Do you keep up with high school or college friends? Several years back, we switched churches and reconnected with college buddies. One Sunday, one of them commented about how much we changed since the good old days. As I thought about my life, I realized that being a gypsy for God had really changed my life for the better. You might be wondering what that even means. So, let me tell you about my adventures with my Heavenly Father.
After the death of our son, I wanted to do something in memory of him. The opportunity came up for me to go on a mission trip to Haiti. I had never done anything like this but felt really called, so I said a quick yes before I could change my mind. That one little yes changed my life and began an adventure that I could never imagine.
Becoming a Gypsy for God
A gypsy is defined as a person who wanders or roams from place to place. I always loved to travel, so saying yes to a trip with a Godly purpose seemed like a natural extension of who I was already. Now, over twenty years later, I can hardly believe all the places God took me or the things He let me participate in. I went to Haiti to help those in need. I did not expect to become a wanderer spreading the Gospel near and far. But, saying “yes” to go will change you.
The adventures allowed God to show me the inside of closed countries, the majesty of snow-covered peaks, stunning landmarks, and animals of every shape and size. Beyond the touristy sites, God showed me His people. The poor, the hungry, the forgotten, and the lost of the world became those I wanted to serve. They were no different than me. The only difference came from the circumstances they were born in.
We are all called
The 25th chapter of Matthew holds a wealth of wisdom. And, as I visit and work with the people of God; these words resonate within my soul:
“35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. 40 The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:35-40
The real adventure is serving the brothers and sisters of Christ in their times of need.
When I talk with people about the mission work, they love to hear the stories of the places I visited. Many want to see the pictures of the sights and hear the descriptions of the areas. But, what excites my soul the most is when my Facebook Messenger pings with a message from a faraway land. The connection with Godly people around the world remains my greatest reward for this adventure. To pray with them for a sick child or talk with them about our life in Christ are my greatest gifts. The joys of life as a gypsy for God.
Say Yes
Saying yes to one Godly calling can open so many other doors also. I never dreamt of writing, but the years of wandering lead to a book about those adventures. Then came another book, and another. My third one is in the final edits. And I have two children’s books due out next year. God keeps on giving. God gave me the chance to speak at two women’s conferences in a country that is hostile towards Christianity. I am blessed beyond words.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16
Do your part as a Gypsy for God
There are many needs in our country. You might not feel the thrill of traveling to distant lands. But, if you want to experience a life of Godly adventure, it won’t start until you say “yes” to God’s call on your life. The journey might all be local but still just as thrilling. You just need to take the first step. Then, someday, you can look back over your life and realize what an incredible journey it has been as a gypsy for God. Live a life worth sharing with others. Once you say yes, remember to hold on tight because you don’t know where the road ahead will take you.
Prayer
Thank you for the opportunity to feed the hungry, clothe the needy and give a cup of cool water to the thirsty in Your Name. In every act of generosity, we catch a clearer glimpse of You. Let us be an instrument of Your peace and a gypsy for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
Yvonne M. Morgan is an author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Such truth here! We always talk about the power of learning how to say “no” in our culture today… but I focus on how I can say YES to what God calls me to do. Sometimes it’s inconvenient and stressful, but saying yes to God’s call is life-changing, affirming and magnificent!
It really makes a life changing life for sure. Thanks Jessica and God bless.
Wow. Just wow, Yvonne. So convicting to be reminded of the power of saying yes to God!
My word for the year is “courage,” and now you have me wondering what I might say “yes” to that will require courage!
Good luck as you find ways to say yes to God and having courage to follow through with it. God bless Ava.
What a tribute to your son. God bless you for saying yes.
Thanks Nancy. It is important for all of us to say yes to Godly things. God bless you too.
Thank you for following God’s call for your life. Your experiences bring others closer to God.
Thanks Melissa and God bless
It’s wonderful that you responded immediately to the urging of the Holy Spirit to get out there and GO! You have been rewarded with the blessings of a flourishing international ministry that benefits so many as a result. My chronic illness has brought me the most frustration in this area. My husband is a board member of an international ministry with Indians in Asia. He has gone to India 4 or 5 times, and I’ve never been able to accompany him. I can relate to Epaphroditus who as he headed to help Paul became deadly sick alone the way and got turned around and sent back home. Having cashed out and looked forward to a long-term relationship helping Paul this must have been a great disappointment, and yet God rewarded and blessed and praised his efforts. I don’t understand God’s ways, but I trust him. I thank God for your ministry and that you can GO!
I pray that you can enjoy the “go” through your husband. It has blessed me immensely. Thanks Melinda and God bless.
Yvonne, you are such an inspiration! It all begins with one “yes” to God. He accomplishes the rest. I appreciate that you mention how God can use you right where you are, in your circle of friends, in your community. God needs missionaries in every crack and corner of this world, for all people need Jesus. Thank you for opening your life to help so many people in His name. May the Lord continue to bless and use your mightily for Christ!
Thanks Melissa. And any one can do the same. God uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. God bless
Yvonne, I never tire of hearing your story. How powerful the Lord turned your great and sad loss into a call to say “Yes” to Him that changed your life forever. And every time we say, “Yes” or “Here am I Lord, send me” it forever changes the trajectory of our life and our heart. January 5th was the first anniversary of a very traumatic experience I went through. Great loss comes in many forms. And the Lord continues to remind me how He will use it for my good and to help others. In fact, He already is!
Praying for you dear Karen as such times come around each year. I pray for God to help you turn it into something for His purposes. May the Lord bless you. Thanks Karen.