Where did it all begin?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... oh wait, that's someone else's story! Actually, as I pondered where to begin, I realized I can't really tell you when it all began, because no one has time to hear my entire life story! (or read it!)
And so, I'll back up to
Cambodia. As some of you may remember - the Lord provided for me to go there last fall for $85 and Skymiles. While I was there, I felt Him stirring my heart - but I wasn't sure to what...
On September 18, I wrote in my journal, "Lord, I look around and I see people coming and going - and eventually it hits me - that almost all of them do not know You. But I don't know what You are asking of me, if anything? I know that if You are asking me to come here, then You will show me."
"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?"
Prov. 20:24
When I returned, I shared my heart stirrings with my pastor. Wisely, he counseled me to pray about it for six months.
In November, some "seeds" were planted with regard to joining a team in Japan. I remember being very excited about the possibility, and asking the Lord if it might be possible to do some short-term missions trips to Cambodia, as part of that ministry. Within three hours of praying that prayer, I received this in an email:
Cathy and I are really high on short-term mission trips. One of
the reasons this assignment is appealing to us is the opportunity to regularly
lead trips to Thailand and Cambodia... If you were to join us in Yokosuka, we would love to have you
be a huge part of planning and going on the trips. We would also be very
open if you choose to extend your time down there on the backend of those trips
to provide additional support...
Talk about a fast answer to prayer!
One thing that amazes me, as I look back through my journal and my response, was the careful and patient response. Taking time to pray, to seek counsel and to consider the Lord's leading. I am amazed because of how impatient I have felt along the way... to know what the Lord was asking. His timing is perfect!
In January I went away for a few days to really seek the Lord. It seemed clear that I was to continue pursuing Japan - but I had a list of concerns that I asked the Lord to address. Wow - and how He HAS! And, I should add, He continues to address concerns and needs as they arise. He is
GREAT!
Shortly thereafter, I met with the elders of my church, and shared with them about what had been happening. They affirmed me in moving forward, and agreed that I should continue in seeing if Japan was where the Lord wanted me to go.
From my journal on Feb 26:
I woke up singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus... no turning back, no turning back"
The Lord again provided airfare for me, and in April, I headed to Japan to visit and seek confirmation. Here are some pictures from that visit:
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| Future home? |
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| Set up for Friday night dinner. |
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| Busy clean up crew! |
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| Tokyo Bay in the background. |
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| An outing with some of the Lighthouse ladies. |
Needless to say - it was an amazing trip - and any concerns were removed. A final meeting with my elders upon return confirmed this calling.
So, now the fun really begins! As I prepare to go, there is much to be done, including:
- My transition out of my Human Resources role - which will happen over the summer.
- Raising additional support needed for living overseas. I will be traveling this fall hoping to connect with people who will partner financially and in prayer so that this ministry can happen. (more on that in the future!)
- Transitioning well - I have been in Columbia for almost 20 years - the longest I've lived anywhere - and it will be HARD to leave family and friends. Plus - I have two new cultures to learn - Japanese and Navy.
If you'd like to financially partner in this ministry - you can give several ways:
- To give a recurring monthly gift via EFT - click here.
- To give a special gift online, click here.
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