Did you know that we serve a true living God Who heals? A true living God Who knows our struggles and dreams? A true living God Who hears our prayers and has a hope and a future for us? Now, let me ask you. Have you ever been in a place in your life where you don’t know where your next step would take you? I did. I was medically discharged from the US Army in 2006 and I felt like that was the worse time of my life. After I signed my discharged paper, I didn’t know what awaited me. I knew in my heart God provides, I knew He had a plan for me, I knew He’s with me and He will never leave me nor forsake me, but honestly, with my physical condition and the pain I was in, I asked God what is His plan for me. I didn’t get an answer from God at that time. I admit, I was lost! However, I found faith is enough for the God I serve. In the meantime, I lived my life one day at a time and enjoyed serving God through my Church. A year later, after my discharged from the military, I stepped up to my calling to become a Missionary.

Two years ago in October (2015), I attended the “Hear the Call” Retreat hosted by International Ministries, held at American Baptist Churches/Canonicus Camp & Conference Center in Rhode Island. It was during that weekend God confirmed His calling in my life. Before the Saturday morning session started, I decided to walk around the Camp. As I walked on the trail, I prayed and enjoyed the beauty of the surroundings. The Camp was surrounded with beautiful fall colors leaves. A lot of leaves were on the ground. They looked beautiful on the trail. I picked up one leaf from the ground and God whispered in my heart, “Brokenness is only temporary. In the midst of brokenness, I am always there transforming my beloved with my healing hands into a beautiful person. Just like those trees in the winter season, after the leaves fall from the tree, and though it appears to be dead, transformation actually starts. In due time, new growth will slowly come forth and will once again be a beautiful and healthy tree with beautiful flowers. I am sending you out to be a vessel of my Word to my beloved people who do not know me and I will shine through you to the broken. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I will be with you every step of the way and I will bless you.” Ha! That night, my reading was in Isaiah 41:10! “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  What a confirmation! 🙂

Two years later after the “Hear the Call” Retreat in Rhode Island, April of this year, I was endorsed as a full-time Global Servant with International Ministries and will be serving in Mexico. Ha! What can I say? I serve a true living God Who fulfills the desires of my heart! Honor, glory, and praises to the One Who directs my path!

Your Servant in Christ,

Jae