A couple of weeks ago I had theopportunity to go back in time and see the ministry that in part has
brought me to where I am today. In February of 2008 we had a
missions conference at my church. Included among the speakers was
the Ziemer family, who were on furlough from doing missions in the
outskirts of Bucharest, Romania. They shared about their church,
camp and they way they felt God was leading them for the future.
This was all great, but what I remembered more was them sharing how
God was working and transforming their lives and the lives of the
villagers. They didn’t take credit for the supernatural changes in
others and said they were quite happy because they knew they were
exactly where God wanted them to be. From that moment, something
sparked within me that wanted that joy that clearly only came from
the Lord.
Upon arriving home from church that
night I immediately went to the Internet and began my search for the
perfect missions trip for me. I love how God works through many
different ways to make it clear to us what His plan is for us. I
found the World Race at the top of my search and applied, got
accepted, left in October and am now here halfway around the world.
It’s really cool how it all worked out, but it’s not the coolest part
of this story.
night I immediately went to the Internet and began my search for the
perfect missions trip for me. I love how God works through many
different ways to make it clear to us what His plan is for us. I
found the World Race at the top of my search and applied, got
accepted, left in October and am now here halfway around the world.
It’s really cool how it all worked out, but it’s not the coolest part
of this story.
Fast forward to May 2009 and for month
eight of ministry my team team and I partnered with a ministry
located in the outskirts of Bucharest. With contact information via
an email from my mom, I called the Ziemers and they invited me to
church and lunch. When I got there Gerald asked me to share a short
testimony during the service. I agreed and began to ask the Lord
what He wanted me to share with the church. I shared bits and pieces
about my World Race experience, but more exciting for me, I was able
to tell them how I came on the Race and what sparked me to do it. It
was awesome to be able to uplift and encourage the very people whose
stories had sparked a new passion and zeal in my own life. I said,
“I’m here standing in front of you because you were faithful to the
Lord. I’m here because your story touched my life.” I realized
then on a deeper level how important it is for us to share our
stories with each other. Everyone’s story is awe inspiring and earth
shattering. Every person whose life is transformed is a supernatural
display of God’s lavish grace. Something amazing happens when we
share — we grow closer to each other and God and truly give the
glory back to Him.
eight of ministry my team team and I partnered with a ministry
located in the outskirts of Bucharest. With contact information via
an email from my mom, I called the Ziemers and they invited me to
church and lunch. When I got there Gerald asked me to share a short
testimony during the service. I agreed and began to ask the Lord
what He wanted me to share with the church. I shared bits and pieces
about my World Race experience, but more exciting for me, I was able
to tell them how I came on the Race and what sparked me to do it. It
was awesome to be able to uplift and encourage the very people whose
stories had sparked a new passion and zeal in my own life. I said,
“I’m here standing in front of you because you were faithful to the
Lord. I’m here because your story touched my life.” I realized
then on a deeper level how important it is for us to share our
stories with each other. Everyone’s story is awe inspiring and earth
shattering. Every person whose life is transformed is a supernatural
display of God’s lavish grace. Something amazing happens when we
share — we grow closer to each other and God and truly give the
glory back to Him.
I was greatly encouraged by the Ziemers
and the congregation when my intention was to encourage them.
It was amazing for me to see a healthy, well run ministry to which I
could relate. The most incredible part was for me to see things come
full circle.
and the congregation when my intention was to encourage them.
It was amazing for me to see a healthy, well run ministry to which I
could relate. The most incredible part was for me to see things come
full circle.
