One Step, Then Another...

Simply Mobilizing Canada /Tuesday, November 16, 2021

From time to time, we get glimpses into the impact of Simply Mobilizing courses and programs in the lives of participants. This testimony is from a Kairos Course alumnus who is taking one step, then another, as she follows God in paths she would never have anticipated. Be encouraged as you read these words—may they remind you and give you courage for the next steps that God is inviting you to take.

A Kairos Alumnus Story

I had the privilege of completing the Kairos course with Tracy in April 2019. Not only did this give me insight into missions and show me how imminent it is to live missionally wherever we are, but it also opened my heart to financially partner with a young missionary from the group.

While chatting with her during one of our evening sessions, she asked me if I had ever considered going away on a mission. I eagerly replied ‘yes’ I had thought about it, but with a full-time job, husband, family and farm, I wasn’t sure it would ever happen, and I was happy to support others.

She then asked me where I felt God was leading me if I could go. I responded, ‘the Middle East’. She asked what country or area. Here, I hesitated as the first country that came to my mind was Iraq. I didn’t say it out loud as I was shocked that it popped into my mind so solidly and even wondered ‘Where did THAT idea come from?’ I just replied, ‘I’m not sure’.

Fast forward to January 2020. With a desire to travel with our son before he graduated high school, I purchased 2 tickets to Australia for July 2020. Our plan was to travel and camp along the east coast for 3 weeks.

By March 2020, like many others, I was seeking a refund for those tickets. I did get a full refund and all thoughts of travel were changed by Covid. However, during the initial lock-down I had a recurring dream that I was arriving in the Middle East. I vividly recall the flight, the desert, the people, the travel, the rooms, etc. I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to be travelling, so I did not give the dream much thought.

In October 2020, God led me into a new job field. I must admit, while I understand transferable skills, I really had to wonder if this was right for me and if I was really following God’s plan for my life. After many internal battles, questioning God, and prayers, I finally came to a place of full surrender and asked him to show me His purpose for me there. I started to see the ‘mission field’ he had placed me in. Although I felt less secure in my job security and finances, I really felt like I had ‘arrived’ where God wanted me.

Just when I thought I was getting settled God opened a door in May 2021 that I couldn’t even fathom. He led me to join the BTJ Business forum and Vision casting trips to the Middle East, happening at the end of this month!

While I stepped into this journey hoping it would be a tidy, neatly packaged process, God has been preparing me for this trip one moment, one step, one dollar, one prayer and one blessing at a time. I am learning to trust in him in ways I never have before. I have had verses in the Bible and sermons have meaning and understanding that I have never understood before. I am so thankful for this journey and whatever it may bring, I will never consider myself ‘arrived’ at a destination again, but will continue to pursue running the race, whether it be in my home, my job, or abroad.

Your Story & Our Prayer for You

We don’t know where the next steps will take this course alumnus, and we don’t know where your journey of obedience has taken you. We’d love to hear your story if you’re willing to share it, but in the meantime, may you be encouraged by these words from Isaiah 30:20-21,

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Our prayer is that you will hear God’s guiding words as you take faith-filled steps of obedience into his mission, “This is the way, walk in it.”

* If you have a story you are willing to share with us, you can email Lorna Johnston at ljohnston@outreach.ca *

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