You Have Not Chosen Me
My missionary letter of intent expresses it all...
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain. (John 15: 16)
Many years ago I perceived that the Lord had chosen me for service to Him. I was blessed to have spent several years working for God and His people through one movement in the Church. Over the past four years, while employed in the secular workforce, I haven’t been able to ignore the tug on my heart to give of myself, once again, in full-time ministry. I desire to respond to the call by putting my life at His disposal and laying it down for the spread of the Gospel.
I am passionate about foreign mission work, knowing that there are so many people in the world awaiting a smile, a word, a heart, an invitation to meet God. I want to share with others the love I have so abundantly received from the Heart of Christ. I want to work among people, use the gifts I have been given, and make some small difference in the world. I also desire to learn from others—because I know that I have as much to receive as to give.
When I participated in a trip with Family Missions Company in General Cepeda last November, I saw ministry and love in action. I was touched by the warm welcome I was given when I arrived, and by the way that warmth extended to the poor and the sick we encountered. I saw the missionaries reaching out in ways that I, a former missionary, found it hard to do. As the week went on, I felt more and more like I was among family.
I desire not only a place to pour myself out in service to the poor and those in need of the Gospel message, but also a community to support me in this mission. Though I have no illusions about the difficulties of community living, I look forward to being among people with whom I am united in prayer and mission, people who challenge me to go deeper and grow in holiness.
I don’t have it all figured out. I don’t quite understand the twists and turns of my vocational journey. And I don’t know where the next step will lead. But I do know that the Lord has chosen me, appointed me, to go and bear fruit in His name. And my response to that is a quiet but clear, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain. (John 15: 16)
Many years ago I perceived that the Lord had chosen me for service to Him. I was blessed to have spent several years working for God and His people through one movement in the Church. Over the past four years, while employed in the secular workforce, I haven’t been able to ignore the tug on my heart to give of myself, once again, in full-time ministry. I desire to respond to the call by putting my life at His disposal and laying it down for the spread of the Gospel.
I am passionate about foreign mission work, knowing that there are so many people in the world awaiting a smile, a word, a heart, an invitation to meet God. I want to share with others the love I have so abundantly received from the Heart of Christ. I want to work among people, use the gifts I have been given, and make some small difference in the world. I also desire to learn from others—because I know that I have as much to receive as to give.
When I participated in a trip with Family Missions Company in General Cepeda last November, I saw ministry and love in action. I was touched by the warm welcome I was given when I arrived, and by the way that warmth extended to the poor and the sick we encountered. I saw the missionaries reaching out in ways that I, a former missionary, found it hard to do. As the week went on, I felt more and more like I was among family.
I desire not only a place to pour myself out in service to the poor and those in need of the Gospel message, but also a community to support me in this mission. Though I have no illusions about the difficulties of community living, I look forward to being among people with whom I am united in prayer and mission, people who challenge me to go deeper and grow in holiness.
I don’t have it all figured out. I don’t quite understand the twists and turns of my vocational journey. And I don’t know where the next step will lead. But I do know that the Lord has chosen me, appointed me, to go and bear fruit in His name. And my response to that is a quiet but clear, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
That's a beautiful story. You have such a beautiful heart for God. It was nice to see you at Mr. C's funeral. We'll keep you in prayer as you enter the next chapter of your life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and the prayers!
Delete