Pushing for New Zealand

God has been preparing me and it has been a good time being with family and friends and sharing my passion for New Zealand in the US, but the transition towards leaving is definitely coming in to play.

My mom asked me the other day, "You are ready to go, aren't you?"

It wasn't a sad or guilt driven comment, it was just a mother's intuition noticing the change and season in my life.

Prayers are huge right now as i have about 2-3 weeks of focused calls and then i will talk with Jeff Fussner and Brett Jones to be setting final dates and details.

The connections in California

Thank you so much for the prayers and support so far.
At this moment, i am going through my last big push for New Zealand. I am catching up with churches, encouraging all my friends to give on some level, knowing that God will provide. The target date has been to leave May 26, but if not then due to finances or visa approvement, then the sooner the better from the cession's point of view overseas. I am really pushing to leave for sure by July or August if not sooner, so if you have considered giving or even know someone else who may be interested in being involved, please feel free to let me know at obrent@gmail.com

I visited El Cajon Wesleyan(above) and Grace Point Community Church(below) on the weekends and caught up with friends and supporters throughout the week. it was very encouraging to see a lot of generated interest in how God is at work in New Zealand, but only the next few weeks will show the response and commitment of others to God's calling on my life.
I thank God for this time of trust, growth, and sharing.

"You are one dollar closer..."

Money stresses me out.

I have always been generous with my money
but now I am learning how to manage and spend it more frugally.

Just recently when i was catching up with a Sunday school class i was explaining my financial situation and expressing my trust in God and his Body to make the journey happen in his timing.

At the close i had one man stand up in front of the class and confidently say, "Well you are one dollar closer!" I took the money he shook into my hand and put it in my pocket, just assuming it was more that i would look at later.

No, sure enough it was one dollar!

yet it was one of the most comforting dollars ever.

i was worried about thousands of dollars, yet this man gave me such comfort in his confidence of the one dollar and the Lord's providence. it will obviously take more, but this man just gave me a renewed confidence!

God is making it happen.