February 23, 2015

The time has come...


The ticket has been booked. Monday, March 16, 2015 is the day. Despite thinking and hoping that the ticket would have been booked sooner, I feel like the timing is just right. It's funny how that works...

I cannot begin to thank everyone who has supported me since the start of this journey, and those who will continue to support me as I leave and serve. I have received a massive outpouring of support through prayers, conversations, generous financial gifts, etc. It's been overwhelming in the very best way, and confirms that this is what I'm supposed to be doing in my life right now.

To give you a few examples of that amazing support...My friend Erica (and Arbonne consultant) allowed me to host an Arbonne spa party for her, and so graciously donated her commission from the purchases that were made. I have THE BEST friends. It was also great to spend some relaxing time with the ladies (and kiddos) in attendance. A lovely Saturday afternoon.

Example #2: Yesterday, my church hosted a potluck in my honor. Have I mentioned how absolutely amazing and supportive my church is? Going into all of this, I felt such a peace because I knew that I had an incredible system of support. As you may know, I needed to raise 75% of my support before being able to book my ticket. That goal was met solely through support raised by my church. If that doesn't say "we love and support you", then I don't know what does. The goal was then exceeded by the support of my friends and family. Wow...that's all I can say.



February 2, 2015

No...Maybe...Yes

I was the girl who said “no” to God anytime the topic of missions came up.

I knew what would happen if I changed my answer...my life would change drastically, and I didn’t like change. Growing up in a mission-minded church, you can imagine the number of times that I said “no” to God. Throughout the last 8 years, I’ve had to work extra hard to hold on to that “no” as various conversations and opportunities came my way. I was always happy to listen and support in whatever way I could, but there was no way that I was taking it a step further. Over two consecutive summers of serving as a counselor at church camp, that “no” became a “maybe”. Finally, a small, shaky “yes” surfaced this past summer at camp. It was prompted by the week’s sermon series in which the pastor asked if we would “choose to hear His voice every single day”. I knew that I had been choosing to ignore His voice, but that simply couldn’t go on any longer. Every single sermon and song that week was being spoken and sung to me and for me. The “yes”, although still small and shaky, was out and there was no turning back. God had a plan and once I chose to hear it rather than ignore it, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. And that my family and friends, is how I got to this point...


THE DETAILS:

Source
Where: Sighisoara, Romania

What: Serving on the Nazarene mission field as a child development specialist/social worker in the children’s programs at Veritas. Veritas provides social services, educational programs, and community outreach to the people of Sighisoara and the surrounding areas. I will also work alongside the local church to develop their skills for Sunday School and VBS-type activities.

When: In the very near future (Feb/March). I have a renewable 3 month contract.

How much: Around $6,000 to cover housing, transportation, food, insurance, language classes, etc. for 3 months




SUPPORT:

I believe that missions is best done through community, and that you can be a part of this mission that touches lives around the world. Please consider supporting me as a prayer partner, and ask that God would prepare my heart and provide for my needs. I would also ask for prayers for the people I will be working with and alongside, as well as travel safety.

The World Evangelism Fund (WEF) has provided a base for my service through the generous giving of people like you (i.e. support for the local missionary, leadership, and district development). As I mentioned above, I need to raise around $6,000 for expenses during the 3 months. Should you choose to support me financially to help with this ministry, here are the details:

  • Checks should be made out to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene and mailed to Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 843116, Kansas City, MO 64184. Each donation should be clearly marked with “Romania - Bloom, Casey - Mission Corps”.


  • In addition, I am in need of personal funds that are not eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Personal funds cover things such as toiletries, extra clothing, school debt, etc. If you wish to help with those expenses, you can send the donation directly to me. Remember, if you send funds directly to me, you will not be eligible for a tax deduction. Feel free to contact me with questions about personal funds, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

I cannot thank you enough for your support, both prayerfully and financially, as I continue to hear His voice and reply with a “yes”. One of the many reasons I feel at peace about doing this is because of my amazing support system, which includes you.

More details coming soon...