Two blogs in one night?
I've got so much on my mind...
Tonight, we had a young couple over for supper and the evening.  They are from Ontario, living in small-town Saskatchewan and are exploring ministry.  It appears God has already been directing them to get involved in youth work on a Reserve about 2 hours from Regina.  They shared with us their testimonies, how they met and married, and how God brought them to the prairies.  Crazy story but I won't go into details here...
We sat around our dining room table with our hot drinks and remnants of the roast beef supper and dessert crumbs on the table cloth.  Both of them eagerly told their stories and took very little prompting to be open and frank with us.  Walter and I listened, interjecting occasionally, but mostly allowing their vision and passion to come forth.
Soon, we moved to the living room - softer cushions - and we gave them some information about what Healing Hearts is about and what steps people can take to join as faith missionaries with our ministry.  The concept was somewhat new to them, to raise funds and find supporters.  But they took in all they could, asking very good questions, and accepting a book "The 3D Gospel", that is a very insightful read on the three main worldviews that encompass most cultures.  They had already experienced crossing cultures from eastern Canada to the west, then from Toronto to rural Saskatchewan and then to a First Nation.  So we think the book will help them process what they have already been living and observing.
Before they politely said their thank you's and good bye's, we prayed with them.  As Walter always does with any prospective missionary staff, he prayed that God would reveal His will and make it clear if this was His plan for them and for Healing Hearts.
About two or three months ago, I had been reading Isaiah and a verse is chapter 54 popped out and grabbed my attention.  "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.  For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left..."
I read and recorded the verses in my journal, praying that God would guide us as this seemed to be a promise for us.  I thought to just keep it to myself, not knowing if this was a word from the Lord for us or not.  But I soon shared it with Walter because it wouldn't leave my thoughts!
And sure enough, in the past few weeks, we have had two couples and a single guy ask to join HHM!  Each has come from a different background, but all have a heart to reach people for the Lord and are involved in First Nations communities or ministries already.
I don't even know how to express the awe I feel!  God gave us those verses almost as a warning to get ready for the growth and expansion of the "tent" of our organization.  At times though it still feels a little overwhelming and we both feel inadequate to give good direction and provide healthy member care for everyone who comes on board.  We don't want to keep saying "Yes" to folks who ask to join without being prepared to minister and lead well.
Isaiah 54:6 gives a promise that may not seem to be in the context of the original prophecy to Israel but it seems to be what I need to hear tonight ~
"For the Lord has called you..."
That's all we can hope for and trust in:  that God has called us to this leadership role and that God is also calling others to join HHM and HE WILL EQUIP!