Each week we feature a devotional, book review or testimony written by a woman in our ministry. It’s Global Missions Week at Johnson Ferry ~ Move Conference! With our focus on missions, we have a “special edition” for this week’s Devotional Spotlight! Throughout the week, we will feature 3 testimonies from women who have participated in a Women’s Ministry mission trip. We hope you are blessed in reading Cara’s story below and how the Lord called her to serve in missions.
Is the Lord tugging at your heart to serve through a local or international mission trip? We have two upcoming opportunities for you! Our Spring Event, “Hearts for Community” is April 10-11 (registration opens for this local mission project on Sunday, March 16), as well as an international mission trip to Thailand, July 15-25. If you would like to hear about our trip to Thailand, join us for an informational meeting THIS Sunday, March 2 at 4:00 p.m. in room 108 (registration is not necessary).
“Missions in Thailand and Beyond”
I’ve heard the Holy Spirit speak to me twice in my life.
The first was early spring of 2012. I was enjoying worship in the sanctuary one Sunday morning, during missions week. In the worship guide that morning, we all received a single page documenting all of the mission trips that Johnson Ferry was taking that year. During the service, I glanced down at the many trips, but didn’t think anymore of it. After all, I had three small children at home – a 6 year old, 4 year old and a 1 year old. What business did I, as a stay at home mom to those three, have going on a mission trip? And why on earth did I feel specifically drawn to a trip to Thailand with the Women’s Ministry?
During the remainder of that service and throughout that day, my heart began to change. Slowly I started opening my heart to the idea of doing something completely different. I felt the Lord pulling me closer and closer to the thought of taking a mission trip. Later in the week, as much as I had tried, I hadn’t successfully put the notion of a mission trip out of my head. It was as if I could hear a voice telling me to GO. So I thought I would gather more information. If someone from the Women’s Ministry office were to tell me I wasn’t a good fit, then hopefully I could put this crazy notion to rest.
So I did just that. I stopped by the Women’s Ministry office late one morning and spoke with a sweet lady named Sandy. I explained to Sandy what the Holy Spirit had been doing to me lately, pushing me towards something I clearly wasn’t meant to do. Sandy calmed my fears and seemed excited about what the Lord was stirring in my heart. She gave me some information on the trip to Thailand for me to look through and explained that there would most certainly be a spot for me in the group if I chose to go.
My husband (Daniel) and I
After further prayer and discussion with my husband, I came to an absurd decision. I was going to walk out in faith and follow the Lord to Thailand. That was one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. Traveling with a group of Godly women to a place that so desperately needs Christ changed me in ways I could never expect. We did so much good work, helped people in need…but God opened my heart and eyes to a world so much bigger than myself. I became a new creation in Christ – I got a glimpse of heaven as I sat in a Sunday morning Christian worship service, being led in the beautiful Thai language – as all of our voices rang together in harmony; although different languages, singing the same words and worshipping the same God.
Thailand Mission Trip
I followed that trip in 2012 with a return trip to Thailand in 2013. During my second trip, my heart broke for the children of Thailand. The children living in poverty, the young girls on the streets of the Red Light district, the forgotten babies in the orphanages. What I didn’t know at the time was that God was beginning a new work in my life.
Thailand Mission Trip
In November, 2013 my husband came to me one evening and expressed that God had put foster care and adoption on his heart. And at that time, it hit me. That’s what God had been preparing me for. Opening our hearts and doors to the least and the lost, following God’s command. Loving a child who very possibly didn’t know of God’s love. Working with and mentoring a possibly broken birth family. There was a small part of me that didn’t understand though…we still have the same three children – at this point, ages 7, 5 and almost 3 – don’t I have enough on my plate?
My 3 blessings
But knowing that when the Holy Spirit wants something, He doesn’t give up; we began to research international and domestic adoption and different foster care agencies. After attending a couple of orientation classes, we found our ‘home’. We recently completed our 20 hours of training and a laundry list of forms and applications, background checks, physicals, drug screens, CPR training, etc. Now we wait expectantly for the state’s approval. And yes, there are certainly those times when I sit back in awe at God’s ultimate plan. But I remember, He hasn’t failed me. Not one time. I look forward, with anticipation, at what He is capable of doing with my family through foster care and adoption.
What will you do?
How will you respond when you hear God telling you to GO?
