[God-send]

noun

1.anunexpectedthingoreventthatisparticularlywelcomeandtimely, asifsentbyGod

Let me tell you about a "God-send" community...

A year and a half ago my husband and I moved into this little old town called "Vicksburg" in southwest Michigan and we had no idea what the Lord had awaiting us before we got here...

See, look at us, we were just a couple of goofy college kids.

Well, on the dawn of my graduation, this guy and I traveled up to Michigan for an interview at a church called Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene to lead both the youth and worship ministry. We literally were weeping on our way back to Illinois because we were overwhelmed by the blessing of this opportunity. Although it was more than 2,000 miles from my family and 5 hours from his - we knew in our hearts it was right.

Even at this point we had no idea that this new "family" would make us feel so welcome and at home. We had no idea they would throw us a beautiful wedding shower, help us buy groceries, join us in both the worship and youth ministries, help us move into our very first home, become our best friends, and continue to bless us like we never could have imagined!

From the times they came to watch our church softball team, to the sweet moments I get to be mentored and learn how to make homemade cards by the one of the most kind-hearted and giving women I know. I don't know how we could ever thank these sweet people. What I do know is that this past year as I discovered my passion, this community has been there for me in ways only God knew that I needed. I have found what enrages me, keeps me up at night, and brings me to tears. All the while, this community has supported and encouraged me in my endeavors to be a modern day abolitionist.

Over this past year I have become more aware of the horrifying issue of human trafficking... occurring in Michigan(I will talk more about this later on, don't you worry!) I joined an organization called The Hope Project and began to learn as much as I possibly could. I began to do public speaking on this topic to educate others and even my very first speaking engagement was for the ladies ministry at my church. I couldn't imagine a more supportive group of women!

This is what the church is. I believe this is what the church should be. A group of people that are filled with love from God that wrap their arms around those in need of family. A place where each person can find their God-given passion and start running towards their dreams. I believe we were created to live in community. Not just the type of community where all you do is take and never give... but a community that looks out for the needs of another and goes out of their way to meet it. I believe that the church is alive and well. I have struggled and struggled with what the main mission of the church is this past year, and what my specific purpose is within the church, but all the while have been given this gift of a community when I didn't even realize how bad I needed this support during this season of my life!

My dream is to continue to connect the dots. Connect the people in need of family to communities like this. To connect the victims of sex-trafficking to the beautiful bride of Christ, for them to be adopted into the family of God, and allow them to see hope and restoration during this lifetime. I strongly believe that is our role. To see those that are different than us as God himself sees them. We've got a long ways to go but I believe God is in the business of reconciling what has been distorted back to its intended purpose. And for the church to be a place of grace and open arms...

Below are pictures of what a God-fearing, selflessly-giving, supportively encouraging, and truly-adoptive-family kind of community looks like. How are they adoptive? They took us in. : )

Overwhelmed by love,