I just spent the past month at pre-field training with my team. To be honest, there is no way I can fit what I’ve learned and experienced in a blog post. To give you a little glimpse into what it was like and what the Lord is doing in my heart, here are some excerpts from my journal:
“I feel as though my world is shifting.
I am preparing to leave my home for a new home.
I will need to learn a new culture and their values.
I will have to lay down what I have learned for 21 years
And unlearn my way of life that has been influenced by my American heritage.
Why would I do this?
Why would I let go of my knowns and adopt what I don’t know?
Why would I leave my people for another people?
Why would I turn from job security and “safety”
Why would I give up my comforts and the people that I love?
Because I am compelled by God’s love.
Because God is worthy.
Because my life is His and I am a vessel.
Because of the weight of glory.
Because every tribe, tongue, and nation must hear.
Because His Kingdom is greater than anything else this world could offer me.
Because I am in love with God.
Because He has stirred my heart to compassion for His people.
Because God is good and faithful.
Because I trust God with my life,
May it glorify Him, come what may.
I can’t help but get caught up in the winds of His mercy and grace.”
Cross-Cultural Training, 9.15.2021
“I AM WHOLLY COMPELLED BY THE LORD’S COMPASSION, TRUTH, & GRACE TO GO TO THE NATIONS & LIVE AMONG THEM & SHARE HIS TRUTH & LOVE AT THE COST OF MY LIFE AND DESIRES.”
A Declaration, 9.23.2021
“Let all that remain be love
When my life is over
and I’ve drawn my last breath
I want love to be my echo
a love that only comes from you
a love that is perfect
a love that builds bridges
& breaks down walls
a love that sees
& reaches beyond borders
a love that is perfect
a love that casts out fear
May I carry Your love
May it be raised high like a banner
May it be worn like a seal on my arm
When all is said and done
All that will remain is You
You say You are love
So all that will remain is love.”
Only Love Remains, 9.24.2021
“Jesus, I am your disciple. A disciple is not just a fisherman from bible stories, they were real people and you did life with them. You asked them to leave behind everything to follow you. They walked beside you. They sat in on your teachings. They didn’t understand everything that was to come, but they still followed you. They were broken people who had doubts and fears and were not 100% reliable. They carried on your ministry after you left. If I had only been walking with you for three years, I would be terrified to be given such a responsibility. Yet at the same time, they must have known you so well and been convinced of your truth and ministry. They gave their lives for your church. I am blown away and convicted. Would I have had that faith and conviction? I don’t know that I would have. What I do know is that I am a disciple of you now. I am leaving behind my comforts and “future” to say yes to you. My life is for the continued ministry that you began. I am charged by you to continue on--to go to all nations, teaching, baptizing, and making disciples. Making disciples means that they also make disciples. It is an endless string of the most honorable question, “Come follow me [Jesus]?” and it’s the most noble use of one's life as it is given to You for the furthering of Your Kingdom. We are all broken people, but when God’s light is in us we become a beautiful kaleidoscope that reflects God’s love, beauty, truth, and grace. That is my story. That is my life with Jesus. I trust that he is worthy of all of my life. Jesus, help me be a disciple that makes disciples. Help me to carry on your ministry. What an honor and joy.
Your disciple,
Liv”
‘Yes’, 9.28.2021