An Attitude of Gratitude

I can't help in this time to stop and thank God. There is so much to pay attention to, to pray about and to plan for, but I have to look at why I am planning and praying and know that it is worth stopping my new busy time to thank God! The opportunity before me, to serve the Rasmussen family, Wycliffe Bible Translators and the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is more than I could have imagined at almost 19 years old. While I am helping the Rasmussen's with their three little ones, I also hope to learn about myself, and about the people of the DR of Congo. I hope that this opportunity will bring me closer to the Lord's will for my life and show me the many different types of ministry that God will use me for as an ICS major. I have to thank the Lord for the love He gives me, the knowledge that He will always be by my side no matter what, and the knowledge that greater things are yet to come. I am also grateful that he would choose to use me, a young girl just out of high school, just starting to really get to know God. It makes me think of Jeremiah, who was called at a young age into the world and given God's words. I can only wonder what God's will for my life will be, but nevertheless thankful for where I am now, and where I am headed, no matter where it may be!

I also thank the Lord for each of you! For your prayers and support! Each prayer is such a powerful weapon, and so important in this ministry! Please continue to pray for Wycliffe Bible Translators, Wycliffe Associates Volunteers, the Wycliffe members in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the country and people of the DR of Congo.

Jeremiah 29:11 <3

The Nerves Kick In

I know these nerves aren't coming from God. I think back to reading and learning about partnership development through Wycliffe and the things they they could almost promise that satan would use against me. The feelings of I'm not good enough, they wont remember me, I'm horrible on the phone and won't be able to get information out, and any other nasty lies he decides to put in my mind. The fear of being to young to reach out and help this family, or that people might think so also comes to mind. But thankfully, I have an AMAZING GOD who reminds me through His word that I am good enough, and He is going to use me in any way that he can! I am really learning to trust him, as I previously mentioned, and the test continues to get harder, but I have God on my side! I know that as long as I am looking for his will, I will have nothing to worry about.

I'd love to share with you a few scriptures that I am trying to focus my heart on lately!

Jeremiah 1:7-8 "But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you
to and say whatever I command you."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you." Declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!"

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

As I read these verses again, I am reminded and given some peace about the partnership development that I will officially start this week as I start calling friends, family and churches. I ask for your prayers that I will listen to the words God gives me and follow his will as I continue my journey toward the Democratic Republic of Congo! :)

PS. I leave for Minneapolis in 7 days! Prayers that all goes well and I adjust for my new home for the fall semester well and adjust to moving 2,000 miles from my family to study God's amazing word would be great! :)

The Beginning

I am just now starting partnership development, and It is a bit trying. It is definitely a way to learn to trust GOD! I have never really had a huge reason to put my trust in the LORD before this year. NCU applications and Financial aid proved to be a tough adventure, and took a lot of prayer to see if it was GOD's will. So far, I have a feeling it is His will, and I am going to have an amazing four years there.

I am currently praying about Africa and the funding for the trip. If all goes well, and it is funded, I will spend six months in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wycliffe Associates has a family living in the DR of Congo with three little ones, and need help with tutoring and homeschooling. It will be the adventure of a lifetime, but quite possibly the beginning of a lifetime of adventure. I am looking forward to spending time with GOD as I pray about Wycliffe and Africa and the possibilities that he has for me! I also look forward to partnering with you all in prayer and support! :)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have you you," declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a Future!"