It’s a common question, and one that we love to answer: ” When are you going to Costa Rica?” Well, our family is going to spend 5 weeks there this summer hosting two teams and checking things out, then we’ll come back to the states for a year to release our stuff and to raise support. We hope to start language school in August of 2013, if the Lord provides. While being completely accurate, something has begun to feel wrong with this response–the words “hope” and “if.”
I’ve been reading “The Last Thing I’d Ever Do” by Peter Jordan, the true story of his family’s experience leaving their comfortable, prosperous life to follow the Lord’s call out into full-time faith ministry with YWAM. Some of it is fresh ground for me to consider, especially the children’s perspectives on the changes and living conditions. Some of it is well-beaten trail. Another inspiring testimony of people stepping out with no assurance of anything more than the awesome power and love of their God. Been there, done that.
No, wait. I haven’t. I’ve only read about there, and about a lot of people who’ve done that. My feet are still comfortably on dry ground. But we have an invitation to step out into the waters and trust the Lord to part them. Can the Lord provide in the calling He’s given us? Is He big enough to launch our family in the timeline that He’s put on our hearts and confirmed with our leadership covering? Do I trust Him enough to let go of the “if?”
Let’s recap for a moment. How did we get here? College-aged and engaged, Matt and I came from different denominational backgrounds, but wanted to walk together toward the Lord as man and wife. We settled into Matt’s rural Lutheran (LCMS) church family where we grew and served for 7 years until the Lord called us to Lifegate Church in 2004. There was never any trial period. We knew that was where the Lord wanted us to be and His presence in that body was (and still is) awesome. We wanted more of Him, to worship with passion, and to grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We didn’t know that Lifegate sends people out to the nations. We just did life there: serving, loving, worshipping, learning, repenting, growing. The Lord has been so faithful to keep pressing us “further up and further in.” And so in the course of His plan for us, He plunked us down right where there were people already in place to stand beside us and challenge us, to mentor, support, and eventually launch us in this calling that He had waiting for our family. If He can orchestrate that, surely He’s capable of covering the rest. Time to trade in my “if” and get on my “going to.”
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” Acts 17:26
The Good News Family 
Praying for you, Kris. Even though “if” is the word you’ve been using, I’ve heard “going to” in your spirit. I miss you already.
I’m so glad for it, Jen. I’m going to miss your sparkling self at worship on Sunday mornings, too. I may just wear teal to choir so that you have to bust me. 🙂
Kris, would like to interview you for my blog. Could you let me know how to contact you–Marcia
Mrs. Moston, I would be honored to help you in whatever way I can.
I have always heard assurance in your words when you have spoken of this plan–no if’s at all! I know where the if’s come from though–I have experienced them with so many of our moves, and for me, they have been a way to ease my heart forward when it is so difficult to deal with the changes that are coming. This is a huge set of changes for all of you, and ‘if’ I were facing them, I would be hesitant to let go until the very end. You have been stepping in faith from the very beginning–from the first time you ever mentioned to me that you & Matt were feeling the call to consider becoming missionaries. It has been years of walking forward, small step by small step, but soon you will be running, and soaring on His wings.
Thank you, Chris!