My First Christmas

Three months ago I was approached with the question, "What will do you for Christmas?" My reply seemed simple, without thought, in my heart. "I will worship and celebrate our Savior's birth!" I said. The person replied, "But, you will be away from home." This instigated new thoughts I have never really ventured into. For me Christmas was a celebration, full of hope and joy our Savior brings. Yet after this year, Christmas will never be the same.

What was the first Christmas like for Jesus? He left his Heavenly home, throne, and came to a sinful world. He was stripped of dignity. He was robbed of honor. He was humbled to a manager. He was a helpless babe. He was without home with a temporary family willing to take him in. He became true love in the flesh.

Just typing those words overwhelm my soul with such a deep gratitude, submission, reverence and reciprocal love to our Abba Father.

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Christmas is celebrated on January 7th in Serbian Orthodoxy. Only Protestant (Gospel-believing) churches and individuals celebrate on the 25th. This in itself is a statement of whom you believe in.

On December 24th I had a party for youth from any summer camp over the last four years. Though 27 were committed, 16 people came. As a cultural norm, 11 cancelled the day of. We played reverse charades, identified Christmas carols while having giant marshmallows in our mouths, raced to create human snowmen from toilet paper, competed to be first to unravel a Saran wrapped ball of treats and spent an evening sharing American Christmas game fun, music and foods.

One student had her own birthday party following this party. However, because of her fun here, she left an hour after her OWN party started.

To my foolishness thinking all 27 would still come, I was sad 11 individuals cancelled, yet of course God orchestrated His perfect way. A student from Cyprus from my Serbian school came all the way from Novi Sad, a city 1:15 hours away via bus. Due to a misunderstanding of bus delays, he also attended church with the us the next morning. Coming from an Orthodox culture and upbringing, he had never been in a church that actually gave a sermon about the Bible, verses simply "singing" hymns from it. He heard the Gospel in a very reciprocal-welcomed way, and he expressed curiousity and enjoyment from what he heard. (Continue to pray for his repentence and heart's acknowledgement of a need for the Savior.) What is even cooler, the youth of our church shared the story of our sweet Savior through a Christmas play.

Following our Sunday morning service, the pastor and his wife invited me to their home to join their family and daughter-in-law's family for Christmas together (10 plus myself in total). The daughter-in-law's family only heard of my coming literally the morning of. I and the pastor's family knew two days in advance. I was blessed to be taken in and loved as their own. It was so humbling to feel "without family" and have this family so graciously treat me as their own.

Each year this family takes family Christmas photos. All the women wore dresses from the same material one of the mothers sowed. As I joined a little last notice, the mother gave me a bow of the same material to make me match. They did not take even ONE photo without me; I was apart of the family. Even though I didn't know traditional norms with them, they just grabbed me and showed me "the ropes" to fit right in.

Each family member makes or buys gifts for each other family member. All of that individual's gifts are placed in a pile, and we all watch as that person opens. Though one of the two families had literally one hour in prep, I STILL recieved all the same gifts as the others. From the 10 year old daughter, I recieved the most precious, home-made, leaking snowglobe with a toy polar bear inside. From the older sister, I recieved a freshly cooked "cake in a jar." From their parents, I recieved chocolate from their family trip to Greece just as all the kids recieved. From the other side, I recieved a Skype care package of snacks to enjoy with my family in the states as the other family recieved a family movie night care package. From our pastor and his wife I recieved a winter hat, pens, and keychain; again, just as all their kids recieved. From their daughter I recieved a Kinder egg (as we don't have these in the states) and three sweet wooden ornaments. And from them all, I recieved a second family full of loving arms.

Language was no barrier. During games I was given a kid-like handicap so that I could play along in Serbian as well. For me, it was humbling to be an almost 25 year-old who has the language capacity of a child yet treated with such dignity in that regard.

When the emotion of being away from my real family overcame me, my Serbian mother just hugged me without words, just a loving embrace. This reminded me, home is not of this world. Family is a temporary gift (don't take it for granted), and from this day forward, though there is no Biblical evidence, I believe in Heaven, there is no remembrance of our earthly family. The bride of Christ is our family. We are ALL His together in His loving arms.

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That small glimpse, that miniscal feeling of homelessness, that moment of aloneness, that humbling of being languageless and being without family, gave me the smallest broken heart for our Savior (and I stress SMALL as our earthly being has no understanding of what He went through). A broken heart that stirs immediate praise, love, gratitude and reverence to our Lord and Father. My heart remains in awe of our Savior's perfect love that we can't even understand. What a loving, gracious, humble, perfect Savior we have the gift to recieve and have personal walk with. 

Each of those gifts I recieved were not a snowglobe, a ornament, a piece of chocolate, they were love from above, a symbol of His love.

Sitting around a table of seemingly strangers doing seemingly strange activity, eating seemingly strange food, allowed me to reflect on the strange world Jesus was brought to, all for the sake of love, His perfect love.

And what's even more, because students cancelled coming to the party, now I have and will continue to meet these 11 on one-to-one bases instead, having deeply, more real conversations, including a student from Nis who will come for several days this weekend for New Years whom I have asked you to pray for many times before.

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What is Christmas? It is about a perfect Father, leaving His perfect home, giving us the perfect gift of love through His perfect Son and our perfect Savior.

Though I know this; though I would like to say I have celebrated Christmas every year, I know now I have never truly celebrated until this year, being taken away from the commercialized distractions (though I have fooled myself in thinking I have many times before) and being humbled without language or my earthly, biological family, I have truly experienced that Christmas is all about His giving selflessly to us.

"And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Philippians 2:8-10

CHECK OUT ZALA'S STORY!

JV prays for Eastern and European youth to come to know Jesus personally and become disciple makers. Check out Zala's precious story as she now is sharing the love of our Savior in Slovenia! Nationals relate to students in ways foreigners cannot, and it is amazing the impact nationals make in local youth groups and communities. 

JV Girls at Thanskgiving
(Zala is standing to my right)

 "Growing up I always belived that God exists, however it wasn’t until my second English Camp with Josiah Venture in 2009 when I realized that my understanding of God was wrong. I always pictures God somewhere up there, distant and when I am not obedient - angry at me.  Through Josiah Venture ministry and many one on one conversations I learned what personal relationship with Jesus means and I eventually accepted Christ as my Savior. Through Josiah Venture ministry God really showed me who He is and who I am in Him. He gave me a community where I am weekly encouraged and challenged to grow and seek Jesus.

Fellowship on ropes course

I joined Josiah Venture Slovenia in September 2016. I am leading high school group (leading different camps, Bible studies, mentoring girls...) in my local church in Ljubljana, co-leading a 2 year theological training for Slovene college students and working on different projects. I love that I get to share the Gospel with my Slovenes and see more "Zalas" come and be transformend by God's love."

I met Zala over Thanksgiving break, and I was deeply blessed by her sweet conversation and prayer for my life. It is beautiful to hear her transformation and love of God. Pray and ask the Lord if He may have you join what Zala is apart of in Slovenia! For nationals, it is much more difficult to find financial partners without American church connections. Will you please pray for opportunities for her to connect with supporters?

Join by giving here: https://josiahventure.webconnex.com/1410035

Paralysis

I woke in the middle of the night last night at 2:00am as rain came as a gentle, steady fall against my window. Sometimes when I am exhausted and fully vulnerable to myself and Him, alone and the world is asleep, I sometimes hear God the loudest. No distractions or people to attend to but to be fully captivated by His voice.

He is teaching and challenging me in many areas of my life through a book I am reading currently called "The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkeurst. One of my best friends in the states gave me this book just before I left to move to Serbia this summer, knowing my weakness in saying "No" well and without guilt. Last night, as I lay listening to God, He brought to mind my day's accounts...

Just last night, after a day full of Serbian language school, I struggled with saying no to the endless demands of those around me. Starting my day at 6:30am to catch an early bus to Novi Sad, to rush from class to meet with a girl from my local city to hear how her transition to school is going, to rush to catch a bus home, to rush to answer everyone's messages and demands from the day. Rush was the common denominator. And at 8:00pm when I walked into my apartment, my phone began ringing before I even got my shoes off and was sitting. I rushed, yet again, to answer and just as I went to pick up my phone, the Lord put on my heart,"no, you can say no." I put the phone back down, let it ring, went to the restroom, took off my shoes and sat before calling back several minutes later. I know I can't continue to be run by the voices, sounds, notifications and calls of those around me. I am paralyzing myself and missing the beauty of friendship and blessings in His' days for me.

In the moment that I put my phone back down, God brought to mind some encounters of my day...I realized that during that day, the two moments that I slowed down and wasn't rushing, I actually saw the beauty of His creation around me. During my break at language school, I found these lovely leaves and played with this lonely stray pup which both brought such smiles to my heart. I spoke with a gentlemen who was need of a smile and was able to bless his day. When I wasn't rushing, I was able to bless others and allow Him to receive the glory He deserves. I felt the conviction that rushing is selfishness, essentially wasting God's precious given time and loosing opportunity to let Him use me. 

After making the call back to this person who simply wanted a friend to speak with, I took a hour to myself to go for a run, mentally rest, eat some food and soak in His presence. When I returned, my heart, mind and body was at such rest, I fell asleep as I sat beginning to respond to those demands of the day again. Rest is a gift from God. Why resist it? Those demands can wait. Also, they are only demands if I label them this. 

As God was laying verses on my heart last night as I woke, Romans 8:26-28 came to mind. "In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with wordless goans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance to the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

I just found such rest in this scripture. The Spirit is praying on behalf of me, going before me. He knows my weakness of saying no, and therefore, He stepped in to stop this habitual pattern. If my heart and mind align in direction of God, I don't have to agonize to the point of paralysis over decisions I make. I can say no while feeling guiltless. I can rest in the fact that He knows what I need to and need not to attend to. God's work is not dependent on my ability to always choose well, but rather on His ability to use well. 

When I rest versus do (which I am learning still that I am a quick doer),  He can be gloried, recognized, others can be blessed and His name goes further. It is not what I do, it is what I am and whose I am. I refuse to let paralysis due to rush, let me miss out on the joy of serving, loving, living in His blessed life for me and ultimately allowing Him to not receive His glory to the highest degree it can! Meeting with this girl, praying and encouraging her, learning the Serbian language and blessing others is what life is all about, and THAT is what brings Him glory and leaves my heart in an ever state of gratitude and joy. 

Psalms 104:1 Bless the Lord, my soul. Lord, my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty. 

Being Apart of His Movement ( JV Fall Conference)

"Sometimes small steps of faith can reverberate for centuries." Dave Patty, JV founder and president

Fall conference was such a life-giving, renewing and joyful time of fellowship for me. I love being around contagious people full of the joy of the Lord. I had been missing this wholesome fellowship and worship (in English) deeply after being in Serbia for four months. I thank the Lord for providing in such a needed time. The conference theme was INSPIRE as we discussed the early movement of God in Acts, the Moravian movement in the 1700s and the present movement we serve in today. Here is glimpse into why it was so life-giving for me:

Dave Patty opened the conference with an introduction of the Moravian movement. The next morning we had a bus tour to visit the very locations that were spoken about! This movement began in the 1700s, in the small village of Zenklava, just mile away from where we were in the Czech Republic where a young carpenter named Christian David came to faith in Christ. His home was nothing special. To you and I his home and city is "in the middle of nowhere."

At the time Catholics had outlawed Bibles for the common man and becoming a protestant believer was punishable by death. This didn't stop Christian David. He was a passionate man, fearless and fired up. He began to preach the Gospel in the surrounding towns and villages. In the small village of Suchdol, again just miles from where we were for this conference in Malenovice, CZ, revival broke out and over 300 of the town’s 700 inhabitants came to faith in Christ.

These new believers faced true persecution. One of the interesting punishments we learned about,  being a less extreme form, was to sit on a pointed piece of wood for no given amount of time and be ridiculed. Despite this, Christian David didn’t give up. He discovered that a young German Count, Zinzendore, was living in Saxony, north of Prague, and was offering space on his land for religious refugees. 

Zinzendore was just four years of age when he came to know Jesus as His Savior. His story paralleled my life in so many ways. One of my favorite quotes of his was, "I have but one passion: It is He, it is He alone. The world is the field and the field is the world; and henceforth that country shall be my home where I can be most used in winning souls for Christ.”  It reminded me of the verse in Luke where it says to whom much is given, much is expected. The Lord has thoroughly blessed me, and it just challenged me to evaluate how I am living and serving. 

Back to the story, Christian David led 280 believers from Suchdol, and many others from the surrounding villages, to form a new community on the count’s estate, naming it “Herrnhut” meaning “under the Lord’s watch.”

Years later another revival broke out in this community, generating a 24-hour prayer chain and daily small groups to study Scripture. This prayer chain lasted 100 years! In 1732 they sent the first missionaries to the West Indies and then to Greenland. Nearly 20% of the community was serving as missionaries.

When Moravians heard of people that didn't know Jesus, they went. Often this was through casting lots. In the next 20 years, Moravian missionaries went to Labrador, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, parts of Russia, South Africa, Ceylon, Tibet, and even America. They founded Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and evangelized a number of the American Indian tribes. This small community did more mission work in 20 years than the entire protestant church had accomplished in the 200 years preceding them.

It was at a Moravian Bible study in London that John Wesley came to faith in Christ. His preaching was used by God to launch the Great Awakening. Some would say that the evangelical movement in America is actually an extension of the Moravian revival.

At this conference JV hosted and inspired nearly 350 of our Josiah Venture staff and partners to ask God to let them experience a similar movement today. JV staff all over Europe are inspired to set sparks of His movement in their local cities! Such a small glimpse of how powerful this week was for me!

Will you pray that these small steps of faith reverberate for centuries?

Cracking the Nuts of Life

My momma and I have the dearest relationship. I thank for the Lord daily for how she raised me to know our Lord in a personal and tangible way from such an early age. She is more than just a mother; she is my friend and godly life-partner to share the joys and cracks of life with while speaking truth into mine, sharing life experiences and imparting wisdom the Lord has given her through her years.

Just this week she light-heartedly was sharing with me the joys of her day which bring smiles to my face every time I read them. The line "Chloe is enjoying the joy of cracking nuts" resonated in my mind for quite some time following reading the email. To better understand why this was so meaningful, you must know that Chloe is just a three year old child. To her, cracking nuts is a brand new activity, never experienced before. The idea that a durable, solid structure can be crushed by her very own hands, is so empowering to her. She loves that SHE is capable of opening it all by herself. Though she can't crush it on her own, with a simple tool, she suddenly can. What tops off her joy, is that there is edible surprise and reward for her labor.

What are the current nuts of my life? What is it that I just can't crush on my own? Learning a new language. Living away from family and friends (and pup dog) that I treasure deeply. Conquering the public transportation systems. Living alone and renting an apartment. All the newness life has brought me in the last four months.

In my own strength these tasks are impossible to crack. With just a simple tool, His Word and the gift of prayer, these tasks are easy. He takes the impossibility of them away, the burdens, the challenges. There is nothing on this earth that I can't crush in His name even the enemy's attempts to tear down God's good, good work. And how can that not bring joy and empowering passion to our lives?!

The best part, once you crack into these "nuts" God has for your life, His blessings and joy in the unknowns are plentiful. With a new language, I can worship God in a new ways with new believers and with new songs. I ask Him before each lesson to give me listening ears and a retaining mind so that I can swiftly learn this language; on my own, the language is tiring and impossible. With a new language, I can read the Bible with new diction giving new convictions, hope and ways of seeing His truths. With His eyes, I get to experience the strengths of cultural norms such as hospitality here in Serbia. With Him guiding my steps, I have the joy of meeting and exploring new people and places. I get to meet people from all over the world and share Christ with them. With His plans for me to know Him more, I get to be challenged in new ways that draw me nearer to my personal Father to experience new ways He provides. All these would be lost without using a simple tool, a gift He hands to each of us.

That same joy Chloe experiences when cracking a nut, is how I feel everyday when I recognize who my Father is through the power of His Word. It is empowering and life-giving. That is a joy that never ceases! I wouldn't change a thing. Thankfully He knows the best nuts for us to crack, and He gives the best surprises and rewards inside!

I am amazed how the Lord reveals Himself in such simple, relatable  ways. I am so grateful.

Go with the Flow

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

 

For those who know me well, know I am a Proverbs advocate. I still find no irony in the fact that there are 31 days in a month and 31 chapters of Proverbs in His word. That means I read each chapter of Proverbs 12 times a year and still find conviction, truth and wisdom in them each time. I set the verse above as my Skype profile line around a year ago to remind me how life-giving or life-suffocating my words can be to others. I recently took notice of this verse being there and began thinking about it.

This particular verse is one of my favorites as I enjoy talking...maybe a little too much. I love sharing and living life with others, but protecting the heart is so crucial for life-giving conversations, actions and way of living. I fall short of life-giving words all the time even when my intentions means well, and I am praying often that the Lord lets only the Spirit speak out of me. One translation of this reads as a command, “Keep your heart pure."  In order to do that one might say, we’d have to turn off our televisions, avoid our computers, skip going to the movies or walking the streets in public, stop reading the newspaper, etc. I have often thought how nice it would be to go live in a secluded cave, island, castle, tree-house or cool location of a get away sometimes, but that’s not what Jesus said, “As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world” John 17:18. For as long as we’re here, this is where we’re meant to be. I am meant to be here in Serbia with its frustrations and joys that come with it. Surrounded by constant temptations. struggles, pulled this way and that, we are called and equipped by God to choose wisely, and it is a choice. Even if we secluded ourselves from others or from this world, we are still in this world and sin comes from the heart. 

Choices start in our heart. For "the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" Proverbs 16:9. Recently, I began to ask myself questions such as, do I  “lay up His Words in 'my' heart” Job 22:2 as well I as He calls me to? As I am learning the Serbian language intensively right now, it reminded me this very thing.  If we know His Word, we speak His Word. The more Serbian I know, the more I am speaking it. This month I have begun to memorize the forth chapter of Proverbs along side studying Serbian. I pray for discernment by His Spirit for what His plans are for me constantly, but I rest in knowing He establishes my day by day steps.

In Hebrew the word, leb, can be found several times in Proverbs and appears nearly six hundred times in the Bible. It translates as “inner man, mind, will, heart.”  This is the place where we experience, seek and know God. So for out of it springs our love for Him- our worship, honor, and obedience to Him. It is a love that can't be contained if it is a true wellspring. Here in Serbia, there are springs of water every few blocks, as a constant reminder to me that if my heart is full of Him, it will overflow relentlessly of Him...

...even when life goes a little out of my personal desires. This week I had few, what I would call, frustrations. Here are a few to share:

• My computer decided to wipe itself clean of all its files, docs and pics due to Windows 10 update.
• A bird pooped on my phone, of all places, which was fun to clean up.
• Got the opportunity to learn much culture through paying my bills at the post office (Yes, this is where you pay water, electricity, phone, internet bills), learn how to stand in line by breathing down others' necks in order to be officially in-line for your turn, to find out three times I was in the wrong line, and to practice my Cyrillic letter skills by translating into Latin lettering to discover I didn't know the word anyway.
• Had my class change its time 2 hours longer than normal which made my team cancel their meeting.
• Had a bus come 42 minutes after its arrival time to make my entire team have to reschedule their team meeting two hours late.
• Walked into a freshly painted door when trying to push it open and ruined my shirt and painted my arm. 

Looking back at these events, I saw a progression of heart surrenderance. At first I was frustrated but by the end, I genuinely just laughed. Nothing was in my control. I couldn't have prevented one of these from happening. I am learning to live by "going with the flow." A lot of times I have no clue what is happening anyway as it is a foreign language or way of doing things. This verse came to mind all week.

Flow is a wonderful thing. Every minute of every hour, our beating hearts send blood flowing through our bodies, keeping us alive. We don’t have to think about it. We don’t have to plot, plan, or scheme. It just flows. In the same way, when we fill our hearts with God’s wisdom, when we love and trust instead of fret or getting frustrated, God does something amazing. He turns our mess into righteousness. We go with His flow. 

When I went with His flow, I was at peace with how things were going, laughed and enjoyed taking in the culture. 

That New Loathed Word

The word "airport" used to mean an anticipated journey. I remember growing up loving watching planes go up and down. We lived nearly five minutes from the airport, and it was always a treat to go sit in the “viewing” area to watch take-offs. Oh childhood, how I miss you at moments. Once I was a little older, I loved traveling and flying. The escalators, the moving walkways, and the multi-lingual signs were part of the adventure.

Then one day it all changes. Airports began to mean something so much more than fun journeys. I got an ugly taste in my mouth for airports first when I had to say goodbye to my new Serbian friends in 2012. Though I felt in my heart, the Lord wasn’t done with me there, I still had to say goodbye.

Goodbyes got worse. I spent the month of May saying goodbye to all my friends, old and new. I said goodbye to my church family who threw a sweet fellowship to wish and prayerfully send me off. My parents threw a dear goodbye with family and close friends. And then the "airport" time came... My own parents couldn’t even take me to the airport because they knew how hard it would be for all three of us. I still can’t remove the image of my Momma and pup-dog sitting on the porch waving me off as my best friend, Kelia, took me to the airport. Again there, I had to say a final farewell to them for two years.

Airports just don’t get easier. We sent off three American teams this summer at the airports rekindling all those somber memories. Then the interns left. That one was quite heavy-hearted as I gained some awesome friendships of brothers and sisters in Christ. Our final intern left a few days ago. All the airport visits just make me sick thinking about the loss of great people. Though the Internet is a gift and many of these goodbyes are just goodbyes in the flesh, I am grateful the goodbyes suck; that means I gained some stellar friends (and had deep relationships). Facetime, Skype and Facebook have all been a blessing to be able to stay in touch with them frequently. 

What I have realized much more realistically is that none of these locations an airplane can take me are my home. Home is not a location this world can offer. 

"For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Hebrews 13:14 Amen

I can’t wait until Heaven where there will be no more goodbyes  EVER!

Two friends, a cemetery and a prayer

Meet Stefan and Vasilije:

My focus for the next four months is language learning, building Serbian culture competence, and getting to know students from camps and my local city, Sremska Mitrovica, on a deeper level. As a part of follow-up for camps, I have been traveling the last week to Nis and Sombor to host events at their local churches, to get students into the church and partnered with locals to continue deeper conversations about God with them. As you can see, Niš in the lower part of Serbia, Sombor is up by Subotica on this map, and I live just NE of Belgrade. As much as I would like to visit all these cities frequently, this is not practical. It is very important students get connected to their local church for relation building and discipleship.

Stefan and Vasilije are students from Niš which is about 5-6 hours by bus from my city. These two students share quite different stories, yet each represent many others students in Serbia who stories are like theirs. Stefan was a student in my class at camp, and Vasilije was not able to come to camp as his parents, especially his mother, who is Orthodox, forbids him to associate with Protestants. After he became a Christian, she took him to a Orthodox priest to see if he could do anything to "undo" what he did. She paid him a lot of money to try to council him back to Othordox. Vasilije told me he just laughed and went along with it. To put things into better perspective, around 85% of Serbs still consider themselves Orthodox. It is simply national identity.

When Stefan heard I was coming down to his city this past week, he was at the seaside in Greece visiting family (as both a vacation and to mourn with his family as his grandma passed away of a stroke just two weeks ago). Despite him being out of the country, he immediately changed his plans and came home three days early, just to see me. I could not believe this! As he was still in the mourning process, he informed me he couldn’t hang out early one day because he had to go to the grave of his grandma. I, without thought with compassion for my friend, asked if I could come with him. He was so touched. To my surprise, he was already sad as he was going to be going alone. His mother and aunt that had gone with him twice before but were still in Greece, so he was more than grateful for the company.

Next morning, a taxi showed up at the place I was staying at, with Stefan inside. He said, let’s go. As my purpose is to intake as much culture as possible, my curiosity stayed alert. When we arrived at the cemetery, I was a little surprised that there was a gypsy lady selling flowers at the entrance. Also, if you take a vehicle into the cemetery property, you must pay. So much of Orthodox customs are monetary based. Interesting. We walked up to his grandma’s tomb. It was still fresh with dirt piled over. She lay next to her husband who she lost about 10 years back (if I am not mistaken). Stefan informed me that there may be some differences in how I mourn my lost in America.

He proceeded laying flowers in her vase and taking out a lighter and six small candles. He lit a few and placed them in the candle box located at the top of her tombstone. Then he handed me the rest asking me to light them so that his grandma, Slobadana, would have light to guide her way. Though to me, these were meaningless traditions in terms of his grandma’s after-life, I wanted to respect his ways while learning the customs.

With him, he brought a small bag with juice and cake/bread. As he had just come from Greece, he brought back traditional Greek cake and fresh, 100% squeezed juice with him to share with his deceased grandma. We each had a piece and drank while laying some on the tomb dirt for her.

He stood with a thought-provoking face and asked, “what are your customs for your lost family members?” I shared that most of my family knew the Lord fortunately, that we mourn our sadness of them gone, yet celebrate the life we had with them and the place they are at now. I shared what a typical viewing and funeral look like and that we then perhaps have a meal at church in fellowship. He seemed quite curious still. I, to break the silence and finally relief the desire on my heart to pray, asked if I could pray for him. I knew this may be against his traditions, but knew it would be the most effective moment of anything we had done. After, he said he felt so relieved, felt better, thanked me for coming and praying. Truly was a special moment in our friendship. I thank the Lord for this. 

At camps Stefan articulated that he had a relationship with God, that he prayed often and believed in God. Though myself and another intern spent a lot of time explaining what true Salvation was, he just didn’t seem to “get it.” We even shared that the devil himself believes in God. It is the surrender that matters. I noticed he had his bracelet from camp on. I asked him if he still wears it everyday; he said he did. I asked him what that meant to him. He said, “well, at camp only me and few students and alllll the Americans and interns had them. They were special. You (Traci) and Regent (one of the summer interns) both offered me yours. You both cared about me, were there when I was most in need, and, well, I feel closer to God when I wear it. It reminds me of how I felt at camp. I miss that.” I asked him if he wanted that feeling to be permanent. What he needs, is a true relationship with God. I told him he would feel better if he would surrender, give in and quit doing things in his own strength. He has some bigger decisions in his life to made coming up. Again, I shared, those would be easier if he just gave in. He told me that another intern had told him the same thing. This intern told him that he didn’t have a relationship with God, and that I was telling him the same things just in a softer way. He thanked me to sharing as he knew it stemmed from love, love for his soul and life. He said he knows he doesn’t have a relationship, but isn't ready. He isn’t sure if he is worthy, if he will do something to fall out of his salvation, or just not be good enough. He asked several times,"is Jesus truly the only way?” I combated these fears with Truth, sharing what the Book of Life is, who the Holy Spirit is, and what Salvation truly is. He just looked at me silent after I shared. It was getting late, I invited him to church the next morning. He had never been to church, but said he would give it shot because I was there.

Vasilije, myself and Stefan at church this past Sunday morning in Nis

To my surprise, as the Lord is so incredibly, we had a guest speaker from Britain, meaning an English sermon (and I would understand its entirety). He spoke on John 10:7-10. His opening lines was, “Jesus is the only door.” His three points were 1. Jesus is the only door. 2. When we go through his door, we receive safety in His arms and life choices become clearer and 3. In this safety we can walk in abundant life. It could not have been a more perfect sermon. I am in awe of His goodness and sovereignty! Stefan sat there with his jaw open, listening intently the entire time. After, he shared, that that was good. He like it. It kept him thinking. 

I asked him what his fears are. He shared that relationships are a big deal to him. He is a loyal kind of friend. He didn’t want to enter blindly or take it lightly as it is so different than his upbringing of Orthodoxy. He wants to keep his traditions as he doesn't know any other way. Even to church that mourning he wore is pin of mourning in respect for his grandma, an Orthodox tradition. He also shared he just didn’t understand all the Bible and what it means yet. I said rather frankly, that he wouldn’t fully get it, until he surrendered and the Lord opens his eyes. Just then, unknowing of absolutely anything we just spoke about, Vasilije walked in. I said hey Vasilije, “what is your story?” No context, he shared he was an atheist, something clicked one day while watching YouTube videos, he was searching for more, and just gave in, surrendered his heart. It just made sense he said. He shared that his eyes were blinded. He just didn’t understand the Bible until he finally knew Christ. Again, divine timing. Crazy cool.

Vasilije is a believer who is desiring such fellowship yet can’t because his  mother forbids all interaction with protestant believers. He will pretend to be going to the gym in order to come to church. (He was so excited when the church got gym equipment so he felt he wasn’t lying.) It is such an injustice in my mind that he can’t worship Christ freely. He wanted to come to camp so badly. He wants to leave home, but he can’t let himself as he still wants his little sister to come to know Christ. He prays for her often. I ask that you join our prayers for her as well. 

These two guys represent two norms of so many youth in Serbia. Each story breaks my heart of lies the enemy has place on this country through Orthodoxy that has so many truths that founded it. The enemy lurks in such close to Truth deceit. Our Lord is bigger and is already victorious! My request to you is that you would pray for Stefan’s salvation and Vasilia opportunity to join freely in corporate worship with his family in Christ.

We can never understand His marvelous ways of drawing us to Him. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

The Power of Regret

Eighteen months ago, I vividly recall sitting in the pew of my local church back in America listening to a sermon titled, "Walk on Water." To my surprise the words, "bold faith" were not said once, but the word, "regret" was spoken in-numerously. The sermon was about the disciples in the boat watching Peter walk on water in regret. I remember distinctively sitting there thinking about what I regret will if I don't step out. I didn't want to be like the disciples always wishing I was the one to have gotten out of the boat and walked out on water to Jesus. That day I knew the Lord had called me to get out of my boat of comfort and move to Serbia. I didn't know how, when, for how long, in what manner, but I was to pick up my life and go. The potential of regret guided my actions.  My pride said, "it is impossible." "It is risky," said experience.'"It is pointless," said reason. "Give it a try," said the Lord.

I have been living in Serbia for 64 days; I have yet to regret a day, a single moment, a single divine encounter of His blessings. The last two months have been challenging, full of adjustment and full of lots of grace from Him and friends, yet in all of it, I have such a deep sense of peace. Peace that this is where I am supposed to be. No regrets of what I left or lost.

Just last week I came across this picture to the right on Pinterest. How fitting. It encompassed so much of how I am and was feeling.

Now as I encounter more decisions and challenges, I have the promise and experience of the last two months. Without that risk of stepping in faith, I would have had so much regret. The potential of regret has power. If you are in His will, there will be no regret.

One of my favorite provisions of the Lord since I arrived is how He provided my apartment. I arrived to Serbia two weeks before camps started. I had no time to apartment hunt. My first week here, a Serbian friend from the local church I knew from my first summer here, asked where I would be staying. I told him I was would be hunting for an apartment as soon as camp season ended. He said he thought there was an open place at his complex and that he would ask his landlord. Next thing I know, the landlord calls to ask if I would like to see the apartment. Conveniently, it was a day off of camp mid-summer that I could visit. Two more weeks later, I signed the needed paperwork. The timing was God's. The landlord worried as it wouldn't be available until August 1st. Guess when I wasn't available until...August 1st. It couldn't have been more perfect. I also couldn't apply for a VISA until I had an apartment. I needed to apply for the VISA within three months of arrival. Again, He provided, just as He has everything else.

When we walk in faith, living with no regret, His provisions are greater than we could even choose ourselves. I am grateful.

Psalm 34:4-5 "I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."

His Sovereignty

A new culture, a new home, a new team and a new family. 

Proverbs 16:1-4 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Someone once told me that "commit” means “to roll.” It comes down to trust, of turning something over to another for management, letting them carry the load. The idea is that of rolling it from yourself (the place of self-trust) onto the Lord so that we are trusting Him with the issues, and resting in His sovereignty.

On Tuesday, June 6th, I joined the Lord's team for me to serve with. God chose Serbia for me. He chose Sremska Mitrovica. He chose Tanja, Boki, Steve, Bojan and Stojce to be my team, my friends, my family. I didn't chose this. He did.

I have received more love than I can comprehend from this new family. I feel I have known them for life. Tanja has befriended me as an intimate sister; Steve has granted His excitement to have me; Boki, at just five years old has taught me so much Serbian already with such grace; Bojan has helped throw an entire welcome home party with the Mitrovica youth group; and Stojce drove over two hours the day my flight landed just to say I am glad you are here.

When we submit our plans to His, we loved more than we can understand. Serbia is home for now. Home is love. The will of the Lord is victory, joy and peace to walk in.

A lion, owl, fox, turtle and teddy bear

During our month of training at MTI we learned about and discussed conflict styles as they are inevitable with the teams we will join and the new culture we will face. Each is represented by an animal:

A lion/shark is competitive in conflicts, very intent on achieving their desired outcome and sometimes sacrificing harmony in the relationship in order to do so. 

A teddy bear is an accomodator who places the relationship above their own agenda in the conflict. Because they favor relational harmony (and tend to be "people pleasers"), they will set their own opinions aside to resolve the conflict. 

The fox is the compromisor, persuading each party to give up part of their goals so that a mutually agreeable solution can be reached. They work for the common good and see compromise as a "win-win".

The turtle tends to withdraw or avoid conflict by staying away from situations where it could arise or giving up their personal goals and relationships to avoid it. They believe it's easier to withdraw from conflict than to confront it.

Finally, the owl is the collaborator who highly values both relationships and their own goals. They enjoy solving problems and in conflict, will invest a lot of time in to finding a solution that achieves both their goals and others'.

Can you guess which animals I most identified with? I tend to be a turtle; though the president of MTI even addressed me saying that I am a "snapping turtle" with some lion tendencies when lions are absent. I also am more relationally inclined than many turtles. I shy away from conflict, unless it's something that can be worked out calmly (without stepping aside to pray and think about) or if it's with someone with which I am comfortable.  

As we all heading to the mission field and prepare to work in teams, we recognize the importance of understanding ours and others' conflict styles. We also discussed the importance of growing beyond our "natural style" and how the ability to operate in other styles shows our maturity as we grow.

Please pray with me that I can be more understanding of others and their natural instincts allowing for much grace and love for the sake of the Gospel. 

70 Degrees and Sunny & Tomorrow a Foot of Snow

I love weather, all types of it. The beauty. The colors. The change. Clouds, leaves, snow, rain. It brings joy to my heart. 

 Of all of those weather changes, the thing I love the MOST about change is the renewal it brings. The cooler weather of fall brings beautiful leaves. The April showers bring bright, spring flowers. Spring brings new life and joy. And sunny summer weather brings happy people smiling. Each season brings something new. That newness is renewing to the soul. His beauty is so mighty that it continually changes.

I often find myself dreaming of what life will be like when start to settle down in Serbia. I'm so thankful for God giving me a love for these people and how I'll be able to use my personality to share Christ love with them. I think about the beloved friends I'll get to reconnect with there and get excited about the new friends that will come into my life. I get excited about sharing the Gospel with people who have never had access to it before.

Yesterday it was 70 degrees out and sunny (see picture above, taken yesterday, Friday). Today, it snowed 12" and is still coming (see picture to right, taken today, Saturday). Colorado weather is a true depiction of change. Mid-April in Colorado brings anything! As the other missionaries here at training shared updated weather forecasts, I was thrilled in excitement. I couldn't contain my happiness to hear snow was on its way!

As I processed this joy, I realized moving to a new country shares this same happiness. I should be just as exuberant in this change as I get with weather change.

I love how the Lord uses simple joys to shape our hearts. Change brings renewal. In training here at MTI, we have been discussing the paradox that moving overseas can be. We can both have excitement as well as tough emotions while expressing what lies ahead. Today, I was able to see the paradox the Lord used in our sunny and snowy weather all in 24 hours. In these changes, the Lord remains steadfast.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

A needle, apple juice, and Hollywood

You may be asking what a needle, apple juice and Hollywood have to do with Serbia?

The story rewinds. Last Wednesday, the Hoxworth local blood center called me to ask me to participate in a nearby blood drive that following Monday. I haven't given in a while, and they can always use my blood type, O-. So, I set an appointment for Monday after work. 

The Lord has recently been placing on my heart to focus on today. Just as Matthew 6:34 tells us, "therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Working full-time, support raising in the evenings and weekends, and trying to pack and plan for a two year transition takes most all the hours in my day. Come evening, all I want is sleep. Most days I do not even have time to respond to all or do all I should. I do what I can and say, Lord, show me what you want for me today. 

With that being said, on Monday when my donation appointment was scheduled, a few unexpected tasks arose. I thought, "Lord, I can't accomplish all this, so what do you want?" I called to cancel my blood donation as it was less a priority. Next thing I know, the lady says, "there is another drive tomorrow nearby; think you can make that?" I reluctantly answered yes as I felt guilty for turning down that day. So I scheduled for the next day. 

Driving home from work that afternoon, I had an 1.5 hour commute, not wanting to stop to donate blood before I got home as I already left at 6:30a.m., I said to myself "it is the right thing to do and you already made the commitment." I stopped in. 

The donation went well. A needle smoothly did its job and a pint was donated. Nothing eventful. Well minus the phlebotomist that asked me, "what is your gender from birth?" which gave me quite a shocked response. How sad that it is to know how they must ask such a thing anymore. Regardless, all went well. 

After the donation was over, I sat at the table as they handed me apple juice to replenish my sugar levels and fluids. 

As I was sitting at the table in the basement of a local catholic church, I noticed the Hollywood decorations all over the room. Why is this basement decorated like a Hollywood themed prom? I looked over to the kind man who handed me the juice and asked the reasoning behind this. He shared this was their annual fundraiser themed dinner this year. Our conversation continued. As I was leaving he said, "be sure to come back in October to donate here again!" I commented that I would be out of the country and in Serbia by then but wished him a great turnout. "Serbia?" he asked. "Yes, I will be going over to work youth as a missionary," I added. Then his face changed demeanor.

I love the "excuse" to bring up God as I share about what I will be doing in Serbia. Being in a catholic church, I couldn't help but wonder His beliefs on our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. I seize the opportunity to share that it is one for the most exciting times to be in Serbia as Serbians come from an atheistic and now Serbian orthodoxy background. I said, "Serbian youth are tired of rituals, of doing these traditions their family pass along, yet they have no clue why they are doing these things." His eyes and head tilted. I proceeded to share "yes, they love when I share who Jesus is, how He died and was resurrected for their sin, and why these traditions are not necessary or required from the Lord." As I continued to share (very indirectly) the similarities of Serbian orthodoxy and Catholicism and while sharing the Gospel, he just listened. At the end, he almost seemed dumbfounded but thanked me for my donation and best wishes to the journey ahead. 

God is cool! If I had gone Monday, I would have missed meeting this gentlemen. How cool. I pray this impacts his life for Christ's glory. Please pray that with me.

A needle, apple juice and Hollywood all lead to sharing the Gospel. You never know how God uses each detail. 

"Don't Look Back"

When I woke this morning, I never thought a phrase from Lot's wife could have such impacting impressions on my heart. As I prepare to hit the next stretch of support raising at churches and small groups, how odd to be admonished to remember Lot's wife. The unnamed, only mentioned briefly women holds a mighty lesson for my roused heart. "Don't look back," she was told. This phrase, why did it enter my mind? 

This morning I awoke to an other divine gift. Inches of snow covered the ground, and a day of continued rest was just what the Lord knew I needed. Gratitude overwhelms my heart. Yesterday I used my snow day to prepare my presentations, work on some HR and thank you notes, but today was simply a day to enjoy a little extra time. I had two encouraging Skype conversations (both unexpected). 

After each of these Skype conversations, I had some thoughts on my mind I wanted to take to the Lord. I sat down in the guest bedroom thinking this will soon no longer be home. So many other missionaries have expressed that once you move overseas, you now have two homes. I am no newcomer to this either. Though only in Serbia a few months total, I know (though I try to trick my mind otherwise) that Serbia is now a home for me as well as my Kentucky home. There is just something about that place.

The Spirit is home in my heart. He is here, and He is there with me. This is comforting knowing that where ever I may go, the Lord is with me. He has also told me to not look back. I have recently questioned, Lord why have You guided my life in the directions You have? I have a degree in Marketing yet only used it for two years. I had feet that were unusable and full of pain and You remade them. I have parents, friends, my church, my dog, my job, my car, my life that I love; You, Lord, blessed me with these. Why now call me to leave these?

Because He is a sovereign God, and He told me to not look back. He has equipped me as He sees fit. My past has shaped my love for Christ. All those things will no longer be important in the same way. They must take on new roles in my life. My family will still be as dear to me, but in new ways. All that needs to remain is Him. So now, I look forward, and dare not look back. For questioning is doubt, and I serve a faithful Father. 

Only 330 Miles Later

Proverbs 16:32(KJV)He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

One translation of this reads better to be a patient person than a warrior. I have a bold personality. Quick to take action. Quick to speak. Quick to do. I am a doer. 

As you already know, I drove up to JV orientation in Chicago today. It was a smooth travel up, no traffic or weather delays. I was grateful for those of you praying away the snow storm (and/or rain) with me. It gave me a lot of time to think, to pray, and to ask the Lord to show me what He wanted of me.

Those 330 miles were somewhat painful. Not painful in terms of physically or the journey up. Rather, painful in my thoughts. I felt as if I were wasting time traveling. Like I said before, I like to act, to do, I can't sit still. When I have a day off work, I feel like I must be doing something that is productive or results in something. On the trip up, I wanted to plan my spring out, plan who to call next, what small group to share more about Serbia with, how this week would look. Nothing was in my control. All was out of my hands. Rather than thanking the Lord it was in His hands, that He knew what was ahead and relaxing in that knowledge, I let my mind wrestle with all these thoughts. 

Just as I thought wow look the Lord has given me a WHOLE week off work, to REST, to learn about JV, and to prepare for the future, this verse was read on a radio station. My entire perspective changed. Why have I spent all my life being a warrior? The Lord has already fought the battle. We walk in VICTORY in His victory! 

I must be the most stubborn person when it comes to patience. I waited years in patience for healthy feet to be restored. I am waiting now for the Lord's timing in my departure to Serbia. And today, I waited 330 miles to get to Chicago. If I would just surrender my desire for control and walk in Christ's victory for us, perhaps the Lord wouldn't have to teach me continued lessons in patience. 

I pray for you reading this that you would walk in the Victory.

Are not YOU more of value than they?

Your prayers are being heard; thank YOU. As you know carrying out my responsibilities with my current employer has become more and more a challenge as a need to devote time to ministry, support raising and moving become higher priorities. Though as I am still working full work weeks, I have to continue to fulfill all requirements to meet numbers, provide service to customers, etc. I hope to keep my job for as long as possible for insurance sake as well. Missionary insurance won't begin until I actually depart in a plane to Serbia. So, communication with corporate office on what is best for the both of us has been a great prayer request. I had a prayer partner text me this morning to say that they had been, "praying that (my) conversations with them (job) would blow (my) mind." It has... God has been providing in some rather obviously and mind blowing ways just this week. I am incredibly grateful for God's grace and love in tangible ways just this week alone. I can't NOT share how great our Father is:

Monday was MLKJ day. Contacting my boss on a day off seemed unwise. However, being two weeks from JV (mission board) orientation in Chicago, I really wanted to touch base. Just when I thought, no, the day has passed, my boss began texting me! Next thing I know, we are chatting on the phone about the very scheduling conflict I needed to talk with her about. The transition was too smooth. JV orientation and work conferences are coming up on the EXACT same days in Feb. As I was explaining I need this time off work, my boss said, "Well, you will never guess. There was an oversight and you are not registered as we thought. No problem. Have the week off." We went on and chatted and the conversation went too well. She was so supportive and helpful.

Two days later, another conflict arose and God sent in 3(ish) inches of snow and all the schools in the tri-state were called off! Then Friday the "Snow Blizzard of 2016" was to hit Northern KY, yet it just missed us. We only had maybe one inch of snow even though all the school were called off!

As I share a week of miracles in two, short paragraph form, I know I have ingloriously taken from each day's events. However, God's glory shall be declared even GREATER as I share all He did this week! Though the details may be minuscule to you, they are the very thing He heeds most. The very details I neglected to share to you, were the ones He rushed in to provide.

As mom and I are doing a puzzle right next to our window (photo to the right) enjoying the light dusting we got yesterday, I am reflecting on how He provided out of my control, unrealistic, unfathomable ways this week. As I sit, little birdies of such small statue are feasting on seed mom has provided outside our door despite the storm. To these little birds in a big storm, the snow looks debilitating as they have no knowledge of when the storm will end or where they will receive their next meal of nourishment, yet God does, He knows, He cares. He tells us just how much He cares for them in Matthew 6: 25-27.

Just as God has provided from my mom's simple seed for these birds in a storm, He has done just the same for me. This week He has provided such nourishment for my faith. I don't know what any step ahead holds, but I know He is holding me. Through my church's new year challenges, my commitment to God this week was to bring all I had. All I had this week was a little faith to trust Him in whatever this week of rough situations brought, and He blessed what I thought would be challenging to face week instead with a smooth, stress-free, exciting and His glory filled week! Nothing can explain this week but His love. I am so encouraged and excited for what is ahead, even more than before! God provided miracles and an unexplainable series of events, so I can't even fathom what is ahead! We serve a mighty, indescribable Lord and Savior!

Matthew 6: 26b Are not YOU more of value than they?                                                                                

Snow Day

Ever amazed at how God's timing is just indescribably perfect? 

This morning I woke to a snow day. It wasn't "drive-debilitating" or freezing cold. Rather, we got just an inch or two in 32 degree temps. I, of course, was happy to have a snow day to catch up on work, but I wasn't really sure of the need for them to call off since roads looked fine. As I work for a fundraising company in schools, I still cannot go out to work if schools are closed.

I am trying to maintain my job (for as long as possible) and work with excellence (as God calls us to work diligently in all we do). It will soon be difficult for me to keep my job though. I have yet to tell my current employer of my leaving so that I am able to maintain it as long as possible. I want to be respectful to them through this though. That is a huge prayer request right now. Departing for the field in faith, means you can only take one day at a time.

I have two big training sessions coming up in which I will not be able to be at work for:

1. Josiah Venture Orientation (February 1-5) in Chicago.
2. Missionary training in CO that is a month long session. I am looking into reserving my spot for the March 28- April session as session fill up quickly. For this, I must quit my job as it is a month long. 

Orientation, just three weeks out, requires much "homework" before I go. I just received an email this morning regarding the steps necessary for me to work on before I go.  As I read through the list of items to memorize, informational test to take, presentation and tutorials to watch, accounts to set-up, etc., I was grateful that God provided this snow day. 

As the large, fluffy flakes fell, I had the joy of communicating with two ladies who are inviting me to their small groups in the near future to share more about Serbia to gain prayer warriors and financial supports. Many of my immediate friends and family have already made their pledges and kindly made their commitments to pray with me and for Serbian youth. The next steps are to speak at small groups, Bible studies and to have current, willing supporters to host new, potential partners as I share more about the need for the Gospel and especially discipleship in Serbia. 

Sometimes we don't understand why things out of our control happen, yet we know each time God is, thankfully, in control. I wanted to encourage all of you today as things may be going out of your "desired" hope, yet God has something better in store. Just like today, He knew I had an email full of "to-dos" coming my way just hours later. 

As you see to the right, I even made it out into the lovely snow to play with my dog (which is cherished time now as I don't look forward to the day I have to leave her). Also, I got to pull the little kids in the sled down the yard. 

God continues to amaze me each day as I work toward departure for Serbia. This time is special as God is preparing my heart (and I know Serbian hearts too) before I go. 

Thank YOU for joining along and praising God with me.

Psalms 46:10 - Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

A Skype from Slovenia

God has used so many of you to tangibly encourage me today. I'm amazed at how He intertwines our lives! The body of Christ is such a powerful tool of encouragement when we let God use us- 1 Corinthians 12.

1. Someone came up to me unexpectedly during church and handed me a check toward the ministry. That very moment I was praying that the Lord would provide discernment through today's sermon as to my next steps in quitting my job, support raising and going to training. I felt as if God had touched me. Thank you to that person for listening to God in the moment.
2. I had the opportunity to call via phone and speak with an intern who served in Serbia helping with camps this past summer. It was such an encouraging conversation. She has the dearest heart for serve the Lord and impacts all she comes in conversation with. She brought a smile to my heart, and God used it to give me peace that I can and will be effective through discipleship there.
3. I Skyped with a missionary in Slovenia (through same mission board- Josiah Venture) who encouraged me and gave me such wisdom toward next steps to better prepare myself for ministry.
4. A person called me to say their pastor would like to talk to me more about the ministry!

The day aligned in such a way that each of these conversations were just minutes apart. He couldn't have aligned it any better. Thank YOU for your part of this ministry of reaching lives in Serbia! Praise God for His indescribable love and mightiness!

A New Year, A New Country, and A New Prayer

A new year is such a precious gift God gives. It is a time to set your path straight if there is anything needing realignment. It is also a time to thank God for all He has provided and will in the next year. 

I had the sweet opportunity spending the new year with my two brothers and their wives along with my little nephew to bring in 2015 and start 2016. This year is a big year in my life, moving to Europe, completely uprooting all I have here to serve there. Yet, I feel so blessed through this change. God has called me to this, and I already know and thank Him for all He will do. He has provided such support and love through you all. I am looking forward to 2016 and grateful for so many of your joining me in prayer and financial support.  I just want to thank you all for being a part of this journey and change. 

The president of Josiah Venture shared this quote (below) by a missionary, and I wanted to share with all of you as we begin the next year. Prayer is so powerful and effective. I am praying for the impossible this year, and I pray I give more and more time to Him, using all my strength for His glory and Kingdom's gain. We often forget it takes an investment on our part for God's blessing in return. He is such a good and selfless father to us. 

I pray all of your years ahead are blessed as we serve Him whole-heartedly.

Do not work so hard for Christ that you have no strength to pray, for prayer requires strength. -Hudson Taylor

(View for the entire article by Dave Patty, president of Josiah Venture)

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