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I have been called. My life, as a Christian, is set-apart.
[ to birmingham ]
Sitting in a college sunday school class my freshman year (2000) at Samford University, the youth minister came in to make an announcement. He asked for some college students to volunteer to help lead Wednesday Night grade-divided Bible Studies beginning in January. The first week of January 2001, I began working with the youth of Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL.
I remained greatly involved in leading the youth of SMBC through the transition of youth ministers and programing changes. I took on girls' discipleship groups, helped with summer camps, and loved being involved in every aspect of this ministry.
6 months before I graduated from Samford (Jan 2004), Scott Heath asked me to come on board as the Student Ministry Assistant. At the time, I was very confused as to what God had in store... because I was following my dreams of becoming a profession Graphic Designer in New York. I gave the job offer much thought and prayer and decided I'd take the challenge on. This was nothing I'd planned, nothing I really even wanted to do, but I felt the Lord's hand upon this direction, so I went. Jay Watson and Scott Heath poured time and energy into teaching me about ministry, giving me opportunities to plan and lead, and I was promoted to Student Ministry Associate (June 2007).
[ to ministry ]
June 21, 2008
Sitting on the floor of a church in Idaho (on a mission trip), I listened to recently graduated high school seniors give 3 minute talks about the lessons they'd learned through their years in the Student Ministry- growing in Christ. I was so proud! For one of the first times, I saw fruits of ministry. These students were getting 'the big picture' and I was encouraged.
Then out of nowhere, I heard the Lord say, "It's worth it." I couldn't deny His voice or His call upon my life. Students that I'd poured time, energy and much love into stood before me in a new light. These students have taught me about sacrifice, love and God's faithfulness. God called me into full time ministry that night by the example and fruit pouring from the lives of some strong girls! After 8 long years of serving with this youth ministry, I firmly believe God was waiting on a few specific girls (Rachael, LEB, Riley) to teach me more about Him and what He has for my life.
This phrase and God's words to me, "It's worth it!" will always be a very special milestone for me. No matter the time spent, the struggles made, or the pain endured, it's all worth it. I am to know Christ, make disciples and make Him known. I thank God for these moments in an unexpected place. That day changed my life and humbly showed me God's will for my future- to continue to pour into youth and make disciples.
[ to south africa ]
When coming back from South Africa in September of 2008, I knew my life was changed forever, but I didn't think I was called to that place. I knew I wanted to return. I knew I wanted to try to come back and minister on short-term trips, but it was never in my plan to go for an extended stay.
I knew I was beginning to be called to South Africa when I constantly thought about South Africa. My view of ministry was different because of my time in Capricorn- watching Living Hope. The way I prayed was different. The way I spent my money was different. The way I was moved by things of the Lord was different. My heart became tender to the things that broke His heart. Sunday, March 1, 2009:
GIC was happening at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. It was snowing outside... very unusual for March in Birmingham, Alabama! But that was just the icing on the cake of this day for me.
Due to the snow, the scheduled GIC Sunday morning speaker could not fly into Birmingham. So, our pastor, Danny Wood took the podium and gave one of his best sermons ever. He spoke on Matthew 8:18, "... a teacher of the law came to him and said, 'Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Song of Man has no place to lay his head.' Another disciple said to him, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' But Jesus told him, 'Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.' "
Just days before this Sunday, I'd told a friend that the reason I couldn't go on the mission field right now was due to the fact that I'm the only family my grandparents and my dad have. I need to stay close to take care of them if needed. When Danny began giving details of this passage- telling us that the man that made this statement didn't have ailing family members. That man just felt a responsibility to his family and wanted to be with his family. Those words and the scripture hit me between the eyes. My very socially-acceptable excuse was not acceptable to the Lord. He was drawing me into His plan in a very clear way.
That night, at the GIC closing ceremony, a beautiful picture of God's call to The Great Commission was before me. A beautiful song played while families (all who had a call to missions) walked to the altar with a lantern. Families would pray together and then the person(s) called to missions took the lanterns and walked out various aisles (as if into the world). The rest of the family was left at the altar praying for the ones that were being sent. Multiple parents were left standing in front of the congregation, sending their children off with missionaries- a visual of them giving their children to the Lord's call to 'go.' I also watched parents leave their children praying at the altar as they are called to go teach on the mission field. It was yet again that I heard the Lord confirm my call to GO.
After conversations with Pastor Danny and a few families that I dearly trust, God continued to provide the encouragement and guidance that I needed. God has called me. His doors keep opening and opportunities continue to fall into my lap! I'm following each lead and asking for His guidance with every step!
South Africa has no idea what's about to hit them. Here I come!
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