“How’s the heart?” This is the question that I’m often asked when catching up with family and friends. Over the past two years, the journey has gone far beyond the healing of my physical heart. The Lord has been relentlessly pursuing my whole heart, and in the process has also fixed a 24 millimeter hole in my physical heart. The Lord has patiently and faithfully been showing me who he is, and what that means for me. Looking back over the many seasons of the past five years, this is what I see.
Physically, I’m doing great. I have much more stamina for daily life and am able to much more fully enjoy sports and fun activities. My immune system is stronger, and I haven’t had a serious cold or sinus infection in over a year. In December (2012), at my 6 month checkup, the cardiologist in Seattle said that everything looked great, gave me a hug, and “kicked me out,” saying that he didn’t need to see me again.
The Good Shepherd has been leading through this entire process. Through masterful orchestration of circumstances, conversations, and the constant whisper of the Spirit, I am learning and accepting the truth of what my Creator says to me and about me instead of the opinions of man or lies of the enemy. In 2009, going into the busiest year of my life (full time work + full time school + student teaching + ministry), the Lord told me he was going to teach me to rest. In 2010, the Lord asked, “Do you trust me?” I have since learned how little I really did trust…but he is SO faithful! As he patiently led and provided, my heart began to awaken and I began to experience emotion (realizing that he is an emotional God and that I am made in His image!) and receive love in new ways. In 2011, the Lord insistently spoke to me about identity – who he made me to be. In 2012, doors opened for me to start walking in that identity more fully than ever before, at work, in ministry, and on the journey to health. Now in 2013, the Lord is speaking about relationship and rhythm – drawing me ever closer to himself while helping me find balance in the process.
I now stand on the threshold between two seasons. I always had the sense that if I were to be a missionary, I wouldn’t be a “missionary” in the traditional sense of the word. I was transplanted from the mission field in Hong Kong into the mission field of the Pacific Northwest (USA). I am a missionary to Bellingham, WA, sent by and serving at Light of the World Prayer Center. Since 2010, while working full time, I have served as part-time worship coordinator at LOWPC. The Lord is now leading me, at the invitation of the director and board, to move into a season of full time ministry as worship director at LOWPC. The ministry is praise and worship – ministering to the Lord because he is more than worthy; prayer – because we are called to stand in the gap; and service – to the local church (as a whole) and to the people all around me. I will be working to train and equip worshipers in the house of prayer as well as networking with and serving worship pastors and leaders all over the city.
As a launching point for this new season, if the Lord provides, I have the special opportunity to attend a 2 month intensive worship camp in Herrnhut, Germany, from September 1st to October 31st, 2013. The Levite Praise Institute (LPI) is set up like a “boot camp” for worship leaders, including individual instrumental instruction, music theory, songwriting, team dynamics, and outreach. Going to the worship camp is an investment in embracing my calling, and it is most certainly a step of faith.
As I press towards this transition I would, first and foremost, covet your prayers! If you would like to receive periodic email updates about how to continue to pray specifically for me and how God is answering, I would be delighted to send them to you! Please reply and I’ll add your name to the prayer update list.
Finally, please pray for provision – LOWPC staff all raise support as missionaries to Bellingham. The reality is that I will be giving up a steady salary and need to garner a support team in its place. My goal for transitioning to full time at LOWPC is to raise $6000 before leaving my job at Logos. In order to attend the LPI, I need to raise $6000 by mid August (airfare, tuition, room and board, etc). Even if I am not able to go to the LPI, all gifts will go towards my transition into full time ministry. For the long term, LOWPC would like to see my support team provide a financial base of $2500 per month. They welcome one time gifts, but know that monthly giving is the key to my focusing on the ministry at LOWPC. Would you like to be a part of my support team?
If the Lord should move you to be a part of my support team, whether through a one-time gift or on a monthly basis, I would be most heartily thankful! There are various ways to give, including check, cash, paypal, etc. All gifts through LOWPC are tax deductible in the USA and a year-end receipt will be provided. Details for giving options are provided below.
If you are interested in more details about my story, the Levite Praise Institute, or the ministry at LOWPC, I’d love to talk to you! Feel free to call or text 206-412-1995, or email me at vanessa31@gmail.com. The Lord bless you and shine His love on you, and may you see His goodness today!
For the supremacy of Christ in ALL things,
Vanessa Smith
Tax deductable giving through LOWPC
By Mail – send to:
Light of the World Prayer Center
PO Box 31037
Bellingham, WA 98228
* Make checks to “LOWPC”. Please do NOT write my name anywhere on the check, but insert a note directing funds to Vanessa Smith.
Online (PayPal):
http://lowpc.org/donate/
When giving online, please include a message in the PayPal notes directing funds to Vanessa Smith.
Giving directly to me – no tax receipt
By Mail – send to:
Vanessa Smith
107 Alexa Ln
Lynden, WA 98264
A Journey of the Heart 