I have spent the last ten years or so discipling others. As a matter of fact when I began it was completely organic, I had never even heard of discipling. I had begun to mature in Christ and naturally started mentoring others. I was going to a church that did not encourage this biblical command. While still going to that church (it was the church that I had grown up in), I began to hear the gentle call to more...More turned out to be going to school for Spiritual Direction (another term no one at my church had ever heard of). A spiritual director is one who listens with a holy purpose  They create a place for God in some one's life, reflecting back to them the truths that rise to the surface and pointing out to them the movement and provision of the Lord. Many times people are oblivious to the hand of God. They see every occurrence in their lives as separate and disconnected. A spiritual director listens and points...listens and points. (We don't really direct anything)...God does the directing. (The title is confusing, I personally don't like it for that reason)...Anyway, as it turns out Spiritual Direction and discipling are exactly the same thing. When you disciple someone you pour into them...you help them understand biblical truths and how to apply them to their lives. As a mentor you show them, through your example, how to live a Godly life. You pray for them and their families. You listen with love. You point to God's character and His provision. You challenge them to be obedient to His ways.

About three and a half years ago, I moved to a new church in our area. They were focused on discipleship and went through the Bible on Sundays verse by verse. As soon as I got there, it was obvious that this was my new church home. I was suddenly not the "crazy lady" who wanted to talk about Jesus all of the time. I was not the only one who would pray out loud. I was not the only one who felt compelled to lift my hands while praising God....I was HOME!

Keystone Community Fellowship was exactly what I had been looking for. They had a system in place called the journey, which consisted of several books and retreats as resources for working with people in disciplship. From the moment I arrived, God just started bringing people to me to work with. Each of these ladies have become like sisters to me. I have had a deep connection with each person. God has hand picked every relationship.

Discipling takes up a lot of my time. I currently work with two women at once. Between actually meeting every week, praying for them and their families, and preparing for our time together, it takes up most of my week. Every minute is well worth spending though..I have had the privilege of seeing 4 of them baptized. I have seen them grow and strengthen and begin their own ministries. It is kind of like being a mother watching a child with love. As they grow up and begin to disciple others, I have become connected to such a large family of believers. In the body of Christ, I am well blessed.

This is the church that is sending me and my team to Malawi. I have had the experience of working with so many here that I am prepared now to move out into all the world.

God works in mysterious ways sometimes...sometimes he is just training you up for His work. We often don't know what we are training for until it comes, but with hindsight are able to see the intricate weavings of our Master.

Jesus said that we need to have an attitude of using all of our life for His kingdom. We were all bought at a cost.

"And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you can not be my disciple. But dont begin until you count the cost....You cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own." - Luke 27-28,33

I gladly give everything to You Lord...take it all and use it for Your Glory!