Let the meetings begin!

YWAM is no stranger to the American phenomenon of planning meetings. :) But I'm thankful for them as I begin this new season of ministry in Salem, OR.

I arrived safely in Oregon last Wednesday, June 1. While friends and family back home sweltered in the heat (my heart is with you!), I drove through hail, melting snow, a little sun, and typical NW drizzle the day I arrived in the Beaver State. The drive was beautiful! I especially enjoyed the charming town of Sisters, OR, where I stopped for a small bite to eat, and to call my sister, of course. ;)

God's been good to me this first week here. He's helped me have just the right balance of unpacking and decorating to feel at home, socializing, sleeping, and I can't forget those meetings with this group who will be my friends, colleagues, and a sort of family for the next 3-6 months during my initial position.

Aptly Named
When I started this blog and named it "Next Step", I never know how appropriate that name would be. In YWAM, there is a variety of ways to serve during our commitment to staff. Over the next two years, I'll be eager to unveil God's plan to you as I follow it, step-by-step, as He reveals it. This fact puts me out of my comfort zone (I'd rather have the plan laid out ;)), and it's one of my favorite aspects of God's call on my life to serve here.

Our meetings this week have centered around getting to know each other as staff, learning the key aspects of Discipleship Training School, and the logistics of preparing for the group of students we'll be walking alongside this summer and fall. I was especially encouraged and strengethed today with the verse II Corinthians 1:21, 22 because God has ordained this time in your life and mine. If we have accepted and are following Him, He has equipped us for what we are called to do. And His Spirit in our hearts is a deposit...not even the full measure of what He has for us, no matter how wide and deep our experiences here on earth.

(II Corinthians 1:21, 22 - Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.)

Children of Destiny (COD)
During the next few months, you'll be hearing a lot about this ministry as I blog -- it's my primary responsibility! Together with two other young women, I'll be preparing twelve 4-12 year olds to walk alongside their parents on missions outreach, but more importantly, walking beside them as they learn to hear God's voice, are validated and loved, and so much more. Each day, from about 8:30-3, we'll use stories, activities, and field trips to encourage them in their development as children and as children of God!

In the coming weeks when God brings me to mind, please join me in the following:

Praising God
* for safe travels to Oregon and settling in
* for providing me an opportunity to serve families in a ministry to their children, both which are dear to my heart

Praying to God
* that I will guard my quiet times with Him, set aside or spontaneous. They are my lifeline!
* giving and receiving all God has for me while ministrering with COD

I would love to hear from you when you have a chance. My email is amyrenee78@hotmail.com or you may send mail to my address at the campus in Oregon (found at the right side of this page). As my friends, family, and prayer and financial supporters, I lift you up in prayer and want to coninue to walk alongside each other as God leads us in this journey.

God bless!
Amy