the orphans and widows? What will I do? God, why??" I excused myself to go to the bathroom and let the tears out as I processed God's answer. I knew that if I went to Zambia in 2012 it would be Shannon's will, not God's, and that is not an option. Besides my desire to be obedient to my Father, I know that there is no way I can accomplish a trip like that on my own.

Since that time, I've been praying for Zambia 2013. I am so excited to have Ben, dear friends and family members also praying about going to Zambia in 2013 too! I wait with great expectations of what God will provide; He never fails. While I'm still praying for local mission opportunities this summer, I have been unexpectedly, but completely BLESSED to support other friends who have been called to international missions this summer! It has been a humbling blessing to experience what it is like to be a part of a mission trip not by going myself, but by sending someone else. Supporting missionaries around the world is a crucial calling to all believers in order to further spread the glory of our God and make His name greatly known. Below is a list of missionaries that God has called to go overseas this summer. Please join me in praying for them and supporting them from home!

North Fort Worth Baptist Church - India - this trip already happened in February, but I pray that the seeds planted are being watered and growing.
North Fort Worth Baptist Church - Belize - specifically my baby brother, Jonathan! I'm SO proud of His obedience to follow God on his first foreign mission trip and I'm so excited to hear of the great things God will accomplish through this group. And I can't not mention my best friend Carly who is also following God in obedience to Belize...and hopefully back to Africa in 2013! After Belize, she will have officially been on a foreign mission trip with all the Ely kids ;)
Patty Gibson - Zambia, Africa - this is Ben's mom and I'm so thankful that she will be arranging for my sponsored child, Sam, and Ben's sponsored child, Solomon, to receive visits and gifts from us even though we can't deliver them ourselves. Patty is selling handmade baby onesies (newborn-24 months) to raise money to build a house for the orphans in Zambia! If you are interested in this ministry visit http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3709336770710.2174403.1194314221&type=3 "> or message me.
Katy Gibson - Zambia, Africa - As I mentioned earlier, Ben's sister works for Family Legacy Missions and needs daily prayer as she works so hard to raise self support so she can continue ministering to the orphans in Zambia throughout the year. To keep up with what the Lord is doing through Katy, you can follow her blog: http://www.chainsarebroken.blogspot.com/.
Ashley & Casey Roberts - Zambia, Africa - I LOVE this couple's passion for the orphans in Africa. Ashley also works full time for Family Legacy Missions and I admire her heart so much. What a sweet friend who I am truly blessed to know! They also have a blog you can check out: http://www.walkingbyfaithnotbysight.blogspot.com/.
Andrew Bradshaw - Nicaragua - It has been a blessing to see God move in this man's life! He is following God to serve at an orphanage in Nicaragua on his first mission trip as well this summer. If you feel led to support Andrew in his first mission trip, you can do so here: http://ebcgiv.convio.net/goto/andrewevans.

How's that for furthering the gospel around the world?!?! God is at work! Even if you can't physically go, please be a part of supporting missions through prayer, finances and encouraging those who are going.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)