Preparing for a Journey . . .

There are few things in life more thrilling than preparing for what you know will be the adventure of a lifetime. It is hard to believe that in just over two weeks I will be beginning a new chapter of my life as I head off on my very own adventure. On January 9th, 2011 I begin what will probably be the most exciting, most difficult, and most rewarding thing I have yet encountered.

As I prepare for the Trek program, through Mbmsi missions, I am constantly reminded of God's grace, and His ability to provide. I know that no matter where I go, or what I encounter, He is with me. As Jesus said before He ascended "I have been given all authority on heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20. I know that as I go to "make disciples of all nations" He IS with me.

Being a part of missions is something I have always desired. Even at a young age, when other children talked about wanting to be nurses and firefighters "when we grow up," I thought of going overseas to help people and tell them about Jesus. Previous mission’s trips to Mexico, Argentina, and Thailand captured my heart in a way I never thought possible. I saw God move, and in turn was moved. Completing my first semester of university, my heart was being drawn strongly to missions. I knew that God had plans for me in the new year, so I began to pray and seek His will as to what those plans may be.

I feel that God has been leading me to the Trek program, through Mbmsi. And so on January 9th, 2011, I will be following the example of Simon Peter and "stepping out of the boat" and moving towards Christ. There will be waves, and there will be storms, but in keeping my eyes on Christ, I know that He will work all things for my good, and for the good of His kingdom. I am making a choice to move in the direction He has called me, whatever that may entail.

Trek is a five month program, beginning here in Abbotsford, for two months of training. This will be followed by two and a half months of overseas ministry, ending with an additional two weeks of debrief back in Abbotsford. I am looking forward to the period of constant teaching, being able to sit at the feet of experienced missionaries, learn from them and be mentored. I can't wait to be overseas again. I want to use this season God has placed before me to grow closer to Him, and to point others to Him. He MUST become greater and I MUST become less!

The verse I have chosen for this mission’s trip is Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good. When trouble comes, He is a strong refuge. And He knows everyone who trusts in Him." I have chosen this verse, because in the midst of a book of wrath and judgment, there is this reminder that the Lord IS good, and He is a strong refuge to those who trust in Him.

I deeply desire your prayers as I prepare for this journey. Please pray for me as I am preparing to begin this journey, that the Lord would be preparing my heart for the work He wants to do in and through me, that He would prepare me for the team that He would have me placed on, and that He would provide for all my needs in His own timing.

I am really looking forward to this experience, I know that it will be an incredible time of growing, learning, and sharing. And above all, I know that the Lord is my strong refuge, and I put my trust in Him!