By: Aislynn Holt
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
When this verse became Echo Student Ministries' mission it turned a new meaning in my life. Like a child, we are to imitate our Father, walking in love like Christ giving up ourselves like Him to the One true God.
"All is Grace" by Shaun Groves- This song is a staple in my life that no matter the circumstance, you are loved, you are blessed, and all is grace and grace enough. It is a reminder to have thanksgiving in Christ, the cross, daily bread, making peace, and having bodies whole. In America, I think we can easily forget this.
My Story:
I grew up in a Christian home with a preacher's kid. My grandfather was a minister, and my grandmother did missionary work. I was baptized at age seven, but I tried to ignore God's calling on my life. In conversation with many people, I swore that I would never be a Youth Pastor's wife because all of our friends were in this position and I witnessed much heartbreak.
Fortunately, God continued to reveal His plan for my life, and I figured out it was easier to surrender to His plan than try to follow my own. Through that I support my husband of nine years in his youth minister, and I homeschool my two rambunctious boys. However, we are called to do more than that as a family, and with that conviction we sponsor children through Compassion, and we teach our children that across the nations is a huge family of God we haven't even met!
Our family's call to missions started with youth ministry and has been extended to other nations as we realize that our body of Christ expands the globe. After a trip to visit our Compassion child, Smith, our family knew it would not be the last. There is just something beautiful about kissing the face of a relative you didn't realize you had. "Running from God" is a losing battle when He calls you to His plan. Now, as I've witnessed my family in Peru and Haiti, I know that I must educate my children and our youth about life outside of here. We can no longer live in ignorance, but share the knowledge that God bestows to us. May we all remember that His divine plan is one full of love, mercy, and grace!
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