an out of the box God.

Hey friends!! I have a little trip update for you guys. 

As many of you know I have been fundraising and preparing to go overseas to Asia in January. Due to COVID-19 there has been a slight change in plans. Without a viable way to get into the country and many restrictions in place my team is unable to go to Asia. So with that being said I have been given a few options. Some being cancellation, postponement, and a few new destination options. Since finding this out last week, I have been in prayer over what the right option is. 

SO, having made my decision, I am so excited to say that I am now traveling to South America on launch day! I will have the opportunity to share the gospel in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. There is possibility of spending the entire 3 months in Ecuador, depending on what covid restrictions look like when the time comes. Our ministry could look like… youth ministry, special needs ministry, homeless ministry, drug rehabilitation, and local church outreach! I am so excited to experience the culture of another place in the world and to take you all on this journey with me!

Something I talk about a lot is how I have such a heart for Asia and the people of that country. So yes, I was a bit disappointed and sad when I found out that I would not be launching for Asia in January. I have been preparing my heart and mind for this country for about 10 months now so it was a bit surprising to find this out just last week. But something that I truly have felt this entire process was that, it really isn’t the location that matters because it all comes down to the fact that we are spreading the gospel to glorify God and bring people closer to Him. We were built to worship God through all we do. Ultimately, if we are seeking Him and pursuing Him, He will send us to the places or situations He wants to use us in. When making my decision I realized that if I were to choose to postpone just so I could have the possibility of going to Asia, it honestly would be a very stubborn choice. It would be me saying “No God, I want to go to Asia so I’m postponing till summer. I don’t care if you have a reason in sending me to South America because I want to stick to what I want.” That would become a journey for Julie, not a journey to glorify God. Yes, South America was very unexpected and I have never seen myself going there. Yes, I had gotten my heart and mind prepared for Asia. But honestly, i think that’s the beauty in it. The character of God isn’t predictable, He isn’t a God who makes us live comfortably, and we most definitely cannot put Him in a box. When we finally get comfortable and prepared, well that’s right when God jumps in and changes the plans. He does this to stretch us, to grow us. I have no idea what He is going to do in South America. I’ve never experienced that culture like I have experienced Asia. I know nothing about that country.

But that’s all the more reason to go.

I go so I can understand another culture, so I can empathize with another people group.

I go so I can listen to a broken person, so I can make a little girl feel seen or a little boy feel loved.

I go because God changed my plans.

I go because God is an unpredictable, out of the box God.

I go because its not for the glory of me, it is for the Glory of the King.

I go because God sent me.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20