Why I Love My “Job”!

I have often thought that Ty Pennington had the coolest job in doing Extreme Home Makeover, but after our recent trip to India, I’ve been reminded again that I have the coolest job.  Yes, it is my “job”, but it is so much more than that!  Mel and I led the team of 18 from here in NZ to India and even had the privilege of having two of our kids with us.  Seeing people’s eyes opened to other people and cultures, seeing that God can and will use them, and that He is indeed faithful and sovereign.  That is what I love to see!

Two different people shared after the trip that their perspective of India and Indians has changed as a result of going.  One of them said they can’t get India off their mind and pray so much more for India and the ministries we witnessed.  Two young guys shared that they believe cross-cultural service and ministry will likely be part of their future in some capacity, something they hadn’t even contemplated before the trip.

During the trip, at one our morning meetings at breakfast, I asked one older gentleman to pray.  He later shared with Melanie that it was the first time he’d ever prayed publicly.  Another gentleman, one with a physical disability, was unsure why he was even suppose to go on the trip, but knew that God wanted him to go.  And yet to watch how God used him to encourage and challenge the people we met and then to hear two of the team members say that he was one of the people who most impacted them on the trip.

And then there was the impact on our hosts.  It was the first time a team had gone from our church to serve alongside them.  To see our host in tears at the end of our time there because we were such an encouragement and blessing to them, definitely makes it all worthwhile!

Yep, I’ve got one of the coolest “jobs” and I’m so grateful that God is willing to use broken vessels like the Stark family to accomplish His divine purposes!