25 March

Right now I'm feeling pretty good about being called to France. I was talking to a couple here who are called to an African country which they cannot name for safety's sake and anonymity. It's a great story. But if you get squeamish when God gets in our stuff and messes it all up, then maybe you don't want to finish this paragraph. The husband had a pediatric practice for 9 years. They had a nice house and were happy with their lives. The American dream... Then they went on a short term mission trip to South America. That's when God started meddling. A few trips later and after seeking and getting confirmation they are now here learning French so they can join a team in Africa that meets the practical needs of their neighbors. Living conditions are radically different from the home in the States with the dogs, etc. For example, she said that "shower" is a hole in the ground you stand over and pour your bucket water over you. And this is a communal shower shared by a few neighbors. The potty is the same sort of thing.

These people are not super heroes or even super Christians. They are ordinary believers, ordinary humans like you and me. However, they are amazing in their response to the call of God. I have so much respect for them and many others here. And it is another example of how God strengthens us and provides what we need when He calls. One must depend on Him fully when walk into the dreams of God. They are too big for us. BUT all things are possible with God. He is LIMITLESS. He is ABLE. He is our SOURCE.

Has God put a vision in your heart? Does it seem too big? Is it more than you can do? Of course it is! If it's from God, it's more than you can do. But it is not more than He can do! Submit. Surrender and watch what happens. You'll never be the same and neither will the world around you. And that my friends is what we are called to be and do, lovers of God, Kingdom builders. And on the note of you'll never be the same, that's both beautiful and terrifying. There is a cost to following God with all you are and all you have. Jesus paid the greatest price. Can we follow Him on that part of the path too? He chose the Father's will when it hurt and He didn't really want to do it. Just read the passage in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26 36-45). But He did it and it is our life.

So, maybe it sounds like I have it figured out. HA! These are things God has been speaking to me through what I read, who I talk to, the movies I watch. In other words, I need a lot of teaching and reinforcement.

Onto another note: Margaret and Becky are working on some cool fundraisers for me. Those of you at FOC and the Russellville area might keep an eye out for them and/or talk to these ladies and see if you might want to help. The money raised will go toward my tuition and housing costs.

Thanks to all of you who read this and pray and support me. I need all you do!


Please pray for:

~encouragement daily from the Holy Spirit. I must have the presence of God with me and in me! (Don't we all need this?)

~guidance on what to do after school in June. -where I am to go in France -what I am to do there -who I am to do it with (I am starting to look into a couple things, but nothing to really speak about yet.)

~grace to handle the work load and not burn out physically and mentally.

~provision.