Called to California

Many, if not all of you, know my heart for prayer, worship, and spreading the love of Christ to everyone.  I have felt the pull into ministry since I was young.  The questions have always been “Where” or “What” or “When” or “HOW?” God has been faithful to call me on each adventure with Him with peace and faithfulness and eventually answer all of those questions, haha. J Over the years I have been able to take part in various worship teams, youth ministries, outreaches, and mission trips in the local church and abroad.  I have been with orphans in China, praying over them in English and watching the revelation on their faces as the love of God impacted them, even when they could not understand a word. I have watched the young adults and teenagers at my local church charge after the heart of God with such passion and ardor that it changed me! I have heard their hearts lifted to God in praise and witnessed as God bloomed in their hearts! I have taught English in Indonesia to adults and children alike and witnessed with awe as fellowship, music, language, and learning opened their eyes to more of God.

           

More recently when I was the director of the Indianapolis House of Prayer, I got to be a first-responder with many others to the heart of the Lord for the city of Indianapolis.  That time was so sweet as God built me up as a leader in a time when I didn’t feel like I could lead.  It was also an amazing time of fellowship, unity, and tenderness.  We approached God with hunger and simplicity and we saw healings, salvations, and the beautiful heart of God transforming and uniting in love.  When God asked me to find another leader for the house of prayer; that was both difficult and exciting.  I had to let go of something God had knit into my heart, but I also knew it was time for an upgrade with God.  What I had not counted on was a year of hiddenness, stretching, and mourning.

I was hospitalized four times, had surgery, got in a car accident, lost my job, and was dealing with a heart that had grown sick with hope deferred.  I laugh as I write this because that sentence sounds so morose.  But even through all of that, I had access to joy at all times.  It’s hard to explain because it was a difficult year and I did not have perfect faith, perfect happiness, or even perfect reactions. But God was perfect and it was also a beautiful year.  He held me.  He provided for me.  He lifted me up in my darkest of moments.  He created hope out of nothing.  He bestowed upon me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. He made a way for me.

I had the privilege of going to the School of Worship in Redding, California this last month and I felt unmistakably called to apply for their full-time school of ministry in the fall.  Nothing about this makes “sense”.  I have no job, no money, lots of bills, and I live on the other side of the country!  As I struggled with this during the first week of classes, I felt God saying: “What do you want to do?” This startled me because I have always prayed for God’s will and direction.  It dawned on me that maybe God really was like a good dad (at least like my good dad) and wanted to see me go after the dreams He actually placed in my heart. I responded:

           

“If I had unlimited resources I would speak and sing identity, life and Your love over others. I want to transfer truth like tattoos onto people’s hearts. I would like to travel the world doing this and watching Your truth and beauty heal and restore people. It could be in any creative form- theatre, books, film, art, photos, singing in a band, being a public speaker, etc.  I don’t really know the mode of transporting the message right now.  All I know is that the message is in me.  I have a huge heart for showing people who you are and how you see them.”

 I think that if we can believe what God says about Himself and who He is than we can believe what He says about us and our lives. I know God is calling me to this school and I believe that within this season lies a key: A key that God wants to give me. I don’t have all of the answers to those questions at the top yet, but I do recognize the pull of God at my heart and know I will say yes.

I told God earlier this year, “I will go anywhere and do anything as long as you are with me and you make a way for me.”  I have felt Him in every stage of this process saying: “I will make a way for you.” He is faithful and good on His word.  He means what He says.

You guys all know what a support letter is so I won’t pretend that I’m not asking for money along with a LOT OF PRAYER.  I am asking for financial AND prayer support.  I will need to raise about $8,000 for the school and the mission trip that begins directly when school commences.  The school encourages their students to raise support as they are doing full-time ministry, outreach, and missions during the entire duration of the school year.  We will also be involved every week in a full schedule of classes and Biblical study as well. It’s going to be a pretty intense year! 

There really are SO many details and so many things God has given me for this time, so if you are interested in reading about these, I encourage you to continue reading this blog.  I will be posting pictures, videos, and writing about the things God is showing me as well as my thoughts about Him.

If you wish to support me in prayer or financially, please contact me at melissajmowat@gmail.com WITHIN the next two weeks.  Even if you can only send $5.00, every cent counts! For those of you who want to get started, here are a few immediate prayer requests:

1.     Pray that I will get a job to support the rest of my personal expenses:

    bills, rent, etc.

2.     Pray for my health and self-discipline.  That is really one of my main goals this next season to get healthy and to continue to lose weight. 

3.     Pray for transition as I sell a lot of my belongings and head off to California.  It’s going to be a major STRETCH!  J

Thanks so much for reading this long letter!  I know technically they are supposed to be one page long but I had so much to tell you! (And still do!!!) I love you all very much!  I pray that He blesses you and fills you with passion for life and for knowing Him.  He loves us all so incredibly much! :)