He is faithful
From June 21-30, I had the privilege of spending time in Sanford, FL for New Tribes Mission pre-field orientation (PFO). I had some jitters on the way there...it was my first time flying/traveling by myself. Stereotypes of the typical missionary also plagued my mind. I wondered if the other people there would be super holy or no fun at all. I wondered, once again, if I were crazy for venturing out on my own and doing something new.
But...what I found was that I loved Sanford, despite the intense humidity that I think beats Atlanta. The people at New Tribes are legit. Seriously legit. They are kind, hospitable, and welcoming. They did everything in their power to make us feel at home right away, and they ensured that we felt comfortable asking questions. They are also people of prayer, and The rest of the associates who are leaving for the field are amazing. They definitely did not prove my stereotypes of missionaries to be correct. They proved that missionaries are just human. But I also learned so much from these wonderful people. We had an immense amount of time together. We laughed, played, ate, prayed, walked along the waterfront, ate, watched the World Cup, ate... I feel honored and excited to know that I am going to have friends who are literally all over the world praying for me and fighting the same fight I am fighting and serving Jesus in so many ways unique to their gifts and talents.
The Lord did some awesome things in the time that I was in Sanford. I received a list of the students who will be in my class from another teacher at my school. That was insanely exciting for me. I also met one of the 6th grade students and her mom, who were in town visiting a former teacher from my school! It was such a joy to be connected with them, because they will also be my neighbors!
It is so ridiculous that I dare think to question or doubt the Lord when He has clearly spoken into my life. He is so good. All the time. When I got home last Wednesday, I was delighted to find that even more support had come in than I thought from unexpected and generous friends and donors. What an honor and privilege to receive from other believers and friends who believe in reaching the nations for the furthering of the Kingdom. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord!
Over and over again, He continues to show me His awesome faithfulness. And in Sanford, He gave me such a clear vision of what my (His) ministry for me will be in Mexico. I want to love my kids and let them know that they are loved by Him. I want to love my neighbors and see them come to Christ. I want to grow closer to Him and fall more in love with Him...I just want to see Him move in ways I haven't seen before.
Sunset over the waterfront in Sanford, FL...just another reminder of His goodness!
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
-Hebrews 10:19-25