Return to the Mission Field- 12 years later

As I enter into  the city of Curitiba, in the region of  Paranha, Brazil,  it's hard to believe that 12 years have passed since I was here last. Many hours of prayers and walking have bathed this city since I left its bosom years ago. My heart rejoices in God's provision to return. When I left, there was only one Youth With A Mission (YWAM) base; now, there at least 4 bases. God certainly deals in multiplication. 

I have traveled through much of Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, and Israel. Yet here, the beautiful land, verdant and alive, fills my spirit. I see God's bounty and goodness in this place.

New friends and old places. Words of promises. I hear God  speak to my very soul: "Come and rest in Me."  And tiredness slips away from me like an old skin.  I stay in a little house on a hill. Everyday, I walk the hill or sit beneath the trees and listen to Him.  The lush green grass is a fresh carpet beneath my feet and the trees overhead provide an exhilarating canopy. I sing and pray in this quiet place.  I allow God to heal my pain and give me a new vision for working things out for me to go full-time on the mission-field. Africa is next, perhaps. Then from there to where?

As I prepare to leave teaching in one place and embark on teaching God's word wherever He leads, I know I must remain centered in His presence. When I first joined YWAM, I was given a life-verse- one, I hate to admit, that I immediately dismissed; since then Psalm 16:11 has become the banner for my life: "In your presence is the fullness of joy, and at your right hand, there are pleasures for evermore." I have experienced much in life in the way of worldly successes, but nothing compares to being still in His presence.

I pray that these entries will help you remain rooted and grounded in Christ as we seek to together to bring His kingdom in fuller measure here on the earth. I invite you on this journey as God completes what He began in me 12 years. Who knows where it will lead next? I've determined to follow the Shepherd where're He leads.

Your Fellow-traveler,

M.J.

It's been hard for so long,
but You are carrying me
when I hear nothing
when I see little
When I feel too much


You carry me

When I fall down
When I feel defeated
When I only want to give up
You carry me


From day to day
You stay the same
You carry me

You carry me


I don't know how
I stand up or walk
or how I can even crawl
but You lift me up


and You carry me

You carry me


This waiting room of trials
and expectations
beneath a load of cares
makes heavy feelings deepen
to despair




But even now O' Lord
with awe in my heart
I know You hear me and care
for You carry me

You carry me


Over the threshold into eternity
Carried in Your arms
for all to see


A beautiful Bride
I will always be