I did not set out to be a missionary. I did not receive this grand calling from the LORD that's different than what He asks you to do everyday (love, serve, and share the Gospel). I did not receive a special anointing that makes me qualified to do any of what I get to do.
I loved Jesus. Abided in Him. Followed Him one step at a time.
It started when I fell in love with international mission trips and cross-cultural ministry.
It started when I experienced the beauty of community within the body of Christ.
It started when I graduated from college and entertained the idea that I really could do this full-time ministry thing for as long as the LORD had me in it.
I just spent a week in my hometown meeting with a TEAM of people who have been in the trenches of ministry with me since I was fourteen. They've been with me through some of my lowest lows and highest highs. Not just in ministry but in my personal life.
And there's a HANDFUL of people who are a part of this big team that do not reside in my hometown, but are all over the United States. If that's you, you are in this with me too!
What I'm speaking about here is specifically the individuals who watched me grow up, walked alongside me as I grew in my faith as a teenager, and cheered me on into my college and adult years. I got to see THESE people...face-to-face...for the first time in six years.
Meals were eaten.
Fun was had.
Stories were shared.
Laughter was abundant.
Marriage was celebrated.
Coffee was necessary.
Tears were shed.
Prayer was essential.
You can imagine the reunion at each of these appointments (and let me tell you, there were many appointments). It felt like being welcomed home from serving on the mission field overseas somewhere, only I was just 3,000 miles away (which is still a huge distance).
It was beautiful to embrace with the one's who read my monthly newsletters and reply over email. It was sweet to look an elderly supporter in the eyes and to make him/her feel valued by listening to the wisdom, life-experience, and words. It was joyful to share my life with the one's who pushed to get me fully funded so I could move to Minnesota.
Their hearts poured out in prayer to the LORD on my behalf...and there I was.
Recounting all the ways the Father provided for me in the most unexpected ways.
Sharing the hard parts of full-time ministry as a woman who is single.
Praying with the ones who stand beside me like a holy commissioning all over again.
These are my people. YOU are my people.
And I am leaving my sunshine-palm tree-taco-beach homeland to go back to a differentland that I also call home. To continue the work the Lord still has for me there.
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
(1 Thessalonians 2:8). [Read all 1 Thessalonians for context].
[My Prayer]
Father, thank you for the team of people you have surrounded me with. Thank you for their faithful love, encouragement, support, and prayers. Thank you for the sacrifices they make to be a part of my ministry and my life. I pray that you would bless them and continue to provide for them and their needs. I pray you would remind them that you are using them right where they are in their communities and churches. I pray they would continue to walk closely with you. It's an honor to know each of them. Thank you.
In Jesus' Name, amen.
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