Spiritual Journey Thursday - I Will Follow

                             

Matthew 4:19      English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁹ And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

 

     I didn't think I'd be able to post today since we're leaving on our mission trip in the afternoon, but after packing, I was able to sit down and think through this journey and why we're going.  We also need to write a devotional for the people coming to our camp in Czech Republic, so this helps me think about what God might want us to say.

 

     This journey to the Czech Republic started in May.  Katie, my 18-yr-old, was finishing up her senior year of high school and came to me asking if she could go on the Encounter (our church's high school youth group) mission trip to Mexico in June.  I told her I thought it was too late, and sure enough, when we contacted the youth minister, they had just finalized numbers and bought tickets, so they weren't able to fit her in.  We knew this mission trip had been planned since winter, but at that time, it wasn't something she was thinking about. While I was talking to the youth minister, he suggested we check into the Czech Republic trip.  This was a trip I knew about because one of the church members, Cheryl, who also happens to be in a book club with me, went last year and loved it.  She went alone there to help teach an English camp run by a pastor and his wife who are connected to our church.  She had a wonderful time, and the pastor asked if she could round up some more church folks to help out next time.  She had even asked me earlier in the year, but I had said no because I knew Katie would be home in the summer, and I needed to be around for her.  Little did I know this was something she would want to do!

 

     When I was reminded of this trip, I was intrigued and asked Katie if she'd like to go.  She didn't even hesitate.  YES!  I checked with Cheryl, and there were exactly two spots left - perfect for both of us! There would 8 of us going - 3 adults and 5 teens. I'm honored to be going with these amazing Christ followers.  It all seemed to fit perfectly into a plan.  God's plan!  We've been working hard on lesson plans and preparations, we're packed, and ready to go.

 

   Katie working on animal word flash cards...

 

     Last Sunday, our group was commissioned by our church during both services.  I love that our church does this.  Whenever we send off people to do mission work, our pastor invites friends, family, and church leaders to come up and lay hands on to pray.  It is a wonderful feeling to be connected to our congregation and know that they are praying for us.

 

The power of prayer!

 

     One of the praise songs during second service (our contemporary service) was "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin.  I love that song and thought it was perfect for our story and why we were going.  Katie heard God whisper "GO" and she followed!  I'm happy to be going with her. :-)  I was able to go on two mission trips with Libby, my oldest daughter - one to NYC and another to Mexico, so I love having the opportunity to do this with Katie.  My husband, Ed, will be holding down the fort while we're gone. 

 

 

    I would love for you to link up and tell your story of how you are following God.  Our theme this week is FOLLOW.  God doesn't always call us out of the country to follow him, obviously.  It can be as dramatic as a trip across continents or as subtle as a conversation with a stranger.  Of course, feel free to write about whatever spiritual journey you're on this week!  Your writing doesn't have to relate to the theme.

     Katie and I would love for you to pray for us on this journey.  One of our objectives is to teach English, but our main goal is to have the opportunity to share God's love and promises. And please tell us how we can pray for you!  I will not be posting next week, but come join me again on August 7th! 

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you, yeah
I will follow you, yeah

Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone