En Route

God, I give you all of me;

I trust you with it totally.

Do with it what you will,

For you, oh Lord, are all I need, to fill.

I’m so excited to see what you’ll do—

This summer is all about you!

Before we’ve even started I have learned so much.

I’ve been blessed, oh God, by your glorious touch.

I know you will use us all,

‘Cuz we went for it and answered your call.

There is a reason you brought us here—

I pray that soon the reason rings perfectly clear.

Spirit, guide us in our conversations;

Be with speakers and listeners at all locations.

Jesus, you are the good news we all proclaim!

Help us remember the reason we came!

Let us give glory to our God all summer long.

Through worship, through praise, and through endless song!

 

So, this blog was written in the car on day one of car travels.  Well, the four hours to Austin, MN, anyway, to meet up with Ashley, my ride for the rest of the way.

This morning, before I packed my Bible, I read Act 20.  What hit me most was Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian Elders.  Verses 22 and 24: “And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.  But I do not count my life of value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of God’s grace.”  I have read a few of Paul’s letters in the past, including Romans, where Paul says that he would give up his own salvation for his people (the Jews) to be saved.  His heart is revealed over and over: Romans 9:2, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” Romans 10:1, “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.”

Over this last year, I have often times prayed for a heart like Paul’s.  Maybe I’ve just rejected opportunity to share.  But this summer, I will get to share where I never expected to.  Ever.  Inner-City Milwaukee?  I wouldn’t have thought of that back during first semester, that’s for sure.  The first part of Paul’s quotation, I feel like I can relate to.  Mostly.  I have given myself to the Spirit, letting myself become a captive.  I have no idea what’s going to happen in Milwaukee.  But not counting my life as any value to myself?  I have sometimes struggled with getting the “me” out of doing God’s work for him.  However, that is something I want to work on.  Lord, could you help me get the “me” out of your way?  Sweet, thanks.

I am so incredibly excited.  I’m a little nervous, yes, but not too nervous.  I trust God with my summer, so I’m not worried or nervous about much, actually.  He’s in control.  Just anticipatory excitement, as well as excitement to do God’s work and share his word.  It’s so awesome!

Prayer requsts…Oh, the good news is that I’m feeling much better and less sore where my seatbelt was!  But continue to pray for a quick recovery for my dad.  He’s a farmer who’s got no time for one-handed work!  Praise God for the willingness of my sisters to help him out with fieldwork!

Please continue to pray for all of us in Milwaukee this summer, as well as those who my group comes in contact with.  I love you all for your prayers!

 

SmilesSquared, Anna

 

Shot Out:

I could not have gotten here without all the support you all have given me, both with finances and all your prayers! Thank you all!