Send Me

I am nervous.

Since last Thanksgiving, I have been a part of an amazing family at Mill City Church. 

I found a Jesus Church, one that truly has it's heart aligned with God's heart.
 
When making decisions about the church, if it doesn't bring people closer to God and build community, they don't do it. 

And although they are nestled in a CSU building, they are not just a "College Church", but a family church that values all generations and works to bridge the gaps. 

The church family focuses on helping to build relationships and grow with God, as shown in their encouragement to join a small group, a place where I've seen growth, challenge, raw truth, and floods of support.

At Mill City, the church leads by example, giving 10% of the annual income to other ministries, and yet they aren't a money grabbing organization.  Here, giving is an act of worship, not something that people are guilted or shamed into doing.

At my church, they pray for and with each other because we believe in the power of prayer.  We serve a great king, but He's also a perfect daddy.

They value differences here.  At Mill City, they recognize that the body doesn't need 16 feet and no ears.  Instead of trying to make everyone a "cookie cutter" church member, you'll see them embracing individual talents and interests, welcoming diversity and the beauty of being unique.

Mill City is a bible-based church that believes in honoring God the father, Jesus and the Holy ghost.  I love this church... My Church.

But this Friday, I leave Colorado and head to Europe. 

While there, I will be living with wonderful families that have willingly opened up their homes to me, a complete stranger.  I am so grateful for their hospitality, but I know this will be a major change.

 

For the past four years, I have been rooted in Fort Collins, aside from a six month study abroad in New Zealand (where I also found community after a few months).  I have built a community of friends, family and support that has been both life sustaining and enriching.

As I hop around Europe as an IFYE for the next 6 months, I will likely be spending somewhere between four days and two weeks with each host family.  I love that I will be able to get to know so many people because of my constant movement, but their is still that hint of fear that I will not have a stable community.

A few months ago, when I was trying to decide to apply or not, I talked about this with a couple that I deeply respect and admire to which they responded "What if this is preparing you for something bigger?"  Over the past few years I have seen first hand that I am more pliable to God when I'm out of my comfort zone and away from my normal group.

So Daddy God, use this experience and use me.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” - Isaiah 6:8