Don't Waste the White Space

"Faith, however, is not intellectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can't see the way ahead."

Oswald Chambers

The past month has been a bit hectic!  I was blessed with the opportunity to work for my old company for two weeks, and I just got back from a trip to see my best friend from college in California.  In the midst of all this traveling, I have been catching up on some readings and other preparations for my trip!  There have been a lot of new opportunities concerning what and where I should go upon my return - and they all have me highly stressed:

• Before I left for California, I received an e-mail from Operation Mobilization about the opportunity to serve on board their ship, Logos Hope, for a two year commitment.  I had been super excited about this opportunity, and spoke to someone regarding some more specifics.  I knew it would be challenging work, but the thought of getting to meet so many people from around the world just made me SO excited! 

• I also have been doing more research in regards to mission work in Turkey.  As I briefly mentioned in my previous post, Turkey has been an area that I began researching a couple months ago.  It always seems to pop into my mind when thinking about where the Lord might want me to serve.  I found an awesome city outside of Istanbul that seems amazing.  It's full of the outcasts from the main city, and seems like a place that the Lord could really use as a way to spread his message of hope and unconditional love.  

• I found out about another opportunity in England, and I have been doing some more research there, as well!  We have some family friends outside of Manchester, and I always loved the area when we went to visit.  It's also made me realize how much Christianity is slipping away in that area.  There is an awesome church there that seems to be super missions focused, which makes me even more excited to think about that opportunity.

• I was also accepted into a Bible Certificate program in Seattle, WA.  I have really been wanting to take some formal classes, and this program seems pretty great.  It's just a year long, but I think it would be a great experience.

• And then, there is always the option to stay here in Charlotte for now.  To just enjoy the great family and community that the Lord has provided me with through Exodus Northlake. 

 While I was in California, I was able to listen to this sermon from the Summit Church. It blew me away how awesome and perfect God's timing is!!  One part of the message spoke about how even though Paul was chosen by God to spread the gospel,  He took nearly two decades to prepare him for that work.  It was during those 20 years that God was preparing Paul through sufferings and trials, as well as allowing Paul to get to spend time with Jesus one-on-one.  Those sufferings and trials and persecution were all critical in Paul's development.  God used each moment to teach him about what it means to suffer for His sake.

Those "white spaces" in the text are crucial.  Pastor JD Greer reminded me that we aren't supposed to waste this white space! It is during these times that we learn character, patience, trust, etc.  They are hard, but it's all there to prepare us for God's greater purpose: to bring Him glory.  And only God knows how that can best be achieved.  The message encouraged me so much.  I don't have to stress about planning where I will be in the next year or so.  I don't have to go straight into missions work overseas when I get back.  I can relax.  I can be patient.  I can enjoy each and every trial and temptation and stressful day knowing that God is using it to prepare me to better witness to others.  It has lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders, and allowed me to accept that God knows what is best for my life.  I need only to listen to His direction and know that I can rest in these moments and seasons of preparation in my life.

 Praises!

• I have been in contact with one of the girls on the trip, and I can tell that the Lord has brought us together for a reason!  We seem to be at the same point in our hope for missions work, and have some of the same fears.  I am so excited at the opportunity that God has provided for us to be able to support each other in those!
• One of my awesome girlfriends from Exodus bought me prayer cards!! They are so beautiful and I can't wait to send those out :D  So thankful for her continued support and enthusiasm for this trip!!

Prayer Support Team

• There have been a lot more people accepted for the Fiji trip, and I am SUPER excited to meet them all!! Please continue to pray for each one of us to be able to use our individual talents to serve in Fiji as a group :)
• The yard sale that my church has offered to put together should be coming up soon! Pray for organization, that people would come out - not only to raise funds for the trip, but also to connect with the community better!
• The hearts of the people in Fiji that we will be interacting with - that their hearts would softened and ears opened to the message we are bringing.
• The remaining funds I need for the trip would be provided. 

Financial Support Team

• I am almost halfway there on my trip costs!  I am so thankful for each and every one of you that the Lord has used to help spread his gospel in Fiji.  There is still more work to be done though.  Any amount helps, no matter how big or small.  If you have any questions on how to donate or want some more information first, PLEASE do not hesistate to get in touch with me.  I am here to answer any questions you might have :)
• Ways to Donate:
• Give online at www.pioneers.org/give/missionary using my account #175146.  Please note there is a 3% deduction from your donation amount if you use a credit/debit card.  There is no service charge when using an e-check option!
• Send your donations directly to Pioneers using the support slip, which can be found here.

Contact Information
ahs7990@hotmail.com
704-618-0968