The decision making process started right after Jessie graduated in May of 2010. We spent that summer in Bosnia with Campus Crusade for Christ. It was our third time going on that mission trip, and while we were there we continued to seek God for direction for what we should do after Cory graduated. Serving God overseas and being involved in the growth of other Christians were a few of the desires that God strengthened in us that summer. With those desires taking root, we returned home with expectant hearts for what God would reveal to us.
Bosnia
About a month after getting back from Bosnia, a couple from our church returned from being on The World Race and shared their experience. We left church that day excited about the prospect of going on a mission trip like that, but we still had reservations about it. Our dilemma was that we clearly have a heart for Bosnia and, at the time, we were also considering joining staff with Crusade. So the question was, “How does The World Race fit into God’s plan for the next year of our lives?” Through talking with several people on staff with Crusade and seeking God more we came to the conclusion that joining staff was not where God was leading us. So we started searching again. This time it was getting close to Christmas and close to Cory’s graduation, so we were feeling the pressure to make a decision.
At church, our pastor was telling the congregation to ask God for something big that only He could deliver for Christmas, so of course we asked God to show us what we should do for the next year. Through lots of different conversations and circumstances, we decided to pursue moving to Colorado to plant a church. Everything seemed to be falling into place and we were both very excited about this option. Cory started applying for jobs in Colorado and at first it seemed to be fruitful, but nothing actually happened. Realizing that God was closing the door to Colorado, we revisited the ideas of The World Race and going to Bosnia for a year. Both sounded great. Both were in line with the Bible. But there was one key difference between them.
We believe that part of our “deal” or calling in life is to lead, develop, and coordinate international mission trips. Bosnia offers great opportunities to grow in ministry capabilities and knowledge; however, we have already experienced many of those during our last three visits. On the other hand, The World Race will expose us to numerous different cultures, religions, languages, and ministries. Each of these will better equip us to help plan trips, educate and prepare future missionaries, and develop and improve the overall structure of mission trips. This was the key difference.
With this realization, peace from God, and confirmation from various brothers and sisters in Christ, we decided to spend the next 11 months in 11 different countries!
One thing that God put on Jessie’s heart a few years ago was Joshua 1:3 “I will give you everywhere you set your feet.” And for the next 11 months we are excited to see God provide all that we need as we follow what He has called us to! We have to move, but He is always faithful to be with us and give us all we need to do His Will.
