My Life, My Job, My Calling :: God's Guidance, God's Strength, God's Plan

As many of you know, in just over 2 weeks, I will be heading back to the Dominican Republic to begin my 3rd year with the GAP program!  What many of you might not know, however, is what exactly I do there.  Some have referred to me as "Chandler" from the show FRIENDS because no one knew exactly what he did either.  I know that I'm not the best at consistently sharing what goes on in my life and usually all you see are pictures of the students, staff and me on various sunny, tropical adventures.

So here's what I do...I am the director of the program.  I get 12-15 American college-aged students from all over the United States and I do whatever I can to make sure they have proper food, shelter, transportation, schooling, spiritual growth, safety and balance school, ministry and being thousands of miles away from home, some for the first time ever.  I work with an awesome husband and wife duo, and this year we are welcoming back a student from last year as an intern. Between the 4 of us...we execute the program...24/7 for about 8 months and we do it as a team. I guess as the Director I get the final say and it's a constant learning process.  Some days I feel like I get more wrong than I do right!  It's hard to pull out what I do vs. what we do as a leadership team because without my team there would be no program.   But what do I do specifically?  Well on any given day I organize: calendars, mission trips, budgets, transportation, excursions, small groups & ministries. I get to be mom and dad. I get to be principal and disciplinarian.  I've wrangled centipedes, and rats, killed tarantulas and other creepy-crawlies. I've fixed sinks, toilets, shelves and countless other things.  It's tough...but it's a blast!

I do a lot...and at times it's exhausting...but it seems to be working.  The program is growing and we have more students than ever. But I want you to know something.  This is GOD'S PROGRAM. HE arranges how the students to hear about the program, HE provides the funds for them to live and work and study and minister in the DR for 8 months.  HE takes the students (and staff) out of their comfort zones and speaks to their hearts.  HE provides patience, strength, & guidance.  Any good that comes out of this program comes from HIM...and I am blessed to be a part of it.

I want to share with you a testimony of a student that I had my first year.  Everyone's story is different, everyone comes for different reason and in different stages of their lives...but I believe, now more than ever, that the Lord has a specific purpose for the students every year.  The program provides an environment where students can hear and see God better.  And even when they struggle, because in one way or another they will struggle, God provides the guidance and truth need to deal with everyone in their situation.

Here's Lauren's Story:

I accepted Christ into my life June of 2013. I was living in the Dominican Republic and starting my GAP year two short months later. God used the GAP program to grow and mature me in my faith before I even arrived on the island, and is still using it in my life everyday. God was teaching me before any of the Bible and Spanish classes, before any ministry started, and before I was even living down there. He taught me to trust in Him with raising support in two short months, and He provided. He taught me to follow Him and have faith, even when you're not sure what that means. Through the program He gave me mentors to guide me on my new found faith, and to help me get started on my GAP year. 

I have to be completely honest… when I signed up for the program it was because I was so on fire for the Lord after being saved just a week before. I was on that salvation high. Little did I know that the growing process with the Lord would be a rollercoaster. A couple of months into it I panicked. I thought I had signed up for a crazy program for mature Christians who knew so much about the Lord, and were full of previous Bible knowledge. I was scared that I was the only one with a past, and everyone else was perfect. Here I was a brand new Christian who knew hardly anything about Christianity, or what being a Christian really meant. God knew why He had me there though. The truth is everyone has a story, and EVERYONE learned something that year. 

The GAP program provided each and every one of us with the fundamental foundation to our faith. It taught us the truth, without the distractions of American life. It brought us back to the basics of the Bible, and what it means to stand strong in your faith. But more importantly what is means to live like Christ, and not just as a luke warm Christian. God tells us that He would rather us be cold Christians than lukewarm Christians in Revelation 3:15-16 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” I believe from this verse, and from what I learned in the Dominican that if you aren’t on fire for the Lord every second of everyday than you need to be praying to be on fire for Him. I will not sit here and pretend like I have been on fire for every second of every day since I have been saved. I WILL sit here and say, however, that a year later the GAP program still works in my life. The program was a part of my life that motivates me even more to want to be on fire for the Lord. 

I may have had some rough times that year, but God got it ‘out of my system’ if you will. He made me into the follower of Christ I am today through all of the circumstances, and growing opportunities in the program. He used the SCORE International community, and the island of the Dominican Republic to isolate me from temptation and distraction. He made me focus on Him. It was impossible to not be surrounded by God when I was there. Even when I didn’t want to be! When I was in my low points in the Dominican I may have wanted to rebel against the work God was doing in my life, but God still had me sitting in those Bible classes. He still had me surrounded by strong Christians. He pounded me with His Word until I had no choice but to give it all up for the Lord. He showed me in those nine months so much about myself,  about the sins I needed to work on, and the forgiveness I needed to give. Most importantly He showed me who I am in Christ. 

Like I said the year was full of so many highs and lows, so many moments of being on fire, even moments of wishing I never even accepted Christ, and then the best moments of surrendering it all back to God. When I say highs and lows I mean the absolute extremes. Looking back now, a year after the program, I can finally see so clearly what the Lord did with me that year. A lot of Christians go through years and years of being on fire for the Lord and also years and years of wanting nothing to do with the Lord. Not everyone is like this, but I’m speaking broadly. Essentially, God crammed these years and years of maturing into one, and I could not be more thankful. I’m not saying I am an all-knowing perfect Christian by any means. No body is. What I am saying is that God blessed me with my GAP year. He knew if I didn’t go down there two months after being saved, that I may have turned from Him a couple months down the road, when my salvation high wore off. Like I said a few months into the program I panicked, but what if the panic hit me while in America living my comfortable life? I would have no Christian friends to fall on, no mentors to talk to, and no Christianity around me. I could’ve been in years of a low point on my roller coaster, but God put me on a seven second roller coaster, not a seven hundred second one. I never wasted time falling back into temptation for months or years. I had no choice but to keep focusing on God. 

God WILL use this program in a unique way for each students life. I am just one story of many more to come. It is truly amazing how God uses the same GAP program in so many different ways for each individual person. The program has forever changed my life, and will always be where God poured the foundation to my faith. I couldn’t end without saying that this program has and will continue to be what God uses to guide me in whatever plans He has for me. Yes, through this program He taught me to plan my ways in life, but He also taught me to let the LORD establish my steps (Proverbs 16:9). God uses the GAP year to make me want to be more Christ like. I’ve said it before and will continue to say it. I think every single person should participate in some sort of GAP year. I look at it as a year for God to truly sculpt you into the strong Christian you need to be to stand firm in this world of so many evils.

I know that not every student will have the same experience as Lauren had.  I also know that there will be times where the students may not realize how much they actually learned during the program...and that's ok.  Some students will finish the program and begin college, some will find jobs and careers  some will seek other short term mission programs or being their training to become full time missionaries.  What I know is that their time in the program is never wasted.  And I am blessed to be a part of it and by being a part of it.  I wanted to give you an opportunity to be a part of it and to be blessed by it as well! You can support me, a student or the program by donating any amount!  

You can send a check to the SCORE office in Chattanooga, TN.  In the memo line of the check put the name of the student, staff member that you would like to support or you can put GAP program on that line as well if you want to support the overall program.  You can mail the check to: PO Box 9994, Chattanooga, TN 37412.  If you would like to support me, you can also donate online at https://scoresponsor.org/missionaries-staff/shop/snyder-jaime/ 

Become part of my team!

Another successful year down...and many more to go! This year was another full year full of successes, challenges, adventures, growth, laughter and tears.  I found a new confidence in my voice and leadership abilities in year 2, while continuing to realize how much I need the Lord and His   This years class was truly a family.  They encouraged each other, lifted one another up when times got tough and finished what they started. I am so happy to say that we graduated all 12 that began the program (a feat that is rare in the GAP program!)

leadership.

We spanned the country taking trips and doing ministry.  We partnered with SCORE missionaries in the mountains of Constanza, formed a partnership with a ministry near Puerto Plata.  The students, through all their hard work in Spanish, were able to translate for short term teams including medical teams, youth groups and many other groups that came down.  They were pushed out of their comfort zone and also personally put themselves out of their comfort zone.  They worked hard both inside and outside the classroom and have made lasting impacts on people and the country.  I know each class, each year will teach me more and more things and by the end of my journey I will be a better person; a better follower of Christ, leader, and friend.

This next year is already off to an exciting start.  The Lord is planning something great with 14 students (including 5 guys!) and a former student coming back as an intern. A SCORE fundraising campaign allowed a 3rd story to be built which will include a large classroom/hang out room and a new apartment for yours truly! We are looking to expand the amount of ministries we will work with and have some great speakers lined up for bible classes! We may even get super adventurous and go white water rafting! (prayers appreciated!) I am stoked to see what the Lord is going to do with the GAP class of 2016!

It’s that time of year again to ask for you to join my team!  This last year of support has been great and more than I could have ever hoped for, and in the past year I have crossed paths with even more people who have touched my life in one way or another. 

In all my years of playing sports, I have learned that we are made to be part of a team. We can’t do this life on our own. I struggled the most in competitive swimming, an individual sport, but I seemed to really excel when I had a team surrounding me. I have realized that over the past year that I’ve been living my missionary journey as I lived those individual sports, having people cheer me on from the sidelines, but not having people day in & day out surrounding me. I am not strong enough on my own. I look to God for the strength that I don’t have, but also realize that He will use other people to strengthen me as well. I need a team now more than ever. I need people to surround me, to lift me up when I’m down and to support me in my training and performance.  Although I am no longer involved in organized sports I am finding that this year, this life is no different and I’m getting a better picture of what I truly need to be successful.  I need a team and the more the merrier!  I need people with different roles and skills.  And that’s where you come in!

Here are the players I need for my team:

Financial Supporters: those who can financially partner with me with a one time donation or monthly donations. My goal is to raise $9,000 over this next year.  The money will help cover my health insurance, travel expenses, things to help make my new apartment my “own”, and other miscellanies expenses for the next 12 months.

This year in keeping with the “9” theme I have put together a new campaign.  I would love for you and your family or a group of friends to consider giving a one time donation of a value equal to a multiple of 9 as shown above!  

Prayer partners/Encouragement partners: Prayer is HUGE! I need people fighting for my spiritual life and for the lives of the students.  Being on mission in a foreign country opens up so many opportunities for things to go wrong! Being a leader is sometimes a very lonely place, so if you pray for me, let me know! Or send an email every once and awhile.

Contacts/Connections: There are other needs that you or someone you know might be able to help with.  Right now I am in need of financial advice for my future, tax advice, low cost medical care, ways to earn money when I return to the states, places to share my testimony and about GAP, and also connections at Christian Universities to partner with GAP. 

If you choose to support me financially, THANK YOU! Here’s how you can do it:

ONLINE: go to https://scoresponsor.org/missionaries-staff/shop/snyder-jaime/ where you make a one time donation or a recurring monthly donation.

BY CHECK: mail a check with “Jaime Snyder support” in the memo line to: 

SCORE INTERNATIONAL; PO Box 9994; Chattanooga, TN 37412

Or

Jaime Snyder; 3257 Buffalo Rd.; Allegany, NY 14706

Summer Vacation!

I'm State-side on my summer vacation...I can't believe that year 2 is over!  This year went so fast...like so so fast.  Did it go that fast for anyone else? I am so stinkin' proud of their teamwork and perseverance, being the first GAP class to finish with the same number that started!  Graduation itself was awesome...ya know, not bad considering our venue burned down 2 days before...but God already had a plan and we moved our ceremony to a newly opened bakery and cafe that has amazing food and atmosphere.  Within a few days of graduating, they were back in the States beginning their next mission adventure!  Please continue to pray for them as they are working, going to school and pursuing God!!

I had quick and awesome 2 weeks back in the States to see family and friends before heading back to the DR to see a former GAP student get married!  6 other students from last year came down to celebrate.  It was a wonderful ceremony and reunion!

I know that it seems crazy to some that I would return so soon after leaving and after just spending 9 months there...but my time was amazing.  I was able to support and celebrate Anna & Filipe and also see 4-5 friends that I may not have otherwise seen.  One of the coolest parts was seeing the students from last year and how the program has affected their lives.  When they graduated and left a year ago I knew that there was a pretty good chance that I would never see them again, and some I may never even talk to again.

But the Lord is faithful!  I am more excited than ever about the program, about what we do and why we do it and the impact it will have on the lives of those who participate.  It doesn't matter why the students come down.  It doesn't matter if they have a plan for the future or not.  It honestly doesn't matter if they're a brand new Christian or have been one their whole life.  What matters is that they're there and they participate.  The Lord brings them down and puts the group together.  In the Lord's perfect plan, each one has a specific role to play.  He knows that truth and knowledge of His Word will be heard and seeds will be planted into the hearts of the students.  And at the perfect time He will use everything that they have heard and learned for His glory!

There are still things I have to work on for this upcoming year...oh yeah, speaking of which...did I mention I'm going back for a 3rd year? I mean...how can I not? The Lord is growing me.  The Lord is growing the program. And He's calling me back.

And I am SO THANKFUL for ALL OF YOU that have prayed, donated, encouraged and helped get me there and keep me there!  You have already made a impact on the Kingdom!

Despite changes...there will always be changes...He is in control.  We currently have 14 students enrolled for the 2015-2016 year...5 guys and 9 girls and we may even max out at 15 by the end of the month.  The most we've every had!  We have the same number of guys this year as the past 4 years combined! Did I mention that God is faithful??

So for the next two months I will be going back and forth between working, resting, visiting, studying and praying and I'm sure it will fly by!  But I will be around the WNY area and would love to share all the God is doing!

While I'm home there are a few needs/prayer requests that maybe y'all can help with:
Odd jobs over the summer (babysitting, house sitting, etc)
A vehicle I can borrow here or there to visit friends and family
A financial advisor so I can get my taxes and financial future in place
Please pray for the future students and for the Lord to prepare their hearts for this upcoming year
Please pray that the Lord fills the spots that are vacant for this upcoming year
Please pray for my friends back in the DR...it's already been a really hot summer...so please pray for cooler weather or for extra funds so they can run their air conditioners more!
I'll also be putting together another fundraising campaign so please be in prayer about supporting me for this next year!

The End is in sight

The day is approaching and the end is in sight! The students are out on their last host homes to try and soak up as much culture, hospitality and Dominican love as they can!  In two short, fast weeks most will be back on US soil and the next phase of life will be beginning.  I pray that the students find and combine the good things of the Dominican and American culture and are able to integrate it into life.

If you're reading this...and you'll be interacting in some way with a student in the next month or so...do me a favor? Pray for them and take it easy on them! As much as they look the same (well maybe a little more tan) on the outside, the God-experiences over the last 8 months has made a change on the inside.  It is my hope that you will gain a more confident, God-fearing, God-loving, humble, Spanish-speaking friend/son/daughter!

''So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.''

-1 Thessalonians 5:11 MSG

This has been my prayer since the beginning of the year.  It has been an honor and a joy to have these 12 students over the past eight months and I am so proud that EVERYONE finished!!  We started with a dozen and we finished with a dozen...I can honestly say that this year no one was left out, no one was left behind.  God has been faithful to keep us together in this and carry everyone through until the end.  Every student had some specific glue that helped hold the group together, this was not the doing of one specific person but of everyone involved in teamwork through perseverance and love.

And to round out the dozen...here is how God has been using the final four students~

Meghan has kept us laughing from day one...she along with a couple other of the students has kept the morale high simply by providing joy and laughter.  There is also a maturity to Meghan that I thank the Lord for.  As one of the oldest students she has shown maturity not only in her faith and personal relationship with the Lord, but has shown others (and myself) the balance between vulnerability, leadership, craziness, and solitude.  She came into the program after graduated with a teaching degree and it was immediately put to use in her Monday ministry at Emanuel House where she helps tutor students and work with the special needs class.

I think that Maggie has grown the most in the past year.  Some say she has one of the best Spanish accents out of the group and she has, perhaps, benefited the most from the weekly bible classes. I pray that this foundation of her faith remains solid.  Maggie had grown up in the Jewish faith and over the past several years has put her faith in Jesus Christ and has been growing in her relationship with Him.  It's been cool to hear her process what she has learned through Apologetics, Hermeneutics, the book of Matthew and so many other classes.  She is learning how to share her faith and her testimony in such a way that there is no doubt that she will have great impact for God's Kingdom.  It's been cool to learn from her about different Jewish customs and it's also been awesome to celebrate together her first real Christmas & Easter!

Ciera is a quiet soul with a sweet smile (I'm sure her roommates may have different things to say), and to me she has been one of the most consistent and even-keeled students here.  Her quietness brings out a gentle and approachable demeanor which makes everyone love her.  She is very relational and as her Spanish improves week after week the relationships with her Dominican friends grows even stronger.  She is a leader, whether she sees it or not, and leads mostly by her heart, her joy and her actions.  She is willing to do whatever is asked with excellence...which makes my life easier!  She has put in the work day after day and I pray that she is blessed beyond measure for her faithfulness!

And lastly (but not least by any means)..Ashley! Oh Ashley! (can you hear it in the Barbara Jean accent??)  This girl.  This girl takes the PC rule and throws it out the window.  And for me, a very non-PCer could not understand how one person could have ZERO personal space whatsoever.  And this year, I have learned the most from her.  She attracts people with her smile and personality.  Her open arms are an invitation into love...pure, unconditional, joyful love.  It's still a concept I am very much working on...and to see it put into action day after day after day after day has been one step in my process.  I cannot WAIT to see what God is going to do when her unconditional love is used to preach the GOOD NEWS of a love even greater than she can give.  

T-minus 10 days and counting until Graduation! God is good!

God remains...

God is remaining faithful.  With less than 3 weeks left the students are out TRANSLATING with the largest team that comes through SCORE DR all year: Johnson Ferry with 347 people!  It definitely is all hands on deck when it comes to this week and the GAP students are called upon to be translators and group leaders.  Although translating and leading short-term mission teams is not the overall goal of the program, it is using EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF KNOWLEDGE they've learned over the past 7 months.  They are able to speak Spanish and communicate.  They are able to educate about the culture and help guide the teams to help more and hurt less. They are able to step up as leaders and use some of the oh-so-necessary critical thinking skills.  And MOST IMPORTANTLY rely on the Lord for His guidance, His protection, His provision, His wisdom, His strength, & His patience.  I am SO proud of them for stepping up to the plate!

Let's keep sharing about God's faithfulness going through the lives of some more of the students:

Micah has a heart for the Dominican people and is amazingly relational.  She had a great gasp of the language when she arrived and it has only helped build early and long lasting relationships with friends from our local church as well as those she meets for the first time in various villages.  Most of the time we're asking "Where's Micah?" only to find her in various and random places...she definitely keeps us laughing.  She is our free spirit but in that teaches us that relationships sometime need to come before the schedule.  Micah doesn't just use her voice to speak Spanish...she also gets up early every Sunday morning to sing worship at church!

 Shawn is the man!  A tough-football-playin'-guys guy with a new heart for Jesus.  He came to Christ not too long before entering the program and has been faithful in obedience to the Lord and has been both blessed and a blessing while here!  The kids LOVE him! Kids flock to him, throw themselves at him and are giggling the whole time.  He's seen a completely different way of life...not only surrounded by people who love the Lord and live it out daily, but also learning how to live with 10 sisters!  (I'm sure he'll be processing this year for a very, VERY long time!)

Corina has maybe been out of her comfort zone just as much as Shawn has.  Although she came from a big family, she was the only girl for awhile...and now she's living amongst some of the girliest girls she has ever met! (welcome to my world Corina!)  The Lord prepared His path and ministry for her here.  She has a heart for sponsoring children...she is sponsoring 5 kids from other countries and because of that she jumped at the opportunity to help with child sponsorship through SCORE.  She spends every Monday morning at the kitchen table of Emanuel house going through lists and spreadsheets, pictures and stories, helping everything stay as organized as possible! (seriously..she was on all 4 electronics at once!) Corina also has a servants heart and a relational heart as well which is a HUGE blessing to the short term teams and leadership staff!

Rebecca is one of the most dedicated and disciplined people I know.  Originally she was supposed to be going to the GAP program in Costa Rica, but God had other plans and I am so thankful He did!  Rebecca is a quiet leader and example to everyone.  We, too, sometimes ask "Where's Becca?"...but unlike Micah, we almost always know the answer...doing homework!  There is an excellence bar that she has set for herself and she's going to whatever it takes to reach it...and I really commend her for that.  She always gives 100% into everything and is always responsible and dependable.  Because her love is huge, her dedication is huge...there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord is preparing her for something HUGE!

And to close this weeks blog...I'll leave you with some truth and wisdom Rebecca shard on her Facebook wall this past Sunday night (probably upon reflection of Easter and in preparation for Johnson Ferry week...but applicable no matter where you are or what you're going through).

"I have been feeling very anxious this whole week, especially today, so I decided to write out my thoughts and I thought I would share....Satan wants me to fear. He wants me to be anxious and afraid because....He wanted the glory. He wanted to be GOD and so he was cast out of Heaven. He hates God because of this. He also hates us-God's creation. He hates the lost and he wants to keep them bound. He wants the lost to be trapped. He smiles when they are in bondage. He smiles when they think they are "Having fun" according to the ways of the world because he knows they are falling deeper and deeper into his trap. He also hates the saved. He hates us because we have been set free. We are no longer trapped and bound. Because of the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST we have been set free! We have the hope of eternal life! Jesus came to mend the broken, heal the wounded, and pardon the guilty to save a sinner like me! Satan hates us because of this. He is going to do everything he can to try and stop us from sharing this hope with others. If you have been discouraged this week, I can relate to you. I want to encourage you with these words, do not believe the lies satan is trying to feed you. HE NO LONGER HAS CONTROL OVER YOU. Glory in the Cross! Do not forget that CHRIST HAS RISEN! He loves us with a love that no one can give or take away. I challenge you this week to be more intentional with sharing the hope we have with others! Thank you so much God for our risen Savior! 

2 Timothy 1:7 'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.'"

amen and AMEN!

Finish lines and faithfulness

I cannot believe that in a month another GAP year will be in the books.  The time has never gone slow, but at a good pace and at times it seemed like it was moving at the speed of light.  I'm not exactly sure where February went, and I'm now sitting here realizing that we're in the home stretch.

And I'm sure April will be the fastest month yet.  Trying to fit everything in, trying to make and remember memories, trying to figure out how to give it all and have no regrets...and not just for the students, but for myself and the other leadership staff as well.

As I was talking to a fellow missionary friend, talking about my 2nd year as director, talking about the students that the Lord brought here and how I have seen Him show up time after time, I want to brag on God and the students that He's brought here.  I truly believe that He has a purpose for every single student that comes down.  I believe that God will use whatever He needs to in order to get specific students in this specific environment.  I believe that for last year students, for this year's students and for the students coming in the future.  Some come into the program because they, themselves need to be challenged, need to be fed truth, need to come out of the distraction that is the American life to be able to be broken down and built back up the way Jesus wants to build them.  Some come pretty solid in their faith and God then uses them and their giftedness to help not only the program grow but also to help other missionaries and ministries around the Dominican Republic.

They all are leaving a mark on this island.  Whether they see it or not, they are making a difference!  Here are just a few examples of how the Lord has been faithful through the gifting and lives of our students!

Caroline has been able to share her gift of music by teaching guitar to one of the boys at Josiah's House.  She truly was answer to his very specific prayer!  She also teaches guitar to a girl at Pasitos de Jesús and just this past weekend was able to play guitar at the very first wedding in San Jose.  She has also stepped up to lead worship in the kids programs that we have done on our different mission trips.  Not only is she filling a need, but also in her faithfulness in coming here has shown others that God is real, He can be trusted, He DOES hear our prayers, and definitely provides.

 Jack's story is one that has come full circle.  Craig McClure, a missionary down here in the DR, was his youth pastor 6 or so years ago.  In the time since Craig has been down here, Jack has grown in faith, wisdom, ability and language and just last month had the opportunity to preach (in Spanish!) in the village church where Craig is currently the pastor.

 Christa has left her mark on the DR quite literally.  Her gift of art has blessed 3 churches so far and her legacy and faithfulness will remain the Dominican for years and years to come.  Christa, along with the help of her classmates, has also put together an art class for the boys at Josiah's house a couple Saturday's a month.

Amanda has this way with children that is amazing.  They FLOCK to her.  Doesn't matter where, when or how...she always has kids running up to her and jumping into her arms.  Amanda's main ministry here is working with the women of the Lily House.  Those women need love, unconditional love and Amanda is the PERFECT one to give it to them.  Her experience at the women and children's shelter back in Buffalo prepared her for such a time as this!

More updates on God's faithfulness through the students to come!  

In the mean time will you join me in praying for them? Specifically for their futures after GAP? Some are seeking the Lord for what next year might hold, some will be reentering into American culture, college and all that goes along with that! Please pray for guidance, for clarity, for some doors to open and others to shut.  Pray for godly friends and mentors to come along side of them when they get back.  Pray for God's voice to be the loudest in their lives and for the courage to listen and obey that voice!

Victory

A new blog for the New Year.  And I’m trying to get this one off before I get distracted again, or before the internet goes out. 

First I want to apologize.  Apologize to you for it being so long since my last blog, and apologizing to the Lord for taking Him for granted. 

Recently a couple of issues have come to my attention, not huge issues, but issues nonetheless.  I know that they are bound to come up when you’re living in a different country, working with 12 students, 3 staff, missionaries, leadership staff, people back in America and those who speak a different language…BUT I haven’t had to deal with them for awhile. 

SIDEBAR & FOLLOW UP FROM MY LAST BLOG :: I’ve been working on my flexibility and a lot on my communication skills as a leader to my students, staff and friends, and it is really working!!!  I think it’s a HUGE reason why we haven’t had a lot of issues lately.  Who knew that reading a leadership book would actually help me learn something!

Any whoo…things are running smoothly.  And really, it seems that I only write a blog when something HUGE happens in my life, when the Lord does something extraordinary, or when I have a really funny story to tell.  I struggle sometimes with comparing my life and ministry to the other missionaries around me, they always have funny stories to share almost every week about how God did the amazing and impossible (which please DO NOT get me wrong, I love to hear about too and it should be shared!).  And if you want to read some of those stories you can check out my friend Sarah’s blog, or Adrienne’s blog, or Lily House Facebook page….seriously jaw dropping-it could-only-be-God-moments.  So when comparing my life to others, I feel I have nothing to say…hence the long delay in writing another post, and again I’m SORRY!   

This morning I was reading my daily devotional and came across this:

“We will shout for joy over your victory; we will rejoice in the name of our God!” – Psalm 20:5

It hit me…I expect things to go well and don’t always (or ever) shout for joy over His victory.  These little issues have made me aware of God’s victory.  Not necessarily over this situation (although I’m sure things will work out and He will have victory), but in everything that is good in my life.  (I’m actually a little embarrassed that I’m just realizing this now, but better late than never, right?  So when stepping back I’m figuring out why today, why now and why not ever before?)

I expect things to go well.  I expect the students to have convictions, behave, obey, respect and work for the Lord.  I expect things to run smoothly, people to be where they need to be on time, people to be nice and encouraging, and for everything to work all the time i.e. internet and electricity.  And when things don’t go well, don’t life up to my expectations I get angry and frustrated.

If I really think about it and look at it from God’s perspective, what I should expect is attitude, push back, disobedience, and for things to go wrong around every corner because our world is broken and ruled by Satan.  ANY of the good things that happen should be celebrated, God should be celebrated and given the glory. 

I shouldn’t expect the good and get frustrated with the bad, I should expect the bad and shout for joy in the good, because in the good is where God’s VICTORY is.

And here’s where I apologize to the Lord for taking advantage of his goodness and for not shouting for joy amongst the every day victories.

So here’s me shouting for joy over a few of His victories: (pardon the all caps below, but that’s how we shout on the internet, right!?!)

-      -OBEDIENT STUDENTS

-       STUDENTS THAT SEEK YOU

-       GOOD HEALTH

-       TRANSPORTATION RUNNING SMOOTHLY

-       PUTTING PEOPLE IN MY LIFE THAT RUN HARD AFTER GOD

-       CONSISTENT ELECTRICITY

-       INTERNET WORKING

-       COMMUNITY

-       THE ABILITY TO LEARN AND GROW

-       THE DESIRE IN MY HEART TO READ AND LEARN

-       THE MONEY TO COME IN EVERY MONTH

-       FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT ME

I've learned that God is working in my life and your life too.  It may not look wild and crazy.  We may not have stories that will keep people picking their jaw up off the floor, and to most our lives may just look pretty ordinary....but that doesn't mean that God's not working or victorious.  He's there, if there's good, any good at all...He's there, and we should rejoice in the name of our God!!