Update 7/25 PM- We were just informed that on August 1, 2021, Israel is going to close its borders to tourists because of the recent rise in Delta variant of COVID. So the Grace trip will be postponed for the time being.
Lloyd’s funds will be secured for his trip in the future and in God’s timing when it opens back up. We’d love to see the last small percentage to the goal be accomplished even still as we wait and we pray for God’s hand over every detail. Though disappointed, we know that God is good and in control. Thank you all so much. ❤️
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Update 7/25- A gift of $2,100 was donated directly bringing the total goal now down to 4,850
Update- A gift of $50 was given directly so $6,950
Update- A gift of $50 was given directly so $6,950
The story ❤️- Not too long ago Paula Smith made a post on Grace Friends and Family page asking what is on people’s bucket list. As I was reading the comments and got to Lloyd’s comment of “Israel”, I felt the Lord’s tap. I sensed Him tell me, I want Lloyd there and I want you and the Body to help make it happen.
So I talked to Lloyd and told him that I believe God wants him there, that I believe God placed this desire on his heart to fulfill it and asked him to pray. We spoke later and you guys, I have no doubt that the timing of what God has been speaking to him and doing in him just perfectly aligns with not only going but to receive the love and help through us to do so. I know that it can be so, so hard to receive sometimes but we know that walking in obedience often requires discomfort and humility and I’m so thankful that Lloyd has prayerfully and graciously decided to walk in this obedience and allow us all to be used by the Lord and come along side him. As we spoke about Israel, I heard Lloyd share and with his words, “I just want to walk where He walked”, I had those Spirit goosebumps because it felt like at the same time I heard the Lord say, I want him to walk where I walked too. I have something special in store for us.
His faithful servant ❤️- So I know I don’t even need to say all the wonderful things about Lloyd here because if you’ve been around Lloyd even for a short time, you already know his deep devotion to the Lord, his faithfulness in serving Him, his love for his family and spiritual family, his gift of teaching and sharing and the joy he brings many. But I wanted to include some fun facts in case you didn’t know- Lloyd and his family have been at Grace for almost 15 years and has been faithfully serving the First Impressions Parking Lot Ministry for over 10 years, blessing not only all of us who benefit from the lack of chaos that could very well be in that lot, especially in our crazy Michigan weather lol, but ministering and connecting to his team in amazing ways. Because of Lloyd's commitment to God and others and his very apparent walk in integrity and character, 3 years ago Lloyd was called and appointed to be one of GCC’s own elders and Grace is blessed to have ourselves under such authority. Lloyd and his beautiful wife, Sheridan, have a wonderful family, Vincent, Sarah, Jason and Jacob and he works incredibly hard to provide and care for them always. 💛
The Opportunity ❤️- So we as children of God and loved one’s of the Clopton’s have a chance to join in on what God has planned for Lloyd in Israel! Grace is planning a group trip to Israel in November 2021. We need to raise $7,000 to cover all expenses including spot funds cost to process donations and small buffer by **August 9th**!! If you need a breakdown of that number, please feel free to message me 🙂. I have no doubt God will be so faithful through all of us to make this happen after all- He wants him to walk where He walked. 💛 If for any reason the Grace trip gets delayed, that’s okay, the deposits will still lock in his spot for the next date so whether he goes in November or a bit later, these funds are secure for the plan. I just want to take a moment to thank you in advance for being a part of this and for your financial help. There is no donation too small. God blesses your gift and sees your desire to help whether it’s $5 or $500! I just ask that as you make your loving donation, that you would join us in praying. I did ask if Sheridan would be going too but she will not be so she will be holding down the fort while he’s away and prayers for her and their family’s protection while Lloyd is away would be wonderful. Please pray that as Lloyd steps foot in the Holy Land, that the Lord meets Him in the most wonderful ways as He intends. Prayers for overall safety and protection for all who are going both physically and spiritually. Prayers for God’s timing for this trip and His fingerprints on every detail. And of course, whatever other prayers come to your heart as the Spirit leads you. And I pray that the Lord blesses each of you for joining in on this beautiful story, adventure and dream come true. For I truly believe that this “bucket list” dream is so, so much more than that and the Lord has such wonderful plans in this time and adventure with His beloved son whom He loves. ❤️
