Follow Jesus

check out these links to the song and the story behind the song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8jvfdDtoqY  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALP9f4QVIoA

I have used the song “I have decided to follow Jesus” as a prayer and a promise to God many times.  I know that life is hard and that any mission field (our workplace, our family, our country, the world) is difficult.  Many today are being persecuted for their faith; please join me in praying for the persecuted church.  May our faith show others to Christ and make others want to love Him.  1 Corinthians 12:20-22:  “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, ²² set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  Those that receive Christ are guaranteed a future.  I know that God is working in my life and in yours and I pray you would see his mighty power today and realize the victory we have in Him. 

As I take more steps towards career missionary service I am relying deeper on God and His promises and guidance.  I know that there will be difficult times, but I also know that my “family” will help carry me through with their prayers.  As I prepare to leave for ABWE and the candidate seminar in just over a month I am humbled and overwhelmed by all of your prayers, support and encouragement.  My upcoming recognition ceremony on Friday, July 17^th at 7pm will be an emotional, exciting and probably a little scary experience; a huge next step towards a promise God gave me over 7 years ago.  I know many of you are planning to attend and each of you is a part of this.  Thank you to those who pray, who care for me and who are attending.  I am pretty sure I will have the biggest cheering section at the ceremony.  Also, for those that wish to attend but are not able to there will be a live simulcast online.  When I have that link I will email it out. 

I will not post an update the beginning of July unless something changes, but I promise to give each of you a detailed recap of all of the exciting training that I will be participating in.  Please pray for safe travels July 8^th - 9^th and July 24^th - 25^th, for clarity in decisions while at my training and for peace and rest during a very busy time. 

I am praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters, check out the voice of the martyrs app for daily prayer reminders and praying for each of you.