Just for the sake of an update...
Wow, friends. God has blessed me, big time. As I write, I am 27 days away from my departure date, and God has raised 80% of the funds I'll need for the next six months at Generation 42. He is so good and so able. If you have something you've been thinking you ought to trust Him with, go ahead, do it. (And then get ready to experience His awesome love for you.)
More on the packing, the goodbyes, and all that later!
Thank you so much for your prayer & support!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Here We Go!
Dear Family and Friends,
“How do I put it all in a letter?” That’s what came to mind when I set
out to start this note. Over the past two years, I’ve come to realize a portion
of the narrative that God has been writing into my life all along. You see,
I’ve always liked the left-out ones: The
runts of the litter of kittens, the kids no one liked at school, and the
situations that normal people run from. I don’t know why, but I’m drawn to
them.
I like to tackle big problems. But big problems, as I’ve
learned, begin to be solved with small steps of obedience.
On January 5th, 2010, when I was in Romania for
the first time, I met a woman named Nicoletta. She was definitely an outcast.
She grew up as a Romanian orphan, and, like most orphans, she didn’t have
anyone looking out for her. As a teenager, Nicoletta was tricked by an older
man and sold into a life of prostitution. She didn’t choose it, and she knew
how shameful her life was. She was in a pretty horrible place. I was college sophomore
then, just a regular 20-year-old from the Midwest, and I got to be the one to
share God’s love with this precious daughter of His! I got to tell her about
Jesus, about His rich, unselfish love for her, about His sacrifice, and then, I
got to see the hope in her eyes.
I was changed by this encounter with despair and hope. I knew
that slavery still existed in the world, but I had never come face to face with
it before. Later, I learned that in today’s world, there are 27 million people
living in slavery, many of them with situations similar to Nicoletta’s.
I’m at the stage in life where everyone is making big life
decisions, and I’ve realized something recently: Everyone, everyday, is giving their lives to
something or someone. Sixteen years ago, I chose to give my life
to Someone, and today, I know a bit more about where we’re going. In the Bible,
Jesus talks a lot about the new life that’s possible inside of His rescuing
love, and I want to be a part of that, of not only physical freedom from
destructive circumstances, but of spiritual freedom that’s eternal.
The problem of human trafficking is seemingly insurmountable.
27 million is a number I can’t quite wrap my mind around. But it all starts with just one, just one step
of obedience on my part and hope in the heart and eyes of just one woman, like
Nicoletta. That’s what I want to be about.
I have the great privilege to begin this crazy journey with
people who have already walked the path. On January 4th, I’ll fly to
a six-month training with Generation 42 Leadership Academy in Mijas, Spain to
learn the practical steps of managing a non-profit organization and working in
the restoration of women who have been trafficked. I’m very excited to be able
to learn from people who have the practical experience of doing what I would
like to do. My eventual goal is to run my own restoration house: a place where
women can come to be healed and equipped to live full lives in Jesus and the
community. I’m excited, nervous, and certain that I have no idea what I’m
getting myself into. (Thankfully, He does.)
I fully realize that I cannot, and should not, do this alone.
I need your help. I need your encouragement (daily), your
financial support (to tune of $6300), and most of all, your prayer (fervently!).
I believe that prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have, so even if you’re
not a praying person, I would love it if you would pray for me.
The problem is enormous; there is so much darkness and pain
in the world, but I believe that there is incredible reason to hope and work passionately
towards the end of problems like human trafficking. The reason for my hope is
Jesus. The world is in turmoil; we all know that. A battle rages each and every
day, but He wins, my friends, Jesus wins. I’ve seen it in my own life, and I’ve
seen it in Nicoletta’s.
The Bible describes this life as a race, and I firmly believe
that this is the track He’s chosen for me to run in. I don’t know all that lies ahead, but I do
know that Jesus is trustworthy, and that anywhere He leads me is right where I
need to be. I’m running towards Him. Will you join me?
Much love, prayer, and thanks,
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Harvest
God is at work here in Northern Iowa. Pray for more laborers to go into the harvest field!
September 3rd, 2012
I've had one of those evenings of mulling-over and reflection. I'm home for a bit, and in the quiet of my first non-student fall since the age of 2, I've taken on a number of small projects. I started cleaning out one of our sheds a couple of days ago. It's an old farm shed full of storage-worthy items---everything from our childhood trikes to my great-grandmother's dining room table and chairs. It's a treasure-trove of what my mom would accurately term "treasures," but it was also quite dirty and disorganized.
I was about 3/4 through the 'pulling out' of stuff into the adjoining pasture stage of the organization process when Mom came home from work. I knew she'd be stressed/slightly overwhelmed by the very in-progress appearance of my little project, and really who could blame her?
Her very natural reaction took me back to the same childhood feelings of wanting to see something through to completion before revealing it to my approving parents. I'm sure I uttered the words, "Don't look yet; it's not done!" at least a million times during my childhood. There's something about revealing a perfected project for admiration that's just so satisfying.
This evening's musings led me to make a connection between my simple desires for a polished finished product and the way I often find myself relating to God and other people. The truth is, I like to have it all figured out. The messy, creative process isn't my particular favorite, at least not for the general public's viewing. Problematic, when you're living in community, and even more problematic when you're trying to be honest with God.
You see, sometimes, even though I know, mentally, that the Father welcomes me in all my disorder, I find myself shrinking away, afraid of His reaction to my un-organized heart and life. Sometimes I'm afraid of Him because I'm all too aware of my own brokenness. I say to Him, "Don't look yet! I'm not done!"
But, the blessed reality of it is, God loves me in my messes. He looks on the squalor of my sin and confusion, and He rolls up His sleeves. He isn't at all overwhelmed by my disasters. He delights to glorify Himself in the putting-back-together-process.
He is the God of my disasters. And I am often a mess, a work in progress in the hands of my Healer.
And you, friend, so are you.
I was about 3/4 through the 'pulling out' of stuff into the adjoining pasture stage of the organization process when Mom came home from work. I knew she'd be stressed/slightly overwhelmed by the very in-progress appearance of my little project, and really who could blame her?
Her very natural reaction took me back to the same childhood feelings of wanting to see something through to completion before revealing it to my approving parents. I'm sure I uttered the words, "Don't look yet; it's not done!" at least a million times during my childhood. There's something about revealing a perfected project for admiration that's just so satisfying.
This evening's musings led me to make a connection between my simple desires for a polished finished product and the way I often find myself relating to God and other people. The truth is, I like to have it all figured out. The messy, creative process isn't my particular favorite, at least not for the general public's viewing. Problematic, when you're living in community, and even more problematic when you're trying to be honest with God.
You see, sometimes, even though I know, mentally, that the Father welcomes me in all my disorder, I find myself shrinking away, afraid of His reaction to my un-organized heart and life. Sometimes I'm afraid of Him because I'm all too aware of my own brokenness. I say to Him, "Don't look yet! I'm not done!"
But, the blessed reality of it is, God loves me in my messes. He looks on the squalor of my sin and confusion, and He rolls up His sleeves. He isn't at all overwhelmed by my disasters. He delights to glorify Himself in the putting-back-together-process.
He is the God of my disasters. And I am often a mess, a work in progress in the hands of my Healer.
And you, friend, so are you.
August 20th, 2012
You know the really-great God-peace that feels like every kind of comfort food, only for the soul?
I've had a wonderful dose of it this evening as the result of a fresh recognition of His Lordship over my life. It's not hard for me to realize that He's in control, but sometimes I'm quick to forget that my life is not about me. It's astounding how quick I am to try and build my own kingdom or to choose comfort over holiness and the uncomfortable stretching process that precedes it.
I am much slower to choose the road less-traveled or to opt for what I know will be a difficult road.
The God-comfort that filled me up on the inside this evening came as I tore down those foundations of my own kingdom. No matter how spectacular they might seem in my mind's eye, they're not worth anything if they're built for my glory and happiness instead of His.
There's joy and freedom in following the Leader, friend. I think it's very much like dancing. Jesus knows the steps, and I do not. The dance only works, and is only joyful, when I recognize that He must lead. (I must learn to follow closely!)
He knows my way, and my highest good is to give Him glory with my life, however He asks me to. There's such richness of freedom in that.
I've had a wonderful dose of it this evening as the result of a fresh recognition of His Lordship over my life. It's not hard for me to realize that He's in control, but sometimes I'm quick to forget that my life is not about me. It's astounding how quick I am to try and build my own kingdom or to choose comfort over holiness and the uncomfortable stretching process that precedes it.
I am much slower to choose the road less-traveled or to opt for what I know will be a difficult road.
The God-comfort that filled me up on the inside this evening came as I tore down those foundations of my own kingdom. No matter how spectacular they might seem in my mind's eye, they're not worth anything if they're built for my glory and happiness instead of His.
There's joy and freedom in following the Leader, friend. I think it's very much like dancing. Jesus knows the steps, and I do not. The dance only works, and is only joyful, when I recognize that He must lead. (I must learn to follow closely!)
He knows my way, and my highest good is to give Him glory with my life, however He asks me to. There's such richness of freedom in that.
Catch-Up
It's been awhile since I've been here, but never fear, I've been writing away (just on paper instead of with keys!).
Sunday, May 20, 2012
I Love The Body.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:15-17
I'm so thankful for The Body.
These past couple of weeks, God has shown me His wonderful provision through complete strangers. You see, I'm beginning to gear up for another adventure with Jesus, this one more unknown than ones before but ever so exciting all the same. In the midst of all that that means, God has blessed me with His faithfulness to provide for my needs, and He's done that through His people. He's shown me small glimpses of just how strong and deep the 'family ties' of Jesus run.
Last week, a woman I met during the meet-and-greet time at church handed me a chunk of change and told me she'd be praying for me and the ministry He's got for me. I'd never met this woman before that church service, and she wasn't even a member of our church here in Iowa City- she was a visitor! God astounded me with His blessing through His people.
Today, at a graduation party, I met an older couple who was friends with the graduate's family. I didn't know them, but they knew Jesus. The woman of the couple marched up to me and said, "I need to meet you. I heard what you're doing after graduation, and I want to cover you with prayer." She spoke life into me, encouraged me, and then asked my name. Haha! When she was talking about how she'd be praying for me, she said, "If you feel a jolt, it's me!"
What an amazing thing it is to be upheld by His family, to be held in His arms via His people interceding and supporting me. I am blessed. I love The Body, His Body.
I'm so thankful for The Body.
These past couple of weeks, God has shown me His wonderful provision through complete strangers. You see, I'm beginning to gear up for another adventure with Jesus, this one more unknown than ones before but ever so exciting all the same. In the midst of all that that means, God has blessed me with His faithfulness to provide for my needs, and He's done that through His people. He's shown me small glimpses of just how strong and deep the 'family ties' of Jesus run.
Last week, a woman I met during the meet-and-greet time at church handed me a chunk of change and told me she'd be praying for me and the ministry He's got for me. I'd never met this woman before that church service, and she wasn't even a member of our church here in Iowa City- she was a visitor! God astounded me with His blessing through His people.
Today, at a graduation party, I met an older couple who was friends with the graduate's family. I didn't know them, but they knew Jesus. The woman of the couple marched up to me and said, "I need to meet you. I heard what you're doing after graduation, and I want to cover you with prayer." She spoke life into me, encouraged me, and then asked my name. Haha! When she was talking about how she'd be praying for me, she said, "If you feel a jolt, it's me!"
What an amazing thing it is to be upheld by His family, to be held in His arms via His people interceding and supporting me. I am blessed. I love The Body, His Body.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
