Sent to Seattle

It took me a long time to realize something. I had it set in my mind that missions could not possibly be in the United States. Though I should have realized through their desperate need for Jesus and the mission trip I took stateside after my senior year, I did not see it. Growing up, and even until just recently, I saw missions as a international trip to assist the nations. After all Jesus said go into all the nations, right? So in my mind I had determined that it meant other nations.

As it turns out, I was wrong

Wildly wrong

I see now missions does not refer to a place out there somewhere as much as it does a heart and a vision to see God’s will done on earth. And in God’s great humor He took me from the international field and placed me in the Seattle area, which is where I grew up.

In all reality, I am glad to be back state side and ready to see this nation come to a knowing relationship with Jesus. God has put it on my heart to help this nations’ churches mentor the youth. And in doing so allow the youth in our nation to see the love of God through us. Paul tells us to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” and in my experience, Jesus is love and when we imitate Him what people see is His love. And who doesn’t want that?

When I got to Seattle late August I took some time to recover from the crazy adventures from the last year and God used that time to work on my heart. From there I began to write a cirriculum in order to see this vision become a reality. And you know what, I have a lot more respect for people who write cirriculums. It is so hard but I finished it (mostly) and started reaching out to pastors.

And in this season where God has asked me to teach mentorship, more recently He has also been teaching me about how to be mentor and a discipler, one on one and in groups.

Yesterday at a group discipleship program I am a part of, we saw the leg of one of the students grow before our eyes. When she tried to walk again she started crying and I couldn't stop laughing. His joy (and relief that it worked) overwhelmed me. His grace and goodness daily amazes me.

And even outside of the “ministry work” God has brought an amazing Christian community around me in this season just like he said he would while I was still in Mexico. Besides this calling I have, they are one of my favorite parts about Seattle. They are on fire, love Jesus and are here to see revival.

Thank you for your continued interest, support and prayers. I love you all

Sincerely,

Lauren Carr ♥️