We are so excited about this year. God has been speaking to us so much about what He has in store for us in 2008. Mid-January Chris and I participated in a Tres Dias Weekend that literally changed our lives. When Chris got back from his (husbands go the weekend before their wives) he said, "After your salvation, this will be the most life-changing, as well as spiritually significant, event in your life." I have to admit I was wondering if he was maybe exaggerating just a little bit. But, WOW, was he right! I praise God for the new beginnings in our marriage. I, Cassandra, joke with friends and tell them that I am now married to the Chris Reich 8.0 version. Eight, for new beginnings. One other lady on my weekend even joked to one of the leaders about her own husband saying, "I don't know what you guys did with my husband, but I LOVE this new guy you brought back!" LOL. I feel the same way. We feel like newlyweds again!
Many of you have inquired how the e3 fundraising is going. Well . . . at this point it's not. Chris and I have been amazed how the Lord has provided for us now that one of our incomes has been removed. He is so good and so faithful! At the end of January we attended a prayer meeting at church. I found a secluded corner and got on my face, seeking the Lord about this fundraising issue. Most of the people we've contact (via voice mail and email) haven't responded back, and half of those who have committed to supporting e3 have not done so. This was one of those moments where I really wrestled with Him about His timing. I heard the elder leading the prayer say, "I sense someone in here is really wrestling with the Lord about something. God says, 'Let it go! Give it to Him! He will take care of it. He will handle it!" It was so surreal. I kept praying and feeling that word was directed to me. So I repented of my worry and said in my heart, "God, I give it to You for good!" Not even 2 seconds had elapsed after I prayed that when I heard the elder say, "I feel a release in the spirit! Praise the Lord!" I looked at Chris, who was in another corner of the room. He caught my eye, I pointed to myself and mouthed, "That was ME!" He gave me a huge smile. I felt like the Lord was telling me to do NOTHING to raise funds. Okay . . . for those of you who know me, that is going to be a REALLY hard commandment to follow. But we have surrendered it to Him and wait for Him to show Himself mighty in the upcoming months.
It's only February and we can't wait to see what else is in store for the year!
Waiting expectantly on the One who orchestrates our lifesong,
Chris and Cassandra Reich
