It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year… SO, I thought I’d add to the wonderfulness and share some exciting news with y’all! ??
In May of 2019 I’ll be heading to Thailand for 4 months to work as a base host for an organization called Adventures in Missions (same organization as the World Race). At the end of May, I will be quitting my job (they don’t know yet ??), moving my belongings to my parent’s basement (they know – thanks mom and dad ????) and stepping into this new season of life. When I come back at the end of September, I will evaluate my time in Chiang Mai to see if it’s where I want to serve on a more permanent basis. If so, well…we’ll cross that road when it comes and if not, then I’ll figure out life in the states…again! ??
Back story… Earlier this year I felt like a shift was coming. I didn’t know what area of life it would be in, but I knew something was coming. On July 3rd, I was talking to a friend about the stirring I felt inside and he suggested I look at Adventures in Missions. Up to that point I hadn’t really seen much come through except the World Race routes for 2019 so I didn’t think much about the comment. Later that night I saw a post come through from the Adventures contact in Chiang Mai with the need to fill a couple positions at the base. It was one of those ‘awkward chuckle because of the timeliness’ moments… Not only was it the timing, it was the location. Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Thailand! I sent an inquisitive message to the contact who sent me the position descriptions for the roles. I talked to a couple people about the opportunity but mostly kept quiet as I was trying to figure out if I should apply or if I was just reaching for something. On July 15, I was at a friend’s house celebrating her birthday and as one of her friends was praying for her, she turned to me and said she’d gotten a word for me. She said that she’d gotten the word ‘transition’ and that what I’ve been praying for and sowing into was going to come about in the next year. Cue ‘awkward chuckle’ again… It really is one of my favorite things to see how God orchestrates details. I waited a week or so and then decided to just apply. I still wasn’t 100% certain this was what I was supposed to do, but…I felt like I needed to start moving. If it wasn’t for right now, I prayed that God would close doors. After all, the process consisted of the application, personality tests, background check, reference checks and several interviews so…there was ample opportunity for doors to be slammed shut. LOL! The same day I applied, Adventures sent my references emails… The funny part about that was that I hadn’t even told them I was applying yet, so yea, there’s that. ?? It all kind of happened really fast! Before I knew it, I was in my first interview…the second and third followed shortly after and within 3 weeks, I was offered the position as Base Host. Talk about a whirlwind! …and talk about the prayers that came out during this time. I never want to do anything outside of God’s timing so that was one of the biggest prayers; “Lord, if this isn’t for me right now, please close the doors. And if this is for me, please direct and guide every step I take”. So now, here I am, heading to Thailand to test out the fit as a base host!
So what does this “base host” thing mean? Well, Adventures is setting up a base in Chiang Mai to host more ministry teams (such as the World Race). As a “base host”, I will be setting up logistics and planning for ministry trips to come through. I’ll be in communication with different ministry hosts around the area making sure they have everything they need to host a team as well as finding new ministry hosts/partners to utilize for all the different teams that come through. I will be helping make a stable place for ministry to happen. I’ll also be scheduling ministry, managing travel, logistics and lodging, and discipling and overseeing teams. Of course, we all know that when something is new and “in process” the tasks and day-to-day might look different than what’s originally planned so, I’m going with an open heart (and hands) to help wherever needed.
This looks different than anything I’ve done for ministry in the past but it’s something that I do on a day-to-day basis at my current job (kinda cool). I’ll be switching gears (big time) and instead of working for a multi-billion-dollar company, I’ll be working for a non-profit… So, instead of working to make a living, I’ll be working to make a difference. This role is important in that without it, missions trips wouldn’t happen.
I’m excited to get the opportunity to use the gifts and abilities that God’s given me (in the business world) to help expand His Kingdom. One of the cool things about God is He usually has bigger plans for the gifts and abilities He’s given us…sometimes (usually) bigger than we could even fathom.
I’m going to start raising funds for my salary (yay non-profit!) so, if you have any ideas for fun fundraisers, send them my way! I’m open to any and all ideas! Also, if you could add me to your prayer lists, that’d be greatly appreciated! I’m stepping out in faith with this and am fully relying on God for direction and provision! He’s never not provided for me, but He HAS put me in positions to ask for help, so that’s fun! HA! ?? If you’re looking for end of the year giving opportunities (or know someone looking), I’d love to be considered! You can give at: jessdoyle.theworldrace.org.
I’ll keep y’all updated on future haps! Love you! ??
