Missionary Training 101

This past week, I was invited to attend the CSSM Missionary Training at Camp Silversides in Alberta. What a privilege to have leadership invest in 21 of us trainees from across the country. We represented ages from young marrieds through some who had 'retired' but sensed God's call to continue ministering in a new way. The days were packed; as we sat in a classroom & watched wonderful weather happen just outside our window in this beautiful camp setting. But... I wouldn't have traded that happening. Our days were full of teaching, devo times, sharing, praying, reflecting, looking ahead, worshipping, & wonderful meals. New info created several 'lightbulb' moments. Casual times included hearing God stories from one another as His work & calling were shared & our hearts encouraged by the wonder & uniqueness of God's work once again. Our training concluded with a communion service where we received our missionary certificates. It was a special time that meant a lot! I came away refreshed... even pumped... encouraged... challenged & feeling more equipped to serve. I also came away impressed with the CSSM organization & it's leadership. The week's focus was on the bigger picture & reflected afresh what it means to be part of the family of God.

BUT ON THE WAY HOME.... remember I'm leaving with that 'pumped' feeling, & now in search of a computer cord. The cord seemed an easy fix in Lacombe & I was once again on my way home. Here's where the 'but' should be inserted. BUT... I did forget to check the gas gauge or stop to fill up. I passed another town still reflecting on lots of good stuff. It wasn't till I approached Donalda that the indicator light blinked & a dinging reminder sound began... OH NO! But Donalda was there & all could be good. A drive through Donalda increased my anxiety for no gas station was apparent... only a man putting gas into his truck from a gas can... Deep breath, & 'oh no' still in my mind. I stopped & approached this man who probably I would never otherwise have cause to meet. I shared my concern. He affirmed that there was no longer a gas station in town. He mentioned that I had passed a couple of stations in my travels... when I shared that I did feel more than a bit foolish. As he came to share his gas with me, he smiled & as he added the needed liquid to my vehicle said, "this gas isn't even mine". New concern... & I asked who's gas it was? He told me that it belonged to his boss who owned him money... now my whole thought process was becoming overloaded. Was this a right thing for him... for me to do? People passing by didn't seem concerned in the least. I decided to trust his judgment & offered him payment. He took only half of what I offered & checked to see that the gas added did register on my fuel indicator lever. It did, & feeling greatly relieved, I started up my car. I asked him if he liked sweets & put a box of Christie Cakesters (a give-away from training) in his hands. His smile widened as he turned to leave, but then he turned back to make sure I knew my way back to the highway & to say that the cakesters were a Christie product... yes, I knew, & we both seemed thankful. I said 'God bless' & thanked him again as I returned on my journey. I did remember to stop & buy gas at the next town I came to. The protection prayed for earlier in the day seemed more significant. I was thankful it was still daylight & that God surprises us with helpers even when we're forgetful... Oh, did I mention that Donalda is home of the world's largest lamp; a site that now I've seen.