January 23rd is Just Around the Corner!

I am pleased to announce that my flight to Czech has officially been booked for January 23rd! It's been a long road coming, but God has been faithful in guiding my steps. Even though I have pushed the date back, January is just right around the corner. I still have a lot to do!

This is my last week of work at my church, Crossroads. I am going to miss it terribly. I will miss sitting at my desk, watching everyone come in every morning. It's entertaining to wait and see what kind of morning everyone is having. It's always written all over their faces! Even though we are only an office of five, we have a lot of fun together and keep things pretty lively. We have a Youth Pastor whose cave-like office always makes for a good scare. It's fun to watch a 6'4" man scream like a little girl and throw himself on the ground in terror. Our Children's Director is always there to greet you with a smile, even in the midst of her scheduling chaos. Our Worship Director has an odd desire to make every situation as awkward as possible. It's a spiritual gift he has acquired over the years. Our Bookkeeper brings a smile to your face with her southern charm and love for practical jokes. And our Pastor never ceases to surprise us with his corny jokes, that somehow always teach a lesson.

But I am glad I have this month off to have time to spend with friends and family. I want to be able to see as many people before I leave, so please don't hesitate to call or email to set up a date.  I am also planning a couple fundraising events, so stay tuned for information on those! So as I begin to close one chapter of my life, I pray the beginning lines of the next chapter will bring just as many blessings.

Rachel

Fire's Refinement

I am breaking the silence...

I have been unfaithful to this blog, and I want to apologize for my lack of communication. Putting details about my life on a public site has never been at the top of my priority list. But in light of God's work in my life over these past few months, I believe sharing these details will serve in bringing Him glory. And that is what the Christian life is all about.

I wish I was gifted in eloquent writing. It would make what I'm about to share a lot easier. But I ask that you bear with me as I try to gather my thoughts together in a way that best communicates the information I am about to share.

James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  -- A deeper understanding and application of this verse, along with so many more, has come with my walking through a trial. There are several of you who know what trial I am referring to. It has tested what I believe and the God in whom I have put my trust. But I am overjoyed to say that it has only brought me closer to the God that I love.

Months ago, when I first started planning this venture, a good friend and mentor of mine counseled me to brace myself for Satan's attack on my plans. She told me, he will see what I am trying to do for Christ as a threat and attempt to prevent me from going. From that day, I have prayed that God would give me endurance and strength to face any struggle I might come across. I have to say that the trial I am enduring is one I would never have expected. It has brought me to my knees and caused me to examine the life I was living for God. Is it authentic? Is it true? Do I believe the words of the Bible, or are they merely words that bring me comfort from time to time when I am struggling?

By God's grace he brought people into my life months ago that have helped me walk through this fire. I have had great support of friends and family. My church has been a rock and foundation for me to stand upon. I cannot describe enough the immense army God has encircled me with. Satan has not won in this venture! My plans to serve over in Brno, Czech Republic and Athens, Greece, are still in place.

Just as I quoted in the book of James, the steadfastness of this trial is having it's full affect. God has taught me so much about myself; how I emotionally respond to trials of this magnitude, and where my focus goes when in the midst of a set back. He has given me scripture to lean on, passages out of John 17, Proverbs 2 and Matthew 18. A wise person told me, if a life of ministry was something that I truly wanted to pursue, then I need to learn how to handle disappointment. Thousands of hours can be invested in projects that will ultimately fall through. People in whom I have invested my time, will walk away. But my response to God's sovereign choices is where God's glory is most majestically shown.

The trial continues on, but the flames of this fire are only refining my heart and my walk with the Lord. I look forward to updating you all again soon with more details about my trip. The date for my leave should be set in the next few days. Just so you all know. I have decided to leave in January instead of December. God has given me peace about it, and my hope is I will be stronger and more focused for the field.

Thanks for reading and I will be writing again soon.

Rachel

The Video

Sorry, if there was anyone who tried looking for this before today. It took me a little while to get it up.
Enjoy! 

Setting the Stage

Here I am, a newbie to the network of blogging. I have restarted this post at least 7 times, not knowing how to make a smooth introduction into my new virtual world. I guess I just blew it, but I must move on...

If you have made it this far to find my page amongst the millions out there, you must know of the European Ministry trip to Czech Republic and Greece that I will be taking in the next 5 months. This blog will serve as a tool to update friends and family about the progress of that trip. I hope to be adding more posts soon, including a video. So if you are reading, sit tight and you will have more information in the upcoming days!