Jacob’s journey: How God re-directed a life

Last August my Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM) director asked me to pray about a mission trip to China during Christmas. I thought, “No, not me,” but promised to pray about it. At the last possible minute (literally) I told God that if this is what he wanted then I was all for it and submitted my application. Two days later I was told to start preparing myself for China. Little did I know that it would change my life forever.

This trip to China was my FIRST mission trip EVER, so I wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that I asked the Lord to use me in whatever way he wanted, and that whatever he asked of me I would say yes. Saying “yes” to the unknown can be scary, but I knew that I was going there with God's guidance, so what did I really have to fear? I told a few close friends that I really felt God telling me that something BIG was going to happen on that trip. Boy, did it! On my team were 7 college students, one J-man, and a full time missionary were amazing. Before leaving the orientation site in Hong Kong we made a list of specific things we wanted to see God do through us during our time in-country. By the end of the project, God was faithful to answer all of our requests. Seven people came to know the Lord while we were there. We asked God for 51 new believers and with all the seeds that were planted, and the follow-up by in-country personnel I am confident that God will meet and surpass the 51 we asked for faithfully.

Another of my prayer requests was that the Lord would show me on this trip what he wants from me in the future. I graduate from Florida State University in Spring 2001, with a major in web development and computer networking. I know the potential future wealth connected with these skills in the secular business world, but, I have also seen God use me in the lives of youth in my local church for the last year. Where did my future lie?

On the Thursday night before Christmas, my entire team prayed that God will reveal to me the plans he has for my future. They had no idea that God and I had been having the same conversation all day. God would speak to me and I would respond like Moses, full of doubt, that I did not have the skills to do what He wanted me to. The next day in one the villages God's call to me was clear. “COME BACK,” He simply said.

That night, in a hotel in the city I told God yes, and he assured me that he would take care of everything—me, my family, and providing the way to come back. A couple of days later I told my team that I the Lord had answered their prayers, and that I was coming back.

With one mission trip under my belt, I have chosen a mission lifestyle. I am applying for the Journeyman program, knowing that I will be coming back to a land of oppression (Ecclesiastes 4: 1 -3), but bringing the relief that comes from our Great Comforter.

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