As i am 3 months away from finishing up my 11 month World Race, i have been praying daily about His plans for me when i return back to the USA. Before leaving for the World Race i sold my car which i had for 10yrs, left my teaching job which i had for 3yrs, left my apartment in Newport Beach, sold my bicycle, & sold many clothes/material possessions. This was a huge step of faith for me! Many people, including myself, asked me “what are you going to do when you get back? Where will you work? How will you get around without a car? Where will you live?” and many other questions. I simply shrugged my shoulders & joyfully said “i have NO clue!” And i received many crazy looks/comments. But God knows, & i am trusting with FAITH that He will provide ALL of my needs & He will guide me where i am supposed to live/work/serve!
When i was serving at a homeless shelter in Dublin, Ireland for September (month #3) i had realized the importance of living in the same community as the people i am serving/ministering to. It allows for deeper, more genuine friendships, connections & follow up for discipleship/growth. I also realized that helping the homeless was one of my #1 passions, along with prison ministry. It was this month that i strongly felt God calling me to move to Los Angeles (maybe Hollywood or skid row area). I have done years of skid row/street/prostitution/gang/drug addict ministry in LA & since September some doors have opened for me to serve there. My heart breaks for the people there. I do not want to make any big move unless i am 100% certain that God is calling me there to live, so i am writing this blog to ask you faithful prayer warriors to please pray for His wisdom & guidance for me these next 3 months as i consider different opportunities locally in CA, around the USA, & overseas! Although i am focusing on the present, i am still excited about the very near future! *if you know anyone who is looking to donate a reliable car, let me know! haha* hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask. I have seen God do miraculous things each month, & i know that’s not beyond His capabilities. I know if He is calling me to move to LA He will provide a place to live & a job there, & all details will fall into place. I am open & willing to GO wherever He calls me!
Many people looked at me like i was crazy when i told them i sold my car & left my job & was backpacking for 11 months! haha He really is taking me WAY out of my comfort zones & teaching me what it means to drop my control over my life & to lean on Him. For someone who loves to have her week/month all planned out,this has been quite the adventure & challenge. Life is always an adventure following my Lord! He always has better plans than i could ever plot for myself! Thank you in advance for your prayers & i look forward to what He has in store!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For i know the plans i have for you,” declares the LORD; “plans to prosper you & not harm you.Plans to give you a future & a hope.”
I pray that you are having a fabulous February. Love you all very much! You are in my heart & my prayers. God is doing AMAZING things in the Philippines this month.Lives are being changed everyday! Just a heads up for next month, #9.Where we are going is a closed country & i will probably not be able to keep in touch with you via internet due to security reasons!
Love His Servant,
Michelle Smith
