A clear call

I (Corey) have not posted here in some time. Seems to be the theme here. The reason is simply that not a lot has been going on. We've been in this waiting period, seeking the Lord, praying, listening... But it seems now that we have a clearer direction of where the Lord is moving in our lives with our call to missions.

Two weeks ago today, we had a conference call with CAM International and their mobilization director. It was a standard interview type call where we answered basic questions about our call to missions, ministry involvement, etc. that a mission organization might ask. This was mainly to determine if we appeared to be a good fit with the organization and ministry. I think that the call went very well and it was fun to connect with them on a more personal level. However, after the call I started to doubt all that had been happening. I can now contribute this to the spiritual battle that was going on, but at the time I didn't sense it.

The next day I was at work and wasn't feeling very good (typical spring cold plus allergies). So I packed up early at work and headed for home in the early afternoon to rest. On my drive home I felt a strong impression that I should go and be with God and pray. So, as I had done before, I drove south to the Ankeny Wildlife Reserve to be away from the noise and distraction of traffic, people and every day life. I pulled out onto this viewpoint overlooking the reserve. Down below this grassy hill was the entire mid-Willamette Valley complete with ponds, wetlands and towering Cottonwood trees. The wind was lightly blowing and it was a beautiful spring day. As I was sitting there I was heavily burdened so I began to pray. I was asking God about the journey he had brought me and my family through. I was questioning in my mind why.

To be transparent, I was in doubt. I was feeling overwhelmed with the task that stood before us. A new direction in life, fundraising and support, training, moving to another country, learning another language and culture. It all seemed like so much. It was then that I heard the geese. As I looked up I heard and saw tens of thousands of geese filling the air going every which way. I sat there dumbfounded at the incredible scene I was watching, of the beautiful snow capped mountains in the distance, the pools of water, fields of green and wind brushing through the leaves of the Cottonwoods. It was then that Matthew 6:26 came to my mind, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" It hit me hard and I felt the presence of the Lord there with me. He was saying, "Why are you doubting me? Why are you not trusting me? Have faith! I will provide for your every need." As I bowed my head again to call out to him, just as quickly as I heard and saw the geese flying about (remember, tens of thousands), it was quiet and still. God was speaking loudly to me in such a still small voice. Then he said, "you will glorify me through this."

Wow. That was my reaction. How can I do anything else but to glorify him and do as he asks?! Since then we have submitted our official application with CAM. We now wait for them to check references and process the application. Candidate orientation is in November. Between now and then, Lord willing, we will go on a field visit to Honduras to explore the ministry there. After November orientation, Lord willing, we will begin to raise support.

A daunting task? Yes! Impossible? NO! For with God, all things are possible (Luke 1:37). HE will receive glory. HE will get credit for raising funds for us to go. HE will get honor for what he does through us. HE will receive glory! Yes, going is obedience to him. Doing the ministry he's called us to is important as it's about his people. But bringing glory to Him -- that is what it's all about.

Praise Him with us! And thank you for your continued prayers for us!