Final thank you to supporters
The famous author and Christian, J. R.R. Tolken once wrote, “not all who wander are lost.” I believe that we are all on a journey; we are wandering our own way toward discovery about ourselves and the world and most importantly truth. We are seeking for truth and justice our lives. It is a true joy and blessing the day, we realize that as we are wandering, we have not been lost, without purpose or divine perusal. God, as the creator of the universe and our very selves, is involved in our walk, our journey. He directs our path always toward himself and for his holy purposes.
Jesus guided me to New Zealand to specifically set aside time for him, to learn more about him and his love for me. I did not realize what this would cost or what I would discover. For three months, I was a part of a community that loved and encouraged me. For three months, I listened and learned from lecturers that shared wisdom and insight into God’s character, love and power. For three months, God held a mirror of my life up to my eyes and I saw myself as God did: proud, hesitant, selfish and wanting more of Him. He lovingly showed me that I did not understand true prayer. My prayer times included much talking but never listening or allowing God to speak into my life. Jesus showed me that I had doubts and hesitations about speaking boldly about him. I lacked confidence and feared what other people thought of my beliefs and me more than I feared my God. I also did not understand the true power of God and the Holy Spirit who lives in me. I disbelieved and ignored the Spirit’s counsel in my life. God’s mirror in my life showed me weaknesses that Jesus wanted to strengthen. For three months, God worked, I worked, he spoke and I listened.
Then, God sent me out. As a team of seven, we headed to Thailand and Cambodia to reflect, like a mirror, what we had absorbed and give it to others. I met backpackers from around the world; God brought these people to me. I was stretched out of my introverted comfort zone and asked by God to speak truth, love and justice into these people’s lives. At times, this meant just listening to an old man in the park for hours as he talked about his life. It was meeting a new friend and offering to pay for their meal. Seeing others’ needs before my own and sacrificing time and money. I spent a week with a German traveler who was hurting and sought friendship and something different than her life previously offered. I offered advice, friendship and prayer for a stranger. Our team shared meals, lodging, boats, taxis, time, love and JESUS! It was a difficult two months. Yes, we saw beautiful places, islands, culture and food. However, we were not vacationers. We had a mission and the mission was Jesus. We had a focus; and, that focus was others before ourselves. As seven individuals who are not perfect, along the way, we learned much about showing each other grace, forgiving when we hurt each other, prayer for one another and strength in God to get us through. It was a struggle at times but God’s purpose was bigger than us and He saw us through. I have been truly blessed by this experience.
I believe that the people we met have been impacted. They are following their own wandering trail and God has once again impacted their lives and given them direction. God has made himself clearly known to them and to all people.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, the things that have been
made. So they are without an excuse.” Romans 1:20
There is no denying God’s existence, he is everywhere; may we all live in this truth. My heart is particularly for the people I have met and I care about. May more Christians who are bold and faithful come into their lives and may God speak through them.
Even before my wandering journey in New Zealand, Thailand and Cambodia, God prepared me for this. He gave me a support team. These people cared about me and chose to strengthen me through finances, encouragement and prayer. You are my support! You have blessed me and been apart of my travels and experiences. Every dollar, every thoughtful word and email and every prayer has been significant. I am grateful and appreciate what it cost you to read my emails, give notes and encouragement, send me money and pray for my struggles and joys. I pray that God honors you and blesses you. May the Holy Spirit guide you and counsel you. And I pray that as you live, other see Jesus in you!
Thank you for blessing me,
Nicki
