We have a need. Because of increased costs of insurance which started in January and because we will be having a baby in July, we have had to increase the amount of monthly support we have to raise. We are currently at about 88% of our needed monthly support. We have another $564/month to raise.
I (Sam) recently read 2 Corinthians and was stirred by Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church in chapters 8 and 9. People in the Macedonian church were helping Paul's ministry by giving beyond their abilities to give, even when they themselves were in poverty (8:2-4). They even exceeded Paul's expectations by giving first to the Lord and then to Paul. He used the example of the Macedonian church to encourage the Corinthians to make the "grace of giving" something for them to excel in, just like faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love (8:7). Paul then encouraged them to complete what they had initially promised to do: give.

And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.- 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

Paul then goes on, in chapter 9, to assure them that their generosity will not be overlooked by God.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

I want to challenge you, like Paul did with the Corinthian church, to make the "grace of giving" something to excel in. I'm not just talking about giving to missions or, more specifically, to us. I'm also talking about excelling at giving to your local church and to your community or those in need around you. I also want to encourage you all that God is a witness of your generosity and is completely able to "make all grace abound to you". If God has laid it upon your heart to give to us, either to increase what you are currently giving or for the first time, please click on the link on the side of our blog. Thank you for your interest in what God is doing through us, here in Congo.