Many exciting things have been happening in my life these two years since I graduated college. But most exciting of all is my recent acceptance to the mission agency WorldVenture as a mid-term missionary (serving two years) to Paris, France. The road to this point has been long and arduous but sweet as well. Let me quickly walk you through it.
Because of man’s sin we are separated from God (Romans 3:23) Who is holy and absolutely separate from sin (I John 1:5). God wants to have a relationship with man and so sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus was absolutely perfect having never sinned and therefore could satisfy the payment for sin required by God (II Corinthians 5:21). Through acceptance of this gift of salvation through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) at age three my entrance into heaven was secured for all eternity (I John 5:11-13).
My mother and father, who are both believers, were always having internationals and missionaries into our home while I was growing up. I heard of many places around the world, of their customs and heard various languages. In addition my mother loves to cook, and not just anything but foods from all over the world. Through this I was exposed to the different tastes and smells of the world. Growing up we also traveled much within the US and I saw different people, places and customs. This formed my love for different people, cultures, languages, foods, geographies etc.
When it came time for college I attended my first year at Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge and Dillon Colorado. I took general classes, was involved in Jr. High Youth Group and taught, or rather tried to teach, French at the Christian School. It was during this time that I memorized Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not upon your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Through this verse’s truth I finally submitted my life to God. Shortly thereafter I decided to attend Frontier School of the Bible in LaGrange Wyoming. I received a firm foundation in the Bible my three years there and graduated with an Associates in Biblical Studies, specifically Missions and Youth Pastoral.
These past two years I have been living in Summit County Colorado where I’ve lived for fourteen years. I have worked at First Bank of Colorado as a teller, currently work at Saint Anthony’s Summit Medical Center as a Unit Coordinator/Secretary in the Med/Surg and have been working at Frisco Starbucks for the past two years as a shift supervisor. I taught a couple Bible studies, have had the opportunity to preach and teach several times and have been helping with Sr. High Youth Group. Soon upon graduation I began my search for a mission agency yet to no avail. Every time I tried a door it shut in my face. Consequently I finally got the idea that God was trying to get across to me. Wait! Previously I had avoided the purchase of anything permanent, with the exception of a car, and lived at home so as to better facilitate a light and mobile life, ready to leave anytime. So I moved out of the house and lived with the youth pastor for four months and bought some furniture.
What prompted my move back home was God’s hand. Several trusted and Christian friends and family, all without coordinating their thoughts and feelings, suggested that I “just get over there (Europe).” God didn’t have to push hard. Within a couple weeks of this I moved back home and began searching for a language school overseas. During the course of this search the youth pastor came into contact with a missionary whom a local church supported. The missionary led a project in Paris that coordinated and housed students studying French and participating in internships with local Paris churches. Needless to say I was greatly intrigued. We met a couple of weeks later and he gave me an overview of his project. Immediately I knew this is where God wanted me!
As I stated in the beginning I have now been accepted as a mid-term missionary with WorldVenture
In all, the saying, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called,” can be directly related to me. My life is His masterpiece. The path I take is His trailblazing. This ministry is His work. Without Him I am nothing and because of Him I want to be nothing but a reflection of Him (John 3:30).
In the spring of 2008 I plan to be in Paris, Dieu voulant (God willing). This is contingent upon me having 100% of my one time expenses paid for and 90% of the remainder committed. Committed does not mean that the money is in the bank but rather the sum of people’s commitments, whether annual, biannual, monthly, one time etc. equals 90%. If God burdens you to give financially please make any check out to WorldVenture (one word) and put my missionary number, 960, in the memo line. You can either use the pamphlet and envelope I sent or send it in your own envelope to WorldVenture, 1501 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton, CO 80120-5612. There are also electronic giving options outlined in the pamphlet if you prefer that method. Please also know that all gifts are tax-exempt and incredibly appreciated by me. Furthermore take the time to read these verses about God’s faithfulness to those who give and the results of such faithfulness in giving (II Corinthians 9:6-15; Philippians 4:19)!
The first year I will attend language school and learn the culture of my new home. I will attempt to become French so that I might win them to Christ (I Corinthians 9:19-23). Year two I will become an intern at a local church so that I might learn how to minister in the French culture. Additionally there is a possible third year in Africa which I would strongly like to do because of the great number of African immigrants living in Europe, France and especially Paris. Following this short term mission God is leading me towards church planting in France, for life.
While I stand on the top of this peak I am looking across the expanse that flows out before me and see many more valleys and peaks that await me. Yet I know from Scripture and from my experience of God’s Word in my life that these will be impossible descents, incomprehensible valleys and insurmountable assents without the power of God. For these reasons and for the reason to involve you in the work of God at home and abroad I covet your prayers and ask that you implore God on my behalf.
Thank you for the time you took out of a busy schedule to read about God’s work in my life. If there are in turn prayer requests that you have I would be happy to join you in petitioning God and share in your joy as He continues His faithfulness, love, mercy and grace upon you.
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