Life is full of possibilities. How is it that I have chosen to go to Brazil?
1. A personal need to serve
Jesus told all His disciples to go and make more disciples. Each person had unique character traits and gifts that equipped them to carry out their commission in a uniquely effective way. Peter’s personality was strong and able to lead the way into the unknown without a second thought. John appears to be more introspective with a kind and gentle attitude towards others. Each of them took the call of their Lord seriously; their purpose in life was to obey.
As a follower of Jesus, I also take His Word seriously. He has given me a unique set of gifts and quirks which are meant to bring God glory as I faithfully serve His purpose of bringing the Gospel to the world. Choosing to obey is the first step.
2. Brazil needs the Gospel
You probably know Brazil as the home of hundreds of millions of acres of rainforest. The rainforest is home to over a hundred people groups who live in the Amazon, with various levels of connection to the rest of the world. Each of these people needs to hear about God sending His son Jesus to save them from sin and eternal death. Missionaries with Ethnos360 are working with over 30 of these groups in Brazil, but the job is not done.
3. Ethnos360 needs a network administrator
A forest of need is made of trees of opportunity. One in particular has caught my attention. For a season, a school supporting Ethnos360 missionaries needs a person to keep the network running. This is a time-sensitive occasion that requires somewhat urgent attention. Ready or not, this role will be lacking for a year. Maybe I can fill the empty place.
4. A personal invitation
While looking for a place to serve and answer my call to serve God, a missionary who serves at this school told me about this specific role to be filled. Can I help? Yes, and I’d be happy to!
5. Brazil is a great place to be
Perhaps this opportunity came to my attention over anything else because I’ve been to Brazil before. Being familiar with the country, it draws my attention; everywhere I turn, I hear about Brazil. I want to hear about it, because Brazil has a favored spot in my heart.
6. There is nothing I’d rather do
What do you want to be when you grow up? If I could pick a dream job, it would include serving God, working with computers, frequent contact with the outdoors, and being in a foreign country. Such as tech support at a missionary school in the Amazon jungle. That sounds about right.
7. My education has led in this direction
Opportunity is a funny thing. Some people swear that hard work alone will get you anywhere; others advise lengthy education; God claims sovereignty over all our lives, but lets us make choices. Whether through wise advice and informed decisions, or just following the seemingly obvious next step, or maybe attributing all my steps to God’s sovereign hand, my Bible college education has led to a degree in ministry. I have been trained to serve as a minister of righteousness. My life has been invested in this direction.
8. Brazil is the next step forward
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
I make plans, but God guides me one direction or the other. My plan is to use this experience of a one-year assignment to continue down a path of a lifetime assignment with Ethnos360. Where will God direct me? I will only learn as I move forward.
So, onward to Brazil!