Passing through the valleys..

Well... this week is certainly off to a great start! I always used to dread the culmination of the weekends... However, the Lord has brought such a great amount of joy into life since I've chosen to follow Him and surrender my entire life into His hands. Now each new week only means a new opportunity to hear what the Lord wants to speak to me and in turn to learn and be challenged and encouraged by His words that beckon transformation.

Last week, however, I was faced with several forms of hardships...It is so hard to see the positive aspects of these situations in the midst of them. Nearly everytime I finally make it through these valleys, I can look back and see what I have gained from the experience. I can always reflect and see my own personal growth and the wisdom I have gained, which can be useful for my own benefit, but hopefully even more to others that I can now speak life into those areas when they face similar struggles.

Lately, I have been reading a book called "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin R. McManus... I highly recommend it. It poses several challenging statements, but it really puts the call of a life fully surrendered to Christ into a very clear perspective. One of the opening sentences states:
" The invitation of Jesus is a revolutionary call to fight for the heart of humanity. We are called to an unconventional war using only the weapons of faith, hope, and love. Nevertheless, this war is no less dangerous than any war ever fought. And for those of us who embrace the cause of Christ, the cost to participate in the mission of God is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have."

He goes on to say: "This is the simplicity of the barbarian way. If you are a follower of Christ, then you are called to fight for the heart of your King. It is a life fueled by passion - a passion for God and a passion for people.....The barbarian way is about love, intimacy, passion, and sacrifice. Barbarians love to live and live to love. For them, God is life, and their mission is to reconnect humanity to Him. Their passion is that each of us might live in intimate communion with Him who died for us."

I have been challenged lately to seek outside opportunities to get involved and to minister to others outside of our little bubble up here in the jungle. I am speaking to local churches to see how we can get involved within and with outside ministry. I am also currently working on trying to establish mentorship for all the staff who are willing to receive it. Our base is one of the youngest in Y. and we are lacking the constant availability of valuable wisdom and life experience from those older than us. I have found that there are so many older couples in the churches who would absolutely love to meet with us and disciple and mentor us in our relationships with the Lord and in life in general. It is absolutely amazing how the Lord equips our base to run so efficiently regardless of our extreme youthfulness! It is only through HIM that we are operating! Thank goodness for that! We currently have 39 staff members and 34 students split between 2 schools and about 4 main departments. (Kitchen, Hospitality, Office, School staff) This current group of staff works together so well and the unity on the base is quite strong! I wish you all could come and see what we do and how everything runs here! :)

Well, until next week... thanks for reading.. and if you could keep the following points in prayer:
*For the current teams on outreach right now in Bangladesh and Indonesia - for health and for perserverance during their last 3 weeks in the field.
*For Tik, the current summer school leader; who recently got deported back to Thailand - that her Visa situation would work out smoothly so that she can return here without any issues.
*Personally - for the vision and the drive required to see positive changes come to pass here!
--- If it wasn't for the Lord encouraging me and spurring me on, I could see how it would be easy for me to become quite complacent in my current position -- being in the office all day, away from the school.

When thinking about the potential of becoming complacent, this quote really strikes me -
"Jesus did not suffer and die so that we could build for ourselves havens, but so that we might expand the kingdom of His love. Because invisible kingdoms are at war for the hearts and lives of every human being who walks on the face of this earth."
This really hits me hard when I realize that I have begun to solely focus on what I can do overseas and totally become blinded to endless opportunities in front of me! - Please pray that I will see these opportunities and not let them pass me by!

Settled in...

I have been back here for almost 2 months already since my last visit home and since I received the opportunity to see most of you! Since arriving back, I have been trained into a totally new position on base and I am finally feeling pretty settled in and have gotten into the flow of things.

I am the Personnel Director here, which probably doesn't mean anything to those who don't know what that entails, so allow me to inform you! :) My main duties include taking care of the staff and volunteer mission builders who serve here at the base. I help them from the beginning application process all the way through to their commitment end. The details in between range from: processing the applications, conducting interviews, setting up housing and logistics, getting them plugged in to our base and community events, meeting with them one on one, assigning department positions (kitchen, hospitality, office, maintenance, intercession, etc.), conflict resolution and being the go-to person for base communication. There are so many random other duties that I must cover, but I have to say - I enjoy the variety that my job offers...there is always something new everyday! When I initially accepted this position, I did not see it as a natural fit for me and my personality. I love to organize and to be the catalyst behind the scenes, so when I knew that I would have to take on responsibility in higher levels of outward leadership and take on issues of confrontation, I was a bit intimidated. However, the Lord spoke clearly to me about how He wanted to use this time to grow me in the areas of boldness and confidence. Also, I felt Him tell me that this season will be one of preparation of things to come. God has put a very strong calling on my life for the nation of "C" and I really feel that I need to be a wise steward of the time I have now to pray into this, pursue HIS timing and HIS plans...not my own!!! I am currently trying to work out logistical details with support raising and forming a solid support group behind me who wants to partner in this vision with me, providing me with a covering of prayer. (More details to come as I am released to share!!! :)!!! )















Thanks for reading :) I am going to continue updating this blog weekly.. so check back in to stay informed on my life from week to week! :)
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I would greatly appreciate it if you could keep me in your prayers, they are so powerful and they are heard by a very faithful and loving Father. :)

*That the Lord would give me wisdom and guidance in my position and responsibilities here and to help me to make the greatest impact possible on the staff and students here!

*That I would be a good steward of my time and that I would be sensitive to what the Lord is calling me to accomplish day to day and for my long term vision.

THANK YOU!
Jessica :)