It’s crazy because some days I just can’t believe that God picked me.
Six years ago God called me to ministry. Me. An innocent, wide-eyed, perhaps even a bit naïve 17 year old. And in those six years I’ve made more mistakes and been knocked down more times than 17 year old me ever could have imagined. I’ve wondered on many occasions how, after everything I’ve been through, after everything I’ve done, I could possibly be called to do God’s work.
But here I am, with two years of seminary done, and only two weeks away from flying to Colombia where I’ll spend a year working as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) with the PC(USA) and the Presbyterian Church of Colombia (IPC). I accepted the position way back in January, and after months of wondering what exactly my job would be and even where I would be living, I finally found out yesterday. I will be living in Pital de Megua, a small town south of Barranquilla, working as a pastoral intern in a church that hasn’t had an installed pastor for quite some time now.
The second most common question people ask me when I tell them I’m going to Colombia (after “Do you speak Spanish?”) is whether I am excited or nervous. My answer is always “both.” I am excited to be so close to going, after two years of hoping and praying that this would happen. I am excited to find out exactly why I have been called to Colombia, and what God has planned for me and for the church I will be serving. But I am nervous because there are so many things I still don’t know, so many questions I still have. Most of all I am nervous that I will let someone down: the church, the YAV program, all the people who are supporting me, God, or even just myself. I wonder, why on earth did God pick me to do this? What can I do that someone else can’t?
Somedays I think it’s crazy. But then I remember that God knows what He’s doing. God knows more than I ever will, and God has always made sure I am right where I need to be. I remember that when I accepted God’s call, I chose not to rely on my own strength, but to instead rely on the One who has supported me through every part of this journey.
And then I think, maybe it’s not so crazy after all.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5
If you would like to support my work in Colombia, you can make a donation online at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/donate/e210351-columbia-yav-ainsley-herrick/
Or send a check to:
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the following on all checks:
E210351, Ainsley Herrick, Colombia
Follow my blog throughout the year for updates and please remember myself and the people of Pital de Megua in your prayers.