Let me preface this by apologizing for my delayed posting! I know I said this was coming a couple of weeks ago, but with holiday travel and wedding pl...
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Let me preface this by apologizing for my delayed posting! I know I said this was coming a couple of weeks ago, but with holiday travel and wedding planning it's been a bit crazy! So - here it is, finally; my other big news for those of you who haven't already heard (and the story behind it)!
*For Rusty's side of the story (from a while back), click here.
A couple of years ago, one of our friends gave Rusty some wise advice. She said, "Rusty, just keep saying YES to God."
After hearing that story from him (and hearing how it impacted his life) I started reflecting back on the times I said "YES" to God, and the ways my life has been changed. There have been so many yeses th
at got me to where I am today, but it's those from the past 2 years that have really blown me away.
In 2006, God called me to go to Africa. It started as a still small voice that grew louder, and a passion that grew stronger. The idea seemed absurd; I had never been out of the country before! (not even to Canada or Mexico!) I didn't know how or when, but in faith I said YES.
By May of 2007, I was on a plane to Swaziland, Africa with Grace Campus Ministries for a short term mission trip through AIM. I was terrified, but I knew I was where I was supposed to be. It took quite a bit of surrendering and tears, but in obedience, I went and was forever changed! I was healed miraculously from 3 illnesses, and impacted for a lifetime by the incredible people and beautiful children of Swaziland.
Because I said YES, my life would never be the same.
I was wrecked forever. I knew God wanted to use me, but how?
Less than 2 months later, I found myself in a meeting with Seth Barnes, founder & executive director of AIM. He offered me a job with AIM. A job that would allow my love for music to meet ministry and result in raising money and awareness for children in need around the world. It sounded PERFECT!
There were just a few problems. No paid position - I would be a support raised missionary. (What?! That's not what I went to college for!) No clue as to how it would all turn out (after all, he was offering me a new position - no one had ever done it before). And I would have to move to Gainesville, GA - where I knew absolutely NO ONE!
After much prayer, I said YES. Yes to laying down my dreams and expectations. Yes to God's plan for my life (instead of my own). Yes to the unknown! And in tears, I packed up my things and moved.
Since then, I have been blessed beyond belief. I get to do things I'm passionate about. I have traveled to India, South Africa, and Swaziland. I have grown more than I ever have before. I work with incredible people who are encouraging and loving. I'm fulfilled and full of JOY. And all these YESes brought me not only my dream job, but the man of my dreams! Of course saying YES to the question "Will you marry me" was the easiest YES of all ;)
And now, God has asked me to say YES again.
YES to moving to Michigan!
There are a lot of reasons I'm moving. First and foremost, to be near my fiance Rusty. He is moving there with several others and joining the World Race Staff. We feel it's important for us to spend time living in the same city before we get married (since he's been gone to 11 countries for the past 11 months), and going through pre-marital counseling together. We will also have Michael and Kathy Hindes there to mentor us throughout our first year of marriage. What a blessing to have a godly couple pouring into our lives!
Another reason is the community there. We've been invited to be a part of a covenant community full of Christian brothers and sisters we love. We're thrilled to have them as a part of our lives- to encourage and lift one another up!
Within that community there are 2 wonderful musicians/singers - Matt Snyder and Kim Daniels. God has really been laying music on my heart again, so I'm excited about the opportunity to start writing, singing, and leading worship with them!
All in all- God has confirmed and reconfirmed that this is where He is sending me. I have prayed about it, and received confirmation and a blessing from my boss and spiritual dad Seth. I've also been given permission to continuing doing what I do for AIM from Michigan! So no worries- I'll still be serving as the Development Coordinator and Orphan Advocate. I already have a church there supporting me and supporting our orphan ministry!
I know God has wonderful things in store for Rusty and me in Port Huron, Michigan. So, in 2 weeks, we will pack up our U-Haul and say, "YES LORD!" to another new adventure!
For those of you who support us financially and in prayer, we hope you will continue to support us as we step out and move in faith. As confident as I am that we are being obedient to God, there will still be some tears and fears! Please pray for us as we try to work, pack, and wedding plan all at once!
For those of you reading this who may have a question in your heart from God:
Saying YES does not come without cost. Obedience is often difficult. There will be surrender and sacrifices to make. There will likely be tears and heartache. But OH, the JOYS and BLESSINGS He has waiting for you if you will just say YES! It is ALWAYS, ALWAYS worth it!!! (Duet. 28)
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