Free Indeed - Galatians 5:13-14

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14

Ten months ago I received news that the plant that I was working at was going to be shut down. I had the greatest job; it was exactly what I wanted to be doing. I was working with incredible people, where I was always challenged; I was given great responsibility in leading projects and being stretched in learning every single day. However, from the first time I heard of the plant closure I did not find myself anxious about finding a new job or making a decision on the next step in my career – I had a peace that I couldn't explain. I made a commitment to continue to work as efficiently and hard as I could until the plant was closed and all the work had been completed.

Looking back to October, I had no idea that having the perfect job taken away from me, would open up the door to an opportunity even greater than I could ever have imagined – to fulfill a calling and passion the Lord had put in my heart for many years. That passion is to love the lonely, care for the orphaned, provide for the poor, and give hope to the hopeless. I fully understand I cannot do these things alone, but through the strength of Jesus Chris and the Holy Spirit that lives inside of me, I pray I can be a vessel that the Lord would use to accomplish His will and bring Him the glory. Ultimately my purpose is to show love to others in the same way Jesus loves me.

While prayerfully considering what the Lord would lead me to do after the plant closure, my heart was opened to the opportunity to go abroad and serve in a new culture. I spoke to Luke’s sister, Ashley who served in Guatemala for three summers, and came back with knowledge of some really great ministries serving around the Panajachel, Guatemala area. She suggested speaking with Lloyd and Melanie Monroe, who run Porch de Salomon. After speaking with them, researching the work they are doing, and feeling a calling from the Lord, I decided I would partner with them and spend some time serving with their ministry. I am excited for the work they are doing including the following:

• Host short-term mission teams to work with and serve the indigenous people of Guatemala
• Build reinforced concrete block houses for indigenous families (Completed over 50)
• Provide free village medical and dental clinics
• Flexible Humanitarian Relief (Providing Food, Clothing, Housing, Medicine, Surgery, Transportation, Rehabilitation)
• Solomon’s Porch Cafe & Live Music Outreach
• Help Churches and Folks Transform

Over the last five years, I believe the Lord has been preparing my heart for this incredible journey, and not only my heart, but also the physical path to be taken. I could go on and on about the different ways the Lord has shown me his sovereignty and guided my path to exactly where I am right now allowing this incredible journey to begin. One of these awesome experiences began over a year ago, I was reading a book that challenged me to choose a specific country and pray for the people in that country. At that time, the Lord laid on my heart Guatemala. I have been praying for the people of Guatemala since that time – it is amazing that Guatemala is the country where He has opened this opportunity for me to serve.

During college, I was so incredibly blessed by a missions trip I took to Romania. Through this trip, the Lord softened my heart to understand his incredible grace and love. I have fallen so short of the life he designed for me to live, but because of his sufficiency and grace, I desire to be used, as imperfect as I am, to change lives and help others. God has blessed me abundantly; I am so completely undeserving of this, and for that I want to bless others. Since that trip to Romania, I felt the Lord calling me into Ministry to share with others the blessing and hope that God brings to my life. (Picture Posted)

Recently, while reading the book “What’s the Difference,” by John Piper – I found this quote “The greatest freedom is found in being so changed by God’s spirit that you can do what you love to do and know that it conforms to the design of God and leads to life and glory.” This really hit home with me, honoring the Lord and bringing delight to Him is the purpose of my life on Earth. I am excited for this next step in my life, to learn about and love the people in Guatemala and I know the freedom to do this will indeed be liberating.

"So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36