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Eleven years ago I went on my very first mission trip to New York City, New York. Eleven years ago I was 13. Eleven years ago, I didn't know how God would work in my heart, as He is now. Eleven years ago, I didn't know God.

We were excited to be going to NYC, and I don't think we really knew what we were in for! We were told that we were going to work at missions shelters and help the homeless! I didn't know what to expect, but man was I excited to go to NYC! We drove for 30 hours from First Baptist, Snyder to NYC on a hot and STINKY charter bus and served God. Is it possible to serve God before you even know Him? I think so, but I'm not sure! Maybe it was just a foundation for the future! Only He knows!

Fast-forward eleven years and here I am. Jeremy & I were having dinner tonight and for some really strange reason, I began to talk to him about missions. I shared with him that I think God might be stirring my heart again and that missions may be in my future. He just looked at me very confused, and stated that I better not expect him to go, as he has never felt led to go. Which is really okay with me! God calls each of us to serve him in our own way, and if God isn't calling him to serve him in missions, then I believe he would only be going in vain! Or maybe it would touch him? I feel the need to pray for him more regarding having God touch his heart, if it his will, towards missions and giving. I've always had a giving heart, and I thank God for this!

I'm not exactly sure at this point what God is calling me to do, but I will faithfully honor him! If I am called to go and serve him in another city, state or even country, I pray that I have my husbands support 100%! I know I am called to honor the Lord and I'm also told to honor my husband! I don't like to be away from Jeremy for more than a day, so I'm not sure how this would work out, but if a mission trip is in my future, I know God has everything taken care of, including this aspect! I know that God will only bless me if I do, and why not do something to share His love for others as He has me?

I found some scripture regarding missions and wanted to share with you, also!

Matthew 28:19 (New Living Translation)

¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 4:2 (New Living Translation)

² Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

^{2 Corinthians 3:8 (New International Version, ©2010)
⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?

So, some of you may be thinking, "Okay Amanda! How in the world did you get all this in your head? Why now? But how can you think of doing this when you are busy making a family??" But, why not? My JOB is to first and foremost serve my Lord! Once again, he doesn't OWE me anything especially children! They are a GIFT from Him! And if it is His will, then I will be joyful and praise him! Until then, I will SERVE HIM!!

Also, another contributing factor for me to want to do more, is this family of this precious boy. I don't know this family personally, but I feel God has shared his story with me so that I may be blessed! I personally feel that God is using him already to fulfill his purpose! I love his mother's heart and her dedication to the Lord during this excruciating time in her life! I cannot imagine and I pray for her daily!!!}