So a few weeks ago I had the joy meeting a fellow squad-mate. We only live 30 minutes away from each other, so we are planning on taking advantage of this blessing.
God is soincredible in how he calls us. As soon as I met Tori, she was family. I pray that is how it is with everyone on our squad. After all, we will be traveling and living in community for 11 months. I just love how his plan comes together.
Me and Tori at Busy Corner, for dinner and pie.
Another awesome God thing that has happened is opportunities for learning. Peoria area churches come together for The Gospel Institute. Area pastors and educators work together to teach different courses throughout the year. This summer one of these said courses is “Contrasting Religions & Foundational Thinking: Worldviews that Shape Our Walk & Witness”. I had literally just talked to my friend a few weeks ago, sharing my concern for having knowledge of other faiths, but I wanted to do it in a safe way. Not that I would worry about my faith, I just wanted to learn with someone who shares knowledgeably. So with less than a week until classes started, I registered for the course. I’m reminded of the verse in 1 Peter 3:15,
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”.
The reason I’m sharing this is, when I first considered missions Satan threw so many lies at me: “You’re not a theologian. You could never defend your faith. There are so many smarter, more qualified people who could be so much more effective in sharing the Gospel”. Lies. They’re all lies. Now I won’t lie. Each week I attend, I have this small sense of anxiety. This feeling of no knowledge whatsoever. My introvert self silently listens as the instructor teaches. But even last night (only the 2nd class), I was encouraged, as I noted, this really does make sense. Many of my thoughts, were not wrong. I am teachable! I cannot allow his lies to keep me from the Lord’s call on my life. I’m sure some people have. But doubt and fear are no excuse. Matthew 22:14 says, “For many are called, but few are chosen”.
So, like Isaiah, when the Lord asks,
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
