As many of you know, I have taken a few short term mission trips to serve our Lord down in El Salvador. It's been an incredible experience, so much so that I eventually felt the tug from God to make it part of my life, and not just a trip.
Getting to this place really has been a series of events, small steps, and guidance from God over the course of about 4 years. I can remember clearly in college a friend told me I should go into missions, I laughed, said I think missionaries are awesome and would love to do many short term trips throughout my life, but never make it longer term. I can see how God must have just chuckled hearing me say that...man did I have a lot to learn. :)
After praying to God to open or close doors for getting into Medical school, He most certainly answered. I was denied into various medical schools. Twice. I think it's safe to say that He definitely answered my prayers of, "Lord if you want me to go to medical school, open the door. If you don't, then don't allow me to be accepted." As hard as that pill was to swallow I knew that there must be something else, something better in store for the future. After helping me overcome my pride, disappointment, and feelings of being lost I really felt God tell me that He was leading me into a period of waiting and rest. Two things that aren't normally on my agenda. But over and over He just kept telling me that this is a time of waiting, a time of growth, and a time of preparation. The Lord guided me to praying for a job that would allow me to pay off my student loan in a year; Lord willing, this April I should have all my student loan paid off and be completely debt-free. I didn't know why, until recently, I got the desire to get it paid off but it just seemed like the right step.
The more that time has gone by, the more I have begun to realize more about myself and what has brought me the most joy in my life. While there are many things that bring me joy, one thing that has stood out the most has been the times I've been overseas, serving God by reaching out to His people. I have loved Spanish language and the Latino culture from a very young age so serving in El Salvador just confirms this calling even more. After a day of praying and fasting I felt God wake me up the next morning and He just encouraged me to pray. After some time reflecting and simply being with the Lord, I felt like it was time to take a big step of faith and serve as a longer term missionary. Christ for the City Int'l has had its arms wide open to me since the beginning. I feel like I already have a second family in place not only down in El Salvador, but also amongst the staff that are here in the US at the home office. God simply showed off His power by making everything work together to get me to the orientation and start this process.
So many emotions overflow me as I think about "taking the plunge" to serve for long term but I'm just at peace knowing this is what God has for me right now. I don't exactly know how long God has this chapter for me, but I do feel He has called me to simply "GO", and that's enough for me.
I welcome any and all questions and would very much appreciate your prayers. Specifically I would ask that you would pray for my finances. Being in service to the Lord does require that I raise a team of supporters who will join me in God's work and send me off through the help of finances. Seek the Lord and ask Him if He's leading you to be on my team to go and impact El Salvador for good!
I encourage you to read a verse that has really impacted me: Romans 10:14-15
God bless you all,
Lauren :)
