As 2013 draws to a close I can’t help but look back on the goodness of God.
I read Isaiah 45:13 and was impressed by the Holy Spirit of my calling:
“I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward,” says the LORD of hosts.
God asked me to take a leap of faith and start Single Matters. Having been unemployed for nearly a year, God reassured me by saying. “Your provision is where you are going, not where you are now.” So, without any knowledge of how to start an online magazine, a web designer, writers or editors I began to pray. Within a couple of weeks, God brought the people necessary to build a ministry for singles. When we launched in June I had 20 writers and Single Matters was in over 85 countries. Now, we have 6 sold out volunteers and a growing number of writers and readers. People who felt alone and misunderstood have community and hope.
After just three months of growing success with Single Matters, God asked me to take another leap of faith by going on the Kingdom Expression Experiment. I put everything I owned into storage, got in my car and traveled across the country doing ministry as God led. What would it look like to literally give up everything comfortable and secure for the sake of the Gospel? (Luke 9:1-6) I traveled over 3000 miles, I prayed for strangers in the streets of NYC and helped people find physical and emotional healing through prophesy and prayer. But the greatest thing I saw was God expressing His love for people. I may have been the one praying but I know the words that came out of my mouth were inspired by Him because I lost track of the tears that flowed from the eyes of people I barely knew. God provided me a place to rest my head and food to eat through friends and strangers.
The plans for 2014 are coming into focus now. God has impressed upon me to begin to pray for more staff for Jill Monaco Ministries and Single Matters so we can create a national singles ministry. We want to plan local gatherings, national conferences, and webcast teaching. Maybe even matchmaking! We will need more volunteers and resources because the harvest is plentiful.
I also have a few speaking engagements set up for 2014 and look forward to being able to minister to people through the encouragement and teaching of the Word. I’m going to continue to stay with family and friends across the country (Kingdom Expression Experiment Part 2) and do ministry as God leads. But, that also means I won’t be pursuing a job outside the ministry or have a consistent place to rest my head.
I don’t know how He is going to provide for the vision just yet but I know He has been faithful – and will continue His faithfulness because He loves His children.
A personal request: I have used my personal resources to sustain Single Matters and the Kingdom Expression Experiment over the past year. I now have no other means for personal provision or resources for Single Matters in 2014 except for God to give through His people. If I look at resources at all I can’t continue – I must daily keep my eyes on the Lord for a renewal of my faith. This by far is the step with the greatest amount of risk. But I trust a trustworthy God. And He’s never let me down.
I know you have many options to give a year-end gift. But, I’m asking you to pray and ask God if you are one of the people He’s called to give to this work. Not only to grow Single Matters but so that I can continue to help people find freedom in Christ across the United States. I never thought I'd be a missionary but that is what I am for this season. You may find our financial accountability report on Guidestar.
As 2013 comes quickly to a close, please consider making a special year-end tax-deductible gift to Jill Monaco Ministries or Single Matters through our PayPal account or by mail.
By partnering with Jill Monaco Ministries, you help make a lasting impact on people (married and single) all over the world.
“Just wanna let you know that Single Matters is a big encouragement for me! My husband moved out 2 1/2 years ago… And it's been a painful journey since… So thankful the Single Matters speak truth into my situation! Thank you for all your hard work, pray that God will bless you and give you what you need!” – Single Matters reader from Denmark
“Jill Monaco has been a friend for the past several years and is truly a gift from God. Her passion for Jesus and to see people walk in the freedom He gives oozes out of every part of her being. She loves to see people fulfill the God-given destiny He has given and encourages you to live life in by the Spirit of God.”
Jaime Jam / Worship Leader & Speaker
“What an honor to have Jill as a keynote speaker at Declare, a conference for Christian women bloggers. Jill spoke from her heart directly to ours. She shared with complete honesty her story as she's living it; challenging and empowering us to trust God.”
The Founders of The Declare Conference
I pray 2014 will be a year of extreme grace upon your life. I also pray through your gifts you will experience the blessing of joy that overwhelms you. May you be outrageously blessed by our abundant God.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength God supplies in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 4:10-11
In His Grace,
Jill Monaco
