Last July, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging my heart, as if to say: “You’re going to serve me overseas next summer, daughter.” A few months passed, and the Go Now Missions office released its 2016 positions list. Through prayer, time, and more prayer, I found myself at Discovery Weekend on a few weeks ago with an open, curious heart and ears ready to hear God’s voice.
About 200 students who had applied for Go Now Missions gathered together at Discovery Weekend to slow down and tune into the Holy Spirit. Every student is placed into a group with whom they spend their entire weekend, processing and growing with one another.
Students participate in a “getting to know you” session during Discovery Weekend.My group bonded quicker than any of us expected. Around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, we found ourselves rejoicing that God consistently and swiftly unites those who know him. It didn’t take long for us all to open up about our lives and what God was teaching us in our many walks of life. When those transparent relationships were formed, we were able to encourage one another as we all began to decipher what the will of God could be for our time with Go Now Missions.
As part of the weekend event, we attended a Missions Fair where most Go Now Missions partners were represented. Workers who previously had been on a mission trip to serve that ministry site or who currently serving in that area staffed booths. I came into Discovery Weekend feeling very sure about all three trips I previously had expressed preference toward, and the Lord began to shift some of my thinking during this fair. God reminded me I shouldn’t pick a trip simply because I think it lines up with my gifts. The Lord wants my obedience, even if he were to call me to something wildly out of my comfort zone. After all, wouldn’t God then receive all the glory in my apparent weakness?
Discovery Weekend was a blessing in that it taught me to trust Jesus deeper and more wholly. There never will be a time when I can control every detail of my life, but knowing I have a loving Father who is sovereign calms every fear. While participating in this phenomenal event, we sang songs in different languages, and we were reminded of God’s heart for the nations and how the Lord always equips his followers. We were charged not only to share the gospel with those we came into contact with, but also our very lives. Jesus gave up everything for men who rebuked him. This summer and until God’s kingdom comes in fullness, I want to give up everything for the Lord, sharing my life with those he places in my path. I am thankful to Go Now Missions for providing this opportunity to share the abundant love God mercifully has given to me.
Nicole Faulkenberry, a student at Dallas Baptist University, will serve in Germany during the summer with Go Now Missions.
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