Renae's testimony from fundraiser (pt1)

It is a great honour to be able to share with you today about what God is doing both in my life and in the lives of my family.  Thank you especially to those who’ve worked hard to make this day happen and to you all for coming.  The outpouring of support and encouragement has been overwhelming. I’ve been a part of this church for 18 years and I think that as we look at moving to Rwanda, the most difficult part of this step of faith will be leaving this church family

If I could choose a favourite passage of scripture that best describes my life, it would be Jeremiah 29:11. 

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Looking back on the journey God has taken me thus far, I can see His hand on my life.

My mom was only 15 when she discovered that she was pregnant with me.  Despite offers from family to help raise me, she made the very difficult decision to give me up for adoption. 

One of my favourite stories growing up was hearing how my parents came to a shopping mall to pick me up . . . and how my dad almost drove into the ditch several times on my first car ride home.  I was welcomed in as the oldest granddaughter on my dad’s side and the youngest granddaughter on my mom’s side.  I got the best of both worlds.  God’s hand was on me as He placed me in a home that would teach me His ways. 

For as long as I could remember, I wanted to make a difference someway--somehow. I was always a bit shy, and found it much easier to be busy doing something to help bring a smile to someone else’s face.  I took great delight in being able to help my grandmothers—either my dad’s mom, who shared the same yard as me, or my mom’s mom, who lived nearby in Olds.  These precious ladies taught me so much!  Grandmas, don’t underestimate the how much influence you have on your grandchildren.  God will give you amazing moments to pour into those around you. 

I graduated early, at the age of 16 and when I couldn’t make up my mind of what I was to do with my life, I decided to go to Bible school. 

At FGBI, in Eston, Saskatchewan, I was reminded of how much I loved to work with children.  I majored in Christian Education and loved it.  There, my heart was drawn towards missions.  Plans were made to visit a children’s home my grandmother had supported in India.  While I had hoped to go in late fall, plans changed and I found myself preparing for a mission trip with only 10 days notice just as the school year was wrapping up. 

In the middle of the craziness of finals and prep for India, God spoke very clearly to me, “Would I be willing to lay down my life for Him in India?”.