I am happy to announces that my move down to KC over the weekend was a roaring success, thanks to support from my dad (who paid for the truck), my mom (who paid for gas money), my neighbors (who helped me load my motorcycle into the Uhaul), and to my friends here (who helped me unload everything when I got here).  And now for the letter I scrambled to put together:


I left the International House of Prayer in 2009, because of financial constraints, and because my worship team was disbanding.  At the time, the Lord made it clear to me that I was free to go, or stay.  I was promised that if I stayed, I would be provided for, but that it would be a very tough walk of faith.  Weary at the prospect of facing this (living "by faith" is not exactly fun or easy... though it is exciting), I opted to spend a season of "rest" at home.  It would be a time to recuperate and work on support-raising, while working and saving up money in order to go back to ministry.

Ironically, it was more like "out of the frying pan and into the fire."

I never did get that season of rest.  I did work and earn money, but I didn't do any support-raising.  How could I, when I wasn't sure what sort of timeframe I was looking at?  I didn't know what I would be doing at IHOP, when (or if) I would be able to return, etc.

I did have 6 funerals, a motorcycle accident, and my mom had a stroke.

I was also able to built stronger relationships with friends and family back home.  I have more people that I more deeply miss this time.  And, in that sense, I feel I already have a MUCH stronger support base.  I do not have anywhere near the financial pledges that I need, but I also have not yet asked.  I do have the relationships, the prayer support, the connections, etc. that I more desperately need.

Now, to all of you friends and family out there, here is my mission here at IHOP:  I am here, once again, in hopes of healing and growing in the Lord.  This is primary.  I hope to spend extended hours in the Prayer Room, and reading the Word, and in Bible studies with friends here.  In terms of service to the Lord, I am looking forward to running sound again for various worship teams, and perhaps playing acoustic guitar occasionally.  Beyond that, prayer is still my primary ministry.

I am hoping to get a part-time job at a local motorcycle dealership.  This would help supplement my income, as it is more expensive to be a missionary in the States.  While it is more expensive, I also don't need to get a work visa, and so I want to take advantage of this.  It also helps me feel more connected to Kansas City, and to build relationships in the community outside of IHOP.  This fuels both my prayers and my sanity.  Nobody wants to live "in a bubble."

However, I need to be careful to set boundaries here and maintain that my priority is to serve the Lord, not "make money."  Please pray that I get the hours I need and don't say yes to too much-- either at work, or in ministry.

My specific budget is $1,200/month.  I used to think that sounded like too much money, until I spent this last year working at home and realized that's barely minimum wage at full-time.  I also know it will cover my expenses, while allowing me to eat more than just Ramen Noodles (My mom will be relieved).  Bills won't be so "tight."  So, that is my financial goal.  I am hoping to raise about $600/month and earn $600/month through work.  If the scale is tipped, though, I would rather it be tipped in favor of raising more and earning less.  I would still work, but I don't want to feel like I'm working for money, you know?  I am here for the Lord, and work would be a means of serving Him through the work of my hands and to make connections in the community.  I don't want to rely on it and stop relying on the Lord.

I want to write more one-on-one correspondence this time, both through email and snail mail.  I also want to use vlogging, as this is a form of mass communication I have grown to love over the past few years by posting "motovlogs" on YouTube.  You can check out my motovlog channel at youtube.com/lauriejennifer.  I also have a ministry-related channel, though I have not posted on it for a long time.  That address is youtube.com/standingbynight.  I also hope to finish updating my website, standingbynight.com

I'm not sure what else to write as of right now.  So much is up in the air.  The chance to move came so fast that I never did get to do that traditional support-raising.  First, there was helping my mom after her stroke, and then BOOM! all these doors opened, my worldly possessions were loaded onto a Uhaul and now here I am, catching my breath.

Please pray for the job interview at Freedom Cycles tomorrow.  And please pray that the Lord will open the right doors for ministry.  And pray that he brings the financial support that I need.  If you would like to give (monthly or special gift at this time), you can do so through my webiste (www.standingbynight.com), or by contacting me for more information.

I will be posting more videos and pictures soon!  Also, I will be back in April for my cousin's wedding.  Hopefully I can meet up with many of you during that time and share more about what my vision is for my time here.

I wish I could have had a more proper "goodbye," but it's not like I am on the other side of the world, and we will still be in touch!

In Christ,
Laurie

The DMV in Woodstock, IL refuses to accept cash as a form of payment.  I question if this is even legal, and why does no one protest it?  Technically, a private business does not have a legal obligation to accept American currency IN CASH as a form of payment (as long as they accept it in some form, i.e., through your plastic).  However, according to The Coinage Act of 1965, US currency IS "legal tender for all DEBTS, public and private."  This is interpreted to include creditors, fees, taxes, PUBLIC CHARGES (*cough*statelicensingfees*cough*), etc.

So, it depends on whether or not the Department of Motor Vehicles falls under the "business" category or not.  I don't believe so, since they are a State institution and are charging State fees, penalties, dues, taxes, etc.

Therefore, I would say they have no right to refuse my cash.

It's been driving me crazy (no pun intended).  I drove out of my way to the bank to withdraw money before I went.  I stood in line... and then they wouldn't accept my money.  W. T. F.  Srsly.

Is it legal for a government office to refuse cash as a form of payment for taxes and public dues?  And, if so, what sort of horrible precedent is that setting?

Last night I spent 30 minutes and about $4 at the local FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's).  I spent a few minutes on the computer, a few minutes by the printer, a few minutes by the laminater, and then a few minutes at the cutting board.

I was making little "bumper stickers" to go on my motorcycle.  They all read the same five words.  I put them there mostly for myself, as wisdom to meditate on while I'm riding (especially since "pride comes before the you-know-what").  It's also partly to give others some food for thought, since my bike tends to draw a lot of stares in traffic and in parking lots.  And maybe it will spark some converstaions.

Below are some pictures of the [mostly finished] product.













And a long shot just for those of you who have been asking to see pictures of mah new wheels: