5 Years Ago Today...

This is a post I wrote five years ago today before I began my journey to China. Oh, how I want to go back!!!! I had all the "code words" in there so it would be "China safe"! EA - China Father - God, the Lord, etc fellowship - church M&M's - missionaries It is hard to believe that in just a few hours I will be leaving for an eleven-month journey in EA. Father has been doing a lot in my life to confirm to me that this is where I should be. There are several issues regarding this trip that are completely out of my control. All I can do is remember Father’s goodness and faithfulness! It has been amazing watching Him work over the last several months. He has provided in ways that I could never have imagined. He is so faithful, even in my unfaithfulness. I continue to be amazed by Him. It was just two years ago that I finally surrendered to Father’s call on my life. I did so with much reservation and fear. Throughout the following year, it was amazing to see Father work in my life. I vividly remember coming forward in fellowship, making this call public. I was as scared as I could be. I wasn’t totally “up” on this idea. It was to be one of my many faithless moments. I had been reading an article about M&M's in Africa. My mind was set on going there. When I applied to the summer program, I had three choices. Africa was number one, EA was number two, and number three was Kosovo. None of them seemed too “cushy.” I was set on Africa, but ultimately, I really didn’t care. In less than a month, I got my acceptance letter in the mail and found that I was going to be sent to EA. I cried tears of joy. For the first time in my life, I knew that was exactly where I was supposed to be. I could not wait to see what all Father had in store. I spent the next three months preparing for my trip by raising support and getting the necessary items. I had never traveled internationally before, and this first time, I was on my own. Nevertheless, I was so excited and had such a peace that it was indescribable. I was confident that Father had me in His hands and was going to take care of me. Nonetheless, there were some tough times over there, times that I was not prepared for and times that I NEVER thought I would experience. However, even through discouragement and attacks by Satan, the glory of the Father prevailed and He was honored. We serve a great and mighty Father whose desire is to be honored in all things, and He will make sure that He is! Even among the muck and mire of this world, He will be raised up. I could have allowed the discouraging and disappointing times to have a negative impact on my trip, but what I remember most are the times Father blessed me through His faithfulness. Because of the two months I spent in EA, I knew I was supposed to go back! I came home and told mom and dad that I knew I was going back but that it was just a matter of time. After my trip I had the opportunity to speak in several SS classes. After I had finished speaking in one, the director said “I can assure you that when you go back next year our family will support you, in fact this SS class will support you.” That statement provided the confirmation I needed. While in EA, I befriended a M&M family who was teaching English at a university and doing M&M work independently. From August to December I thought heavily, seeking Father’s will and sought information about going back and teaching with them in the fall. I had a peace in my heart about applying. In January, I sent all of my documents and information over to the University. By the end of March, I found out that I had been accepted to teach. Father has confirmed in my heart in many, many ways that this is where I should be. I look forward to the next eleven - twelve months of my life. I know that there will be some very difficult days, but I also know that there will be many days of joy. I covet your thoughts as I begin my journey and ministry in the Far East. Additionally, I cannot thank you enough for your support, both financially and spiritually. Without your help, this trip would not be possible. Most of all, I want to thank you for your thoughts. I would not be able to make it without your thoughts, and while in EA, know that my thoughts will be with you all. I love you all!! http://ldmartin.blogspot.com/2004/08/time-to-go.html#comments