Where Ever He Leads I'll Go

I am having a hard time writing this post because it makes what I am about to say real. While God is giving me peace, there is still much sadness in my heart over our recent decision. Some of you already know that Jeremy will be finishing the school year as the youth pastor of Green Valley Christian Center and then we will be moving on. We are so thankful for the support and love that has been shown to us from the pastoral staff and our friends. We consider GVCC our family and it is hard to imagine our life apart from it. We have experienced so much growth and healing from the Lord because of the faithfulness of Pastor Gary and Meg and the ministries that we have been apart of in our time there. God has made it clear to us that it is time for us to follow Him in a new direction. Most people who know us know our heart for orphans. It is what keeps us awake at night. It is what gave us the conviction we needed to become foster parents and then to adopt our precious children. It is this passion, that God gave both me and Jeremy, that is moving us to Africa.

Africa. We are moving to Africa. It still sounds ridiculous.

I don't know about you all but there is this thing that happens to me when I feel God leading me in a new direction. First I am introduced to something that really breaks my heart. Then I begin to hear about it more and more. Then suddenly it is on commercials, or on the radio, topics of discussion from friends, or in my daily devotions. It seems I can't get away from it. So I ask God what does He want from me...what is my part in this? Then once I know I can't not know. And the fear of doing what God is calling me to do becomes much smaller than the regret I would feel if I did not heed the call.

I totally trust God.

But it doesn't mean my heart is not breaking. Why would God have me and Jer go love orphans knowing it means leaving our oldest son here. Why would God ask us to put our children's lives in danger from disease and dirty water? I always come back to this. He won't ask me to do something He hasn't already done himself.

God gave us His Son. Jesus gave up His life.

My life is not my own.

So despite the tears, and pain, and fear, I will follow God.

When I was little I used to sing this song. It has a whole new meaning for me now.




Where Ever He Leads, I'll Go

"Take up thy cross and follow Me," I heard my Master say;
"I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today."
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.

He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I'll go.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.

It may be thru' the shadows dim, Or over the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.

My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I'll go.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.