How I Heard God's Call
From the Ask Jack Columnby Cynthia Kramer
[The following is an answer to a letter from the ASK JACK column]
Hello. My name is Cynthia Kramer. I currently work with InterVarsity's Global Projects, the short term summer teams that are sent around the world. When Jack asked if I wouldn't mind responding to you from my perspective regarding ministry in Russia, I quickly said, 'sure, it'll be fun.' You see, I've spent 6 years in the former USSR doing some InterVarsity-equivalent staff work, English teaching, culture study and teaching and myriad of other things that come with cross cultural living. So sharing from my perspective on ministry in Russia would be easy enough and enjoyable, as opportunities to remember my experiences to other people don't come up every day. I was tickled to write you.
Once I actually read your letter to Jack, my attitude shifted a bit. You see all through college I was headed toward a whirlwind career as a National Geographic photographer. Not right away of course, one has to pay their dues ... but that was the direction ... the plan, if you will. But a couple of things happened along the way to my last year of school, the 5th yr, that caught me off guard. Honestly, 9 yrs later, I wonder if I've recovered yet!! and I don't know if I want to, because God grabbed my attention and I'm thankful for the ways in which He's grown me. This growth only adds to the rest of what I do...be it art, relationships, whatever. He used the challenge of cross-cultural ministry to use me, yes, but more importantly to show me more of who He is, who He wants to make me to be, given me more of an idea of what this world is like and how much He desires people, His creation, to know who He is.
In the summer after my 4th year of school, I went with my church on a one week project to Tijuana, Mexico. Only one week, only minutes into Mexico, but a world away from my northern Wisconsin life. After this experience, God said, 'Soviet Union'. (as that's what it was still called then). That next semester I took the beginning Russian language class at my University and the next summer I went on a 6 week project to Ukraine with two questions that I knew God would answer that summer: 1) what would I do after graduation and 2) what amazing things would be shown to me this summer. I had the best of expectation and desire to love every minute of the experience, each person and be as close to God as possible. By the end of week two I had decided to join an IFES team in the USSR for two years and was full of surpassed expectations, felt the presence of God in deep new ways, and was willing to sacrifice whatever it took to be part of what God was doing and wanting me to see in that part of the world at that time. The summer passed, a friend and I had planned the 6 weeks after the project as our 'tour of Europe' and I had one whole semester left before I could consider moving back. This was a hard wait. I wanted to rush off, get there as soon as possible and stop wasting time.
As I look back, I'm glad that I had that wait and see how it would have been beneficial to wait through that semester after graduation, until the next summer. As it turned out, events happened such that I left 3 weeks after graduation--January 13th to be exact--including a 9 month break in the middle, I spent the next 6 yrs in what came to be known as the Former USSR. I keep moving east...started in Ukraine, Russia, most recently Kazakstan. Don't know where I'll be next time 'round. I'm feeling a tug toward far eastern Siberia...maybe even far northern Siberia or maybe China!! I don't know yet, but I know it won't be right away. God's doing other stuff right now.
No two people's stories are identical. Your developing story is your own. We each unravel a unique life story as we go along, doing our best to cling to the Lord, growing in discipleship of Him, all the while living in a world that will lie to us left and right if we dare stop to listen. Even now, in this oddly confusing time for you...God wants to bring you joy and surprises, maybe not looking as you would expect them to, nevertheless revel in Him, in His love for you and this world. Each stage of life will bring it's share of joy along with the inevitable unknowns--no, it doesn't get easier (I don't think--I'm not claiming to have all the answers), BUT after a few times of practicing the knowledge that God will not drop you, the 'having faith' part seems to come more quickly. I'm getting preachy-sorry. I'm feeling very sentimental lately, also in the midst of waiting for an 'out of nowhere blessing' to come to fullness and getting back into my dream of doing art/photography. Sort of feel like I'm talking to myself here. . .thanks for listening.
So, it's alright that this interest in Russia seems 'out of nowhere' this is how God is working out His plan for you...this is very exciting...don't be confined by anyone's idea of 'this is the way it's supposed to happen'. No one way is more valid that any other way. Typical is nice, but it hardly requires big acts of faith.....just look at a few Bible characters and wild, very not typical stuff God had them do!! i.e.: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Mary!!, Jesus!!, very not typical lives. Each must have felt special, yet picked on by God, freakish in their own culture...not typical by any means. But look at what their faith has done for us...paved the road for salvation. I'm sure you are not feeling 'freakish' right now....hope not!! But I know that people can be put off by whatever they consider non-traditional, we can talk even ourselves out of so much!! Life does not come in a neat, pretty little package. Thank GOD!! Have faith, do what you gotta do, talk to godly women and men who can relate and advise and listen to you.
Find the right organization for YOU, take some language classes (you can study once you are there, though), more importantly take some intense time learning Bible History, Theology, Missiology, Russian History and Church History and (believe it or not) US Culture and History. This doesn't have to be a full degree somewhere....spend time reading and discussing with the people in the know around you. Know that you will never know enough before you go no matter how much you study. Keep an attitude of learning while you are there....you will learn so much more than you offer anyone, and you will offer alot.
Even now, pray on and consider staying abroad for more than a year. Two years minimum is what I recommend. Right now that may seem like so much, but it will fly by. At the end of one year you've only just gotten a few things figured out, you are able to manage only OK at the market and you've just started some relationships...year two will fill those things out and let you leave with a sense of investment and commitment. If you truly sense that God is saying stay one year and move on....by all means honor that. But keep an open mind as you go into the experience, let God keep expanding what He's going to do.
OK, enough from me. Thanks for listening. I pray that some of my ramblings will resonate with you in a deep and personal way. Keep us posted on what you decide and if you have more questions....please, do not hesitate to write or call.
Blessings, sister!!
Cynthia
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