I've been reading "Friend Raising". This is a book that encourages missionaries in the "pre-field ministry". It reminds us, among other things, that we aren't looking for financial supporters, but friends. I see this as having once been an issue for me, but God has been preparing me to do a better job.

I don't naturally make much of a friend. I tend to be quiet and aloof. This is a personality thing that God has made me well aware of and I've been learning to get past. On the Internet, it is much easier. I don't have to jump in to comment. I can talk without worrying about interrupting people and they have the ability to review what I said if they misunderstood my intention. I can also direct my words to people who have similar interests. In other words, I'm more certain that the intentions in my words are communicated.

God has provided me a lot of opportunity to grow in this area. My family was great, but the family environment isn't the same as the rest of society. It was a prep gound, but could only go so far. In youth group, I had the opportunity to practice interpersonal skills in an environment that was accepting, but strectched out of that. College continued that further. When I married my wife, who is far greater at this sort of thing, I was opened to a whole new world of friendship as I had the opportunity to observe her relationships with her friends.

All of this has resulted in my ability to do a better job of being a friend. I find it to be an exciting thing to be involved with people and be their friend. I'm looking forward to getting to know people who are interested in what God has called Rachel and I to do. You will be not only supporters through prayer or finances, but supporters emotionally and mentally. You will be, if you aren't alread, our friends. Thank you!