Tag: moving

In the Single Digits

I just finished the book of Philippians, and I like how Paul addresses the churches in his letters. He first greets them, and then he shares with them his gratitude for their partnership and his prayer for them. In Philippians, Paul is imprisoned, and yet his focus is not on his current condition, but on reaching the Philippians. What a challenge to us! Learning from Paul’s example, before I share of what the Lord has and is doing, I want to thank those of you who have partnered with me! Whether through prayer, financial, encouragement, reading my blog, or just listening to my story, you have each ministered to me by jumping right into this journey with me. I am in awe of how the Lord has crafted each of us together for His glory, and I am so thankful to team up with you for the Kingdom! 

I want to share with you all that the Lord has answered bold prayers, and He has made me fully funded! When I began this journey, I asked that He would provide in full by December. He has done this, and I am now fully funded! I had an elder tell me, “When you came to present to us,  I wondered, ‘how is she going to do this?’” I responded with a bit of laughter in saying, “I had no idea either, but I knew the Lord wanted to and was able to make it happen.” I am just so overwhelmed with how God has planted this seed, watered it, opened doors, connected His children, and answered bold prayers. One thing that I have learned is that God wants us to expect big things from Him. He is the God of Miracles, able to do the “unexpected” or “unrealistic.” He longs to give us the desires of our hearts, He wants us to ask in faith of Him, and He honors radical faith that the world may criticize. All I can say is, our God is mighty, active, our source of provision, and so, so faithful.

I have 8 days left until I fly out (I am officially in the single digits-woot woot!). I have been packing and unpacking, purging, and preparing for about two months now. All I can think about is the feeling I always get when I land in Santiago, the feeling of, “I am home.” I am so excited to start ministry and language training, connect deeper with other missionaries and local leaders, and continue to grow and learn.

I know I say it over and over, but words cannot express how grateful I am for each one of you who have joined me on this journey. I have committed my Wednesday Jesus time to lifting all of you–my partners– up in prayer.I ask that you please join me in prayer for my transition, beginning ministry and language training in a new culture, and that I will live by Paul’s example and remain rooted while seeking out others no matter what season I am in. Muchas gracias to all of you!

Voy a la RD

Two years ago my momma said, “The church youth group is going to the Dominican Republic, and you and I are going with them.” Although I desired to go, my initial response was, “Linda, that will be a lot of money.” But we sent out letters to family and friends, and the Lord provided the way in full. I had no idea what to expect, but I was just eager to jump in, learn about GO Ministries, and hang out with the ninos. Little did I know that God had a bigger plan.

I just booked a one way flight to the country that I have grown to love so much to serve with a ministry that continues to vision cast and make reproducing disciples all for the glory of God. So right now, I am currently typing with my dog snuggled up next to me while my family is watching a cheesy Christmas flick, and all I can think about is, “Holy crap God is good.” I wish that, in this moment, God could physically be here so I could give Him a big old squeeze and celebrate with Him.

This week has been somewhat bittersweet as it is my last week working as a Children’s Minister associate at my church. I am so grateful to not only have grown up in a church that planted seeds in me for Kingdom work,  but also be able to serve alongside and learn from such knowledgeable and God-fearing leaders. Anyone who knows me knows that I love the ninos, and the children at LCC will always have a huge place in my heart. It has been such a treasure to get to partner with the Holy Spirit and passionate, servant leaders to teach the children the Word while creating relationships with them and hearing about their worlds. While the children have been such a blessing, their parents have really blown me away as well. I have been really amazed at how invested parents are in their kiddos’ spiritual journeys as well as their desire for relationship with all the leaders. I am so thankful for Lincoln Christian Church and the opportunities that it presents to continue to equip and send out leaders for the Kingdom!

While this next month will consist of saying “adios” mucho, I am so excited to join the work that the Holy Spirit is doing through GO Ministries. I am eager to jump into training and expand my understanding of ministry and the Word, learn more about the Dominican culture I have come to love so deeply, create relationships with the missionaries and locals, and grow in my awe of our powerful and active God across the globe.

Muchas gracias for your prayers and joining me on this faith journey. The Lord continues to teach me new things and blow me away. I pray we never lose our wonder of our Creator.