I could have taken the elevator to the 5th floor and walked through the corridor to the patient’s room. But my heart told me to exit on the 3rd floor. It’s good that I listened to my heart. Walking around the corner, I met a friend whose father had just been admitted to ICU. Had I not been attentive to the Holy Spirit’s direction, an important ministry opportunity would have been missed that evening.

Weeks later, at the same hospital, I responded again to a similar urging in my heart. But when the elevator door opened to the 3rd floor, no one was there. I walked up and down the hospital hallway, but found no one familiar to me.

Though no one was there, the empty hallway was filled with purpose.

Had I been presumptuous? I hope not. It actually felt like I was just being obedient. Long ago I had learned the Lord uses many different ways to help us hear and respond to Him. Though no one was there, the empty hallway was filled with purpose. I had done what I felt led to do and am confident to this day that it was the right thing.

To those who have already responded to our appeal to raise $100,000 in 40 days, Thank You! Maybe you are one who felt the Lord speak to you about giving but have not yet responded. As humbly as I can ask, would you consider doing what the Holy Spirit urged you to do? Not because of our need, but because the Lord spoke it into your heart. There is a reason why He prompted you. Perhaps, like what happened to me in the hospital that evening, the Lord is providing you with an opportunity to hear and respond in obedience. And, because of your obedience, the blessing of the Lord will come to you, to us, and many to whom we will minister in the coming year.

We have reached 101% of our goal in one-time gifts and 12-month commitments. However, I also know our God loves abundance. Additional funds could make it possible for us to do more than we planned. More student sponsorships. More fresh-water wells. More books written, translated and published. More resources for struggling pastors and churches. Even things we have not yet imagined!

Please understand my heart. I don’t mean to put people into a difficult situation. I am just so confident that the blessing of the Lord rests on generous people (Proverbs 22:9). My hope is that you will be blessed and see the provision of the Lord in all the days ahead.

From the Deepest Part of Our Hearts…Thank You!

Ric & Sheila Shields