What's next?

Recently while reflecting on No Longer's timeline, we realized it's been almost ten months since a rainy Sunday lunch at Moe's changed our lives forever.  A few of us got together to discuss what God was working in each of our hearts, completely unaware that we were all experiencing similar stirrings...  A desire to make our lives count.  A passion for the least of these in our world.  A life with purpose and meaning.  An undeniable sense that God was calling us to action.

During these past few months it has been incredible to see how God has led us and guided each of our steps.  It has been encouraging to find that we are no longer just a team of a few people, but a group of hundreds of people (you!) working together as a part of this ministry.  We stand together and all agree that "inaction is no longer an option."  Since the start of this journey we have created a website, promoted No Longer through dinners, parties and social media, and we have been on a vision trip to Haiti.  The question many of you may be asking right now is: what's next?

The best way to explain this process is to compare it to an adoption.  We believe that God has called us to provide for orphans in Haiti... there is absolutely no denying that!  We have accepted this call from God and have agreed that we will do whatever He calls us to do.  We have told others about No Longer and have been overwhelmed at the number of people who are now advocates alongside us.  We have pursued a partnership with an organization to lead us through the process of funding a village and homes for orphans (Global Orphan Project).  A few months ago several of us went to Haiti with Global Orphan to check things out on the ground.  We have raised financial support and are humbled by the fact that we have raised enough funds to completely finish phase 1 of construction.    

However, we are still waiting on God's perfect timing...

We are now in the most difficult part of the process.  We are ready for action.  We are ready to begin the process of building homes for children who need a roof over their head.  We are more excited than ever about partnering with a local church in Haiti and meeting the pastor we will work with so closely.  And the most exciting thing is the chance for families to partner together and lead trips to Haiti.  We. Are. Ready.  Yet, in our excitement to go and do, God seems to be calling us to wait for His timing.

As of now, we still feel led to work with Global Orphan Project, but at the same time we are completely open to whatever God may call us to do in the future as it relates to providing for orphans in Haiti through the local church.  We are passionate about pursuing His purpose and plan for No Longer, not just fulfilling our personal desires on our timeline.  It is our prayer that in the next few days, weeks or months Global Orphan will call us with a partnering church and we will begin the process.  But right now we are simply waiting for the Lord to direct our next steps, and in the meantime will continue advocating for orphans in Haiti and raising awareness and funds.  One thing is for sure, though!  None of this takes God by surprise, and He knows we are completely dependent on Him for all that we do.  

Our prayer is that No Longer will be a movement that changes all who are involved as we support orphans in Haiti.  As we become more aware of the needs of these precious children,  we pray God  will show us how blessed we are and stir within us a desire to act.  It is because "the love of Christ compels us" (2 Cor. 5:14) that we are committed to doing whatever it takes.  Thank you for joining us on this journey.  We know it's not going to be easy... but it will most certainly be worth it!