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!