Russia? Me?

[Ashley]

hey guys...I don't post here very often. Here's the deal: my church is offering a missions trip to Romaskoia, Russia (just outside Moscow) this July. I went to the meeting this morning about it, and I really want to go. In fact, it's one of my life goals to serve on at least one missions trip before I finish college. On this trip, we'd be helping out a sister church already established by helping put on VBS for the children, evangelistic concerts for the youth, a basketball tournament and a women's conference to name a few. 2 years ago my church offered a trip to Scotland that I really wanted to go on, but was not able to due to finances. But after hearing what other missionaries have said, I'm convinced not only could I really be of service to the Lord through this, but that this is right for me.

My mom will tell you when I was little, I wanted to be a missionary. In a way, I kinda fulfilled that with CAA, but I really did want to go overseas. I've been to Europe before, and I can tell you it's like a whole different world. Not just the language, but the people...I guess you can say I just really have a heart for mission work. My ears, my heart and my time are one of the few things I have to give over to the Lord. However, I'm not without my doubts--money, parental permission, doubts that I'm good enough to go...etc. I know they always say "Where God guides, God provides"--financially I'm not *too* worried--but I'm more concerned with how I could really be of help when I have so many spiritual issues in my own walk at the moment. Like I mentioned before, there's also my parents. Mom is all for it because she wanted to be a missionary too at one time (then came dad and me...), but my father has always been extremely protective of me.

So now you know my situation. My real request is that you pray for:
* guidance
* confirmation
* means/ability would be shown soon
* confidence
* safe passage

And if the Lord guides to share some scripture or whatever's on your heart concering this, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much guys.

[Megami Tsunami]

wow, that sounds exciting! Of course I'll be praying for you

[Retten]

Sounds great I hope you have a good time and realy impact the people for Christ I will be praying

[Shinja]

cool, ill pray for you

[shooraijin]

Definitely.

[Spiritsword]

That is an awesome opportunity, Ash. I will pray that you gain spiritual guidance from the Lord in regard to this issue, and that He provides the means for you to go where you are called.

[Rev. Doc]

I have no doubt that God could use the talents He has blessed you with on a work such as this. Not to sound too trite but as the saying goes, "He's not concerned with our ability, but our availability." He will use the vessel that is dedicated to Him for His kingdom's work.

In regard to your own spiritual walk and issues, God speaks in mighty ways about our own struggles through opportunities such as this. But what is God's will for you in this matter? I like what Henry Blackaby wrote concerning this matter:

What is God's will for my life? - is not the right question we should be asking. I think the right question is, What is God's will? Once I know God's will, then I can adjust my life to Him. In other words, what is it that God is purposing where I am. Once I know what God is doing, then I know what I need to do. The focus needs to be on God, not my life!

God wants you to come to a greater knowledge of Him by experience. He wants to establish a love relationship with you. He wants to involve you in His kingdom purposes. He wants to accomplish His work through you.

Do you want to be a servant of God? Find out where the Master is, then that is where you need to be. Find out what the Master is doing, then that is what you need to be doing. Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." (John 12:26)

~Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God

My prayers are with you as you seek His guidence in this matter. And please let us know here if you will be going and how much support you need. I know some of us will want to help you to make this possible financially.

[true_noir_chloe]

Rev.doc you know all the best Bible studies. The Experiencing God study is one of the best.^_^

Ashley, I will definitely be praying for you and that God's will is accomplished.

[Rogie]

I'll pray for ya!

[Kokhiri Sojourn]

Me as well!

[Mithrandir]

I'm with RevDoc. I once heard a great sermon where the focus was on "How good do I need to be in order to serve God." I was rather surprised. It turns out people like Billy Grahm still struggle with this one - not to mention many pastors. Just tell God you are availible (more for your sake than his; He already knows) and if it right, He'll find a way. Let us know what kind of leading you get, and what kind of support you need. We're all here for you.

[Solid Ronin]

The Moscowians huh I'll pray for ya

[Matthew]

Sure, I'll pray, no problem.

Dear God, I pray to you now for my friend, Ashley, who wants to serve you, I ask that you show her what you want her to do and how to best do this, and if it's your will, I ask that you help her go on this trip, and I ask that you show her the means on how to do this, I ask that you give her the support and help of her friends and family, and give her the confidece needed to do this, I ask that you give her safe passage to and from russia, and let her be a great tool of your divine power and grace, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

[Rogie]

Hey, Ashley, although I've already posted that I'll pray for you, I just read a verse from Isaiah that immediately made me think of you. Here it is:

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." -- Isaiah 6:8

I'm sure the Lord showed this to me so that you would read it and find some kind of guidance and help in your time of decision-making. Let us know what you and God decide!

[Inferno]

sounds fun, I'll pray!

[Rashiir]

Awesome. I'll definitely be prayin'.

[Kisa]

I'll pray! I'd like to go on a missions trip sometime too, I hope God uses you well!

[kirakira]

I'm prayin. I have a teacher at school is is being called to missions in Russia. She's leaving the US this summer once her teaching obligations are up. And my dad goes there every fall for 3 weeks to teach the new pastores and such. He says that the ppl there are so hungered for Christ it's amazing. ^^ May God use you in mighty ways!

[Ashley]

A huge thank you to everyone who's been praying and sharing with me. I am still waiting for an answer whether this is right for me, and a good solid confirmation that is straight from God, but I won't give up hope on it just yet. Again, thank you for your prayers!