25 October 2016

Celebrating 15 years as a missionary in Kenya; how God interrupted my life

My four children, December 2011


Becoming a missionary or living abroad was never on my radar.

I had raised my four children alone, as a single mom, after an unwanted divorce.

In spite of the situation, we thrived throughout those years and God proved his faithfulness over and over again.


Around the same time my kids were venturing out on their own, God dramatically interrupted my life. He began stirring something in my heart, and soon a series of events unfolded rapidly. I followed his lead, by applying for a passport and selling my house.

Almost before I knew it, I was on my way to the other side of the world. God sent me to Kenya, East Africa, a place about which I knew virtually nothing. Not only had he 'connected all the dots', he had masterfully put them in place!

By his design, he supernaturally connected me to a handful of single parents and their children. His desire is that I love them as my 'neighbor', the second greatest commandment.

God comes alongside us when we go through hard times,
and before you know it, he brings us alongside
someone else who is going through hard times so we
can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
      ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4, Message

My mud hut, 2003


To be sure, there have been some ups and downs along the way, but God continues to prove his faithfulness again and again in my life.

I still stand amazed at this drastic pivot. Only God Almighty could have orchestrated everything so perfectly.

The woman who is ready for God and His work is the one who receives the prize when the summons comes. Readiness means we have no choice in what we want to do, but that whatever God’s plans may be, we are there and ready. Jesus Christ can put us wherever He wants. Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God. A ready person never needs to get ready; she is ready. 
    ~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

God bless, thank you for your Bio, wow! I join you in knowing when He speaks, to be able to hear His voice crystal clear is an awesome amazing experience, which only He can direct! Hallelujah, to our Faithful Father! Joan K.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord for His working in our lives often in ways we never expected - what an adventure to live for the Lord!! Exciting to hear that the Lord has faithfully kept you in Kenya for 15 years. Praise Him!!
Praying for you - Nancy Smith

Anonymous said...

Wow – 15 years! It has gone fast, from this side! Enjoyed this read! Sharon

Anonymous said...

Don't forget to celebrate. What an accomplishment and milestone you have reached. Now I wonder what God has planned for the next 15 years. Jim D.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on fifteen years of faithfulness in serving your Master. I really like the quote from Oswald Chambers about why you are serving the Lord. It covers your life beautifully. I have learned so much from you. Thank you, Dear Friend. I know you are in the center of His will fulfilling Micah 6:8 - "...do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God."
Love, Marge

Kimberly said...

I just found your blog (left a comment on the triangle illustration) and thought it was interesting to find the Oswald Chambers quote here since that is the one devotional book I brought along to my other-side-of-the-world life for 10 months where everything had to fit into 2 suitcases. :) Love Chambers and his insights. --Kim Molter

deb said...

Kim, I also love Oswald Chambers and have been reading him for years. -deb