Bottom of the 9th

As we have moved into our apartment, we continue to sense that the Lord is up to something in our lives this year. Last year, we were readjusting to American culture, trying to figure out graduate studies, and doing our darnedst to steer clear of angry Boston drivers. Last year was a year of deeply seeking our Lord for the future, yet we are beginning to sense that he's pushing the door toward business as missions more and more wide open. In the spring, Gordon-Conwell hosted a few speakers on the topic of business as missions - the topic excited us. Prior to leaving for Mozambique, I took the GMAT, and the preparation and reality that business as missions could be our path sank in deeper, as the score came back good. Mozambique opened our eyes to the way that many live: in dire economic straights and in dire need of the person of Christ. Again, we felt more and more called to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, that He might use us (Rom 12.1) Last year felt overwhelming in many ways: Lord, why are you leading us to Boston if we aren't sold on vocational ministry? What are we supposed to do with our lives? Are we really supposed to move into the city just to be more involved in the church - but that doesn't make financial sense?! Yet the last couple of weeks have been those where the answers seem to be falling out of the sky. Emily got a dream-job teaching TESL in Chinatown, that pays for the apartment and food. We found an apartment that rocks, has a great view, is close to the subway, and is affordable! We find our hearts coming more and more alive at the thought of business as missions - ok, that's perhaps an understatement: stirred, energized, even anticipatory at the Lord's work. We find our spirits being restored and more bounce in our steps. So, as our last year in seminary begins, I find myself in much the same mindset as the self-described Troy Percival in the 2003 World Series (He was the large, 100 mph-throwing closer for the Angels who ended up saving several games). When interviewed, he said, "I just knew I was bringing the number 1 (fastball). Every pitch was number 1 - they were going to have to beat me there." Like Troy, that's what I (we) want to bring everyday here. The stakes are too high not to be bringing the number 1 at the enemy every moment possible, the battle too intense to take a pitch or a day off. No changeups, no curveballs - just the heater.