"You cannot serve two gods"

Hello!

In the past, this blog was used to update supporters and friends on my missionary endeavors in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Currently, I am living in Salem, OR (my hometown) where I am attending the Reach Training Institute of Antioch Edu. and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. For the next few months and possibly beyond, I will be using this blog for my fellow classmates to view and comment on, however, it is not limited for school purposes only. I hope that anyone, along with my classmates, may be blessed by the words I write here.



For our first project in Theology and life, we have been asked to deal with the topic of kenosis (emptying)
of something in our life that (after prayer) we feel that God may be asking us to give up. As I spent time in prayer, a few things came into mind.

In the past months, I have been able to save money. I have been super excited about this, because for years, I have always seemed to have my money burning a hole in my pocket. Yet, I found it interesting that right after sitting down to pray, my savings account is what the Lord brought up. As I began to read all that Jesus said about money, especially the verses regarding "storing up heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones," I began to feel convicted, and began to be reminded of what I already know- God will literally provide for everything that I need.

So I asked myself, why I am saving money? I have nothing I am saving up for. I've often thought about buying a car since I currently only have a bike, but I continually feel the call to keep riding as doors have been shut to get one. (Plus, lets be honest, not having to pay for insurance or gas is incredible, and my legs are sexier than ever).

After this, I knew what I had to do. Every two weeks, I have been putting about $150 dollars into my savings. I now needed to pray about where my money that I would have saved would be going from here on out.

As I lay on my bed asking God to reveal His plan for His money from the job that He gave me, three things popped up. These three things are all people/ministries that I am passionate about, and am grateful to have a connection with.

As stated earlier, and obvious to see down below in old posts, I lived in Burkina Faso in 2013. While there, I met an amazing pastor named Rakistaba Valentin. We became very close. He poured his knowledge into me. He prayed for me. We had many hours of conversation. In the time I spent with him, I got the pleasure to see all the work that God has called him to. This man is passionate about spreading the gospel; it is his number one priority, even above his beautiful wife and children. Everything is secondary to knowing God and making him known. Pastor Valentin, to my knowledge, makes about $400 dollars a year. There are so many ways that my money could help him and those he is ministering to. Therefore, I have decided, along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that $100 dollars of my paycheck every month will go to helping him in any way that he needs, whether that be for personal use or ministry use. I am so excited that just a small portion of my monthly income will be able to bless him and others in large ways.



Next, I felt led to give to the City of Angels Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. My friend Tenielle Lytle, who I actually met in Burkina, is the administrator of the ministry there. I have been able to go down and help with videos for the sponsorship program for the kids in need a few times. As I prayed, I felt and know that God cares for these kids. The orphanage is really struggling. If it doesn't receive enough support, all the kids living there will have to go back to their parents, whom most of are drug addicts, prostitutes, or completely unable to support their child. So I've decided that $100 dollars of my income will be going to this orphanage as well- because God believes in these kids.



Finally, I have attended Salem Alliance Church since the 3rd grade. This place has been such a blessing to me, and I am so grateful for everything God has done through it. Most importantly though, I believe that revival is due in the city of Salem, and in order to be ready, the church must be built up and supported. Because of this, $100 dollars of my paycheck will be going to Salem Alliance Church.

But God, what if there is an emergency?                  
                --Will I not provide for your needs?
But God, my culture tells me I need to save money, that it is responsible!              
               --You are saving treasure in heaven, child.. and not just for you.

Some people may feel called to save money. Maybe at some point in my life I will too. Right now though, I feel called to give $300 dollars a month to ministries that God has placed in my life that I am passionate about. He placed all of these people in my life for a reason, and I think one of reasons is because He cares for them and will fill their needs. I hope I can be a little part of that.

For me, giving 10% was easy. It never really even dawned on me that it was tithe; more like another bill. With this amount of giving, I will not be able to help but think that I am working to help support these ministries. I think God will teach me alot in that. I am excited for whatever that entails.

Empty me, father.


Jonathan D. Platt