MEI GoTeam

Did I? Did I? Did I? Sometimes we ask the question of ourselves: “Did I make the right decision?”

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“Did I really hear the Lord?” I have asked myself at times. It seemed, at the moment, that everything was
pointing in a certain direction of God’s leading. All the dots (those things I recognize as God speaking) were
connecting. There was a satisfaction that I could move forward, step out in faith, and even declare, “The Lord
has directed me to do _____.” Even still, more confirmations came through. I was surrounded by brothers and sisters who are full of faith and who, in a critical moment, stood with me. Others may have been the nay-sayers, but I was convinced that God had given me direction for the next phase in my life. It may have been a big decision or a smaller one. Or, it could have been simple direction, simple but important to me because I so wanted to please the Lord. I have even come to the place in my walk that I have had to confess to the Father, “Lord, I think this is the way You’re leading but if I am wrong, please slam the door in my face, softly”. He has always honored my simple desire to please Him and He has watched me do the work of seeking Him. I never know if the thought, idea, leading, or hunch is God directing until I have sought Him and have made a decision to act on the leading.

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I have waited on the Lord for those little indicators that a particular direction has a divine aspect to it. The
window had opened, the opportunity was there, but I hesitated since it was only Susie and me seeking God.
There might have been fear of the unknown, but it sure seemed God was guiding. The window of opportunity was open, and I didn’t know when it would close or if the opportunity might have been missed. Practically, the challenge might have been a little decision about a simple purchase or a big decision about a major move.  Regardless, a time always comes to declare, act and take the first small step forward. God is gracious and continues to guide.

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In 2002, Susie and I felt our time in Colorado was coming to a close. We had been there serving missionaries
and mission organizations through training in funding development. My one-week Support Development
training seminars were being well attended and I believed many missionaries were helped and inspired. My
ministry entailed travel to ministry locations for teaching on the basic principles of God’s word on a Biblical basis for building a support network. This is the way YWAM directs their workers to raise funding, and many other organizations do likewise. I was happy to see so many Servants of the Lord benefit from this practical training.  During this season I was inspired to start Mission Enablers International. I saw a need and the Lord said, “address it and make the pathway smooth.” MEI became official in 2000.

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The stirring in our hearts gave us an indication that God had something else to teach us. Susie and I waited,
prayed and talked about what God might be saying. We were not in a hurry, but we knew He was stirring our hearts to seek Him about our feelings of change. Sometimes funding dries up, or a lease can’t be renewed, there’s a falling off of church members, or the unexpected loss of a job, or a simple lifting of the “grace to stay”.  I knew that at this crossroad it was time to seek the Lord and be open to where, when and why He wanted us to make a change. Change is not easy, but it is necessary in our walk with God. Everything around us changes so to have discernment of the changing times is critical to peace and confidence in service.

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I made a comment to someone I was counseling in their ministry funding that I could consider moving to Hawaii YWAM if I got a direct call to pray about coming to the University of the Nations, Kona to help the staff in their funding development. It seemed very unlikely. Nevertheless, the UofN Kona staff included over 200 full-time missionaries, and I knew I had something to offer. I wanted to see the staff prosper.

One evening during a snowstorm Susie and I were praying when we received a phone call. I picked up the
phone and on the line was a supporter saying, “Andy, I have two tickets to Hawaii that will expire soon would you like them?” I said, “YES”. He sent the ticket vouchers to us, and I put them in a drawer thinking, “I guess the Lord wants us to have a holiday in Hawaii. Awesome.”

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The feeling that God was up to something was not going away. Susie and I knew that with seven children,
including five still at home, it would not be easy to move. We had discovered over the years that God always
has the best for us, and He is not about jerking us and our family around. He understands the need for stability in a home, and that schooling, sports, and activities are part of that scenario. God does, however, require that we follow Him; that is the only way He can be Lord of our lives. Having an open heart is a mandate to hearing the Father guide. The, “I’ll wait till I’m retired, and the kids are out of the house,” really shows that we are making the decisions based on a feeling or tradition not the Lordship of Jesus”. God wants to show His great power of provision and guidance if we’ll let Him, in big decisions and small ones. Following His Lordship in the smaller decisions prepares us for His future guidance.

 

We had not declared any new direction yet but had conversations with some of our key supporters. They were praying with us and would offer advice and any revelation they received. We kept serving and waiting.

A couple days after Christmas that year the phone rang, and it was a leader from the YWAM Kona base inviting us to come to Hawaii and sit down with the leadership and talk about how I could help the Kona staff get better at personal fund raising. I asked for the dates, and as it turned out wintertime was perfect. I asked if they would reimburse me for the two airline tickets I had? He said yes.

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“Susie, were off to Hawaii!” I said, with a smile on my face.

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The trip was fun, the staff was delightful, and the invitation was open, “as the Lord leads”. We returned home and began earnestly seeking God. What was God saying? This would be a big move. I calculated the move to cost about $20K and our monthly support would have to increase by $2K a month. I said to Susie, “God is not short on funds, and He knows what He is doing.” I knew He knew the expenses we would have if we lived there, not broke but fully supplied.

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One Saturday morning Susie came to my office in her house robe and said, “God spoke to me in the shower
(Exodus 14:15) and said stop praying, decide to obey and start packing and getting ready to move.” Wow, this
was not like Susie, so I listened up and engaged in seeking God.

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Now it was time to declare the new direction, the increased cost of the move and living expenses there, and the impact on the children. There’s an old YWAM saying: “Where the Lord guides, He will provide.” Nothing is impossible with God!

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(The full testimony will come in Did I Did I Did I part II).

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Here’s a few guidelines for getting direction.

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   1.  Be sure your heart is pure before the Lord, desiring only His will. Major life and ministry decisions are
        not about trying to move away from difficult situations, such as, “life is boring” or “the grass is greener
        on the other side”, but about moving toward the Lord’s leading.

  2.   Take some personal time and lay your life anew on the altar. Be honestly willing to hear God even if in a
        new way… a dream, a scripture “jumping off the page”, or an opportunity that sets right with your                  heart.

  3.   Don’t let money be the guiding factor. God knows the cost and He will provide.

  4.   Start a pros and cons list. This will help you get the facts on paper. Then see which outweighs the other.

  5.   If you’re married seek the Lord together. Separately take notes about what you hear from the Lord,
        apparent coincidences, and reflections that bring your heart joy. Then join your spouse in realistic,
        reasonable discussions and in unified prayer. James 3:17,18.

  6.   Get good, Godly counsel, preferably from someone 20 or more years older, that has a heart for your
        spiritual growth.

  7.   Write down relevant scriptures and the confirmations to His direction. This is the time the Lord is
        building your testimony.

  8.   Wait on the Lord to confirm His direction. I often say, “The fastest way to hear God is by waiting.” His
        timing is perfect. Don’t let waiting be an excuse not to obey. (Our book, White Knuckle Faith might help
        your decision-making process as we share our story).

  9.   Once convinced of God new direction declare it and get ready to walk in obedience. If you have made a
        mistake, be open to a change in timing, expanded directions, or additional wait time. But don’t let delay
        become disobedience.  Find more encouragement through my teaching about “The Lord’s Way”.

 

I believe we, as Gods people, have a fresh opportunity to continue unhindered in the work of God. It’s a new
season in the world to share the Good News to all those who have never heard the Gospel, even those in the
remote parts of the world. The Father intends to use our hearts, hands, feet and brains to build His kingdom.
Seek the Lord while we have the time and are unhindered.

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I pray this is an encouragement and you find these simple instructions to be a blessing. Continue the good work the Lord has put before you. Do your work as unto God not man. Colossians 3:23,24

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In His service,

Andy
MEI