My New Years resolution for 2011 was for new journeys and increased faith. I knew that my time at SBU was coming to an end, but I had no idea what my future would hold. Three days later I boarded a plane for my second trip to the Philippines. I knew that the two weeks I would spend there would be a window of time for me to focus on The Lord and His plan for my life. During that time I had moment after moment in which I felt the Holy Spirit whispering to me about a future in the Philippines. To be honest, I did everything to avoid the gentle nudging of the Spirit. I could not, however, deny the way my heart engaged as I played with children, passed out Bibles, and spent time ministering to my Filipino brothers and sisters. The Holy Spirit began to reveal to me the truth in Psalms 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” As I sought after the Lord’s desires and not my own, my heart began to feel more and more full. I returned home and continued to seek the Lord about returning to the place I have come to love so much.
In March, I took a team of students to Mexico to volunteer at an orphanage for the week. Again, I spent the time away talking to the Lord about what steps to take after resigning from my current job. I was reading my Bible, and my decision was made clear after reading 1 John 3:16-20 (Message)
“This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.”
On July 15, I moved out of Leslie Hall… the dorm that has been my home for almost 9 years. I have so many amazing memories here and will miss it so much, but I know that my time here has come to an end. I have learned many things about myself and about the importance of living in community with others. I have been blessed to work alongside some amazing people and have made life long friendships.
In September, I will board a plane and travel back to the Philippines. I will join the Harvell family in spreading the gospel and encouraging local believers. The Harvell’s work with the IMB and have lived in the Philippines for over 20 years. I am so excited to take part in the work that they have already been doing and see how the Lord continues to work among the Filipino people in Manila and surrounding provinces. I will spend most of my time in Lucena City living with a local pastor, his wife, and 2 children. I will spend time doing outreach in the local baranquays (villages), encouraging in nearby churches, and connecting with students in surrounding universities. In January, a team from SBU will arrive, and I will join them in ministry for 2.5 weeks and then travel with the team back to the states at the end of January.
I feel confident that the Lord is sending me on this journey, and I want to invite you to be a part of it as well. I have created a blog: www.sarasnewjourney.blogspot.com and will be posting updates and prayer requests. I am dependant on the Lord and your prayers and encouragement for the completion of this journey. I also need financial support. I am raising my own funds to pay for my ticket, housing, transportation, food, etc and will need approximately $4,500.00 Any funds you would be willing to give would be so appreciated. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me! Thanks for being an important part of my life!
To new journeys and increased faith,
Sara
