Thanks for checking out my blog! Here is an update on what's been going on in my life recently…I have spent the past several months pursuing every job opportunity God sent my way which ranged from research analyst to staff accountant to math tutor to volleyball coach to marketing assistant. God opened doors and closed them again very quickly! I wanted to trust that He had something planned but I was getting really discouraged. I kept praying, reading His Word, seeking godly council, etc. I knew all I needed to do was continue to seek Him, know Him and love Him with my whole heart and He would lead. Finally, in mid September, He did! My heart was stirred to apply for this 11-month mission trip around the world. Four days later, I had an interview with Adventures In Missions. They told me it would be a week before I heard back so I decided to spend that time seeking a full time job, in case my heart was deceiving me. I couldn’t believe it when they called me back the next day. God opened a door and didn’t shut it!
A part of me is still fighting to stay and keep pursuing a career in the States because that is what people expect of me and it would be a lot easier. In the past, I would have been content to do that but after some hard lessons and spending more time in God’s word than I ever have, He’s teaching me that life can only truly be found in Him. I feel called to abandon my earthly treasures (security, pursuing the American dream, meeting people’s expectations, etc) and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness through serving broken, suffering, and desperate people around the world. On the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restoration and hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
If you are like me you might wonder how anyone feels called to serve people around the world when there are many who are suffering and desperately need to know the love of Christ right here. Honestly, I am still struggling to understand it too because God has given me a heart to seek His kingdom in Quakertown: teaching Sunday School, coaching volleyball, and counseling women at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, to name a few. Why would He call me to leave now? Amazingly, as I’m writing this letter to you He is revealing at least one reason: my heart has been quick to put my hope and worth in those gifts rather than in Him! He knew I would become so comfortable so quickly and He would once again need to teach me that no matter where I am or what I am doing He alone is my hope, my joy, and my strength!
I know this journey is not going to be easy, especially since there is so much to do in so little time! It’s only been two weeks and already I’ve struggled to overcome doubts and face my fear of disappointing the people I love – part of the cost for following God’s call. I’m beginning to realize why it’s so important to have people committed to faithfully lifting me up in prayer. For anyone who already does or would like to start, I will be sharing specific struggles, requests and praises here so check it out any time!
Since this is a mission’s trip, I am required to raise support. It is an extremely humbling experience asking people to give you money but I hope and pray that you will be excited about the way God is working in my heart and that He will lead you to support His work through me! By posting this for all of you to read, I am stepping out in faith believing that He will! I need to raise the following amounts, which cover all of my expenses on the field:
$3,500 – Due 10/3/2011 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
$6,500 – Due 12/18/2011 (2 weeks prior to leaving)
$11,000 – Due 4/1/2012 (End of 3 months on the field)
$15,500 – Total Due 7/1/2012 (End of 6 months on the field)
Your financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as monthly donation, wherein you choose the amount/beginning and end date. If 25 people pledge $50 a month for 12 months, I would have 100 percent of the funds necessary! Donations can be made online RIGHT HERE, just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of this page! OR you can write a check payable to Adventures In Missions at
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470
but make sure you aske me for a response card to send with your donation which will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation.
Thank you for reading and May God Bless!
Amanda
P.S. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you might have!
cell # 215-802-5415
e-mail [email protected]
