For the last four years since my visit in 2006, I've been praying about going to Israel as a part time missionary or as a volunteer to work among people there for at least a certain period of time.
There was opportunities for me to go but every time I brought it up before the Lord, He said, "No, not now. Wait." So I waited and waited.
Over and over, I had to surrender that dream into His hands and not pursue it on my own (otherwise I'd just mess it up).
Then, last May, a dear friend of mine, from college, told me that she was going to Jerusalem for four months this summer to work as a part-time staff volunteer at a place called Shevet Achim.
Shevet Achim was founded with the purpose of helping non-Israeli children receive lifesaving medical care in Israel. The name is taken from the Hebrew of Psalm 133, which promises that unity between brothers leads to life.
I was immediately attracted to the program for some strange reason that I can't quite explain and for the last few months, I've been following up on their updates via email and I began to pray about doing it, possibly next summer for two months, but had some doubts about it. What if they don't want me because of my hearing loss? What if....? You can imagine.
Then the Lord spoke to me, "Do not be afraid. Do not doubt. For nothing is impossible with Me and with Me, you can do all things! My timing is always perfect."
Then I felt this great peace in my heart and knew that if they told me I couldn't work with them, God will provide another opportunity and BETTER timing too!
So, I decided to email the international director of the program and told him about my heart for Israel and how I desire to go there as a volunteer and minister to the people. I also mentioned my hearing loss even though I didn't want to.
Not expecting a reply for some time, I was surprised to hear back from the director the very next day!
The very first thing he said was that he liked what I shared and the second thing was that my hearing loss is my best qualification (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) and then he attached a staff application!
I was so overwhelmed with gratitude and joy and encouragement- I couldn't believe that they want me to work with them regardless the fact that I cannot hear!
Curious about what the staff do, I sent another email and found out that not they only take care of the children, they also host families of the children and need help with cooking and cleaning and the list goes on. At once, I knew that is what I've been looking for and what I wanted to do, being a servant to others. "
As Elisabeth Elliot said about being a servant of God, "It's a tall order to take the lowest place, to lay it all at His feet, and to listen for His next small wish. Yoked with Him, we can do this as easily as we can conquer more exalted worlds."
God is so faithful!!!
I also got another encouraging email from the director after I asked about the funds, "But we’re encouraging short-term people to first ask God’s help with the airfare, and then direct any other support that comes in to Shevet Achim staff support. It will all go into one pool and we’ll share and trust the Lord to meet all of our needs. If you don’t have enough personal support for monthly expenses, we’ll be glad to take you anyway. And if you have more than enough, you’ll be a blessing to others."
Even though I have nearly a year to pray, prepare, and get the funds I need, I know that it will all work out if it is God's will. But how can it not be His will if He didn't put this burning desire in my heart in the first place and love for Israel and the people there?
Thank You, my Abba, for providing this great opportunity and for teaching me the value of patience and waiting upon You and Your timing... there is nothing more perfect.
