Sitting here in my parents house in Chilliwack watching chunks of snow blanket this mountain-side we call home. Its been a great visit back in Canada being able to spend some time with my sisters family in Penticton, visit my home church Salmon Arm, be a groomsman in my buddies wedding & spend some time with my parents in Chilliwack. As hard as its been for me to really take a rest in this three week vacation I've finally been able stop these last few days & process all God has done in this last year. I can't believe I just spent an entire year in South Korea & experienced all the things I did! It's been a privilege to be a part of the Dreem Church family in Daegu, a people with huge hearts who have generously provided for me and taught me so much. There was never a week where I was not invited to a families house for a traditional Korean meal & the odd Western meal to give me a taste of home. They have shown me the appreciation we should have for the simple things in life like family & food. So much of Korean culture is centered around food, often sharing elaborate meals while talking & laughing for hours on end.
Since returning to Canada, God has clearly revealed to me the direction he is taking my life which is to be involved in full-time ministry as a Pastor. I think my heart has known this for a long time but since watching my own father go through the struggles & sacrifices pastors go through I've been fearful & hesitant. It's funny because for so long I've been waiting for other people to call out my gifts "Jeremy, you should be a pastor. this is totally you" but I'm convinced God has silenced the persuasions of fellow believers (as well-motivated as people are).
I'm so thankful that He wanted to reveal this calling to me independent of what people may or may not say. He doesn't want our lives to be swayed by the popularity of man, placing identity and purpose in the hands of imperfect people but on Himself who crafted us in his own image. He is the one who validates us. I won't lie to you, as relieving as it is to know my calling, it terrifies me. To be a shepherd of God's sheep is no small calling. The bible is clear that there is a higher standard for Pastors who are entrusted the responsibility of faithfully preaching God's word. I believe this calling is not small & I don't plan to take it lightly.
This is why I covet your prayers in these early preparation years. Please pray for integrity, humility & authenticity; ingredients that I believe will keep me close to Jesus & trustworthy in the eyes of man.
I am heading back to South Korea in the next couple days to continue the English Ministries in Dreem Church. I'm still deciding on what University I will attend this coming September & what courses I will be taking so please pray for me in that as well!
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
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