I cannot count the number of times I have asked why the Lord won’t just send me a letter telling me how my life is going to turn out… or which way to turn in the midst of a difficult decision. In this life we are faced with so many difficult choices that don’t really have a “right” or a “wrong” but more of a “better” and a “best." The differences between "better" and "best" are sometimes undistinguishable and leave us with no clear idea of what God's best for us really is. Put that together with the fact that, more often than not, the Lord doesn’t choose to communicate with us verbally. We don't get a road map for life outlining which turn we should take next... and so, when standing in front of life's many tough choices, we find ourselves staring the fear of missing God’s best for us right in the face.
A few months ago, I began to feel like I should start asking God what else He wanted me to do. I just felt a pull toward doing more for Him… but I had no idea what that looked like. I started to pray things like Lord, just tell me what you want me to do. I’ll do it I promise. To be honest, I thought that would be something like volunteering at the Salvation Army or having a small group in my home, but as He often does… the Lord had something else in mind. Once I started praying for His direction in my life I began to see His messages everywhere. He reminded me of my calling as a little girl to the mission field, which occurred while sitting in the pew of a Christian Missionary Alliance church during missions conference. He brought books about missions to my attention, and even my devotions were centered around Abram when he was called by the Lord to “Go” even though He had no idea where He was going. My best friend had a dream about me leaving the country before I even told her what was on my heart. I found out that in Paris, France at the Envision site through the Christian & Missionary Alliance they are understaffed and in need of a counselor for young women, as well as someone with experience in theatre and in praise and worship leadership for this coming year.
Maybe the Lord doesn’t exactly give us road maps that outline every way we should turn, and maybe sometimes what we should choose is unclear but I feel with all of my heart that in this situation, God has lovingly shown me what His plan is for me… at least for the next year. I am humbled that the Lord would ask me to serve Him. With such clear direction I certainly cannot tell Him no! I believe that in this coming year the Lord has clearly called me to serve Him in Paris, France.
So, friends it is with great excitement that I invite you on this journey with me. I cannot pretend to know what the Lord’s plans are for the future but I know that when we are in the center of His will for our lives, there is no greater joy or peace to be found.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
While preparing to go, I have come to learn how lost the people of France are. They have been told that they have the best of everything- the best food, most refined culture, the greatest artists, etc.. In the same breathe they are told that Jesus is a fairy tale character who can provide no more hope for them than Santa Clause or the easter bunny. This has generated a wide spread spirit of depression and hopelessness in this nation. Jesus Christ is their only hope!
In the coming weeks I will be sharing with you the more specific needs for prayer in France and I will also be sharing with you the lessons the Lord is teaching me as I follow His leading. I covet your prayers and support and hope that you will come with me on this journey! I am waiting with bated breath, fully expecting to be wowed by our Lord and Creator! Let’s see what God has in store!
I am really looking forward to what the Lord has planned and I need your prayers to help me fully carry out this responsibility that I have been given. You can play a vital part in my ministry through your prayer support.
Prayer Requests:
- That the Lord will use me as I long to make a contribution to His work
- That God will provide for my expenses
- That I will have safe travel and good health
- That my team members and I will develop healthy relationships
Thank you so much for your prayers. If you would like to write to me, I’d enjoy hearing from you. If you’d like to contribute towards my expenses, this may be done by phone, check or debit or credit:
If you wish to donate by check:
Make Payable to “The C&MA”
The Christian And Missionary Alliance/Envision Office Attn: Becky Gorton
P.O Box 35000 Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500
If you wish to donate online via debit or credit card:
1. Go to the Give page of the C&MA Website: https://secure.cmalliance.org/give/
2. In the box under the “Give to International Workers and Special Projects” section, type: "ENV – Amanda Burggraf" and then click the red “Give Now” box that appears.
3. Type in the desired gift amount and fill out the form below.
4. You have the option to make this a recurring gift by clicking on the box underneath the total.
Phone – If you would like to give over the phone, please have your credit card ready and call Envision's toll-free number (866) 443-8262 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (MST) to make a gift.