The two weeks I spent last month at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota are changing my life. I would like to share some of that story with you.

Thankfully, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know who God is. Thankfully, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a Christian. From the time my children were very little, the issue of their faith in God was a primary point of focus in mine and Randy’s hearts as parents, as well. That focus was the driving force in my volunteering in church (and I must add, Randy’s tolerance to erratic schedules and regularly having to cook dinner himself and a host of other tasks). One thing led to another, and years later, I am now blessed with working in our Partnership. I thank you all very much for that. Along with my family, this God-given ministry is the focus of my life.

As with any ‘job’, after a period of time, we have a tendency to become routine. My two weeks in school at St. Paul have changed that. Our classes focused (and will for the next 3 years) on how to more effectively share Jesus’ love and Gospel with those around us. We were encouraged to examine ourselves, our personal and spiritual gifts, and the ministry opportunities around us. All week we were asked this defining question, "What is your burning issue?" As I strived to answer that question, my particular ministry focus became clearer. Over the next three years, I will continue with classes, work on practicum projects, and eventually complete a major research thesis and project portfolio, that is to be used by other ministry programs.

There are fifteen students in my class from all over the world. It is amazing how God provides different arenas and gifts for each person in their own particular situation to serve and follow His commandment, "to go and make disciples", Matthew 28: 19. Our ministries are unique to each of us, and there is a God-given place for each of us to serve Him. Even though you can’t go to St. Paul for two weeks, stop for a minute and step out of your normal routine. ‘What is your burning issue’ when it comes to God’s kingdom? Prayerfully consider, where and how does He want you to serve? Maybe, the symbolism of fire on the heads of the disciples is one we can adopt. Let’s take our ‘burning issues’ and start some ‘fires’ by sharing the Gospel.

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