Why Ecuador? Why Now? (Part Two)

Why Ecuador? Why Now? (Part Two)

In the fall of 2004 I went to Bible school. I stayed for three years and graduated with a major in Biblical Studies and a minor in Missions. Though many things had happened to get me to that point, it was there, at Elim Bible Institute the real journey began. I faced battles that I did not think I would survive. There were many times that I wanted to run and hide from call I had on my life. There was even a point were I doubted everything that I had been seeking all those years including the existence of God. But through all of the hard times and the struggles He kept me safe. He showed me that though the valleys are deep and He will always be there to see me through.

Even in the present I question whether or not I will be able to overcome the storms of life or if I will have the strength to do what God is calling me to do. Every day is a lesson on trust. I am learning to rely on Him and know that His truth will prevail over any kind of doubt. It is in these times that the words of my former teacher, Brother Jeff Clark, echo in my heart.

I listened in the chapel service as he relayed the story of the disciples in Matthew 14. Jesus had just commanded the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He was on the shore watching. He saw them toiling and rowing and then He went to them. He stepped into the boat and calmed the storm, safely bringing them to the other side. Brother Jeff spoke these words, “everything you need is contained in the word ‘go to the other side’… the truth and the power of [His] command, ‘Go into all the word and preach the Gospel,’ in that word is all the resource that we need, all the strength, all the anointing, all the provision and all the power to do what [He] has commanded us to do.” He will take us to the “other side.” He will be with me even when everything else is against me. Even though the storms might rage the God who called me will see me through.

It is with this message woven into my life that I move forward. The command of God to “go into all the world” and the workings of His Spirit have put a love for Ecuador in my heart and continue to spur me onward. I cannot escape what He is leading me to do.

Just this past August, I was about to go back to school to get my degree in Social Work. I was enrolled in classes, playing on the Nyack Warrior volleyball team and set up to stay there for the school year. The more time that I spent there the more my heart was turning within me. Every day the simplest things would bring me to tears; the turmoil inside my spirit was strong. I wondered if I was doing the right thing. I would ask God to speak to me. I could not seem to hear His voice. But every time I prayed the song, “You said,” would come to mind. I would feel a burden in my heart for the country of Ecuador. I felt a peace as I sang, “Ask and I’ll give the nations to you, O Lord, that’s the cry of my heart…”

I knew what I needed to do. I knew that He was calling me to go. After some painful goodbye’s and hard decisions I packed my bags and headed home…

Now I am packing my bags to go to Ecuador. I will leave January 19th and return July 10th. All the details are slowly coming together as I talk with Isaiah 61 International ministries, and other people I hope to assist during the six months I will be there.

Praise God for His awesome plans! He has known and planned each one of our steps before we take it. I trust this truth for my life and for yours. Cling to His promises and know that He is faithful to see you through. Many blessings to you!