The Point of No Return

"No reserves. No retreats. No regrets" — William Borden, millionaire-turned-missionary who died at age 25 while preparing for ministry in China

I spent all yesterday visiting with my cousins. It's been really good getting to know them. We used yesterday as a time to relax and enjoy each other's company. They donated some DVDs from their church's movie ministry for use in Germany, and their granddaughter (posing with her mom in the picture to the right) asked that I give one of her favorite stuffed bears to the missionaries' daughter, who is about the same age as her. I sadly departed from my cousins' house this morning.

After a four-hour car ride to West Palm Beach, I arrived for our orientation. It was really exciting to meet my other teammates in person as well as to start building relationships with them. I feel like God most certainly has a plan for us, although we may never know it in this life.

As I hugged my parents good-bye, I realized that I've reached the point of no return. I'm nervous about being away from my family for such a long time and about possibly not being spiritually adequate for this trip. However, a teammate reminded my team tonight that God doesn't call those who are equipped, but rather equips those who are called. Any notion that God can't use us comes straight from the mouth of Satan. While none of us are perfect and we often disobey His commands, the Spirit will work through us in ways more powerful than we could ever imagine. (Take Samson, for example.) I pray that this quote from William Borden will become my attitude for the next ten weeks.