It is one thing to feel like you have found what you are called to do, but it is another thing to know where you are called to do it. Many people feel called to youth ministry, but not necessarily to a specific location. And many people may feel called to a specific location, but aren't sure what to do! It can be very hard to feel like you've figured out what you're supposed to do and where you're supposed to do it, but I know the Lord is able to lead us where we need to be when we need to be there.
In years past, I've heard stories of youth leaders who find the church that feels like the perfect fit, or worship leaders who have been given the opportunity to serve at a church that seems like the perfect fit for them in that season. I also hear stories of youth leaders or worship leaders who want to serve in a church and can't find the right fit, or of those who are currently serving in a church that isn't the right fit. Whenever I hear those stories of when the what (calling) meets the where (location), it sounds miraculous. . . because it is!!!
I've experienced similar stories in my life. When I first started 456, our nonprofit youth ministry organization here in KC, I was looking desperately for churches or ministries to partner with, as far as the East Coast! I didn't want to start an organization on my own, so I explored dozens of opportunities to match the "what" with the "where," or the "who with." Little did I know the answer was in my backyard at IHOP-KC. After realizing that a local church context was not an option at the time, I began looking at para-church organizations to work with, and after a runaround, I met with leaders in the House of Prayer and for the first time I felt like I had found the "where" for this season.
After completing IHOPU and joining full-time staff with the Student Ministries department at IHOP-KC, I am confident that I have found the "where" to match my "what" for this season. The training that I am receiving and the foundation of prayer that I am building is reenforcing my calling like nowhere else could in this season. I don't know where I'll be 30 years from now, but I know that this season at IHOP-KC is critical to that moment 30 years away (even if I'm still in the same chair in the prayer room. Yes, Lord!).
It amazes me and awakens my spirit to be part of a ministry where the worship never ends. Regardless of if there's money or a big building or fancy equipment or even people in the room, the worship will never end. Regardless of who's President or what judgement is coming or if we live or die, the worship keeps going because Jesus is worthy. I could not ask for anything better than to be part of ministry where every outreach and initiative is birthed from a place of unceasing prayer and worship. It is in this context that I get to do youth ministry!
As if that weren't enough, Scripture gives very specific promises related to 24/7 prayer! We are praying the promises of God over our city and nation with an unceasing "prayer cannon," that right now (11:30 AM on Tuesday) is focusing on youth in Kansas City! I get to be part of a prayer room that is shaping history, and I get to do youth ministry with these people. I am so thankful that the Lord has put me here in this season. Wherever I go in the future, I will never forget when I first felt my "what" find its "where," and I am so thankful for this season!
BTW, Samuel was named Samuel because he is being raised in a house of prayer! Glory! Oh that God would use my son as a deliverer and messenger to this nation and turn the hearts of the people to their God! Amen :)
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