The Power of Story...taking mine to Thailand!

In 2009, after 3 1/2 years of grieving and living in a place mostly devoid of joy, my God began to woo my heart back to Himself.  While I had not abandoned my faith--I still believed--I had completely lost the intimacy of my relationship with Jesus.  I had stepped out of any and all ministry and could not imagine being strong enough to ever pour out again.  My deep passions for worship ministry and for missions were all but forgotten, as it was all I could do to be present for my children.  And yet, as a promise that healing WOULD come, the Lord put it on the hearts of our friends, Geoff and Jill Ludlow, to invite me to be a part of a new vision that was growing in their hearts.  A vision for women's ministry, in conference form, that would incorporate the arts and the stories of women.  While I could not imagine it at that time, I knew it was what my heart truly desired, and I said yes to at least enter the discussion.  For about 6 months it felt like I was undergoing heart surgery, and I wasn't always sure I would survive unscathed.  But He was such a gentle surgeon and He knew it was time.

 That fall I was able to be a part of the first Current For Women in Visalia, CA.  We repeated the event a week later in Ohio.  I was not only privileged to sing on the worship team, but my story, captured on video, was shared with the women present, relaying the beginning of my healing journey.  It was such a powerful experience for me, as I was able to declare that this healing was real, and sing of His goodness to me.  Over the next few years, I was able to be a part of several more "Current for Women" conferences, ministering alongside dear friends, using my gifts and love for worship, and continuing to walk out my healing. 

In 2013, the Ludlows asked if we could record a new video of my testimony, sharing an updated version of God's story in my life.  I wrote and rewrote and we did the filming at our house, sending the raw footage down to California for editing just in time for another fall conference.  In October of 2013 we hosted another Current for Women, "Deep Calls to Deep", and the story of God's healing in my life was shared with another room full of women (along with the stories of 2 other beautiful women whom I call friends :-)).  It remains such a humbling and vulnerable experience, but one I am so grateful for. I feel that my healing is a little more complete each time I am able to share it with others. 

This year I am privileged to be a part of the first overseas "Current for Women".  We will be joining a team already on the ground, working with missionaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  We will put on 2 conferences, one for Thai speaking ladies, the second for English speakers, some who are even travelling from other Asian countries to attend.  It is the "Deep Calls to Deep" theme and my story will be one of the stories shared at the conference.  I am so in awe that God is taking me across the world to share of His sweetness in healing my broken heart. It is the first missions trip I have been on since September of 2003, the month before Timmy got sick.  There is a little nervousness at waking up that place in my heart that has been so long dormant.  But again, He knows it is time :-). 

I want to share the video with you, along with a request to pray for me as I embark on this journey.  I fly overnight on March 4th, and our first conference is the 9th and 10.  The second (English) conference is March 13th and 14th, and I return home on the 15th.  Please pray for our time there to be rich and effective.  And please pray for daddy and grandma, who have so generously agreed to take over my mothering duties for 11 days while I travel to the other side of the world!

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I want to give a huge shout out to Tyler and Heather Hanson, who literally dropped everything (including packing for an overseas trip in 2 days!) to come and shoot the footage for this video.  You guys were amazing and so great to work with.  Thank you again, so very much!