inside #8/2009 - August 2009

A Hint From The Lord

by Bernhard Brunner

I often wonder about people who have everything perfectly planned. I am not one of them.
My name is Bernhard Brunner, I come from Austria and I am a social worker there. In my home town, I am in charge of a drop-in center for young people who have been thrown out their homes. In my life, I have had some faith experiences and I can say that God spoke to me again and again.
Through a TV report, I heard about the work of HELP International in Mongolia and got in touch with the main office in Lüdenscheid. I was very interested to learn more about the diffenrent ministries of HELP around the world and so I followed an invitation to the Vision for Mission - weekend. Here I met the people behind the ministries and learned to appreciate the spirituality of FCJG / HELP fellowship.
I had a growing desire to join one of HELP's ministries and experience first hand what the Lord is doing among them. Guided by the hand of our Creator and Savior, I threw all my plans for my long-awaited vacation over board. I left the decision about the location to them. I wanted to go whre I was needed most. (Well, honestly, I have sent a quick prayer to heaven. Anywhere but not the United States...)
A few days passed. I was back home and had already some doubts. Maybe they did not need my help after all
These thoughts cane to an abrupt end when I found a message on my voicemail. My knees shook when I heard what was on the tape. I listened to it several times but still could not believe it. They did send me to the United States.
We have to be receptive and listen to the words that God speaks into our lifes. I was sent to Texas. The place where I did not want to go. But suddenly, I got deep a joy in my heart. I felt, that the Lord was leading me this way. A few days later I was on my way to Texas.
In this ministry, God works in many ways, but it seems to me that this ministry has his special blessing. As few examples are the different contacts, friendships, connections and the way they serve the young homeless.
But most of all, the purchase of this property - without a single dollar - for me, this a special hint of our Lord. It is God's land. Full of joy, I am excited and grateful and I am looking forward to my remaining time here.