Called to Something Incredible

Has God ever asked you to be part of something big?  When you think about it, christians are called to God's work every day of their lives as we seek to live as a reflection of who Christ is.  We are all called to share Christ with those who don't know Him.  We are called to be the salt and light of the world, sharing hope where there is hopelessness, and light where there is darkness.  Sometimes God calls you to be used right where you are in your town, and other times he calls you to leave everything behind and follow him to foreign soil to share the Light of the World in unreached places.  Either way, the call is the same.  "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

If I can be perfectly transparent for a moment, I must admit that for most of my life I've been just this side of terrified that God would call me to the foreign mission field.  I've always wanted to serve the Lord, but I just wasn't willing to give up everything to follow Him.  Funny thing though, God usually calls me to do the exact things I'm afraid to do.  It's a constant lesson in learning to trust God in all things.

So here's the exciting part.  Over the past few years God has been at work in our (Patrick's and my) hearts, moving us toward the decision to go into full-time missions.  Over the last two years our eyes have been opened to see God's heart for the nations, and He has been shaping us to have a similar love.  The pull to move overseas has become stronger, and we now have a desire to share the good news of God's love in the dark, unreached places of the world.  "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15)

It is clear from scripture that God will save people from all people groups around the world.  Revelation 5:9 says, "You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."  We can go with confidence that, because God has set aside some for salvation, our work will never be in vain.  It is incredible that we get to be the messengers for Jesus Christ.

Our plans to move overseas are still in the beginning stages, but we imagine that we'll head out within the next 3-4 years.  Patrick will start seminary next January, a two-year masters program, and after that we'll dedicate some time to raise financial and prayer support.  We are putting together a team along with some dear friends in Okinawa, and we're hoping to find more people to join us.  We are praying about the different ministry opportunities that will be available to us be they ministering to muslims or the animist tribes of the surrounding territory.  

We are so excited about what God is doing in the nations, and we are thrilled that He has called us to be a part of it!  We are also looking forward to getting friends and family in the States involved through various avenues of support.  Please be praying for us as we continue to dream and plan about what lies in store for us!