Hi guys, I know you all thought you had heard the last from me but just thought I'd update you on where I'm at as it has become a stark reality that the Arts DTS was only the beginning of an incredible journey with God. Having returned home 3 months and 2(almost 3) days ago, much has happened and much has changed since I last shared.
Transition to "normal life" has actually taken much longer than first anticipated and at present there is still so much unknown ( no surprise there for an extended DTS and where God is concerned). This is not to say I'm not at peace about what is happening right now in-fact as I look to share briefly now, I hope you'll see that actually the future is very exciting!!! I only ask that you catch this next wave / vision and stand with me in prayer and continue to journey with me.
So.... having gone back to God to seek out more clarity about what He wants me to do next I now have now a few more answers and steps in place to share. I heard recently from an intern at my church about International Justice Mission who are a Christian human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems. I have been seriously considering getting involved as my heart is very much to do aftercare with victims of injustice, and my existing gifts very much lie in counselling/ pastoral care / spiritual guidance and discipleship although much of this is not official. However, I have felt God really wants me to return to study law and work from that aspect and feel this is where God may want to use me more.
I am currently now still looking at a range of options to getting into law and am looking at starting a course soon. Also, due to a change in personal circumstances, I may be looking to move to Germany and study there and so am looking at opportunities there internationally? Please can you pray for me in terms of direction and clarity of where this should be and favour to get on to a suitable course.
By way to explain how I got here, I want to share that it was in India when we were working with isolated women in the local ladies bible study and experiencing the very hidden , oppressive and patriarchal society that I started to feel God stirring a vision in my heart to pursue working in the international arena although I have always wanted to work with abused women & children since I became a Christian.
In light of this, I am currently involved in sunday school and the youth at my church - I am also due to start volunteer training with Domestic Abuse Service - Women's Aid in my city from mid-May. I am temping at present but looking for a part-time job to facilitate the voluntary work and study. I am looking to raise the profile of IJM in my church once I am clearer about how God wants me to get involved and shall be in touch about that. Please again can you pray for open doors in this area and God's favour, direction and wisdom.
As you can probably guess now, I am looking into full-time mission and have been involved and very much supporting the missionaries of my church in prayer. Please can you continue to stand and pray with me in God's leadership. I have come to realise that without prayer, nothing happens and that everything I have been through especially in the last year has been because of your prayer and support.
Thank you and hope to hear from some of you soon.
God bless
G
