89. That's how many people contributed to meet and exceed our goal of $11,019 by $465. When the goal was met early Dec. 31, it set off a flurry of communications among the Velvet Ashes team. Our second biggest sentiment beyond surprise was extreme gratitude, the sort that leaves one speechless and wide-eyed, or scrolling for the perfect emoticon.

Our first expressions of thanksgiving have been offered to God who has done marvelous things for us. And now we turn to you, with hearts overfull to say thank you. Thank you for believing in the work of Velvet Ashes enough to put your money on it. Thank you for advocating and sharing and tracking the progress of this fundraiser all the way to the end. There are many that will flourish where they are planted around the world because of your gifts and your care. I want to tell you about one.

Just this week, Amy has been in contact with a woman serving in Africa who due to crazy experiences finds herself in a crisis of faith. She reached out to Velvet Ashes, and Amy was able to tap this growing worldwide network and find another woman in Germany who weathered a crisis of faith while serving. Our sisters in Africa and Germany are connected and talking. How sweet of our God to care particularly for his people through his people. To get to be the channel that connects them is a deep and humbling privilege.

Thank you for building the channel. May streams of living water satisfy you always.

Wide-eyed and smiling,
Patty Stallings, Kimberly Todd, Danielle Wheeler, and Amy Young