As I write this blog, I am in Guyana, South America with two of my sons (Micah and Judah). We have been here six nights and are preparing to fly back to the United States tomorrow (Friday). It has been a good trip and we look forward to sharing our experience with you.
Genesis 12:1 has served as a powerful passage in my understanding of God’s call on my life and on God’s call for Living the Adventure Ministries. We read in Genesis 12:1, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” God’s call on Abram’s life required a deep level of faith and a willingness to trust the Lord for the future. In Hebrews 11:8 we read of Abraham, “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.”
We tend to be people who want the entire plan laid out in front of us before we take the first step. We like the control of a schedule and a plan that clearly delineates each step of the way, and we are reticent against experiencing any surprises. Our Guyana trip is an experience of faith and trust in the Lord to show us our next step. As I was praying earlier this year about our summer Haiti Trip, I realized the situation in Haiti was too tenuous and unsafe. The ongoing unrest and violence could not be overlooked. I spoke with leaders in Haiti who advised me to postpone any travel plans to Haiti. As I prayed for God’s leadership for next steps, Guyana came to my mind and my heart. In previous trips to Haiti, I had met some pastors from Guyana and know that Guyana is in the same Caribbean Methodist Church as Haiti. Though the pastors I already knew were not living in Guyana any longer, a friend in Haiti put me in touch with Rev. Noelsaint Badette, Circuit Pastor for the West Demerara Circuit.
I sensed God calling me to Guyana, but I did not know why. We continue to take steps daily to discern God’s direction for our future relationship with the church in Guyana. We have spent time meeting with church leaders, visiting local churches, and praying. I sense God has something more for us in Guyana, but at the present time, I am still unclear as to what the future will hold. Yet, I am committed to continue to “go where the Lord will show me.” I know the Holy Spirit will guide our steps as we continue to walk in obedience.
Where is God calling you to go? Are you willing to go without the full knowledge of the plan? I pray you will experience the faith to take the first step and continue taking steps as the Lord leads your life.
Let me take this opportunity to invite you to our Celebration Banquet on Saturday, August 27 at Troy United Methodist Church in Troy, Illinois and on Saturday, September 10 at Carmi Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Carmi, Illinois. Each evening will begin at 6pm with a meal and will feature presentations about where God has used Living the Adventure Ministries over the past 15-years and a vision for where we see God at work in giving us a vision for the future. The evening will conclude by 8:30pm. If you plan to attend one of these banquets, please RSVP to me (matt@livingtheadventure.net or 618-830-6670).