The Dress

Ok, crazy story! So, I needed to get a dress altered for my roommate's wedding, and I randomly found a lady in my hometown who was able to do it. As I was talking with her, I found out she grew up in the Christian Reformed Church, and I mentioned that my grandpa was a Christian Reformed minister. She said she grew up in Hawarden, IA and I knew my mom's family lived in or near there at one time. At this time I didn't think anything of it, but told her what I was doing with The Navigators and gave her my business card. Two days later, I picked up the dress and we got to talking again. I mentioned that my grandma, Ann Buseman, lived with my parents. This woman replied, "Oh, I knew Busemans in Hawarden! Fred Buseman." To which I replied, "That's my grandpa!!" It turns out that my grandpa was the minister at her home church growing up, and remembered that he really worked with her brother with his faith. What a small world! She even remembered my mom and my aunt's middle names. Now they all live in Indianola. Isn't it crazy how the Lord brings people back together? The legacy of faith and connection of believers never ceases to amaze me. Who would have thought one little dress could bring about such a story...

The Journey to and from MN

What stories a week can bring! I left last Sunday afternoon for Cherokee, IA to visit some dear friends. We caught up, talked about ministry, and they even took me boating. What a blessing! I took off from Cherokee Monday afternoon. This week was full of ups and downs. I had 9 meetings scheduled in MN, and stayed at my old apartment with the two roomies. Here are a few cool God stories, or ways in which He worked in my heart and the hearts of others this week...

The Challenge: I was reading in 1 Samuel 18 about how Saul, the king, rushes to make a sacrifice before Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, arrives. Samuel rebukes Saul and as the story goes on, the Lord removes His blessing from Saul because of his lack of obedience. It made me think, how often do I rush and make decisions before seeking the Lord and His guidance as to what I should do or how I should act? It was a challenge to put the Lord first in all things, including fundraising, and be patient.

Coincidence or Providence? As I was reading in 1 Samuel, I continued to read about when David must flee the presence of Saul because he is afraid for his life. David runs to a place where the king is Achish (Samuel 21). Now, this king has heard of David's reputation, and many in the town were saying, "Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands." David was again afraid he would be killed, so he pretended to be insane before the king. In the book Trusting God by Jerry Bridges, I read about the author's favorite Psalm to read during times of discouragement, which happened to be Psalm 34, one David wrote when he pretended to be insane before the king. Coincidence? I think not. It's amazing how the Lord orchestrated that I read that passage of Scripture along with that chapter in Jerry's book. The day before I read that chapter, the Lord had placed Psalm 34:8 on my heart as well, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Amazing...

Caribou Ladies: So, it was Wednesday night in MN, and I was feeling rather tired, and discouraged. I was crying out to the Lord for strength, and feeling overwhelmed by the amount I yet had to raise and the quickly approaching deadline of August 15th. I knew and continue to know that God is good and faithful, but at the time my emotions were trying to take control. Little did I know that one of the friends I was staying with recognized my discouragement, and began praying the next morning, "Lord, please allow Sarah to feel encouraged this day. Help something happen to her just to remind her You're with her in this process." So, I had a meeting at Caribou Coffee, and afterwards was doing some work and my devotions. I overheard these 3 ladies talking about "born-again Christians" and differences in denominations. Eventually one lady struck up a conversation with me about my MacBook. We all started talking, and eventually I told them about the ministry of The Navigators and what I'd be doing. It was amazing! They were all Christians, and wanted to get updates on the ministry at ISU this upcoming year. They prayed over me, and one of them even provided me with a monetary gift. When I shared this with my friend, she exclaimed, "That's crazy, because I prayed for you this morning that something encouraging would happen!!" What an answer to prayer, and encouragement.

Wedding Friends: After my week in MN, 2 of my friends and myself traveled to Sioux Falls for a NWC friend's wedding. We sang 2 songs during the ceremony. To be honest, I was slightly concern with the cost of travel, etc., along with losing 2 days in the fundraising process. Yet, I was super excited to celebrate my friend's big day! I didn't want to miss it. What blessings the Lord had in store! One of the friends I traveled with blessed me with free lodging. Another purchased me breakfast! I also received a call from my mom about a friend blessing me with a significant gift towards the ministry. Isn't it incredible how the Lord provides?

I hope that these stories are encouraging to you. I pray that whatever life circumstances you are going through, you will truly "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is that man that takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

In Christ,

Sarah Ann

Nav Update

Hello Everyone,

Thank you SO much for following this blog and supporting the ministry of the Navigators at Iowa State! Just wanted to give you an update as to how things are going. Currently, I am in MN meeting with people. I continue to be amazed at God's faithfulness and the stories I hear from the people I meet with as to what God is doing in their lives. I have learned so much, and it has been a true blessing!

As for funding, I am currently at 35%. The goal is to raise around $31,000 by Aug. 15th so that I can be on campus to greet the freshman as they come in. Please continue to pray for provision in this! Also, if you are interested in partnering with me financially in this ministry, let me know or follow the link on my group page on Facebook. If you haven't joined, it's Prayer & Support for Sarah Selby. I have been in contact with many of you already, but if I haven't I would love your contact info. in order to send a support letter! Meeting with you would be fantastic.

This verse has been the prayer of my heart, and I hope it also encourages you this day:

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

I pray God blesses you all!

In Him,
Sarah Selby

30

30...what do you think of when you think of the number 30?  Age?  A date or maybe a birthday?  Well, currently the number 30 stands for percent, as in I am 30% funded for The Navigator ministry at ISU.  I praise God for ways in which He has brought in the funds thus far, and I am so excited to share stories of His faithfulness throughout this process!  I have learned SO much about trust and dependence on God through fundraising, and realized how often my circumstances determine how much or little I DO in fact trust.  For example, if things are going well I praise God, but do I also praise God when life is crumbling around me?

I know God is sovereign in the good and bad, but do I live like it?  Is my attitude in life based on truth, or life situations and emotions?  I have recognized the rollercoaster of emotions in my life through this process, and desire to grow in complete submission and dependence on the Lord for financial provision.  God is good, all the time, whether I'm fully funded by Aug. 15th or not!  The book Trusting God by Jerry Bridges has been very encouraging in this process.  Chapter 3 was entitled "The Sovereignty of God" and started off with this verse:

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."  ~Psalm 33:10-11