Listening and responding to the Lord’s call to go

Go Now Missions recently hosted Discovery Weekend at First Baptist Church Midlothian, where 195 students were issued invitations to serve as Go Now Missionaries after the weekend. There were 50 small group leaders, made up of BSM Staff, Church Staff and students who are former Go Now Missionaries; 25 host homes provided by FBC Midlothian; 17 who served on the Prayer Team; and 25 who served on the Servant Team. Below is a story from one student who participated in the weekend.

"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Last July, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging my heart. "You're going to serve me overseas next summer, daughter."

A few months passed and Go Now Missions released their 2016 positions list. Through prayer, time, and more prayer, I found myself at Discovery Weekend on February 5-7 with an open, curious heart and ears ready to hear the voice of God.

Around 200 students arrived Friday afternoon with excited energy filling the air. At Discovery Weekend, Texas students who had applied for Go Now Missions gathered together to slow down and tune into the Holy Spirit. Every student was placed into a group they spent their entire weekend with, processing and growing with one another.

My group bonded quicker than any of us expected. Around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night, we found ourselves rejoicing that God consistently and swiftly unites those who know Him. It didn't take long for us all to open up about our lives and what God was teaching us in our many walks of life. When those transparent relationships were formed, we were able to encourage one another as we all began to decipher what the will of God could be for our time with Go Now Missions.

On Saturday afternoon, we each attended the Missions Fair. At this fair, most Go Now trips were represented at a booth with those who had previously been on this trip or were currently serving in that area. I came into Discovery Weekend feeling very sure about all three trips I had previously given preference to, and the Lord began to shift some of my thinking during this fair. He reminded me that I shouldn't pick a trip simply because I thought it lined up with my gifts. He wanted my obedience, even if He were to call me to something wildly out of my comfort zone. After all, wouldn't He then receive all the glory in my apparent weakness?

Discovery Weekend was a blessing in that it taught me to trust Jesus deeper and more wholly. There will never be a time when I can control every detail of my life, but knowing that I have a Good Dad who is sovereign calms every fear. While participating in this phenomenal event, we sang songs in different languages, were reminded of God's heart for the nations and how He always equips His followers. We were charged to not only share the gospel with those we came into contact with, but also our very lives. Jesus gave up everything for men who rebuked Him. This summer and until Kingdom come, I want to give up everything for Him, sharing my life with those He places in my path. I am thankful to Go Now for providing this opportunity to share the abundant love that has mercifully been given to me.

Nicole Faulkenberry has been appointed and accepted a position to serve as a Summer Missionary in Germany. She is a student at Dallas Baptist University.