| And God Does It Again... |
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One of the biggest lessons about God that I've learned over the years is to NEVER tell Him NEVER. And I haven't. I've always said, "If God wants me to go into the Missions Field, I'll go. I may fight it, but I'll go."
And now, here I am, looking at going into the Ministry with my husband.
John and I have struggled with this decision for a long time. He wanted to get out of the Marine Corps after his first enlistment, but we were of "little faith" and made the decision to do one more enlistment to get us out of debt and put something in savings to get us started on our own.
We have always liked working with the youth ministries at the churches we've attended, and it's always been a calling. And we always leave exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.
It's hard to put into words what we said and did the other day to make us reach this decision. So, I'll start with a few weeks ago...
John was researching a whole bunch of jobs that were of interest to him. He's always done this, but just as a pipe dream. He didn't want to leave the Corps because of all the great opportunities and benefits. But he also knew that if he picked up Staff Sergeant, he'd have few choices if he wanted to change his MOS. He'd be able to stay in recruiting and go career, go back to the fleet and work on CH-46E's again, or take Embassy Duty... and that one had a BIG question mark... And that's how we got onto the subject.
John told me that he didn't want to stay in if he didn't have to. So I told him to search deep into his heart and find what makes him happy. And make a career out of it. He loves engines, well, okay, truck engines, and race cars, and their engines (see a pattern here?) and hard work... in the form of oil rigging... hmm... (not really a fan, but if it makes him happy, let's do it.) And then two nights ago, he said to me, "Remember a couple weeks ago when you told me to find what makes me happy?" "Yes." "I think I want to become a youth minister. And then there's one that you'd never want to do." "What's that?" "Missionary work." "I never tell God no or never. And if that's what you want to do, then as your wife, It's my duty to follow you and openly and lovingly support you." "So do you want to?" "I never said I wanted to, but I will."
And then there was the whole conversation about how awesome we felt working with kids. And how we could be domestic missionaries and reach out to as many families and kids as we could to talk to them about the love of our Savior. And how He's the only way we're really saved.
And I was ready to sell everything we owned and get an RV to live in and travel the US and reach out to those in the worst situations. Inviting them into our "mobile" home and feeding them. Clothing them, reaching out to them. Touching their lives forever. And I still feel like that. I know God provides. And I'm not worried about the change. I'm all about it. So much so that I went out yesterday and looked at RV's trying to find one that would accommodate the entire family. And it gave me a breath of fresh air and a second wind to get my ducks in a row. The best part was, John was ready too.
So, since we have about three years left in the recruiting field, we're going to downsize, save money, and get as much information and schooling under our belts as possible. John is looking into school for a youth ministry major and a minor in missions. I'm going to still get my business management degree, but I'm going to be able to use that to help us on the road. And when the time is right, still open my own spa... and use it as a missions tool.
We know it's going to be extremely tough. And we're going to want to turn around and not do this anymore. But we pray about it nightly. Daily. Everytime it crosses our minds (which is a lot lately). But I'm writing this in hopes that we have support on the other end of this blog. I know my family will support us. Maybe not openly at first, but they'll definitely warm up to the idea. John's family is another story. They pride themselves on being a military family. And John's worried about being a "disappointment" because he doesn't think the family will understand. And if they don't understand it, they probably won't support it.
So please be praying for us. Pray that our journey to help others for the rest of our lives humbles us. That it opens our eyes, hearts, minds and arms. And that we are successful in bringing others to the Lord.
In His Love, J.A.C.K. |
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