The original e-mail sent to Pastor:
Pastor Hammett, I don't think I told you this and would like your opinion (direction, guidance??? any other words would fit here:o) about my desire to go back to Thailand work with the Gaudets again. I wanted to go back even before I left Thailand:o), and the Gaudets are fine with me coming back. I'm looking to head over in mid-July and stay for a year. I've been praying about it, and feel the Lord is leading me in that direction but I definitely wanted your imput too... Thanks! Anne
Pastor's Reply:
Anne, I know there is a great need there. Here are a few questions for you to consider…
1. Can you tell me what you see as the purpose of your going?
2. How are you going to support yourself?
3. What has the Lord used to direct you this way?I will look forward to hearing from you.
Pastor Hammett
My reply to Pastor's e-mail:
Pastor Hammett, The first Sunday after I came home from Thailand you started the series on discerning the will of God. Over the past several months, I've been praying for direction about Thailand, always keeping in the back of my mind all those messages I heard:o). The Gaudets both told me that they accepted me "sight unseen" (after talking with you) when I came over for the summer, and just before I left, they both invited me to return any time to help them. John N. and I have talked a little bit about a possible return trip and he seemed to be in favor of it as well as a few others, but I've been praying for direction from the Lord. Last week I was specifically asking the Lord to close the door if it wasn't His Will, and that night Miss Krinny chatted me and mentioned that Bro. Gaudet would like to help me financially with funds from NGJ while I work on the Good and Evil Book if I return. I was pretty excited about that, as the Lord seemed to open the door even further instead of closing it. I've also been reading through the Kings and the Chronicles for my devotions and the verses that kept coming to light were the ones which spoke of the Lord's provision, protection, specific guidance,and how the Lord will not leave His people without direction. I've also been reading and thinking about verses that (similarly) speak about the Lord prospering those that seek Him with all their heart.
So to summarize all of that:o), I haven't been looking at just one thing (such as "I prayed about it" or "I' have an open door") but looking at everything together and I feel this is the direction the Lord is leading me. As I mentioned above, one big blessing (and this is in answer to #2) is how the Gaudets out of the blue told me they would be able to help me financially with funds during my stay. The biggest cost is housing, and Bro. Gaudet said that the housing would be taken care of since they take care of it for the Thai girls. I've also been saving already (my mom is my bank for me... I get the money and give it right to her!) and I was going to sit down with Bro. John to work out a more in-depth budget.
As to my purpose in going, the first main thing is to be in the will of God. I don't say that to state the obvious:o), but I have stepped out of God's Will before, and it's not a comfortable place to be! Secondly, there is a need there, and I believe I can have a part in helping to fill it. The Gaudets both have mentioned that for 10 years they've had girls come to help them, but that's pretty much come to a screeching halt. Also, thanks to all the experience I have from working in the church office and Challenge Press:o), I have a pretty good grasp of what to expect in an "office environment" and a printing ministry. The main project I would be working on if I go back would be the Good and Evil book. Right now Pookie and Psalm (the Thai girls) are working on that, but Psalm is planning on returning to Metro. BC at the end of May and Pookie is pretty much Bro. Gaudet's full-time secretary:o). Miss Krinny did say that their new co-workers will be joining them at the end of this month, so that would be two more people.
In short, I realize the church has no financial obligation to me, nor would I expect that. I would like to have your ok on the whole thing and the church to support me in prayer. That was one of the biggest encouragements to me each week when I sent out an update this past summer. So many people would respond that they were praying for me... what a blessing that was!
I'm sorry this was so long... hopefully it made sense.
Thank you so much!
Anne
Pastor's reply to my reply:
Anne,
I would think it would be a good thing and would certainly be praying for you in the matter. So far looks like a green light to me. I will continue praying with you and for you about this.
Pastor Hammett(Pastor added a little bit more, but this was the basic jist of it all)
Isn't the Lord so good? I would never think of going without Pastor Hammett's approval and giving the "ok" signal. And I just know that each step I take is being directed by the Lord!
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