I've spent the last few weeks deeply contemplating the race; what it means for my future, what God is really calling me to do, and how I'm going to get there. I've really been thinking about that lately.
Let's be honest here. I haven't thoroughly experienced 'support raising.' It's this ominous phrase that every missionary faces at some point, realizing they are about to ask other people for help along their journey. As I've spent more time thinking about all of this, I have more thoroughly contemplated exactly how I feel about it.
I read a blog post from a pastor who came to my site this summer. His wife put into words exactly what I've been thinking for so long. The post was mostly about how privelaged we are in the United States and how little others have. Sure, there are certainly people here who suffer. I'm not attempting to justify a point of that nature. But this subject matter has come up multiple times for me since I've returned from my summer at YouthWorks. People really don't understand what they have. It's true. Beyond that, it is our responsibility, as Christians, to serve and help those who are spiritually lost. How can we expect those who are lost themselves to serve a God they do not trust and lead others in that direction as well? We are being called.
Some of us are called to go, help, and serve. I fall into that category. God is calling me to go and love others, to help and lead others to the truth. God's love is undeniable and I am called to spread His word. Think about your calling. Are you being called to go? Reconsider what you believe to be important and don't ignore your calling. If you're not, then you're called to send. This calling, clearly, is no less important than a calling to go. Merely different. Neither can exist without the other. This is all in God's plan.
And to some, this comes from a missionary in need as an alterior motive. If that's the case, you've missed the point.
I am excited about God's calling for my life and look forward to what He has planned for me. His economy is drastically different from ours. His plan isn't something I can understand nor am I going to try.
In the meantime, a short update on my life. I am currently living in Glenside, Pennsylvania with my campus minister and his family. They graciously opened their doors for me when I didn't have a place to stay. While I'm here, I am working as the intern for Arcadia Christian Fellowship (ACF)- the Christian group at the University I recently graduated from. The internship is helping me become more equipped to dive into campus ministry upon my return to the states. Being able to already work so directly in God's plan is an amazing feeling.
I've been able to work closely with Greg (my campus minister) as ACF has taken off this semester. I love being able to interact with the students more personally. I'm leading a small group this semester on the story of Jonah- Navigating a Life Interrupted. My ability to relate to this story is what got me hooked. But watching students want to get involved and dive more deeply into their faith is refreshing, revitalizing. I love it. Campus ministry was weighing on my heart all summer and continues to do so more heavily everyday.
Our first night of fellowship in AU. Over 60 students showed up!
One of the events we hosted for the semester, a cookout and kickball game.
This semester is going to be challenging but absolutely amazing. God is preparing my heart for each challenge as I move forward. I am continuously reminding myself to just say yes. Take the challenge and know God is walking with me the entire time.
Remember Matthew 16:25.
