Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ. You see what I did there…just trying to be silly. I know my past few letters have been intense. But we serve an awesome God! I am in awe of how the Lord has been using the word of God to speak to my heart. I prayed fervently prior to even considering coming to School of Missions, but as soon as I received confirmation, I knew that the Lord was going to do a special work in my heart. Without question, the Lord has been FAITHFUL to make my calling clear to me week after week.

As a part of the program, several seasoned long-term missionaries came to share with us about their involvement in missions in numerous countries in the world. The strongest point that was emphasized was that we are to be teaching the Word of God verse by verse. God’s heart is clearly shown through the book of Acts. Missionaries are to train nationals and plant churches to the ends of the earth.  We also heard the call to be living examples of Christ as we live out this Biblical model of church cross culturally.  We had the privilege of attending Calvary Chapel Rosarito’s Church Planting Conference 2020. It was very evident through all those attending the Church Planting Conference that to be in God’s will for reaching the world one MUST be a part of church planting in one shape or form. This view is not something that is established by man, but by God who establishes HIS CHURCH through those that follow the Book of Acts template.

On a personal note, I find it is so comforting that God knows exactly what we are thinking and knows what is troubling us. He is such a good Father and knows what we need before we even know we need it. Pastor Bond simply stated that Bible scholars speculate that Saul of Tarsus did not start his ministry until 10-15 years after His encounter with Jesus. Hearing this was so reassuring because I sometimes struggle with the thought that maybe I have been dragging my feet and not listening to the Lord’s call. As I write this, what comes to mind is, “It is not about quantity of time you have been in ministry but quality of time in ministry.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should WALK in them.”-Ephesians 2:10

This time next week I will be back in California and will start taking practical steps to align myself with God’s calling on my life. All the knowledge I have gained through all the teachers and long-term missionaries is going to be a valuable tool that I can use as I pursue God’s will for my life. I wanted to thank you for your faithfulness to partner with me and pray for me and I look forward to sharing with you in person when I return.

With love,

Maribel