Approved!

So is has been a couple weeks since my last post and much has happened. I wouldn't do most of it justice by combining it in with this post. I will use this post only to say that I am approved! After a lengthy application process, I am official. I am now an Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God World Missions.

The notification came on Friday night, April the 1st, while I was at work.  They had actually send me a message online earlier in the day around 5. I didn't see that message until 8 pm. I have to tell you, being April 1st, I thought about whether it was a joke for about a minute. I kinda realized that it wasn't and started telling everyone around me. I still had another hour and a half of work left before I could truly go celebrate. That was a scattered hour and a half. It was very hard to focus on my job. My last hour at work is one of the most important because I wrap everything up and make sure that the next technician who will work on anywhere from 20-30 computers, has clear enough notes from me to pick up right where I left of and the entire Geek Squad Precinct is in order. As I was leaving, a co-worker asked me what I was going to do to celebrate. I told him, "Praise God and go home and pray." That is exactly what I did. I had not been cleared to raise any funds up to this point. I have worried about the fact that I was going to have very little time to raise all of my support (I have until the end of the year) and until I was fully approved by AGWM, I would not have an active account. So the first thing for me was to praise God for his continued faithfulness throughout this journey. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to finally say that I am an AGWM missionary. I haven't doubted that this day was coming but that little green light lifted a weight off my shoulders... and added another.












I thanked and praised God my entire ride home. I was and am still very excited but now I am a bit nervous for a new reason. I have never been a very outgoing person when it comes to people. I am more quiet and reserved. I prefer to be in smaller groups of people. I am more of a listener, than a talker. I do talk sometimes. I guess I talk about things that I am passionate about. I'm not sure how that will work with my itineration. I feel kinda like how I think Moses felt in Exodus 4. I go back and forth with my prayer to God. Sometimes it is "Please Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue", wanting for Him to send me an Aaron, all the while knowing that His response is "go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say." Other times I am reminded of advice from some itinerant missionary friends of mine (the Smiths) who received this advice from other missionaries (the Coles) that "God already has all our support prepared for us, and He will prompt the hearts of those who are to give towards our journey. All we need to do is walk in obedience to His calling."

That is the point when I remember all of the things God has done for me and through me (Josh 4) and allow it to encourage me. It changes my prayer to "God, I surrender. Lead me where to go, speak through me and have me say what needs to be said. This is all about you and you being glorified in all nations."I had heard many stories saying that my final approval could take from two weeks to two months. Mine took TWO DAYS! God is amazing! I also am thankful for all of the people working behinds the scenes at AGWM. My online account was supposed to take up to a couple weeks to get active, but it is up an running. Thanks to the tech guys who made it happen. I appreciated your hard work. Time to get started!

⁶"Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' ⁷then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off ' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever."

Not really waiting... because God is moving.

So, my last post was about how I was going to have to wait a little longer for the application process to move along. Instead, the past two and a half weeks have been some of the most stressful days of this entire process. It actually started the very next day. On wed the ninth, I was off from work so I got to sleep in a little. I woke up and got dressed and ready before sitting down to do any work. After sleeping in late, showering and taking my time to get started, it was about 11 am est. That is when I checked my email and first got the news.

I woke up and had an email, facebook message and skype message about "something important" from a friend in Venezuela.  The "something important" was about Chris Nelson, the AG Missionary I will be serving under in Venezuela. I haven't really posted much about him yet but let me tell you a little about him.

I met Chris a few years ago when he was a youth pastor in North Carolina. He was invited to preach at Elevate (then Impact), the youth ministry I served in. One of my favorite sermons I have heard about being "moved in your bowels" for people, was a message he preached. I knew his family and him for a few years before getting the news that they would be moving to Venezuela to become missionaries. At that point, I had helped lead a few youth missions trips but at this time really didn't have a grasp on everything they were about to do. My admiration and respect in this regard, has grown tremendously over the last few years as I have become more missions focused.

We talked about how long the process would be for him and his family (wife Angela and three young boys) to get established and ready to host a team. It was going to be a few years so we let them know that as soon as they were ready, we would look into bringing a youth team to assist in whatever he needed. Eventually a time was set, July 2010. Up until this point, Chris had been like a relative that I would see every once and a while (I usually don't get to see my natural relatives often). We would see each other maybe a few times a year, bond instantly and catch up, maybe have a meal and have a good time, but most of the year we would wouldn't really talk. We weren't best friends by any means but he was someone I respected, and cared for. The trip in 2010 changed all of that in many ways.

Scott, Chris and I

The preparation for the trip involved them being on my mind more often then before. I of course prayed more often for the family and their ministry. After going on the trip and being in the field with them and the conversations we had during and since the trip, I can say that I feel a lot closer to him. Chris is as close as a brother to me and I know that I can count on him. He is never the one to back down to a challenge and it will be both a pleasure and an honor to do the Lord's work along side of he and Angela. 

On March 9th  Chris Nelson, and two of his staff members were in a serious accident. This accident destroyed his Speed The Light provided Vehicle. (Thank you to all of the youth who donate to STL and provide the much needed vehicles and audio gear for our missionaries. With the quality resources you provide, people are able to hear about the love of our savior!) The accident occurred when a bus apparently lost its brakes and then lost control. The bus swerved off of the road to it's right and then apparently over corrected and crossed the median and struck his vehicle.

The initial report said that 1 person had died in this accident and that 10 others were hospitalized. In the video below you can see the aftermath of the accident. Fortunately the initial report was incorrect. The Lord was with Chris Nelson and all who were injured in the accident. I can say with certainty that God was protecting him on that day. At the end of this post you will see some photos of the Land Cruiser with the entire driver side ripped off. Over the summer Scott Smith (a mechanic), Chris and I (both manly men... stop laughing) attempted to fix the window, which had come off track. This was not possible for us because that thing is built like a tank. Without the tools to fully disassemble a car, we were not getting to the inside of that door. When you look at the photos, you will be able to guess at the amount of force it would have taken to do that much damage to that tank of a car.

The Video (the video does get dark midway through)

Lets just say that the accident led to a very exciting few weeks. Including flights back and forth to Venezuela, getting stuck in Miami (twice) and being stuck in an elevator. Those are stories for another time. I am happy to report that Chris is doing well and is getting the medical care that he needs. He has successfully undergone a few surgeries to repair multiple breaks and fractures. I ask that you continue to pray for his complete and swift healing. Also pray for peace for Angela and the boys. I will give you some good news in the midst of this. There are at least 6 confirmed salvation decisions that are a result of a conversation had by the ever vigilant missionary Chris, with another patient while in the ICU. This conversation got to the patient's family and they came to visit Chris as a result of this. The Holy Spirit did His work and now there are six more names in the Book of Life.

On a side note, one of my green lights has gone yellow again. I was assured that it is not a bad thing and more of a reminder but it has added to my stress level over the past few weeks. Today I am laughing about it but two days ago I was not. I have learned to trust in God's sovereignty and timing in everything but sometimes I need a little help. Somehow though all of this he has working on me and how much I trust Him and His timing. Trust how He will work all things out for His purpose. Oh, that and I have 8 less months to raise my funds. :) Thank you for partnering with me and continuing to pray for me and the Nelsons. Thank you for helping to send me and encourage me throughout this time of preparation.  


14 But how can they call on someone if they haven't trusted in him? And how can they trust in someone if they haven't heard about him? And how can they hear about someone if no one is proclaiming him? 15a And how can people proclaim him unless God sends them?
Romans 10:14-15a
(CJB, Complete Jewish Bible)

Application update. (more waiting)

So my application is finally in the screening phase. It seems like it has taken forever to get the Credit check and Medical clearances complete. Now it back to waiting. That is probably not my strongest gift, though many of my co workers say it is. One coworker likes to say that I "have the patience of Job!" If that is the case Job was extremely frustrated with waiting, but was just really good about not making a big deal out of it. I prefer to be a man of action and it is often a challenge for me to realize that you can actively Wait on the Lord. I know that He is working everything out the way it is supposed to be, and at the appointed times. Sometimes, I just want to know "when will the appointed time be?" In the mean time, I should have some new posts for you within the next few days.  Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

Finally

For the past few months it seemed like everything was at a standstill. I know that things have been progressing, but from the application standpoint. I wasn't really seeing any progress. I had been waiting for some medical records to be located back in New Jersey. Back in the beginning of December, I had contacted my doctors office, attempting to get a record of my immunizations. I was told that I had to wait for them to get them from off-site storage. They said that it should take about a week to get it and a few more days to sort through it and fax me the information. 2 months and about 10 phone calls later, they finally had my records. They faxed me a second medical release form, because they didn't have the one I signed back in December. Just as I was getting ready to fax them back the signed copy, I received a call. It was the doctor's office calling to inform me that though they had located my medical records and knew that I had been immunized, they had no record of which ones I had received. Fun

I wasn't able to get in touch with the medical processing department. The person who handles my file was out of the office. I was going to let them know that I wasn't going to be able to provide proof of immunizations and see what was the next step. I was told that I can get some blood work done that may help identify what I may be immune to. Anyway later that night, I was on the phone with my mom and was just venting my frustration about the whole medical records thing, and she says, "I was just looking at a copy of them last week. I could send you a copy." So in a 10 minute conversation with my mother, I was able to accomplish what I couldn't do in two months with my doctor's office. Over the following 2 hours the ball began rolling again and a number of things began to take shape, but those will be other stories for other times. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers as well as continuing to stop by hear and read what's happening with me, even when I take over a month to write an update.

Approved!

This past Friday, November the 12th I received an e-mail from North Carolina's district missions board endorsing me as a Missionary Associate. That day was also the first day of North Carolina's Fall Youth Convention. It was a great day but everything felt different. It was sobering to realize that this may be my last time that I will attend Youth Convention with our students as a Counselor/Youth Leader. This whole process changes the way that you see everyday events. I love the fact that God has chosen me for this and continues to shape who I am and how I see the world. This one is short and life is gonna be busy with the holidays approaching quickly but I will try to keep you updated as much as I can.

* Sorry, I thought I posted this last month. Just shows how busy I have been, that I didn't even notice that it never posted.*

Today was the day

Today I had my interview with the district. It should have been relatively simple, but of course it couldn't be. I woke up, plenty early enough. I had shaved last night, just to make it one less thing I would have to do. I knew that I was going to be a bit nervous, even though I had no reason. I showered and began to dress in the clothes I had planned to wear. Of course, now my shirt looked wrinkled, even though it didn't look that way yesterday. I ironed it. Then did it again. Then one more time. (*note, I need to get better at ironing, or marry a woman who is good at it and doesn't mind) Now the shirt was perfectly pressed, but one problem. Now it looked dirty. As if the iron suddenly made my nice clean shirt dingy and covered in lint. So now I have to change shirts. Not a big deal, just having to adapt to the situation. I grab another shirt, and of course this one in completely wrinkled. I iron this one and finally get going.

Next up, the drive. I start driving down a two lane road that goes through the woods only to see traffic stopped. I didn't even wait to see what the problem was. I just turned around and went back to the Glenwood Ave to try and make up some time but to no avail. There was slow people crowding up the road like they were purposely trying to make me late. I called up and was able to get someone to let them know that I was running a few minutes behind (thanks Sean).

I walked into the interview and was extremely nervous. I still can't put my finger on a reason why. There were two members of the committee in the room and three were on the conference call. The questions that were asked of me were not difficult questions but my nerves made some of my answers not as clear as I would have liked. I remember at one point struggling to remember the word accountability. In the end, I don't feel that it went bad, but I do know that I didn't answer and say all that I feel I should have. I am not concerned about the outcome of the interview, as it is in God's hands. I just wish I hadn't sweat through my shirt!

Time for an interview.

I officially have an interview date set. On 11/11. I will be meeting with the district committee for my first interview. It is both exciting and scary at the same time. Every day is like that. One minute I am in a rush and feeling like there is so much I could be doing right now if I was already there. Then out of nowhere, I am hit with the feeling that I am unprepared. I haven't been praying enough, studying enough, Do I know enough about the country, etc. I've had this conversation with a missionary friend as well as with future missionaries who have all been where I am.  They all have said that if you aren't having these feelings that something is wrong. If you think that you are fully prepared to go to a foreign land and do battle with Satan on your own, you are mistaken. We can achieve nothing of significance without the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

(p.s. I thought I posted this a little over a week ago. Sorry)

2 down, 2 in progress, three more to go.

I was getting ready to fill out some more paperwork today, (Medical history) and I decided to take a look at my online application status.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that I have two green lights. Background check and placement are good. Credit check and District approval are in progress.  I should be able to book my meeting with the district missions board now.

On another note, yesterday was National Missionary's Day in Venezuela. I heard that my name was mentioned at a church there. I guess that's kinda cool! Well happy missionary's day to all of my missionary friends and even those who I don't know. For obvious reasons, I will not be naming the ones I know, but if you happen to be a missionary, I hope you enjoyed your day. Go ahead and enjoy today as well.  I'm praying for you!

Will you go? - Applying

So, I have started the application process to be a missionary. Truthfully, I started this process over a month ago. It began with a meeting with my missions pastor. For some reason that meeting was one of the scariest meetings in my life. I don't think that the actual meeting was scary, or even the thought of the meeting, but for me that was the point where I was saying, "ok God. I hear you and I'm going to listen".  It is very easy to say that "when God says go, I will go", but it is a little harder to actually do it. I've done it before, when I moved to Raleigh, NC but Venezuela is not quite the same as North Carolina. I actually submitted the first part a few weeks after the meeting. I can remember the day I submitted the first part. It was Sunday September 19th. It was an exciting day. A big difference from the night and morning leading up to the meeting. I never would have thought that I would be doing this. I can remember speaking with some co-workers earlier this summer and saying that I could see myself leading or helping to lead short term youth trips, but I didn't think I would ever go for any extended periods. Many of my friends have left the US to become missionaries. Now here I am, applying for a two year term. At the end of that term, I will have to reapply, if that is what the Lord is leading.  I finally understand what it was like for my friends to realize this call.

*It was brought to my attention that the photo above was actually the idea of Rachel Miller on our way home from Venezuela. Thanks. I love you girl!