Kristina

Those early college years were filled with a busy schedule of classes and colporteuring. Yet I had hardly begun my first semester before I suddenly found myself in physical difficulty. I didn't know what was happening, but I began experiencing a lot of back pain which drained my energy. My muscles became tense and I soon had difficulty keeping up with the college program. Even worse, it affected my ability to colporteur, because I couldn't carry a book bag door-to-door. Visits to doctors, physical therapists, and massage therapists didn't provide any clear diagnosis or help. In spite of frustrations, setbacks, pain, and depression, God spoke comfort to my soul. I was able to accept His will, even if I were to be disabled for life.

Kind friends helped me with massage and hydrotherapy. By God's grace I regained a little health and was able to function—though at a slower pace. My teachers helped me to adjust my college load to a level that I could manage. I cooked at colporteur programs, worked as a ground leader, and led colporteur teams instead of carrying a bag and knocking on doors.

Through all these experiences, I learned to trust God, and He gave me strength and grace to make it through. In the spring of 2005, I accepted my first job working for a church in Decatur, Arkansas. They had purchased several thousand copies of The Great Controversy, and they needed someone to distribute them to every hotel room in the area! While I was there, the church invited me do a series of nature talks for their church campout. Little did I dream where that adventure would lead!

In May of 2005, I graduated with an Associate degree in Personal Ministries. What should I do now? Opportunities were not lacking—I had already turned down fifteen job offers from conferences, churches, and schools around the country. Because of health struggles, I needed some time to rest and recuperate before embarking on any career. So homeward I drove, back to Washington State, stopping just long enough in Decatur to give the nature talks.

The summer flew by, but one question was first and foremost: Where does God want me to be? What does He want me to do? At twenty-two years old, my life was dedicated to His service, yet I still didn't know where! Yes, I was still busy, using every opportunity to further His work, but I wanted to see the bigger picture. This song spoke the language of my heart, and I sang it often—I'll follow, I'll wait.

My mind holds a myriad of thoughts every day
Of what's in the future, is this the right way?
Who will I marry, and where should I go?
What's my vocation? Must I not know?

Lord I'll follow; Lord I'll wait.
Lord I trust You to lead in the time You create.
Where should I go? What should I be?
Lord I will wait always on Thee.

Oh use in my life Lord, this period of trust.
Draw me much closer, send trials if You must.
Make all my heartstrings in tune with Thine own,
So I'll be ready when Your will's shown.

Lord I'll follow; Lord I'll wait.
Lord I trust You to lead in the time You create.
Where should I go? What should I be?
Lord I will wait always on Thee.

Copyright (c) 1995 by Mac Lynch. Used by Permission of the Wilds.

I knew that until I was sure of my direction in life, I couldn't think about a relationship with anyone. How can I know that God is leading me to someone if I don't know what I am called to do? A relationship would only distract me. I would be tempted to start in the work he was doing and convince myself that it was God's calling. I committed to not set my affections on any young man until he informed me of his interest with my parents' permission, and I was ready. My prayers increased as the summer progressed.

During the summer I had more opportunity to correspond with friends on the Internet, and this soon became a ministry. Many friends and former classmates would call and email me asking for prayer or encouragement. Among them was Daniel, who by this time was developing a real interest in missions.

Kristina

By the fall of 2005, I began to see just how God was answering my prayers. In October, I received a phone call from the church in Decatur, Arkansas, asking for more nature meetings! This was quite a surprise, but made me very happy for another opportunity to share. During the meetings, many church members asked me if I did this full time. "No!" was my quick reply. "I just do this for my local church and as a special favor for Decatur."