Looking for a Sign

Have you ever asked God for a sign?  When you have a big decision to make, do you ever wish God would just send you an email and or a text message and make His will really clear?  Yeah, me, too.

Has He ever done that for you?

In most of our experiences, He hasn't.  Up to this point in our lives, it seems like God has given us choices - and often, more than one good choice.

In 2011 we were praying about what was next.  Jordan was offered a job as a youth pastor in western PA, but we were also interested in pursuing full-time missions in Europe.  We believed our call was to make disciples.  But where?  God said, "Make disciples."  OK, God.  We get that.  But where do you want us to make disciples?  "Make disciples," He replied.  We chose to make disciples in Europe, more specifically, in France; more specifically, Aix-les-Bains.

After 5 years in Aix-les-Bains (3 more than we ever imagined!), we were once again asking God:  What's next?  For over a year we've prayed, talked to other missionaries, visited cities, studied statistics.  We had hoped to know where we were moving to in 2019 before we left France in October 2017, but we just never felt like we had enough clarity or confirmation to make a commitment.

And then, on August 19, 2018 God spoke clearly.

Through a message at Mt. Carmel EPC, Jordan and I sensed God asking us, "Will you trust Me enough to move your family to Lesvos?"  Our answer:  Yes.  We will move forward in faith and obedience, trusting God to provide for us and answer our questions as we go.

While we often ask for signs or hope for writing on the wall, we don't necessarily expect such a clear response.

While we are sad to leave France, a place we loved and called home, we are excited about the ways God is moving in Lesvos among the refugees; what a privilege it will be to participate with Him there!  We also feel such relief and peace about making this huge decision and thank God for His clarity and the unity He's given us.