Andrea’s Journal

Today we received an email from an old friend from India. It has been a long time since we have spoken, so I was wondering what to write about our lives. As I thought of everything that Troy and I have been through in the last four years, all I could do was cry. I’m actually still crying. It’s not coming from a place of distress but rather a place of true indebtedness to God. Oh, how I’ve learned to trust Abba more than I ever have before. I remember when I was little girl and how my parents cared for me.
I also remember moving out on my own and feeling the weight of financial burdens for the first time—but I became so self sufficient. I have often wondered what it would be like to become like a child again. So here I am, a middle-aged woman, finding myself dangerously vulnerable, at the feet of an Almighty God. Do you know I am at a place in my life, where I am finally free? I am free to be completely loved and cared for by Him. There have been times where all I had was Him. I didn’t know it then but in those moments……I had everything.

I remember when we started this ministry I had a dream.  I most certainly did not realize the depth of what the Lord was saying.  I wonder if we can truly understand until we actually walk through something and come out victorious on the other side.  In the dream, I was walking through lavish rooms that overlooked a football stadium.  There were plush club chairs and sofas with dark colors of mocha and burgundy.  As I walked from room to room, I sat across from a very tailored looking man with white hair and wire rimmed glasses.  I recognized Him as Abba, our heavenly Father.  He began to speak to me and my heart felt as if it could not contain the beauty, the dreams or love being conveyed.  The tears poured down my face as He spoke and as soon as it was spoken into my very being,  I could remember it no more .  Then He tenderly looked at me and said, “Patience.  Andrea, you need to be patient.”  Surprised by this direct word, I gasped and woke up.  I thought I must be awfully impatient for God to come and confront me in a dream.

How I underestimated that word, never knowing the places I would have to walk.  Never understanding how I would have to hold onto every word He had spoken in the past just to survive.  Never knowing how much would be required.  How I’ve learned and continue to learn to hold onto His promises just to walk through each day.  I’ve learned how to wait…..how to be patient even when I think I can’t hold on any longer.  Oh God, even now I feel I am being stretched beyond what I think is physically possible.  And yet, I recognize transformation all around me.

I remember a pastor this summer prophesied over me saying, “God is going to get up close and personal for you this season.”  Father, I am so glad to have You to hold onto.

On Tuesday, September 14, Troy was given the keys and the deeds to two homes in East Liverpool, Ohio.  Two weeks ago, Troy had a dream where he was given a business card with the name Jesus Christ on the front and “one week” written on the back.  I was excited to see what Abba would do in a week.  So exactly one week later, RPM received a phone call from someone GIVING the ministry not one but TWO homes!  What a surprise!  So this week, the deeds were prepared and Troy was handed the keys.  Thank you for your prayers!

Wow, even a year ago I said I didn’t have as much of an opportunity to write—now that has become even more apparent.  How I loved to write, though!  The truth is that I have been keeping accurate accounts of what has happened in our lives and in the ministry in my personal journal.  I look at my entries in the beginning and they are full of so many ideas or zeal.  Today, even though Troy and I share so many of the same ideas, we have gained experience for the practical application of it.  So many ideas are simply theories and we see so many people in the body who simply cannot relate to other people.  The cost of this journey has been enormous.  It is not for the faint of heart.  Even as I sit here I am thinking about how we are paying for utilities and rent for three different buildings in addition to our own expenses.  We have not received a paycheck for over three years, we’ve had to trust God completely!  This journey has really opened my eyes to how difficult that is sometimes because we put the face of man, on God and in the past, I really never met anyone I could fully trust.  I’ve had to love even when it seems impossible.  We’ve lost friends and endured rumors.  Yet I see what He’s doing in people around us and what He’s doing in me…….I wouldn’t change a thing.  I am humbly holding onto Jesus.  He is truly the air I breathe, without Him I am gasping.  I am starved for His word.  I am not just seeking Him, I need Him to live.

My oldest daughter, Teagan has entered three pieces of her artwork in a local arts and crafts show.  Last week I took her pieces to be professionally matted for the show.  Well, today the woman called to say they were finished but she also made an offer to purchase one of the pieces!  I called Troy immediately—we’re so proud of her!  Our little girl is growing up so fast.