Yes…I know it’s the second post I’ve written today. But, I can’t go to bed without sharing what God did today. We made it through Georgia, South Carolina, and stopped in Greensboro, North Carolina. After 12 (yes TWELVE) years of praying, waiting, longing, and begging, God finally allowed me to see one of my girls from Taiwan.

I met Jenny when I was only 22 (though I felt much older), and she was 24. I had just finished college, and I knew God called me to spend two years serving overseas with the International Mission Board.  In my estimation, I took the Taiwan position because it was the only job description that didn’t have the words “church planting” in its title (plus I could wear shorts). These may not be the most “Godly” reasons for choosing where to spend two years, but, in God’s goodness, He often uses our shallowness to bring about His ultimate plan. I, indeed, was part of a church planting team. But, I soon found out that planting churches had nothing to do with building buildings but building people. Jenny was one of the first Christ followers I met (she had only been a Believer for a month), and I had the amazing responsibility of discipling her. At that time, I knew very little about discipleship, and I was even more clueless on how you actually DID it. All I had modeled to me was Sunday school lessons, but how did you disciple someone when all you had is the Bible?! Oh, how thankful I am the Lord dropped me in the middle of a country I did not know, with a people I did not understand, and then gave me His Word alone as my guide! I soon found out that all one needs is scripture!

Back then, I didn’t know anything about the inerrancy, infallibility, and sufficiency of scripture. All I knew is that God’s Word was powerful, perfect, and everything I needed for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3, 2 Tim. 3:16-17). I didn’t know anything about men and women’s roles in the church or the home, Calvinism vs. Arminianism, or even cared who was in “power” at the higher levels of the SBC and IMB. All I knew was I had some amazing team leaders who modeled a Godly marriage, showed me how to minister and then empowered me as a woman in ministry, taught me the importance of evangelism, and loved on me as if I was one of their own. Guys, THIS is what it’s all about.

As I sat there looking at Jenny tonight, God reminded me of the simplicity and blessing of serving my Savior. In our “American church-isms,” we often make ministry too difficult. It’s about JESUS! It’s about making HIM famous. It’s about serving Him and not man. I am so thankful the Lord has given me the opportunity to go to seminary and get two degrees. But, oh, to go back to the simplicity of ministry. To realize that in my weakness is where God is strong. To understand that He is the only One that matters. These are the things I taught Jenny all those years ago. And, tonight, the student became the teacher.

My life is forever changed because of the girls I met, led to Christ, baptized, and then discipled those many years ago. Father, thank you for giving me these precious ones. And, thank you for allowing me to see how they have continued faithful to you and your Word. “I have no greater joy than to hear (and see) that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 emphasis added)

My family with Jenny’s family (Kyle and Amanda)

AHHH! I haven’t seen you in 12 years! (Let the ugly cry commence.)

She will always be one of “mine.”

Amanda with Amanda Grace (my namesake)