Last year before I left for Kenya, someone suggested I read Beth Moore’s Voices of the Faithful – Inspiring stories from Christians serving around the world. I wish I could remember who suggested it, because it has served me well over this past year.

I flipped to the December 31st devotion this morning, to a story titled “The Grand Adventure” from a recent college graduate who is serving in Central and Eastern Europe.

THE GRAND ADVENTURE

I found myself in the middle of a 1-mile hike in Hungary, surrounded by people I had just met but only able to communicate with one other personal. It was a surreal moment. The culmination of months of planning and years of prayer were realized as I looked up and saw nothing but vastness of the sky. At a time when I could have felt utterly alone, I did not. Instead, I smiled, as I knew my Lord was by my side. He promised me new adventures, so I continued to climb.

With my face towards the sky, I was struck with the absurdity of the situation. A recent college graduate leaving her family and everything she’s ever known to move across an ocean would be considered unusual by most. But, then again, there is nothing usual about following Christ.

However, saying yes to Him is the best decision we can make. With Christ, we can look at the sky from whatever country we currently call home and know that He painted it for us.

I do not possess a wealth of talent, I am not an educated theologian, and I do not even have the experience of most. I simply trust Christ and follow Him. He is the One who fulfills dreams and gives hope for a new year of serving Him.

And then there is a prayer at the bottom of every daily devotion: Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to follow you overseas as journeymen. May you give us wonderful adventures and an overwhelming feeling of your presence. May I also follow you where you lead me. Amen.

As we end one year, and hope for what the next year holds, may it hold an adventure for everyone that chooses to say “yes” to the Lord, and follow Him wherever he leads us. Whether that be to help our neighbors in our own community, to sweet children in Battambang or to work alongside the locals in Kampala, Uganda.

Acts 26:17-18 – I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Happy New Year!
amanda