I think it is wonderful that the Lord has laid burdens upon your heart, especially when they have to do with ministering to others. I'm also glad that you have had such an extensive opportunity to travel overseas and observe and possibly even participate in ministry in a cross-cultural context.

Normally opportunities for speaking and leading worship arise out of our contexts. We participate, people in leadership note our interest and gifts, and begin to involve us in activities which give us opportunities to grow.

Thus, my basic question would be as to what avenues you might find through your church or agencies that you have served with, where people have gotten to know you and have come to grow in their confidence in you both as a person and as a budding leader.

For example, the worship leader at Urbana this last time, Sundee Frazier, didn't just come out of the woodwork. She participated in the worship team at Urbana '96. She was a staff worker and people came to appreciate her gifts, talents, and vision. From this background she was invited to serve.

In addition, acrucial element would be prayer. Since God has led you not to go abroad this summer, He logically has something else for you to do. It may or may not be "camp hopping" or talking about missions. It may be getting involved in an urban setting or even getting a job - and expanding your knowledge of what life is like for those in the market place.

Trust that the Lord is able to do amazing things as we call upon Him. He is well able to open options for us. So . . . let us pray that from the contacts you have and the experience you have gained, the Lord would open doors for you this summer!

Thanks again for writing.