Update

I have been thinking that I owe you all an update. I apologize for the lack of communication; you know how living life can get in the way! Haha

OK first things first, a part of The War College is to do a 2 month summer placement. I asked if I could have a paid placement (for reasons that I will explain next) and my principle said yes! To make a long story short I applied for a summer staff position with YouthWorks and got the Summer Site Director position for in Vancouver! YouthWorks' core purpose is to provide life-changing, Christ-centered mission trips. YouthWorks offers over 76 mission trip opportunities in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

This is quite extraordinary for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is that before coming to The War College I was applying to do an internship with a similar organization, but while I was filling out the application I heard God whisper to me “War College.” I gave up my dream, to follow what God asked me to do. Now He has given me my dream back! and far bigger and better than I had been planning for.

This morning Jesus was telling me “I love you Maria more than you even love yourself, and I know you better than you know yourself.” Amen! This is the truth I see in this experience. God knows the dreams, hopes, and desires of our hearts, and as we trust in Him He fulfils them in His perfect timing. He knew that I need to come to The War College, but He also gave me the desire to work with youth in intercity missions, so He gave me both! I am so thankful that I have a Heavenly Father that is looking out for me, all I have to do is listen to him and do what He says, and He will work all things out for my good. Thank you Jesus, thank you! Amen.

Next, in January I heard a small whisper say “You should go to Regent.” Regent College is a graduate school of theology in Vancouver. They offer Christ-centred graduate programs and courses bringing together vibrant evangelical faith and rigorous academics.  My initial thought was “no!” I had a plan; it did not involve going back into fulltime academic education. I wanted to move back to Victoria, get a job and start establishing community. But I had heard this small whisper before (the same one said “War College” to me just over a year ago) and I had had a similar reaction, I had a plan and it did not include The War College. Never the less I am in The War College, so this time having learned my lesson I did not rule it out right away. I went into prayer. I asked some wise council to pray for me. After some time, a lot of thought, prayer and conversation, I have decided to attend Regent College in September.

This means I will not be moving back to Victoria. God asked me “Maria are you willing to give up your desire to move back to Victoria to do what I am asking you to do?” I said “yes.” I believe that God wants to use Regent to further equip me for the work He has for me in His Kingdom. This decision was just another step of me dieing to my dreams, plans and will and submitting to His. I know from my experience with The War College, to die (to my plans) is to truly live (in His perfect plans). Please know that it is by no means all sunshine and rainbows, but it is worth it. Even more than that it is the only way to be truly living!

Please be praying for me. I need a lot of prayer.

My position this summer comes with a lot of responsibility, more than I have ever had before. I can only lead out of my own natural ability so far. I need Holy Spirit to be my guide, teacher, and counsellor. I also need Him to produce the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control) in me all summer long, in abundance!

Regent is not cheap. I need money. I believe that God is asking me to go to Regent so I trust He will provide. Please pray for the His continued provision (this paid placement is part of His faithful provision, thank you Jesus Amen).

I am filled with joy over the abundance of blessings that He has poured out over me. I praise your Name Jesus, thank you for loving me to the core, for transforming me, for not leaving me where I am at, but taking be deeper into your truth and grace. All my blessings come from you Jesus, thank you! Praise be to your Holy Name, King of kings, may my life glorify you in all, for you alone are worthy of it all. Amen.