Finally, I find that I have something to tell the world about my beginnings as a missionary. This past weekend was my commissioning service at my church. Well it's still this week because I have one more service to attend on Monday evening. After our services I think it was the first one that was the most meaningful, to me at least. On Satuday night my entire family came and celebrated birthdays of our family members from like July through September. Afterwards each and every one of them went to my first comissioning service.
Not gonna lie...one of the most rewarding services of my life. I think this ranks in the top five of services (thanks Ashley E. for the stolen rating system) because I had a new perspective on everything that was going on. While I may not have realized it at the time each time I sang a song or said a prayer it had more of an impact on me than ever before. Because my family was there to share it with me and it would be the words I'll remember when in a foreign country where the language isn't always so comforting. I swear, that every time a song got to the middle of a verse I was fighting back tears. It's so humbling that God can move us to such joy and love in the actions of his Word in this world.
I am also now so encouraged by the support my mom has given me because half of the music chosen at this service was done by her. She is in a praise singer's group at my church that sings on Saturdays and while she chose the songs that were so appropriate she also sang them directly to me. It adds so much to know it's meant specifically for you. If only we thought that way about every worship service.
You ever get that feeling that you aren't ever going to be prepared for what's coming until it's already happened? Like all this weekend people have been asking me if I'm nervous or frightened about the undertaking God has directed for me. And each time I responded with a very confident, "No". There is no fear in my heart or mind...or at least there wasn't. Not until this blog, have I felt the fear that comes with leaving everything behind and starting anew. I know why I want to do this and I know why God wants me to do this and I know I have the support of both my Lord and my firends and family yet I still feel like I am lacking something... Something that now frightens me.
I don't know exactly how these blogs work but I can imagine mine will be chock full of my concerns and worries along with God's victories and lessons. He and I are in this together and I expect you'll see reflections of us both in this journal of our time in Japan.
Prayer requests:
1. Pray that while the fundraising may be slow, that I keep the faith in God knowing, He will provide for all my needs.
2. For strength and motivation to accomplish the tasks appointed to me both here and once in Japan.
3. That I may be encouraged and active in my communication with my supporters and those who care about me.
4. Bring before the Lord my failings that he will fill them up with His strength, mercy, forgiveness, and love. So that my sinful self will not stand in the way of His grace.
5. Finally pray for the unknown, both those who I will meet and anything else that I may confront. That it all be left in the hands of the Lord who knows all things.
