We Must Go

World Gospel Mission

Missionary Volunteer Partners

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​"We must go"

"We must go" she said on the other end of the line, as I sat in my car amidst a puddle of tears and confusion in McDonough, Georgia. It was in the Spring of 2001. Marybeth and I had just committed to move from Denver Colorado to Jonesboro, Georgia. All of that was good and exciting news - even though it seemed a little like Abraham going out not knowing where he was going.  The problem was that we suddenly did not have the promised job that had enabled us to close on a home in Georgia. We also still owned a home in Colorado. What were we going to do?  Two houses, one low paying job in Georgia, not sufficient to pay one mortgage - much less two.  "God, I don't understand'? What should we do?  I was suddenly brought back to the reality of the moment - when I heard Marybeth say even more forcefully  "It is just too clear - God  has told us to go to Georgia - and we must go". 

That was 14+ years ago, and we have seen first hand the miracles that God has worked in our lives because we stepped out of our fear and confusion and trusted Him and His direction "to GO'.  ( I keep insisting that I will sit down and write God's story of these past 14+ years)  But that is not the subject of this blog post.  What is the subject?  Once again, God is saying to us - You must GO.

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Over the past several weeks or longer - we both have clearly heard Him say again,  "You must Go." The questions have been:  Where? When? How? Why? and in our humanness - What will we do?  

The problem is that God very rarely gives us all of those answers ahead of our obedience! Oh, that's right- Lord, I wish you had't reminded me of that!  What you mean is that I must first obey, before you fill in the blanks? And even then, you show us a little at a time in response to our stepping out. (I suppose you are right, that if you laid the whole thing out it WOULD be more than I could handle)

Now can I be candid with all of you my friends? There are immediately a whole list of 'questions' - thoughts - what ifs that come to my mind. 

• “I’m confused because I’m not exactly sure what it is He wants me to do.
• ​“I don’t know for sure that I can do what God wants me to do.”
• "I’m too old.”
• “I am not 100 percent sure this is God’s will.”
• "I am scared I’ll fail.”
• “I am not a leader.”
• "How can we afford it"

Well, you get the idea.  It is at this point that I am reminded of something Dr. Henry Blackaby has said: "When God gives you an assignment, it is always a GOD SIZED ASSIGNMENT. Meaning? "Mark, you CANNOT do it in your own strength - Only mine"

So Marybeth and I have recently taken the FIRST STEP. Yes Lord, we will go!  There does seem to be a drawing to Africa - and specifically West Africa Theological Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria.  Therefore, we met with World Gospel Mission in Marion, Indiana and have made application to join them as Missionary Volunteer Partners (MVP). This is a program where we will spend up to a year 'on assignment'. Beyond that we may renew, receive another assignment, or who knows how God will lead.  Now we will walk the journey - and the next steps - as God answers the remainder of the questions. We do know one thing for sure - WE MUST GO - and our God is already doing the heavy lifting to prepare the way.

We will certainly keep you posted, and covet your prayers. It is comforting to know that you will be 'walking the journey' with us!

Mark & Marybeth Leavell

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Rivers Not Reservoirs
7982 Hillcrest Trail
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236

Blog:    www.hisrivers.org
Email:  his.rivers@gmail.com

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