As I am preparing to speak in chapel tomorrow at Valley Christian Academy, I can’t help but to remember the very first time I spoke in front of a large crowd. It was in 2002 at the Sistersville Church of the Nazarene, I had just gotten back from a mission trip with 64 other teens and adults from the West Bahamas.
I know when you think of Bahamas; you probably think of gorgeous, fun attractions, the beach. I bet poverty really doesn’t come to your mind. I will never forget the experience I had there. We would walk to pick up the kids, walk to take the kids to Vacation Bible School or Sports Camp, Walk to take them home when it was over, and then walk back to go home or catch the bus.
Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The one thing that really comes to my mind is when we ate lunch. The kids would sit on the wall and watch us eat, and we would eat a good meal. Most of the time I just couldn’t sit there and eat, I’d share my food with them. I also remember taking a bunch of shirts to the site one day and passing them out. They were so thankful for that shirt. That someone actually cared about their well-being. Brendan one of the Bahamians that I met gave me a Jesus Fish Necklace. I still have that necklace. He wanted me to have something to take back with me. I often look at the necklace and wonder how all those kids are doing and just what are they doing in life. Did we have an impact on them? Are they serving Jesus? Did they go the other way?
Now… Back to my first public speaking event. I was asked after my mission trip to share my story. Now, I just shared a little bit. I remember just as plain as day how nervous I was. My “Grams” was sitting in the back row as she always did. I was scared. The thoughts that were going through my head were: Am I going to make sense? I wish someone else could speak for me. What if no one is listening.
Well…. it was a little late to back down, it was a little late to say I wasn’t speaking that Sunday. I breathed a small prayer to myself and said “Lord, use me and speak through me. Amen”
That tripped changed my life. It changed who I was. It changed how I viewed things. It changed who I wanted to be. I’ve always wanted to serve, and I’ve always wanted to give. It’s just who I am. I am very thankful God created me that way.
As I am speaking and pouring my heart out and sharing my story, my testimony. God spoke to me as I was speaking and said “You better get use to this, because one day Jamie..you will reach the world through speaking and writing.” Even though I was speaking and they were so in tune with what I was saying, God was still speaking to me as I was speaking to them.
I’ve known since the age of 19 that I was called to the ministry. A ministry through writing and speaking. God has made that clear to me. Now, I have to say I have fought it off and on. I wanted to do Grad school, but didn’t think I was good enough, or didn’t think I would pass my classes. God gives you the knowledge that you need, when he has placed something before you.
God has placed before me a vision and a dream. I cannot share all of my DREAM with you, but I do know that it is going to be something spectacular!! Never say never, always go above and beyond your expectations. Be the change that you want to see in the world. Change one life at a time and answer Gods call on your life. It all starts when you let go of yourself and your wants, and say Yes, to Gods Call On Your Life!!
Blessings,
J
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