As many of you know, I have been praying fervently for the past 6 months for God to give me direction for after the Race. I have known since I heard the Lord's voice in Moldova that I was not to go back to living in Tucson, but then for 6 months He was silent. I was getting really frustrated, because here I was heading into month 10 of my Race and still I had no clarity. I had no answer for the question I was being asked repeatedly, "So Cassie…what's next?"
Because I like to have control, I tried to set up my own plans. I figured I would just be obedient to the Lord by not living in Arizona. I thought if I moved to Kentucky with my teammate Lydia or moved to Ohio to be closer to my family….then I would be doing God's will. But I never really had a complete peace about any of the plans that I was trying to conjure up on my own.
When we arrived in Bangkok, the ladies of H squad watched the documentary film "Nefarious." Through the heartbreaking stories of women trapped in sex slavery across the world, something inside of my spirit came alive. Something changed. Just one day later, it was prophesied over me that my life would be wrecked for the Kingdom this month in Thailand. When we got off of the bus in Chiang Mai, I knew that something was different. I felt an indescribable excitement and anticipation.
After meeting Emmi and participating in her ministry, I finally heard God's answer to the question that I have been asking for the past 6 months. He told me that working with Emmi's LoveActs ministry is the next chapter in my story. At first I was shocked! I NEVER thought that I would be a long-term missionary. I never thought that I would live outside of America. What?! But in all of my processing, God clearly kept repeating "for such a time as this." So I went to the book of Esther and read the context around her calling "for such a time as this." I plugged myself into this story, and realized that relief and redemption for the women in Thailand WILL come. God already has the victory. And then I understood that if I chose not to allow myself to be used by God, for His glory, in setting captives free…I would miss it. I would miss the chance to partner with Jesus and to bring relief and hope to His beloved daughters in Thailand. I know that God has called me for such a time as this. And I will answer His call. I will allow Him to use the skills and talents that He has given to me. It is for freedom that I have been set free!
So what does all of this mean?
What does it look like?
I spent some time talking with Emmi and found out that they have been praying for a few years at LoveActs to have someone come and partner with them who would be able/willing to teach a hair stylist and cosmetology course. Many of the women working at the bars have expressed an interest in becoming hair stylists, but have no way to obtain the training. Emmi actually had two women leave her discipleship and career training program, because cosmetology training was not offered. So she was pretty excited when I proposed the vision that the Lord has laid on my heart for Chiang Mai.
(Photo by Georgia Dewey)
My role in Chiang Mai would be to work with Emmi to start a salon (in her new spacious six story building that the Lord has graciously provided). I would be committing to living in Thailand for at least 2 years. I would be building relationships with and ministering to the women who work in the red light district. I would be offering the women who express an interest in cosmetology a chance to come get career training. I would be able to bring these beloved daughters of the King into a safe environment where they can learn how ferociously Jesus loves them and how much He desires for them to experience His grace and His freedom.
So basically confirmation, after confirmation, after confirmation keeps happening. As soon as I start to doubt…BOOM! God shows up. Here is a funny example: My team and I were having a nice Sunday dinner at a delicious Mexican restaurant in the city called Miguel's. A beautiful woman, Mynette, and her husband were enjoying a meal at the table behind us. She turned around and started up a conversation with our team. We came to understand that she was from the states, but was currently serving as a missionary in Mongolia with her husband. They were in Chiang Mai for a retreat from ministry in their remote Mongolian village and were happy to chat with other Christians. Towards the end of our conversation, she made direct eye contact with me and asked very pointedly, "What are you doing after the Race?" I told her briefly about the revelation that God had recently given me about Thailand and how as long as He provided the way that I would be moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I expressed my concern about not knowing if or how my cosmetology license would transfer from Arizona to Thailand. She stopped me abruptly and asked me for my email address. I was confused and asked her why she needed it. She told me that she just happened to know the head of all of the cosmetology schools in Chiang Mai and that she would love to help me get in touch with her and to have my license be transferred. Crazy! Definitely a divine appointment set up by the Lord Himself. God constantly surprises me with His awesome sovereignty everyday! And every fear that I have, every excuse that I have tried to make, He is laying them all to rest.
I feel a little bit like I am on an emotional roller coaster. One minute I am super excited. The next I am totally overwhelmed. But through it all…I have peace. A peace that I know can only be from God. Thank you to everyone who has spoken life into this vision and to those who have encouraged me to continue to press into God's heart through prayer and petition.
I have two months left on the Race and I know that I need to be present and not be distracted by the future. I will rest in God's hands and trust in His perfect timing and in His perfect provision. I know that He will open all of the right doors and guide me. I trust that He will provide all of the funding and work out all of the details. I just have to keep my focus on Him. I am so thankful to have some direction! Please join with me in praying for the vision that God has given to me. Please pray against any discouraging lies from the enemy. Please pray that I will continue to be able to just rest in Jesus' loving arms.
Thank you so much for your prayer and encouragement! I love you guys and can't wait to see you in less than 2 months!!
<3 Cassie
　
(Photo by Georgia Dewey)
