I love it when God brings us to a crossroads.... a crisis of belief! Moments like these are moments to step into the midst of God's invitation and live obediently toward His desires. Or, they could be moments to say, by our actions, I think that I'll do this deal called life my way. The essence of the series 'Given' might just be found in our desire to magnify Christ as we are confronted by His truth in regard to our lives. When our lives are not aligned with His truth, we are truly at an impasse. What we do with truth will, ultimately, define our character. Character is the ability to do what is right, as defined by God regardless the cost. Allowing God's definition of life.... 'right'... His living through you in order to to center your life might require minor or major adjustments. There could be adjustments in thought life or habits or usage of resources or handling relationships or work ethic.... or... well, everything!

I loved this e mail that I received last week. Enjoy one person's desire to do what is right as defined by God. JoSue, in a conversation with me, simply said that her deepest passion is to allow her to be a conduit for God's glory. As she prepared to live on mission daily, and more particularly in Stukeley, she desired to take a beautiful step of obedience into the waters of baptism. JoSue has been a Christ-follower for a long time. She's just never been baptized as a follower. So, we went for it!

The rest of the story is that JoSue and her life group gathered here last Wednesday. Also, several from the Stukeley Mission team were here. She shared of her amazing journey with God and what led her to that moment in time. It was a ripe moment! After a few tears were shed, we wandered up to the pool and JoSue was baptized. My favorite part... She came out of the water with fist in the air, pumping up and down for the glory of God. Cheers, shouts, and thrill flowed her way from friends watching and from the shouts of heaven. Beautiful! I thought that you might enjoy her note to me sharing a bit of the journey. So, with JoSue's permission, here's a peak into her heart.


Dear Team (Stukeley Mission Team),I love you guys and want to thank you for all your prayers. Gary and I got a good report from the cardiologist today...PRAISE GOD for answers that are right on time! And speaking of time I know we all have so much to do and so little time to do it...so I will be brief. I have known many of you for years and thank God for all of you...I am looking forward to the times we will share in England ( and beyond), the many meals we will share and even the long flight and delays;) I don't want to take anytime away from you all with your families and friends so please don't feel sorry or pressure about Wed night. God has brought me to this place "a crisis of belief" through my personal relationship with Christ as my Lord and Savior and He has used many Philip's and Paul's along the way.....I accepted Christ when I was 13 and had been baptized at age 5 with my mom and siblings to join a church ...now over 25 years later...having found the TRUTH and hearing God speak , I feel compelled like the Ethiopian after answering "I believe that Jesus is the Son of God'...here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" (Acts 8: 36-37). So stop the ride in the midst of all that God has been preparing me for because I need to get out and step into the water....when I go under I will be leaving every hinderance behind (Timid will no longer be part of my vocabulary or Character)...and when I am raised up the old things are passed away I am NEW in Christ and FREE to dance, to sing, and to worship and allow God to accomplish His work through me...through all of us Trusting God no matter what, no matter where, no matter when...go ahead I know you feel like singing too:) Thank you for taking the time to read this and know my heart. I love you all and I am praying for all of you.


In Christ, Jo Sue


PS. Does anybody have a HERO T-shirt I can borrow for the trip or are there any left from VBS that I could purchase? I want to use it as a visual to show how special each boy and girl are to God and relevance of the Bible, real stories about bible heroes, and missionaries.