by Candy Yost
(Auckland, New Zealand)
My husband and I have worked with a Christian ministry for over 35 years and we were faced with a decision. We had to leave our current assignment and we had two obvious opportunities; to go to another city where our office was moving or to move to another country, where we had been invited to work as missionaries. I didn't like either option. I wanted to stay in my comfort zone; in my nice house, my church, and with my friends. I wanted to be closer to my children and grandchildren. It took over 2 months to decide, because both were good things! I was afraid to move overseas, because we would be so far from family and friends and we would need to develop more funds than we ever thought possible for us. I would have to give up my beloved dog, because our job would involve much travel. During the two months, we got alone with God for several days where we searched the scripture, prayed and fasted; prayed with very close friends, made lists of pros and cons (they came out equal) and sought the counsel of people we thought were wise in the Lord. They were still equal. One day during my time with the Lord, I was reading Psalm 126 which said, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." I knew in my heart that the Lord was speaking directly to me and my situation. Moving overseas would be very hard, so I knew God was giving me assurance that by going we would reap a harvest for eternity and that He would be with us. That was 3 years ago. He provided for all of our needs and we feel like God has been using us abundantly here and that He has been with us! It hasn't been easy. I miss my home, my family, my beloved doggie, and loneliness is an issue, but God has been teaching me so much! What an adventure it is to step out in faith, trusting the Lord to meet your every need!