I find myself downsizing. Last Saturday it was a garage sale and next week I will store all but two suitcases and a carry-on full of essentials. (Essentials like clothes, shoes, pictures, and American peanut butter...) WOO HOO!
“Why?” you may ask.
This past May I planned a surprise post-graduation trip to see my dear friends at European Nazarene Bible College, where I studied fall of 2004. While the surprise was pulled off fabulously, there seemed to be another reason for my going there. I approached this with an open heart, realizing God had something for me there. The reunion and the reminder of the depth of His love would have been a great enough blessing, but He didn’t stop there.
My call to ministry has been a struggle ever since I named my two greatest passions. One is ministry/theology and the other is cross-cultural work. My experiences outside of the United States have shaped me, and a big part of my heart still beats internationally. But, I have never had peace about pursuing anything in that arena. Many friends and mentors kept telling me that God wanted to use my gifts and these passions, but I didn’t see Him doing that!
During my time in Europe, God pointed out that part of my heart and let me know that He did want to use all of me. He gave me back my heart along with the peace to pursue a position on the Eurasia Region of the Church of the Nazarene in Büsingen, Switzerland. Moreover, He has confirmed in many ways that this is where I need to be.
I’ve waited for over a year to be shown the next step! It has been a cycle of wondering, questioning, frustration, and experiencing rest only in the knowledge that I am safe in His hands. Truly, all I need to do is put my full weight on Him and jump into His arms – into the “God-space” as one of my best friends would say.
As of September 1, 2006, I will begin living and working for the church in Eurasia for at least the next year. Between now and then I am working part time, contacting churches and groups for fundraising (I’ll need $10,000/yr), and telling people my story. When I arrive in September, I will be the Southeastern Europe Communications Coordinator and help with print journalism in the new Eurasia Region Communications Center. The team of 6 (doing journalism, web design, recording, videography, and more) will join together to continue communicating what God is doing in the lives of people across Europe! I am excited to be a part of this God-adventure...
So, come along with me!
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