At once...

In some ways, our testimony is rare and unusual, and leaves people often scratching their heads wondering how exactly we made it to the mission field and how did we ever survive five years there?

 Haha...well, we wonder that EVERY DAY!  :)

I read Mark 1:1-28 today in the One Year Bible and was so incredibly encouraged by four guys whose story is quite similar to ours...their names are Andrew, Simon, James and John. Jesus was walking along, saw them, called them to follow him...and what did they do?

They did not wait years while studying in seminary to prepare themselves for service to the Lord.
(although there is nothing wrong with that)

They did not spend years raising over and beyond enough financial support.

They didn't even spend any time consulting the elders in their church or ministry leaders.
(although their is wisdom in this, as well)

They did not even tie up loose ends in their business or families.

Not one of them did any of these things.

They simply dropped what they were doing and, at once, followed Jesus!

James and John even left their father Zebedee in the fishing boat and just took off after Jesus.

(Imagine being Zebedee in the boat watching your two sons walk away from you and the family business as if it were nothing. Might our children have that same level of devotion to Jesus, oh Lord I pray!)

When the Lord called us into full time service to him, we were still baby Christians, un-trained, had not been discipled, still spiritually immature...yet, He clearly called, and so we followed. We sold everything, left family and friends and comfort behind, and just followed where He lead. We were so unaware of where we were going and of what lay ahead. Many times, we've felt completely lost, in over our heads, and utterly alone. But we've never lost sight or forgotten that it was Jesus that called to us and it is Him that we follow still today.

Our story probably still looks crazy and unconventional...and that's ok...because it IS! Hahaha...but it is OUR story! And God designed it! He ordained our days long before we came to be and we are here in Montana today because He planned it long ago. Last night was such a beautiful picture of that truth in our lives as we sat down yet again to discuss the Lord's will for our future.

He is finally uncovering important pieces of the puzzle and long-time separated pieces are now suddenly right next to each other on the table. He is fitting things together and we are just so amazed at the way the Lord does what only He can do!

Lord, today I am thankful for Your Word, which clearly is a light unto my path. Thank You Lord for Potter's Field, so much more than a ministry, Lord. You've given us a family, a team of believers united in the common goal of making much of You! Lord, our life is in Your hands. Your will is the absolute best for us and we surrender all of our desires unto You! Thank You for Your fingerprints all over our lives and that You have not let that slip by us, but have made it totally obvious to us. Thank You Lord, for the opportunity to die to self and serve You today!