Here I Am, Lord

“I, the Lord of sea and sky,I have heard my people cry.All who dwell in dark in sin,My hand will save Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me I will hold your people in my heart.I, who made the stars of night,I will make their darkness bright.Who will bear my light to them?Whom shall I send?  Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold you people in my heart.I, the Lord of snow and rain,I have borne my people’s pain.I have wept for love of them.They turn away. Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold you people in my heart.I will break their hearts of stone,Give them hearts for love alone.I will speak my words to them.Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.I, the Lord of wind and flame,I will send the poor and lame.I will set a feast for them.My hand will save. Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.Finest bread I will provide’Til their hearts be satisfied.I will give my life to them.Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the nigth. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. ”-Words and music by Daniel L. Schutte 1981 This song is one that has touched me over and over. The chorus is plainly saying, “Lord, use me as you will.” I recently have felt called to go to Africa. I’m not sure where or how. I just know that I was praying one day and I was given a image of my love in Africa surrounding by children smiling and inviting me to come. (My love is not in Africa).  At first, I thought it was just a cute picture that I thought of. Then I began to wonder because my love and I had been talking about our spiritual walks with God and life goals. I knew that he had been wanting to serve, so I began thinking it was a call on his life and I the messenger.  I called him that night and I believe I said, “If you are going to Africa, I am going with you!” He, of course, was confused. Then he said, “I have thought about living in Africa.” I blinked. Maybe, this was a call for him. I asked why. He responded, “There are great missionary opportunities in Africa.” I sighed and thought of how far Africa is. Key word “I”.  So, hence forth Africa and missions trip have come up in lots of conversations. I kept praying, “Lord, africa?” We finally sat down and talked about an Africa missions trip. We thought about it. He asked me if I really wanted to go. I responded, “If that is where I am called, I will go with a willing and loving heart.” (Of course, I am still dragging my feet a little. Insecurities of being so far from home, not that I don’t love adventures.) He was very excited. He began to explain that we would have to connect ourselves with some kind of established organization and go. I looked at him and asked, “What is a fashion designer going to do in Africa?” (Background: I am in my second semester of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise, FIDM, for Fashion Design.) He shrugged and replied, “What is a chemist going to do in Africa?” I responded, “Purify water!” To which we both laughed.Thinking back, the question is “What are two willing servants of the Lord going to do in Africa?” I have been looking in to the various programs on the internet at Missions-trip.com.  I feel called to go to Africa with my love. I would like to go at least a month.In ministry, I would like to work with children. I love children and am a highly social person.I am currently a Jr. High sunday school teacher at my church. I have working in the nursery at my church for about 5 years. I am currently attending South Pasadena Christian Church. I am 18 years old. Graduated from Maranatha High School, private Christian. I am part of a family of four; my mom, my dad, and my brother. My mother was a preschool teacher and is now the director of a daycare center, grades ranging from k-8th. My dad is a cartoonist. My brother is in high school. I love art and people. I am currently attending FIDM for an AA’s in Fashion Design. I would like to attend BIOLA University at some point to take Business or Child development. My love and I have been going out for about two months. He is a blessing to my life. I thank God for my family, friends, and my love. He is a chemist. He has been on a previous missions trip to Russia.I have been brought up in a Christian home. I accepted the Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was young. I have my struggles and insecurities  with Christ even though I know better. It is a constant surrendering of myself to God saying, “You’re will, not mine.” and meaning it. My faith is a constant battle of two steps forward and one step back. I am working and constantly growing in my faith. Everything I do, has a purpose and it has been laid out by one who knows everything.Major factors that have helped me most in my spiritual life would have to be God’s Word, Prayer, Family and Church Support, and knowing attributes of God. Prayer:Father God, you are the Lord of sea and sky, of man and animal, and of all things. I am asking for your guidance and clarity of your will for me. Forgive me for I am blind, deaf, and mute. Open my eyes so I can see you. Open my ears so I can hear you. Open my mouth so I may proclaim your wonders. I ask for continuous healing for all those hurting physically or emotionally. Lay your hand of comfort on those who are mourning. I pray you will continue breaking this heart of stone and replace it with one only for love. Forever in your glorious name, Amen