About a month ago, I had a burden on my heart for ministry. I was sitting in church and my heart almost felt as if it were calling out. At the time, I felt I had to discover that. Like am I just being over dramatic? Do I just feel the need for change? Is this “calling” real? I had questions and I knew what I had to do to find out. Immediately, in tears, sitting in a crowded church auditorium, I texted my wife. I let her know the burden that poured over me and to my surprise she gave me advice to seek wisdom. Throughout this process of seeking wisdom, I first turned to God in prayer. I geniunely asked for God’s clarification on what that “calling” meant. Do I just need to be more active now? Yes. Do I need to quit my job? No. Well what do I do, Jesus?! He simply pointed me towards research and counsel.
In that counsel, I found a lot of differing opinions. Me – not knowing what the call was – I am sure made that very confusing. Some pastors were telling me to take it slow, some pastors were telling me to act. I wholeheartedly appreciate all of their advice, as they are people that I greatly trust. I find truth in every bit of advice that was given in love. From those conversations I have come to some action points on our next steps. I have enrolled to Liberty University to continue my education. Specifically,a Master of Ministry degree. I have dived deep in prayer and scripture for Biblical guidance. I have spoken with my wife on her concerns and what that means for our family. I have researched what that move may look like and reached out to some missionary resources.
Now all that being said, I am confident in God’s call. It wasn’t an audible call. It wasn’t an emotional call. But it was HIS CALL and that call is EVIDENT. To keep you all updated, Alicia and I have been in contact with a ministry in Italy called Act Now Ministries. We have made a dear friend in GIUSEPPE COLLESANO. I could tell immediately that he had a burden for lost souls in Sicily. His honesty and advice was not disguised as a life of luxury. If anything he said his life in America is much better than in Italy, but the work he is doing is more important than a lifestyle of comfort. He also challenged my desire and advised of my first ministry being my wife and my kids. I am so thankful for his honesty, and he knows our intentions of making the next steps.
This is where you come in! We need help! This isn’t a dream of ours to leave all the people we love here in the USA. We genuinely want to be used by God in Italy. That means sacrificing what we currently have here and following Christ to Sicily. Please be in prayer as we all look for those next steps. I leave you with this encouragment –
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 6-7, NKJV)
