Excitement and Encouragement

Wow!  Yesterday was such a great day.  I had the opportunity to visit Dayspring Community Church in Greensboro and share my heart with them.  While I've been able to speak at Trinity Worship Center several times and even at Stoneville PHC, this was the first church I've been to where I was a complete stranger to the entire congregation.  I'll be honest, I was slightly anxious, yet I had a peace that could have only come from God.  

The service yesterday morning was like a great big hug and full of confirmations from beginning to end.  The people were so friendly and welcoming.  The level of excitement and exuberance in their worship reminded me so much of the Zulu churches I visited in South Africa.  I kept waiting for the Mamas of the church to come to the front and begin dancing.  Though it wasn't quite the same, it ended up happening at the close of the service.  

From beginning to end, God orchestrated that service.  Pastor Phil and I had talked on Thursday, but we didn't discuss what he would be speaking on or the Scriptures that I feel God has given me.  There were several times when Scriptures and ideas were repeated.  Even down to the song that two of their girls sang as a special.  Don't you just love the way God orders things?

After the service, Pastor Phil and his wife, Marie, took Mama and me out to lunch.  As we were walking into the restaurant, Pastor Phil asked how I thought I did.  My response was that I felt like I had rambled a bit a couple times when I started getting excited.  His response surprised me a bit, he said he thought I'd done well and that my passion was obvious and to not dampen it.  Even that comment was a confirmation from God.  I can't wait to see what He's got in store for me next!

Up and Down the Highway

Wow!  In the past eleven days, I have driven over 1000 miles.  I've had the opportunity to travel to several churches in our conference to introduce myself as one of the newest IPHC missionaries, next I'll begin begging them for support.  Pray for me as I begin that journey!

I also had the opportunity to attend a few of the sessions at Holmes' Founder's Week.  During this time, I was able to be there for the dedication of the new dorm.  I can proudly say, I helped with the foundation of that building. (If it ever falls down, it's not my fault though!)  One of the highlights of the weekend was the Holmes Family Singing on Saturday morning.  It was wonderful to hear the stories of how things worked when the alumni were students.  What a legacy we have all had the blessing to join!  


On a not so bright note, I had a bit of heartbreak last week.  Something awakened me early Thursday morning.  As I was following my normal routine of checking my phone for emails and messages, I discovered a message from the mother of a dear friend.  The message contained words that I still am finding hard to fathom.  She was letting me know that her daughter, my friend, Jocelyn, had passed away on Sunday.  Jocey was only 31 and died of cardiac arrest.  I keep thinking, I need to send Jocey a message on facebook or call her.  I had planned to do just that last week, but never made time in my busy schedule.  I thank God that I know I'll see her again.  We had lost touch for a little while when our lives took us in opposite directions, but through the magic of facebook, we reconnected.  When we talked, one of the first things she told me was, "Thank you."  She went on to tell me that because of the impact my family's lives had made on her, she had given her heart to Christ.  When I told her the direction my life was taking, following God's call to missions, she kept telling me how proud she was of me.  Every time we talked since then, she always made the point of telling me she was proud of me and how I was following God's call on my life.  Now, any time I tell anyone about it, I keep hearing her voice telling me, "I'm so proud of you, Jenny!  You're going to do amazing things!"  


Throughout my physical travels up and down the highway this past week and my emotional ups and downs, I've been seeking out what God is leading me toward.  I began this journey with what I thought it was supposed to be, but more and more He is showing me His will.  I love that He uses many different formats to bring to light what He is doing.  One of the things He's used lately has been a song.  It's seemed like I've heard it a minimum of 3-4 times a day and it keeps running through my mind.  The Newsboys latest song, "God's Not Dead," keeps crying out to me.  I love the lyrics of this song.  


Through it all, I thank God for this journey He has brought me to.  I may not understand the how and why and even the timing of some things, but I rest in knowing that He, and He alone, is in control of it all.  


Father God, thank You for calling me to be a light in this dark world!

Let the Week of Travels Begin!

I was blessed to have the opportunity to be at my home church for today's first Great Commission Meal.  It was a wonderful experience to be able to thank those who have supported me in this adventurous journey thus far.  I am once again reminded of one of my favorite verses, Philippians 1:6.  "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  It's such a comfort and encouragement to me knowing that He is faithful to complete what He began in me.  God placed this burden on my heart for the people of the United Kingdom.  


While I was in London, God broke my heart.  While we have many churches there, they are predominately attended by internationals; very few who attend are native Brits.  So much of our church history began in the UK; yet so many are living in darkness today.  


God has called us to love Him, love people and live it out!  I challenge you to live out His love to the people around you.