Fishers of Men.

MARK 1:17-18

'And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you BECOME fishers of men." IMMEDIATELY, they left their nets and followed HIM.'

How often do we read something, but never take the time to dwell and process through its purpose. I have read this section of scripture everyday this past week, and not until Thursday did I truly dwell. Why did they leave everything that they held important to follow someone who said "Follow Me"? All who follow the Lord know that it was the understanding that there is something greater than ourselves. I want my life to be defined by someone who immediately responds to the Lord's calling, wherever it takes me. I want to become and abide in my Heavenly Father to become a fisher of men.

Friends & Family.

We have just finished our last week of Foundational Training. In that we listened to 37 different sermons, learned the basics of teaching, preaching, and mentoring, and studied four different ways to study God's Word through P'shat, Remez, Drash, and Sod. Needless to say it has been a busy three weeks! At our commissioning ceremony I was asked to speak in front of all the families that Hosted each apprentice. I shared my "GO" story, and realized that this is just one of many moments that I will get to proclaim the Lord's faithfulness. They also asked me to appear on a radio show with some other teammates on Sept. 11th! I am in awe of all the opportunities that have come my way already.Tomorrow we start our first day in the church office at Journey Fellowship, and I am so excited to put to test what I have learned. 

Last Saturday I moved into my permanent host home, the Cofields, and they are absolutely amazing! They remind me so much of my family it's crazy. I have my own little apartment where I can truly focus and retreat. They are extremely musical and are constantly praising the Lord with their gifts. My first night here they prayed over me and my eyes filled with tears in recognition of how blessed I am. A huge smile just came over my face as I again realize that every need has been met in abundance!

We are yet to hear from Judson High School in reference to our admittance, but our team has not taken a backseat to our commitment to these students. Just today we spent time walking around the school praying over each student that will enter its doors. We know that greater is HE who is in us than he who is in the world. My prayer for these next couple of weeks is that we would live a life of expectancy of what the Lord will do in this school. Sometimes it is so hard to not just go volunteer to coach something just to get into the school, but I know my work would be in vain if it is not the Lord's timing. Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord (I try to remind myself that!)

Almost every single day this week I have received a letter from someone back at home. I cannot begin to describe how encouraged I am by this. I even had a teammate that asked me, "How did you get so many people to send you stuff?" to which I responded, "My community and fellowship is so incredibly wonderful at home! The Lord knew I needed this!" Thank you to all of you that have diligently prayed for our team and the ministry. I have grown weary at times while driving the team members from house to house (some days my commute was 4 hours total each day). Your letters and prayers remind me that even the little things should be done with a joyful heart unto the Lord.

Please continue to pray for open doors to Judson.

Pray for soften hearts on our team so we can best serve the Lord.

Pray for a servants heart while I drive and struggle through my personal pride.

Pray for the Lord's love to abound in our actions.

Each of you are treasured in my heart, and I literally could not do this without your support. 

You are the Lord's hands and feet.

Jessica.