In the crushing, In the pressing
You are making new wine
“New Wine” by Hillsong Worship
The winds of change are blowing! After a short Christmas break in Miami, I am once again preparing to leave home. The new year has begun which means that our DTS will be flying across the Atlantic to Tanzania, Africa, where we will be aiding the mission work and continuing to train at YWAM’s Arusha base. For many in our group, including myself, this will be our first time to the African continent– for others in the group, their first time leaving the States altogether!
Because of the global pandemic, our class has experienced a unique kind of pressing. Our ever-changing plans, quarantine loneliness, and fear of an uncertain future have all been present reminders that this life is a vapor. Answering the call to global missions in 2020 unquestionably demands a reliance on Jesus and a single-minded pursuit of His heart. There’s no room for reservations — He wants it all!
Like the writer of one of my favorite Christmas hymns, “In the Bleak Midwinter”, our group has come to realize that we have so little to give… and yet so often we still find ourselves holding back something. Whether it’s physical or emotional security, dreams for the future, or even personal dignity, we are called to give it all to Him, trusting that He will supply our every need. We trust that His heart is kind towards us and that His plans for us are better than everything we could be grasping so tightly.
"Of old, You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure. Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed, But You are the same..." Psalm 102:25-27
We have learned a lot as a DTS, but as I look forward to our upcoming trip, I am so excited to see what God has in store for our team in Tanzania. I pray that we will be submitted to His leading and patient to listen for His voice.
Through worship songs, messages, and teachings over the past month or so, God has been pressing on my heart how important it is to fully trust Him with my future. As my circumstances bend and change unexpectedly, I am challenged to act according to my belief that He holds it all together.
As I continue after DTS to attend a School of Worship, I will be searching for opportunities to continue serving my Jesus through the ministry of worship leading and songwriting. I know He will continue to reveal more of Himself and whisk me further into this adventure with Him. I’m so excited!
Thank you for reading. Happy New Year!
Yours is a very courageous stance, dear Ana. You are becoming a pioneer in the Spirit for your generation in your obedience to our Savior. May he bless in your preparation as a leader of your peers, and may God continue to make you wise beyond your years.
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
“Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.” (Rev. 3:8-11-12)
We pray for your protection and for the protection of your team in your mission.
~Marlene Cameron
You are with us in our daily prayers, my sweet sister! May God keep you healthy and safe as you reach out to save souls for God’s Kingdom! We all love you!