Monday, May 16, 2011

The Beginning

Hey everyone. I hope that life is finding you well and full of joy and blessings. So you may or may not know, but the reason that I am writing this blog is because I am spending my summer working in the Philippines for a Christian microfinance company called Hope International. If you don't know what microfinance is or just want to learn a little more about the work that Hope International does, check out either of those two websites. Essentially what a microfinance company does is provide microloans (generally $50-$200) to entrepreneurs in developing countries around the world.

I first heard about microfinance in January 2010 and immediately fell in love with the idea of it. This past fall semester I started looking into microfinance much more deeply and found out about Hope International at the Passion conference in January and was able to hear their president speak at a breakout session, which confirmed with everything in me that microfinance is what I wanted to pursue this summer. After talking with some people who work for the company I went online and applied for their internship program and got the job in April.

I am incredibly excited and nervous about this incredible opportunity that the Lord has graciously provided me. Excited because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am doing exactly what God wants me to do, but nervous/anxious because I have never been in a foreign country for 3 months. But above it all I know that the Lord is going to be with me as I go and do his work and I cannot wait to get started!!!!

I leave for a week of training on May 19th in Pennsylvania where the country is headquartered and can't wait to spend a week learning before I head out for the Philippines on the 29th. There will be 20 interns total that I'll be meeting next week, 12 of them will be staying at the company's headquarters while 8 of us will be traveling to different countries all over the world. I am pumped about this incredible adventure and plan on updating the blog at least once a week. In the couple weeks leading up to my departure, I have been especially comforted by Jesus' words in Matthew 28 that know matter where I go or what I do, he will always be with me. What an amazing God...


In Christ,
Nathan Wood


"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -Matthew 28:18-20

3 comments:

  1. I look forward to reading about your journey. Just read a great book called Hole in The Gospel and it addressed this. You will be in my prayers. So thankful you feel God's direction leading you...what a blessing! Love, Lanie

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  2. Nathan, just wanted you to know that I will be praying for you. Can't wait to hear about all the great things God is going to do through you this summer!!

    Philippians 4:6-7
    Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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