The Process

As I start this post I can't think of a title, there are many, many thoughts running through my brain and my motivation to clean my apartment is zilch, so have patience with me as I (hopefully) process and articulate what is on my heart. :)

I have been working on my Formal Application for Pioneers. It is a long, long, long application but in that I find comfort in the process, challenge in thinking and writing down theological topics that I haven't thought deeply about since college and excitement in the future and what it may bring. Some of the questions are kind of fun. Take the question "What books have you read that have influenced your life and thinking" Well, for those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE to read and have a bountiful library that I enjoy building. When I go to the mall or shopping center I usually skip past most clothing stores and find a bookstore and if a bookstore is not nearby I pull out one of my books from purse and perhaps a cup of coffee or tea from a shop and become lost in the book of choice. So, for this question I have a lot of books to add to this answer.

I will give you a glimpse of my answer, some of the books that were influential in my life are: ALL of Jim and Elisabeth Elliots books, biographies and autobiographies, the books about Nate Saint, Rachel Saint, and all five missionaries that gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Ecuador so many years ago. David Livingstone, Warren Wiersbe books, John Pipe, especially "Let the Nations Be Glade", "Operation World", "Revolutions in World Missions", the "Road to Reality" and "Living in the Light of Eternity", all by K.P. Yohannon, "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, "Introducing World Missions", by Moreau, Corwin & McGee, the "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" manual....Okay, you probably get the idea:) I am currently reading Kisses for Katie book and blog and LOVE both!

Another of the questions is about my home church. Let me pause here for a moment as it is part of my quandary and to be blamed for part of my restless spirit and swirling thoughts. Within the last year I had started to transition to a different church. There were no theological issues, no hurt feelings, I simply had more growth, fellowship and friendship within this new church. I did not make this decision easily or quickly and I am still completing my commitment with the teens, whom I love, of the old church. So, here is my quandary. Which church is my home church? I know many people from he church I attended for several years and am just now getting to know the people of this new church. In the home church/sending church column of the application they have many questions for the church to answer. Do you see my quandary? Please be in prayer about this.

I have been praying and thinking of where and what area I could potentially serve in and with Pioneers. This has brought me to reading more about ministry, missions online and in books. I have also reading more about the ministries of Pioneers. Friends, I am so excited about this. I sense more and more that God a place for me within this agency. My heartstrings are tugged each day as I continue in this process. It is not easy to sit on my couch and just want to BE THERE, where ever that may be! The needs are so great so that all may worship our Savior, which is the ultimate reason missions exist.

Won't you continue to pray for and with me as I continue with the application process, the clarity of where and what I will do in service and the home/sending church process. Also, please be in prayer as I continue to look for another job, part or full time.

Thank you, dear friends. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. How may I pray for you?


Romans 1:5

.. through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,