T-Minus 12 Days!

12 days from now, I will be at Vanguard University preparing to go through briefing for my trip to the Middle East! I cannot believe how quickly this time has come, and it feels like yesterday that I was deciding whether I was even going to go on this trip or not. Now, I am excited beyond belief at the opportunity to go to another country with 9 of my friends, plus about 10 others from other campuses.

As of now, I have raised almost all of the money I need to go, but I am still praying fervently for the rest of my team. If we do not raise enough money prior to our trip, we cannot get on the plane. I know, however, that God is faithful, and He will open up doors for us to raise the money we need to be a part of our team. It has definitely been a humbling experience to raise money, and see the ways that God has stretched and humbled me through the process. It has caused me to be more reliant on Him, and go to Him more often in prayer, which has been excellent.

Since our ministry in the Middle East is going to be to talk to and build relationships with college students, I have been trying to take this time, and the next few weeks to prepare my heart for this time of service. It is definitely harder to do than to commit to! I think God has been opening my eyes and heart to the fact that no one can really be prepared for ministry. Yes, when we are more diligent to read our Bibles and spend time in prayer, we feel closer and more intimately connected with God. But when it comes down to it, God works through even the weakest of people for His glory. He does not use only the strong and outgoing for His service, but anyone who has a willing heart and a humble spirit. So that has now become my prayer. I want to go on this journey with a humble and willing attitude, and allow God to fill me with His great Spirit and use me in ways that I cannot even consider or anticipate.

I have also been praying for my team as we finish the school year. This is a stressful time for everyone, and one that often brings anxiety and little time for the Lord in our daily routines. I hope that all of us make time to have devotions and really hear from the Lord, in the midst of our anxiety and business. There is a verse in Psalms that always touches and comforts me when I feel anxiety and panic rising up within me. It is in chapter 94 verse 19:"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." God is able and willing to provide comfort to us in any situation, as long as we allow and recognize that He is there with us.

I will write more as the trip draws closer. For now, let's pray we all make it through finals and packing up/ moving into new housing as well as receive all of the money we need for our trip!