Lizzie Otto

9/5/17

Here I am, finally at the MTC(Missionary Training Center)in Missouri!

     It has been so exciting and encouraging to be back in classes after having the whole summer off from Bible school in Michigan. Tuesday we started our worldviews class, and our ministry practicum intro. The first three weeks I have been at the MTC have been orientation. While that may seem like a long time (and at times it was) ;) I was actually incredibly encouraged and challenged once again as to the reason the Lord has impressed upon me to continue on with training and be a part of the work going on for His kingdom.

      I would love to be able to share a few thoughts from what I have been learning or encouraged by during our three weeks of orientation:

1.) Is the need:

     There are still so many unreached people groups that have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel...they have no Bible in their language, no one to teach them, no church, etc.

     even though we are trying to get missionaries out as fast as we can, there is simply not enough help, and sadly, because there are not enough laborers, we have no one to even try and go to some of these people groups.

2.) The importance of training:

    Because there are so many reasons and points I would put under his section, I will leave this for a later post.

3.) Counting the cost:

     I was reminded again through orientation the reality of this being a difficult task ahead of us. With any task worth doing, there will almost always be a cost. I have heard many people tell me how excited  they are that I want to be apart of this mission in reaching the unreached, but at the same time, many believe they could never do it, or they tell me that they are glad someone would love that type of work (or have been called to it), because they are not cut out for it.

     Now I understand that I am not overseas yet, but I believe that it is important to count the cost before you get there (something I was again reminded of through orientation). To think that the task ahead is easy, or that everything will always be fun, is simply to be foolish. Please don't misunderstand me, I know that this type of work is not for everyone, but I would like to say a few things about this.

- Please understand that it does not take a scholar of the faith to "go" (training yes), but if the Lord can work through me,(the average individual) He can definitely use you.

-Please don't confuse my desire to go to the mission field with some call from God that always means I have warm feelings about going. It will be a hard journey ahead, and I cant say that sometimes it doesn't sound nice to stay here in the states...It is comfortable here...This is what I have known...While there must be some to stay (we need that), there is also the call to go. What will keep me on the field will not be a feeling, an emotion, or the excitement. Maybe it will for a time, but when that wears off, what will keep me there is a deep passionate love for the people that I go to reach, based upon a relationship and love that I have for Christ, and the outpouring of His love towards me. Someone has to go! We are told to, and I have no reason I should not. I know about the need, so why not go?

    I do have a desire to help reach the unreached, so again please do not think that I am saying I feel no leading from the Lord to go. I am merely clarifying the fact that I am an average individual simply trying to follow after whatever it is the Lord is leading me to, and you can do that too! Whether it be in the states, overseas, support, etc. (WE NEED IT ALL) Just don't let fear stop you. 

4.) Finally I was reminded of some of the pain that will await on the road ahead, but the attitude of joy that should accompany it.

    A couple of the days we had Gracia Burnham come and speak. Hearing her story again, and the type of outlook that she took because of her walk with the Lord was so encouraging!

    As I am looking out to the future, and preparing for the places that the Lord is going to take me, I am reminded that through trials, even the ones here in the states, Christ is my source of joy through it all.

    While at the Bible school in Michigan, one of the books we had to read was called BE JOYFUL by: Warren W. Wiersbe. This book was based from Philippians, and was so challenging in my life. This was a book that I brought to the MTC with me so that I can hopefully read it again; so definitely a good read!

   

    As some of you might know, I enjoy writing poetry in my spare time, and while I don't share my poems very often, I thought I might share the poem that I wrote after orientation with you, summarizing the point of being joyful through suffering. It was written upon reflection of what Gracia had been speaking on.

Be Joyful

How can the pain be seen as a gift?

Should not a smile be seen to uplift?

Through the pain we are taught to remain

with the One from who true joy overflows

When the sorrows and woes begin to tear at your soul,

Lift your voice to the One who knows

Joy is no mere emotion, but an attitude lived out;

It is a mindset, a consciousness, that will not be moved about

The trials are a walk that reveal.

A revealing of where our trust abides.

Is it by our Master's side?

His joy is everlasting, and a heart need not break,

so please don't have a joy that is fake.