You have been faithful! Many of you have been in prayer for my return home and figuring out what’s next, you’ve encouraged me, asked and prayed. My own prayers and hopes were written throughout my Race journal looking back now, are an encouraging reminder of God’s faithfulness. So I want to share what I’ve been up to since coming home, and what IS next for Amanda?
In June my squad attended a reunion held in Gainesville, GA where AIM headquarters are located. We met some World Race alumni and listened to some great speakers, it was a great time of reconnecting, worship and encouragement.
At the end of July I found work as a waitress in Ft. Lauderdale and moved in with my sister. This job has been an answered prayer of provision exactly when needed, again, His timing IS always right.
For now I’m working, paying off my student loan and living another version of the Race here in South Florida. My desire and passion is to serve missionaries in the field of Member Care. Member Care roughly stated, is care and support for those serving where their access to community and support is limited, or nonexistent. While on the Race I met with many individuals serving as missionaries despite hardship, loneliness, suffering, who many times needed a listening, sympathetic ear. I learned much from their generosity and friendship.
From those experiences, God grew a desire in me to serve and encourage missionaries. In pursuit of this goal, knowledge, and training is needed, and with this in mind I have been researching. There is a course through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) that covers topics such as conflict resolution, missionary wellbeing, helping with re-entry, dealing with grief and loss, to name a few. The focus of member care for this (and most organizations) is to support missionaries by promoting unity and enhancing effectiveness. The cost of course materials, room and board are $648 for three weeks, airfare is not included. I am in need of assistance to attend and would ask for prayers and to consider making a financial contribution toward this endeavor.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” – Proverbs 16:9.
Thank you for your prayers and giving of your finances to support me on the Race. Thank you for making this past year possible. I could not have done this without you. This is not about me but what He has done and what He continues to do. We both get to be in this story. To paraphrase Ephesians 2:10 “for we are his workmanship, created for good works in Christ, which were prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
If you have questions or want to talk more about this past year or future plans, I’m available to talk or meet in person and can be reached at [email protected]. If you are considering making a financial contribution I look forward to discussing these plans, logistics and the course in more detail.
