When my grandfather got sick in October, It was a trying time for our family in many ways. My mom was sleeping at the hospital trying to stay on top of the decisions being made there. We did not find out until he had lymphoma and sadly lost him within a months’ time. My grandmother broke her arm while he was in the hospital so I moved in with her for the time being to care for her. And they were in the middle of selling their home and my parents were making some career changes. There was a lot going on to say the least. What I found crazy is that I’ve witnessed and heard that most people pull away from God in times like these.
Maybe being how there was so much negativity around me I felt pushed to Him. We were studying the book of Nehemiah in Bible study and at church – teaching me to fall to prayer first. I prayed like I never prayed before, I cried to God like never before, I insisted my family pray with me and my grandfather. My grandfather asked me to pray for him. One day he was watching a TV program and they began discussing Jesus – my mom called me immediately and goes you’ll never believe what your grandfather just did; “he pointed to the TV and said that’s the man!”
Wow! Did God use me to bring salvation to my grandfather? After one of the surgeries my grandfather just kind of slept until he passed, he opened his eyes only a few more times when the Holy Spirit was letting us know it was time for His child to come home. I asked my family all to hold hands, including his hands and I prayed that His will may be done and of the miracles of Lazarus – how we know what is impossible for man is possible for God! I am so glad I was not alone in that moment because I do not think my family would have believed what happened next if they had not witnessed it themselves. As we said Amen, my grandfather squeezed my grandmother’s and my hands, opened his eyes, a tear rolled down his cheek, and that was the last time he opened his eyes for us. Life throws stuff at us that seems so ‘unfair’ (to use a loose term) but that is only because we can’t see the whole plan. God didn’t take my grandfather from us, He was using him for His glory and at the hospital he accepted Jesus in his heart and is now preparing for his family to spend eternity with him.
Now God started really testing my faith, pushing me to put my trust in Him. During the time my grandfather was in the hospital I kept thanking God for the season of our lives we were in to be able to spend every day with my grandfather while he was in the hospital. Getting that last month with him is something I know we all cherish. One Wednesday evening I was at church waiting for the service to begin and thanking God for all of this and He called me to open my eyes and look up as the screen was informing attendees about this year’s upcoming mission trips. I just kind of laughed and said yeah ok God let me just pick up and leave everything now, you’re hilarious and I went back to praying.
Well God’s nudge isn’t silenced easily. I started looking at what my Church, Calvary Chapel, offered for missions. I came across one in Peru that excited me, that’s where I felt I was meant to go I would be working with kids, Peru is known for some great hiking, and everything sounded good. Or so I thought . . . fear stepped in and rather than discussing it with my parents it came blurting out in an argument with my mom. The thought was immediately shut down. Every normal thing a parent would say, I was told – there’s plenty to do right here in the US, it’s too dangerous, its expensive, it’s not the right time, and more. I never rustled up the courage to talk to my dad about it and at this point figured what was the point; mom said I can only do something in the US.
So I backed down and started doing research for US mission trips. I came across Adventures in Missions and on the homepage was a link for“The World Race” without reading or clicking anything I started to cry. I had no idea why. I clicked on the link began to read and got goose-bumps (or as my mentor [Karen Romine] calls them God-bumps). God led me here, He prepared me for this. The enemy snuck in and I felt anger creeping in, my mom wouldn’t even approve Peru for 8 days there was no way she would go for11 countries over 11 months! God this is crazy!
So I dismissed it. Later that week my mom and I were researching US missions together and on the google page there was a story that really moved me so I clicked to read more and there was God again altering my imperfect plan for His.The story was from a gentleman who completed the World Race and I was once again crying at my computer screen. But oddly this time there was less “parental excuses” from my mom. It was as if she realized this is something we couldn’t fight any longer.
I prayed about it, talked to mentors and bible group about it, dreamed about it. Decided that this time I wasn’t going to cower in fear and instead had a real discussion about it with my parents. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
I prayed for God to place peace on my parent’s hearts.The strangest of it all though was my paternal grandmother was all for it. She was telling me how she is 76, she went from her parents’ home to being married she never took time in her life to do something like this and I need to go if that’s where God is calling me (side note my mom and grandmother have been attending church with me more frequently, Amen).It was as if God was highlighting some my internal fears to me through my grandmother and telling me to trust Him that this is all part of His great plan for my life.
God wasted no time; He went to work providing answers and solutions to concerns.“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
The World Race encourages as part of the experience to fundraise the money (one of God’s solutions to a big concern). And I could feel the sense of fear and doubt start to settle in. The enemy thought he was getting another shot. But all of this got me thinking. This is why I wanted to share my story publicly. The fear wasn’t anything more than the fact that I would have to tell people beyond my comfort zone why I want to do this and that I gave my life to Jesus! But if I am spending 11 months in 11 countries sharing God’s love and word, following His plan for my life and thanking Him every day for sending His son to die on the cross for my sins – why would I be scared to share that with people I know? What could I possibly fear? “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Psalm 118:6
So now I am here – at this place of freedom and peace; sharing a piece of my heart with all of you.
God was preparing me for this amazing journey that I am getting ready to embark on. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
I am pleased to announce I will be serving as a missionary through Adventures in Missions. I was accepted this past Friday to their World Race Program, an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries around the world!
So in January 2017, I will be leaving home with only a backpack to live out of and my teammates to India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa.
I am excited about the difference I will have the opportunity to be a part of over the 11 month journey. We will be alongside the woman, children, and “untouchables” in many of these countries who have either chosen or have been forced into the undignified life of sex and human trafficking. Having the opportunity to just love on them and be a light in their life. In other countries we will be honored to offer our help doing relief work from damages due to natural disasters. In the remaining countries we will get to love on young orphans and children who are in desperate need for attention – doing various outreaches; including teaching English, caring for orphans, care point feedings, and so much more!
I have taken a job doing the finances for a mortgage company to help offset the cost of this beautiful opportunity. However, as you can imagine I can’t do it alone. This letter is my official invitation to ask if you will consider partnering with me.
There are several ways you could support me during this journey:
You can pray – please pray! My team and I need a group of loved ones dedicated to supporting us in prayer, and perhaps that is the purpose that God intends for you in this post. Prayer is the number one thing we need.
There will be an abundance of obstacles that arise and entangle themselves around us as my team prepares to go love on and serve the people we will meet on this trip. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful leading in ministry in these countries. I ask that you will be praying for the challenges that lie ahead of me: living in a new and constantly changing culture, communicating through language barriers, protection from illnesses, and that I will have strength enough to constantly give of myself in selfless service.
You can subscribe to my blog by clicking “Subscribe for Updates” beneath my picture on the top left. Please also share my blog through your social media, email, or even word of mouth – so you and your friends can be a part of this beautiful adventure.
I also ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting me financially.If you are so led to partner with me this way there is a “Donate!” button at the top of my page where you can offer support. All donations are tax deductible. Financial support can be given as a one-time gift or a monthly donation. Any donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated
You can also mail in a check to Adventures in Missions with my full name (Jessica Ganci) in the memo
Please mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
(Donations do not show up immediately – please do not be alarmed they must first be processed before added to my account)
You are just as important in this mission trip as I am. It is the love and encouragement throughout the years that allows me to go so confidently into this quest. Please know that this post is only intended to be a tool for God’s work, and there are no expectations bundled with it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or even if you just want to know more!
Love,
Jessica
I miss you everyday Pa <3
