"...Has [God] ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" Numbers 23:19
Perhaps my coolest "faith stories" post-mission field came from my transition back to life in the States. When the decision was made not to return to Australia, the easiest and most convienent option would have been to start over in my current city (Tulsa, at that time). After five years of living in T-Town, the idea of transitioning back to Tulsa very much lacked appeal. Meanwhile, I had this inexplicable stirring/desire to uproot and replant myself on the West Coast, sensing specifically that something new was waiting for me in California. Yet, after two months of job searching from a distance (to no avail), I felt it was time to take some drastic measures...
Hours invested in praying, seeking counsel and collecting confirming words, slowly morphed into a faith-filled decision. I would simply up and move to the place I wanted to be...and trust God for the rest.
Yes, I'm a little crazy... ;)
Here is my "Sacramento Story," as told to my friends in a letter at the beginning of this year...
When you last heard from Miss Jennifer, she was about to board a plane, stepping out in faith to move to the incredibly random city of Sacramento, California. With no job, not so much money and only a handful of friends in the vicinity, she was all too aware just how big of a risk it was for her to move there.So many questions plagued her: Would she find a place to live (a bit more permanent than merely couch surfing)? Would she find a strong, missionally-focused home church? Would she make friends? Would she find a job? ... (Insert dramatic, cliff-hanger music here)
No need to anticipate the outcome, friends! I am here to very happily report that that transition has most definitely been worth the risk! Having journeyed here by faith, I am completely floored by God's faithfulness over the last three months. Because now, at the start of 2012, the answer to all those "Would she...?" questions is a resounding YES! In fact, since being here in California, not only have I received the fruit of those prayers...I've received far more than I could have ever imagined... :)
On October 9th, I touched down in Sacramento and was greeted at the airport by a family whom I'd never even met (this is sooo YWAM...). Jeff and Heather are an incredible couple who humbly consider it their ministry to open their home to strangers. With their own children having grown up and moved out, for the last several years, the Burton's have used the extra rooms in their house to house guests, exchange students...and now, missionaries-in-transition ;) Within a mere 30 minutes of our initial meeting, the Burton's looked me in the eyes and genuinely told me to consider their house, my home...indefinitely! No rush to search for a place, they said. They would support me (room/board) until I got on my feet. (What??? I JUST met these people! Apparently things like this really DO happen! Thank you, Jesus!!!).
No need to anticipate the outcome, friends! I am here to very happily report that that transition has most definitely been worth the risk! Having journeyed here by faith, I am completely floored by God's faithfulness over the last three months. Because now, at the start of 2012, the answer to all those "Would she...?" questions is a resounding YES! In fact, since being here in California, not only have I received the fruit of those prayers...I've received far more than I could have ever imagined... :)
On October 9th, I touched down in Sacramento and was greeted at the airport by a family whom I'd never even met (this is sooo YWAM...). Jeff and Heather are an incredible couple who humbly consider it their ministry to open their home to strangers. With their own children having grown up and moved out, for the last several years, the Burton's have used the extra rooms in their house to house guests, exchange students...and now, missionaries-in-transition ;) Within a mere 30 minutes of our initial meeting, the Burton's looked me in the eyes and genuinely told me to consider their house, my home...indefinitely! No rush to search for a place, they said. They would support me (room/board) until I got on my feet. (What??? I JUST met these people! Apparently things like this really DO happen! Thank you, Jesus!!!).
So, here I am, an adopted member of the Burton family, evidenced by my presence at the Thanksgiving dinner table and being counted in on the gift exchange at Christmas. What an amazing blessing not only to receive such hospitality and generosity, but to be considered family. There are no words to describe how beautiful this is!
Place to stay? Check. Now, of course, comes the church! As the Burton's and one of my original Sacramento friends both went to First Covenant...a large and influential ministry here in this city...I started attending by default. Very quickly, however, I came to love this fun, dynamic church and considered it my home. Never one to sit still or be shy, I jumped right in to church life at First Cov through volunteering with three major outreaches, attending an Equipping (discipleship) class, joining the young adults fellowship and joining a small group! In doing so, you can imagine that not only have I kept busy and engaged in some incredible ministry, but I've also made wonderful friends! Truly, I am so humbled and blessed by just how many genuine, close friendships I've developed with other singles in their 20's/30's, in only the last three months!
Oh, and speaking of church...as of yesterday, I am now the newest full-time staff member at First Cov! That's right: After 4 months of job-searching, over a dozen interviews and 72 (yes, I counted!) jobs applied for (just in Sacramento alone--that doesn't even include the dozens of jobs I applied for while in Tulsa), I finally got my dream job in the States! I am now hired on as the full-time Assistant for Worship, Outreach and Events (Could that be any more perfect???). What a testimony!!! After months and months of applying for dozens of different kinds of positions (most of which, frankly, I found difficult to muster up enthusiasm for), the Lord finally opened the door for me to work full-time in the exact areas of ministry I'm so passionate about...all within a church I love! All of my disappointment, waiting and questioning (the frustrated lament "Why can't I find a job, God???" came about every other week, often accompanied by tears and anxiety, I humbly confess) faded away as this opportunity was quite literally handed to me less than two weeks ago.
In December, two separate friends had prayed that instead of having to search out new job opportunities (as I had been doing for months), that God would prompt someone would approach ME about a job. As wonderful as that prayer was, I have to admit that I was a little skeptical...I thought it a bit too idealistic (Does that actually ever happen?). Hahahaha...despite my own doubts, that's exactly what happened! In talking with one of the pastors of our church, the subject of strengths/spiritual gifts came up...as did my lack of a job. Twenty minutes later, I left our meeting with an "Application for Employment" form in my hands. Eleven days later, I got welcomed onto the First Cov team.
Place to stay? Check. Now, of course, comes the church! As the Burton's and one of my original Sacramento friends both went to First Covenant...a large and influential ministry here in this city...I started attending by default. Very quickly, however, I came to love this fun, dynamic church and considered it my home. Never one to sit still or be shy, I jumped right in to church life at First Cov through volunteering with three major outreaches, attending an Equipping (discipleship) class, joining the young adults fellowship and joining a small group! In doing so, you can imagine that not only have I kept busy and engaged in some incredible ministry, but I've also made wonderful friends! Truly, I am so humbled and blessed by just how many genuine, close friendships I've developed with other singles in their 20's/30's, in only the last three months!
Oh, and speaking of church...as of yesterday, I am now the newest full-time staff member at First Cov! That's right: After 4 months of job-searching, over a dozen interviews and 72 (yes, I counted!) jobs applied for (just in Sacramento alone--that doesn't even include the dozens of jobs I applied for while in Tulsa), I finally got my dream job in the States! I am now hired on as the full-time Assistant for Worship, Outreach and Events (Could that be any more perfect???). What a testimony!!! After months and months of applying for dozens of different kinds of positions (most of which, frankly, I found difficult to muster up enthusiasm for), the Lord finally opened the door for me to work full-time in the exact areas of ministry I'm so passionate about...all within a church I love! All of my disappointment, waiting and questioning (the frustrated lament "Why can't I find a job, God???" came about every other week, often accompanied by tears and anxiety, I humbly confess) faded away as this opportunity was quite literally handed to me less than two weeks ago.
In December, two separate friends had prayed that instead of having to search out new job opportunities (as I had been doing for months), that God would prompt someone would approach ME about a job. As wonderful as that prayer was, I have to admit that I was a little skeptical...I thought it a bit too idealistic (Does that actually ever happen?). Hahahaha...despite my own doubts, that's exactly what happened! In talking with one of the pastors of our church, the subject of strengths/spiritual gifts came up...as did my lack of a job. Twenty minutes later, I left our meeting with an "Application for Employment" form in my hands. Eleven days later, I got welcomed onto the First Cov team.
I'm astounded by God's continual surprises...
To be honest, some days it was hard to view my transition back to the States in a positive light--to truly see America as a mission field. Yet, over the last several months, God keeps opening new doors that confirm that my life in California really IS a continuation of my life as a missionary. Every day, I am watching Him do deeply significant works in the lives of countless friends, family and even strangers, here in Sacramento. I am humbled to witness such wonderful ministry... and all without a passport ;)
God has always been so faithful to provide much more than I could ever ask or imagine. And I know His faithfulness will only continue to bless and surprise me in this next season.
To be honest, some days it was hard to view my transition back to the States in a positive light--to truly see America as a mission field. Yet, over the last several months, God keeps opening new doors that confirm that my life in California really IS a continuation of my life as a missionary. Every day, I am watching Him do deeply significant works in the lives of countless friends, family and even strangers, here in Sacramento. I am humbled to witness such wonderful ministry... and all without a passport ;)
God has always been so faithful to provide much more than I could ever ask or imagine. And I know His faithfulness will only continue to bless and surprise me in this next season.
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