Mission

In June, I went on my third trip to Guatemala. Each trip I've taken there has been life- changing! This trip was no different. I felt a sense of love and peace, and an even more intense connection to God. There has always been something special for me when on mission trips, but this one was even more special. But, as I prepared to head home, my stomach was in knots. I was saddened to leave everything I was there. 

I came home and worked on processing my transition back. As the days went on, God was working on me and helping me to realize that it was time for me to leave my job that was becoming a toxic situation and to seek the feeling I had while I was away. Why couldn't I feel that peace and love, and have that intense connection to God daily. But, I struggled with the thought of leaving my children, youth, and families. As much as I felt missions as my calling, I knew that children and youth was no less of a calling. God had assured me that I was just as important to His children and youth as I always had been. So, what was He telling me?

And then, I knew! God had a plan! Once I decided that I had no choice but to leave my current position, God had a plan to use my gifts for children, youth, and mission all together. I wanted everyone to be able to have opportunities to experience what I had experienced on my trips. So, that began my journey to start a mission hosting organization! Over the years, I had thought about the possibilities but it had never been the right time or situation. Now was the right time! And, I soon realized the perfect situation! 

I contacted the pastor at the church that I thought would be perfect since they have such a heart for mission and I had seen the love their pastor and congregation had shown others. When we met, it was evident that God was in the room. Throughout the planning, I have felt God has been walking beside me and cheering me on! I have felt the love and support of those who have been working with me to get this going.

I am so excited to say that on Wednesday night, the session at the church who I have asked to host the teams voted to approve my mission organization! I am so excited to see where this leads!

Michigan City Missions is a reality! We will offer opportunities for teams to serve in several different ways, depending on what works best for their team, and for a very reasonable cost so that everyone can be a part of the experience! These were 2 of my goals when I started.

Several churches have contacted me and we are working on scheduling for their 2020 mission trips!

What could have been a very rough time has become an amazing few months of listening and working with God to continue bringing children and youth to Him and sharing His love with them! I have been blessed to have found jobs that I absolutely love and that I can continue to work for and to have a dream realized with the mission trip organization! 

I believe that God doesn't bring us the hard times, the struggles. He gave us free will and some people choose to sin and others, unfortunately, end up suffering from their sin. But, God definitely can use those times to create good. And, that's what I have experienced recently! What an amazing God we have!

Heaven

This past Sunday, I was really struck by the sermon and some conversations I had before the sermon at First Presbyterian Church in Michigan City. The scripture focus was on Revelations 21:1-4. 

Revelation 21:1-4(NIV) A New Heaven and a New Earth

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”"

I have recently read Revelations, but there is so much in there and each time I read it I am struck by new things. This time was no different. 

First of all, heaven is one of the great mysteries of life. But, I think most people have some idea in their head of what their heaven would be. So, this Sunday I began gathering my random thoughts of "my heaven". I think heaven is surrounded with a feeling of love and peace. People treat each other in ways to make sure that peace and love are felt by those around them. How does that happen? Listening, caring, serving, thinking of others needs and finding ways to tend to them. Upon arrival, the sounds of the Amen chorus from Handel's Messiah will welcome everyone who enters. Whenever I've sung it, that is how I've pictured heaven sounding. Abundant joy! I can't forget the joy, the fun that will be in heaven! That brings me to another song! "Big, Big House" details God's house in heaven with lots and lots of rooms, a table with lots and lots of food, and a big yard where we can play football! This old VBS favorite always makes me smile as I sing and do the motions and picture the joy in heaven! I have told people that at my funeral, this song better be sung- and everyone must do the motions! (we can do it again if everyone doesn't participate in the fun! And, just ask some of my former youth, they'll tell you I'm serious about doing it again!) Of course, loved ones will be around us, and the Most Loving One, Jesus, with His arms outstretched to wrap us in a big hug! 

Secondly, what is the scripture saying? God is with us and He will be our comforter. And, that's not all! The old will pass away and be replaced by heaven here on earth! 

We are called to do what we can to create heaven on earth, to bring heaven to those around us. How do we do that? I'm working on what I need to do. Going back to my thoughts of heaven, I need to listen, care, serve, and tend to others needs. I'm not going to go around singing Handel's Messiah, but how can I bring that feeling of overwhelming peace and beauty to others? I'm thinking about that. Bringing to others abundant joy and fun, laughter and showing hospitality sounds like a great goal! And, I'm determined to have have fun working on that!

What does your heaven look like, feel like, sound like, look like? How can you give that experience to those around you? How can you bring heaven to earth?
Blessings,
Jennifer