New Beginnings...

Today was the day we had our Board Interviews at ABWE. Each prospective candidate had a scheduled time to go before the Board of Directors and we gave our testimony. Then the Board members asked us questions about whatever they wanted.

It was a day filled with anxiousness and anticipation of your scheduled time. We couldn't stray far from the area in case the got ahead of schedule but it was very hard to just sit and wait. Then, when the couple before you went in...well, that's when you heart started beating..... You see, everyone told us (and I do mean EVERYONE) not to be nervous because they're just men and they are on your side. They want to appoint you and this interview is simply for them to get to know you. But, from my perspective, these are great men of God and I respect the position they hold at ABWE. And it was a great honor to be able to stand before them and give my testimony let alone have them ask me questions so they could get to know me! So needless to say I was very nervous when I walked into that room!

Here's a brief overview of the process. You regional administrator stands up and introduces you to the Board - while you wait outside with your heart racing. Then the door opens and that's your cue to go in. The board members are all standing out of respect and let me tell you...it's a LONG walk from that door to the podium! Once you're there the Chairman introduces himself to you, welcomes you, and then asks you to give your testimony. You walk to the podium and the next 5 minutes are yours to give your testimony. I wanted to break the ice so here's how I started...

I said I wanted to share a verse with them that I had been meditating on for the last 20 minutes or so. And then I read Jeremiah 1:6 which says, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord." They all laughed and I told them I was standing on that promise today! Then I shared my testimony. After that the Chairman opened it up for them to ask me questions. About my testimony, my life, my ministry, whatever. Then they send you back out of the room while they talk again to your regional administrator and then they vote right then on whether or not they will appoint you. All the while you're waiting outside...frantic and with a racing heart! Until finally your administrator comes out and says "Congratulations!" and gives you a big hug. And you sigh a big sigh of relief...........

So, it's official. Now they call me a missionary. Wow. I am, again, humbled to be part of the ABWE family. And it truly is a family...I can speak from every experience this week. They value family and teamwork and it is evident in everything they do. I want to give a shout out to Jennifer, Linda, Dan in Mobilization for all their work before and during this week. And for giving up a lot of their free time and family time this week to minister to us and make us feel so welcome.

I know this blog is kind of lengthy but I hope you can sense my sheer joy at what God is calling me to do! I am scared to death at what the next few months hold but I rest in the Sovereignty of my Lord! Because He who has called me is faithful!!