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| WINTER 2013 DTS YWAM JAX |
It seems like yesterday that I was on my knees painting the huge banner to welcome in the students of the Winter 2013 DTS in YWAM JAX. When in actuality, yesterday, I watched each of those students walk across the front of church and graduate from their 5 month God filled adventure. I think about how little time that was and that it went by way too fast and I didn't get to know some of them quite as well as I would have liked, nor did I get to know the ones I do know the best as well as I wish I could. In the blink of an eye the lecture phase was over we separated and then dispersed throughout the nations.
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| Team A while saying goodbye in Spain |
Me leading a team into the arab nation of Tunisia. Never having had done ministry to Muslims before it was definitely not like anything I've ever experienced. Imagine if we in America literally from birth knew only 1 religion, and viewed it as the only way. Though the majority of the world views America as a Christian nation, it by far doesn't represent it in the ways the country is ran. Being in a nation where everything is completely molded and crafted according to it's religion is a wake up call. Truly that is one thing our nation could adapt and I guarantee we'd see a better economy, less poverty, less homeless, less orphaned etc. It's so hard to think about the very things we consider to be freedoms being the very things that place people in bondage. If there is one thing I learned (which I learned far more than one thing) it would be that there is literally only one way to freedom, and its not through religion, it's not through money, it's not through success, it's not through a better government system, or the people's choices. Jesus really is the only way to gain freedom, it is only through Him that not matter what situation you live in that you could be completely free! I think through studying more about Islam has helped me in just strengthening my love and trust in the Lord (Off of my rant now).
Something that was very difficult for me while being over seas is realizing that I find it so easy to love unbelievers. But loving fellow believers is very hard for me. I recognized that I still keep them at a distance, and am really seeing this is any area God is working on with me. How to love, and love deeply. (what can I say... I'm a work in progress.) Within leadership I found that communication was my biggest issue. Finding the right words, at the right time, in the right heart, and in the right way is such a difficult result to come to. I know that a grew so much in this area, learning to speak more gently, but boy oh boy do I still have growth in this area. Overall, I feel different than I did when I began the outreach. I know I am called to be a leader and with God I am fully capable! Which leads me to whats next...
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| Me with the 5 girls I discipled on their graduation day. (From left: Chelsea, Hollyanne, Me, Annie, Peri, Hanna) |
This week I will leave a move back up to Nashville to join YWAM Nashville for a few months to staff the School of Worship. While I was in Tunisia I prayed a lot about if I were to live in the country long term what my "tent making" business would be. I knew I could teach english but I know that would not be the best position for me. I could learn the language and pursue a degree (again I probably will do that) but I wouldn't want that to be my "job." I battled with whether I had anything to offer. Then I realized I am a musician and a singer, and every country I've ever been in somehow I develop friendships with the musicians in the areas. Worship is my passion. So here is a dream I have... to start a music school where I employ the local musicians to be my teachers. (there is a lot more to the dream, but I'd rather share it in person or via message so if interested in more details let me know.) So long story short, staffing the School of Worship is a part of the dream in helping equip me to go after the dream set before me.
I know this blog is very sporadic in thought process. The whole point is to realize things come and go so quickly, and life really does change in a blink of an eye. I never would have imagine going back up to Tennessee, but I am so excited for the next step to my God Size Dream! A huge part of this dream consists of me building my partnerships. So while in Tennessee please let me know if you'd like to get together for coffee or a meal (615-415-5587).
Misty
