My Next Step

There are two things I’ve been praying for regularly.  One is a husband.  The other is my next step.

 

I came to Vilanculos more than one year ago because the Holy Spirit told me to come.  When I first visited Vilanculos in 2009, I specifically remember sensing the Lord’s leading to come back and reach out to the women here.  So since July 2011  (excluding my sojourn to America in May and June)I have been living in Vilanculos, building relationships with people, telling Bible stories to locals, praying a lot too.  Most people claim Christianity and may go to church but have minimal understanding of Christ and the Scriptures.  My heart is to see people grow and mature in their faith, because the majority of believers are “baby Christians”.   Leading Christians into spiritual maturity is my primary focus and purpose in ministry here in Vilanculos. 

I’ve built relationships with people here, taught them the Word, and prayed like crazy (with more frequency, passion, and authority).  God has also taught me more about my dependence on Him and as well as my authority in Christ to battle the evils I encounter. But to be honest my time here has been very trying and testing.  Personally, the most difficult thing has been the lack of community; I am and feel very alone in what I do. I don’t have co-laborers: people that I actually work with.  Even though right now there are two South African families that I “work with” in theory, I don’t really work with them.  This and many other factors have caused me to ask the Lord “how long I should be here?”  In March I started questioning and asking the Lord about being here and staying here, and in May He gave me peace about being here through December. My thoughts of leaving are not new or sudden but rather a gradual process that has developed over many months.  Therefore I plan to leave Vilanculos in December, and trust the Lord to guide me into the next step.  If you have questions about me leaving, feel free to ask.

However, one thing I know is that the Lord has called me to missions with my life. He has called me to the nations; my heart longs to be overseas.  Exactly what shape or form that will take is uncertain and may change.  I am looking for an organization that would be a good fit for me to partner with long term.  I would like to partner with an organization that has been established for a while that has already learned from years of experience.  Other characteristics I’m looking for include: a solid biblical foundation and values, integrity,  good leadership, accountability, community, goal- oriented, emphasis on discipleship and training local leaders, takes care of their missionaries, prepares and trains missionaries, expect and promote spiritual growth, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and lovers of God .

I’m looking into various mission organizations and opportunities.  On Saturday I’m planning to visit Iris Ministries’ children’s home in Maputo (Mozambique’s capital).    I’m also considering working with YWAM and have met the Brazilian YWAM staff that runs the base in Maputo.  Cru is another organization as well that has potential as I worked with them before.  So I am looking and am open to suggestions. I’ve also thought about studying theology and/or counseling.  I also know whatever I do, I’ll probably have to raise funds to do it as well.

I feel like the Lord has released me from being here and I’m in a weird period of transitioning out.  I deeply care for those I have grown close to but often I feel ready to leave.  I’m not planning to come back to Vilanculos- and depending on what the Lord has in store- I may not come back to Mozambique, but I think I will return to Africa at some point.  I’ve also been thinking about California, Argentina, and my curiosity about Brazil has been stirred as I’ve learned more about Brazil just being here- through Brazilians and media. Nothing is certain at this point, but it’s all in God’s hands.  Please pray that the Lord would make obvious His path for me and give me patience in the process.

I am content to go wherever He sends me.