August 2017

From Canada, eh?

August 11, 2017

To know God...and make Him known.

"We lay down our dreams to pick up Yours!"

Aloha ,

The last few weeks have been a time of settling. Settling into our new jobs, our new home/life (currently living in a room on the campus while looking for a place to rent in town) and the kid's new school. We are filled with joy and expectation for this new season.I, Lizzi, have the opportunity to work part time providing pastoral care to DTS (discipleship training school) staff. This entails meeting with 5-10 girls weekly to support, pray with and disciple. These girls come from all over the world and have massively diverse backgrounds. Over the next few months, I will introduce you to some of them. I do not take the responsibility to pour into the lives of these ladies lightly. They are world changers! They are young but they are mighty and brave. Many have given up dreams and goals. Many have moved away from friends and family. But all have acted in obedience to Jesus; to pursue his command to go and make disciples of all nations!Meet Jazzy! She is from British Columbia, Canada. Jazzy grew up in a loving and supportive home with 3 siblings close in age. Her parents were pastors. They always taught by example a love for God’s word and close personal relationship with Jesus. At a young age, her heart's desire was to serve God. Upon high school graduation, she applied to YWAM for a discipleship training school. She was not accepted!! (Side note- This VERY rarely happens! Usually, this would occur if there were a serious issue with the student. I.E.: drugs, alcohol or something of that sort or on the rare occasion that the DTS is canceled for some reason.)Her rejection was disappointing. She decided it was God’s way of telling her that she should pursue her other option which was Nursing school. While attending Nursing school she began to experience feelings of anxiousness. The anxiety became so bad that she could hardly attend school and work. In the midst of this, she experienced deep loss. Her grandfather passed away and also had a sudden break up with a serious boyfriend. It felt as if her world was falling apart. She questioned her relationship with God. Did He love her? Why were all these trials and pain allowed in her life? Was God really good?Fast forward:Jazzy graduated nursing school as a registered nurse with an awesome job opportunity. She worked for 6 months at a job she loved but was experiencing extreme doubt in her faith walk with God. She still lacked a true understanding of God’s love for her. Her identity had now become in her ability to be a great nurse.Jazzy decided that she would apply to DTS one more time. She really wanted to know God, and believe that He is who He says He is; a good and loving father. When Jazzy showed up to Kona last winter to begin her DTS, she had major doubts. God showed up like He does every time. Three weeks into DTS she was overwhelmed by the goodness of God and His incredible purpose for her life. Her heart and mind were being transformed through her time in God’s word, prayer, intercession, and the powerful encouragement of the daily teaching.On outreach, Jazzy saw God move in and through her in mighty ways. Not only was she free from anxiety, she had a testimony of God’s faithfulness and his pursuit of her. Her identity is now rooted in being a daughter of the king. It is no longer dependent on her performance or abilities. Upon returning home from DTS, she was offered her dream job in pediatrics. Although she could easily use her nursing job as her mission field, God spoke to Jazzy about coming back to YWAM. He wanted her to join staff; to train and release missionaries all over the world.Jazzy has put her dreams on hold. The world may call her foolish, but she has experienced the profound love of her heavenly father and desires nothing but glory for His name sake!Why tell you this story?Jazzy is a lot like us. She desires to follow God and do His will. Her heart was in the right place. But then God asked her to trust Him. To step out of her comfort. To be obedient.She had to take a risk. All that it will cost her is still unknown. But this I know… her willingness to obey has changed history. Peoples eternal destiny have changed because of her simple obedience.What is God asking of you? Is it risky? Does it require hard work or sacrifice? Will you obey?The impact of obedience is always greater than you could ever have imagined!