Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I would like to take a minute to thank you for your continued prayer support for the relief work here in Waveland. Shannon has been a great blessing to us and we would appreciate your consideration of financially supporting him as he remains on staff here as part-time status as well as going to school to prepare for the life of ministry that God has called him to.
Coach George
Dear friends, brothers, and sisters,
I first arrived in Waveland, MS in December of 2005 with clear direction from God that this was where he was calling me. My initial decision to come to Waveland was a complicated and overwhelming one – but it was also a God led one – so I came. I had so many reasons not to come: a comfortable apartment, a great paying job (which I loved), a church that I was very active in, and many close friends surrounding me. This was the first decision I had ever made that I knew God was leading, with no doubts. Since that initial obedience to His calling, I have been overwhelmed by what he has revealed to me and how much he has taught me. I can boldly say that I am not the same person I was when I arrived here in December of 2005.
Among the many things I have learned here in Waveland, I have learned more about myself and come to know more of God’s will for my life. I have discovered through my pursuit of God, that God is calling me into full time ministry. This, of course, is a God-sized calling, and with that calling comes responsibility and trust. I have also recognized the need to gain more knowledge about the God that I am living for and serving. In order to serve Him the best I can, I need to be equipped, and in order to obtain this I sense the Lord calling me to pursue a formal education at a bible college.
This decision is an intimidating one for many reasons, one of which being that bible college costs money. Within this decision from the worlds’ perspective, it might seem the obvious choice would be to stop what I’m doing here in Waveland and go back home to Wisconsin where I can make a better living and save up money for school. However, after careful prayer and consideration, I don’t believe that God has released me from the work He has called me to do here in Waveland. Therefore, I have decided to stay in Waveland for the next year, continuing to serve at Christian Life Center, while at the same time saving money for school..
Additionally, Through the wise counsel of individuals in my life whom I consider to be great mentors, I have decided to begin my schooling now via correspondence work. With this goal in mind, I will be cutting my hours back at CLC beginning August in order to begin taking correspondence courses through the Moody Bible Institute to begin working toward my education..
Now – here is where the trust comes in. Just like God often does, he called me to make the decision that doesn’t seem to make sense in the world’s economy. By staying in Mississippi for another year, while simultaneously dropping my hours so that I can begin schooling, my agreement with the Christian Life Center and the C&MA is that my support from the church would also be cut. With current preparations for marriage and for school, this may seem crazy – in fact, it is exactly the opposite of what the world’s economy would have me do – but yet, this is the direction I sense God calling, and I must follow.. My monthly support from the C&MA, beginning in August, will be lowered to $750 per month plus Housing, Transportation, and Meals with the volunteers.
I am trusting that as God calls, He will also provide support for me to fulfill that calling. To adequately prepare for school next year, I need approximately $2,000 per month for the next year. This means that I need to raise approximately $1,250 per month in support, taking into account that I will be working while attending school.
I am thankful for the support I have received from my friends, brothers & sisters, and from the Southern District of the C&MA over the last year and a half and I am so thankful that I have a God that provides for those he calls. If you feel led in prayer or finances to help support me, please call 414-698-3188 or send an email to Shannon@campkatrina.com. I would be thrilled to share my heart with you. As a side note, even in raising support I will still be held financially accountable to the Christian Life Center as they are supporting me in my decisions. If you feel led to support me financially you can send a check to:
Christian Life Center
1807 Waveland Ave.
Waveland, MS 39576
When writing your check, which is tax deductible, please do not write my name on the check, but rather put a note inside the envelope stating this is for my personal support. If you wish to contribute to God’s work in me on a regular basis over the next year please contact me or make note of that in your first financial gift. I then can give you updates throughout the next year.
Thank you all for your consideration.
In Him,
Shannon Lenox
Volunteer Coordinator
Christian Life Center
228-466-3880
Shannon@campkatrina.com