Well, we have the most exciting news to share... It feels like we've won the lotto, because we're finally packing up life-as-usual, and following a dream. We are moving to Thailand to work with 'Destiny Rescue' – rescuing and rehabilitating young girls who are trapped in the child sex trade.
Yes, that's right! We are heading off to Chiang Rai, a rural town, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar – wherein lies the base of operations for Destiny Rescue.
For anyone who knows us personally, you would understand that this is a journey over a decade in the brewing. Throughout this time we have visited, and wept, and prayed for the hearts and lives of millions of young children and teenagers enslaved in the darkest of places.
Can you imagine, girls as young as four, being forced to service the spirit of lust... Yes, it's shocking! And we refuse to remain numb and inactive.
THE PULL...
Seriously!!! I've read hundreds of motivational books, watched reel upon reel of inspiring movies, heard many prophetic words, and received multiple impartation – enough for a lifetime of release! Ha ha... I've even written copious interviews and articles about others living out their dare-dreams. To be honest, I feel like somewhere along the line our deep desires became stuck – inert – spinning in suburban survival mode... Sure, we were raising a young family... just awaiting the "huge windfall", the "business breakthrough" that was going to fund our mission trips to and from this secure and comfortable Gold Coast lifestyle.
But then came the call... '"Will you give up what you know, and follow Me?"
WHAT?! Give up our control and opinion on how this should play out, and take a plunge into the unknown?!
However, God's heart is weaved through the world's desperate pain and despair... And we can't ignore it!! There is such a longing to introduce those from devastated backgrounds to ongoing encounters with His Presence and healing power.
More than ever, we feel compelled to contribute Heaven's solution to the plight of the helpless and the voiceless. And so begins the season of our front-line involvement.
THE PLAN...
Well, the plan is forming, and evolving. It's outline currently looks something like this:
- Sell some / Store some / And raise support like crazy...
- Fly to Chiang Rai mid-year...
- Support the team at Destiny Rescue...
- Bring encounters of the Lord's heart wherever we go...
- Love. Love. And Love!
- Oh, and be flexible. ;D
At the moment, the aim is to commit to 12 months. But only the Lord knows where this adventure will lead.
THE PERSONAL...
I have to admit, I'm not all bravado!! I'm discovering that stepping out into the 'What If' is really illuminating the sincerity of my faith – and the entrenchment of some underlying fears and binding familiarities. Truthfully, I'm embarking upon these uncharted waters with several anxieties skidding across my thoughts. Mostly maternal, to be sure. But what greater legacy could we impart to our children than following the Lord's call as a family, and seeing His Kingdom come in and through our lives.
We realize this choice will present it's challenges... (For one, I don't think Thailand will have enough hand sanitizer for my liking!) But I have never felt more invigorated and focused as right now... dreaming of young lives experiencing freedom – and safety – and love... for perhaps the very first time!! Now THAT'S worth me getting over myself!!
Or as Kris Vallotton would say, "One of the main reasons people don't act is because of an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. It is so easy to inventory our weaknesses and disqualify ourselves from the historic exploits God has assigned to each of us."
Seeeee... It's time to look beyond ourselves and all the limitations that may include, and focus on He who is immeasurably abundant in every way! It is HE who gives us the grace, the strength, the wisdom. It is HE who empowers our journey.
The expenses for flights and essentials are substantial – but the need on the field, even more so. And our God... well, He trumps all! His heart envelops the broken, the lost and the downtrodden. He is THE Rescuer-extraordinaire! Redeemer of all. So we know He will make a way. After all, He dwells in the realm of the miraculous!
ARRRRRGH! Yet, at times, I can be so painfully cautious, so contained, so controlled. Here's to new seasons of FREEDOM, and courage, and making a difference with Him!! What an honour to partner with Heaven in this way.
THE PROCESS...
We have received several prophetic words that this move aligns with, but we are also mindful that their fulfillment demands our faithful participation. I think Bill Johnson summarizes this principle perfectly:
"A promise from God is not a magic coin for us to cash in at will. It is an invitation to a process. When we embrace His promises we say yes to a process that prepares us for fulfillment. Some promises reach their maturity rather quickly, only requiring us to say yes and express a confidence in God's word. But other’s require that we offer a bigger container of character, refined and developed through perseverance."
GOSH! Considering we conceived this desire over 10 years ago, we must have needed much refining!!! And I'm certain the Lord is not yet done. ;)
What comes after the initial 12 months? YIPES!! We don't know! More surrender, I imagine.
Please, whenever you think of us... pray:
* For our family – His Presence, protection, provision and power...
* And for 'Destiny Rescue' – a continual increase of Heaven's fruitfulness – from every side.
For more information on 'Destiny Rescue', visit www.destinyrescue.org, or follow them on FB: http://www.facebook.com/destinyrescue
Thank you SO much for your support. Oh how we will miss those whom we dearly love. We truly do have the most incredible friends and family around us. YAY for SKYPE!!! But hey, we will bring all y'all along on the journey... Lots of transparent updates and fun pics. And you can always come visit!? YES!!
Most excited, and in love with the One!
AJ and Carl
Yes, that's right! We are heading off to Chiang Rai, a rural town, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar – wherein lies the base of operations for Destiny Rescue.
For anyone who knows us personally, you would understand that this is a journey over a decade in the brewing. Throughout this time we have visited, and wept, and prayed for the hearts and lives of millions of young children and teenagers enslaved in the darkest of places.
Can you imagine, girls as young as four, being forced to service the spirit of lust... Yes, it's shocking! And we refuse to remain numb and inactive.
THE PULL...
Seriously!!! I've read hundreds of motivational books, watched reel upon reel of inspiring movies, heard many prophetic words, and received multiple impartation – enough for a lifetime of release! Ha ha... I've even written copious interviews and articles about others living out their dare-dreams. To be honest, I feel like somewhere along the line our deep desires became stuck – inert – spinning in suburban survival mode... Sure, we were raising a young family... just awaiting the "huge windfall", the "business breakthrough" that was going to fund our mission trips to and from this secure and comfortable Gold Coast lifestyle.
But then came the call... '"Will you give up what you know, and follow Me?"
WHAT?! Give up our control and opinion on how this should play out, and take a plunge into the unknown?!
However, God's heart is weaved through the world's desperate pain and despair... And we can't ignore it!! There is such a longing to introduce those from devastated backgrounds to ongoing encounters with His Presence and healing power.
More than ever, we feel compelled to contribute Heaven's solution to the plight of the helpless and the voiceless. And so begins the season of our front-line involvement.
THE PLAN...
Well, the plan is forming, and evolving. It's outline currently looks something like this:
- Sell some / Store some / And raise support like crazy...
- Fly to Chiang Rai mid-year...
- Support the team at Destiny Rescue...
- Bring encounters of the Lord's heart wherever we go...
- Love. Love. And Love!
- Oh, and be flexible. ;D
At the moment, the aim is to commit to 12 months. But only the Lord knows where this adventure will lead.
THE PERSONAL...
I have to admit, I'm not all bravado!! I'm discovering that stepping out into the 'What If' is really illuminating the sincerity of my faith – and the entrenchment of some underlying fears and binding familiarities. Truthfully, I'm embarking upon these uncharted waters with several anxieties skidding across my thoughts. Mostly maternal, to be sure. But what greater legacy could we impart to our children than following the Lord's call as a family, and seeing His Kingdom come in and through our lives.
We realize this choice will present it's challenges... (For one, I don't think Thailand will have enough hand sanitizer for my liking!) But I have never felt more invigorated and focused as right now... dreaming of young lives experiencing freedom – and safety – and love... for perhaps the very first time!! Now THAT'S worth me getting over myself!!
Or as Kris Vallotton would say, "One of the main reasons people don't act is because of an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. It is so easy to inventory our weaknesses and disqualify ourselves from the historic exploits God has assigned to each of us."
Seeeee... It's time to look beyond ourselves and all the limitations that may include, and focus on He who is immeasurably abundant in every way! It is HE who gives us the grace, the strength, the wisdom. It is HE who empowers our journey.
The expenses for flights and essentials are substantial – but the need on the field, even more so. And our God... well, He trumps all! His heart envelops the broken, the lost and the downtrodden. He is THE Rescuer-extraordinaire! Redeemer of all. So we know He will make a way. After all, He dwells in the realm of the miraculous!
ARRRRRGH! Yet, at times, I can be so painfully cautious, so contained, so controlled. Here's to new seasons of FREEDOM, and courage, and making a difference with Him!! What an honour to partner with Heaven in this way.
THE PROCESS...
We have received several prophetic words that this move aligns with, but we are also mindful that their fulfillment demands our faithful participation. I think Bill Johnson summarizes this principle perfectly:
"A promise from God is not a magic coin for us to cash in at will. It is an invitation to a process. When we embrace His promises we say yes to a process that prepares us for fulfillment. Some promises reach their maturity rather quickly, only requiring us to say yes and express a confidence in God's word. But other’s require that we offer a bigger container of character, refined and developed through perseverance."
GOSH! Considering we conceived this desire over 10 years ago, we must have needed much refining!!! And I'm certain the Lord is not yet done. ;)
What comes after the initial 12 months? YIPES!! We don't know! More surrender, I imagine.
Please, whenever you think of us... pray:
* For our family – His Presence, protection, provision and power...
* And for 'Destiny Rescue' – a continual increase of Heaven's fruitfulness – from every side.
For more information on 'Destiny Rescue', visit www.destinyrescue.org, or follow them on FB: http://www.facebook.com/destinyrescue
Thank you SO much for your support. Oh how we will miss those whom we dearly love. We truly do have the most incredible friends and family around us. YAY for SKYPE!!! But hey, we will bring all y'all along on the journey... Lots of transparent updates and fun pics. And you can always come visit!? YES!!
Most excited, and in love with the One!
AJ and Carl
P.S. If you are interested in partnering with our mission, and contributing to any of our initial or ongoing costs, please feel free to give a donation using the 'Donate' button to the right of this blog. There are small and large requirements for this endeavor – none of which we can do by ourselves. Your involvement in any way is most welcome. ;)
3 comments:
Love it... close to tears reading this and looking at the photo's... such an awesome move... so excited for your family and know you will all be amazing... love you Lynda
Wow, what an awesome calling that God has called you to, this is His heart and since the Women on the Frontlines conference God has been breaking my heart for what breaks His, especailly the girls in the sex trade.I pray that God strengthens you all , there is much grace for you , bless you heaps, Michelle
Bless you guys. Wonderful times ahead..
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