I met Joanna two years ago at a week long family camp. I was immediately impressed with her godliness and absolute friendliness. Since our first meeting, we met the next year at camp and then again at a Hebrew Roots singles retreat. Even though we've only met on three different occasions, and only briefly, I am always impressed at Joanna's kind heart as displayed through her words and actions. -Bethany
Shalom!
My name is Joanna, and I am from Ohio. I have been home-schooled all my life in a large, loving family. Like a lot of girls, I enjoy reading, dancing, flute, laughing, praying, baking, exercising, playing with my sibs and taking care of animals. One of my main interests is Israel: praying for Messiah to come and the restoration to take place. And not only praying, but taking part in the work in any way I can.
Growing up I have always had a desire to be a missionary. Reading missionary accounts of countless wonders worked by God on the mission field never ceases to amaze and challenge me. How I long to be able to do likewise, to see YHWH work through my hands to touch others. One of my main struggles has been with fear. Not really a particular fear of anything; just fear. One of the ways that Abba has helped me to overcome is by listening to his voice. Also, just walking forward. Focusing on others and rejecting the bad thoughts best as I can. Lately I've felt convicted that I need to not blame God. I've had to forgive him. This doesn't mean that I believe that he was at fault, It's really just so that I won't be bitter. This morning I was struggling with feeling fat. I tried to pray, but I couldn't seem to think about anything else. I repented for listening to the spirit of fear of fat and asked him to come and speak to me. Do you know what I heard? "You're beautiful". That was enough to turn my day around.
About a year ago I was invited by some friends to attend a week-long midwifery class. I didn't really think much of it, but I thought that it would be a neat thing to learn a little bit about. What mother wouldn't benefit from that kind of knowledge? So I went, and a whole new world was opened up to me. Ever since I have been feeling like God may be calling me to midwifery. This is kind of a hard thing for me, because I haven't actually been to a birth yet. But I'm following his voice the best I can, one step at a time. I graduated from high school a year ago, and felt that the LORD was leading me to take a year to seek him. I felt a peace about it, and prayed that he would lead me to somewhere I could really focus on seeking him. I had in my head that maybe I would help an elderly person, but still have lots of time to go walk in the woods to seek him. Well, that dream came true! Sort of. :) Last fall I felt led to go volunteer in Israel where I met a widow. She asked me if I would be willing to come and help nanny her boys. In Canada. Yeah. But I knew God was in it, so I went and had an incredible time of seeking God and growing. Growing in many ways; maturing into someone more dependable. Learning to work hard and wake up early. Learning to trust him. To seek him. To depend on him. Sometimes God has to get you out of your comfort zone to do that. Since then I've come back to my family in Ohio. Long story short, I'm signed up to attend a 3 month intensive midwifery class in Idaho taught by missionaries who serve in the Philippines. www.mercyinaction.com
Check it out.
Chase after him with all your heart. He loves you more than you know.
Joanna
My name is Joanna, and I am from Ohio. I have been home-schooled all my life in a large, loving family. Like a lot of girls, I enjoy reading, dancing, flute, laughing, praying, baking, exercising, playing with my sibs and taking care of animals. One of my main interests is Israel: praying for Messiah to come and the restoration to take place. And not only praying, but taking part in the work in any way I can.
Growing up I have always had a desire to be a missionary. Reading missionary accounts of countless wonders worked by God on the mission field never ceases to amaze and challenge me. How I long to be able to do likewise, to see YHWH work through my hands to touch others. One of my main struggles has been with fear. Not really a particular fear of anything; just fear. One of the ways that Abba has helped me to overcome is by listening to his voice. Also, just walking forward. Focusing on others and rejecting the bad thoughts best as I can. Lately I've felt convicted that I need to not blame God. I've had to forgive him. This doesn't mean that I believe that he was at fault, It's really just so that I won't be bitter. This morning I was struggling with feeling fat. I tried to pray, but I couldn't seem to think about anything else. I repented for listening to the spirit of fear of fat and asked him to come and speak to me. Do you know what I heard? "You're beautiful". That was enough to turn my day around.
About a year ago I was invited by some friends to attend a week-long midwifery class. I didn't really think much of it, but I thought that it would be a neat thing to learn a little bit about. What mother wouldn't benefit from that kind of knowledge? So I went, and a whole new world was opened up to me. Ever since I have been feeling like God may be calling me to midwifery. This is kind of a hard thing for me, because I haven't actually been to a birth yet. But I'm following his voice the best I can, one step at a time. I graduated from high school a year ago, and felt that the LORD was leading me to take a year to seek him. I felt a peace about it, and prayed that he would lead me to somewhere I could really focus on seeking him. I had in my head that maybe I would help an elderly person, but still have lots of time to go walk in the woods to seek him. Well, that dream came true! Sort of. :) Last fall I felt led to go volunteer in Israel where I met a widow. She asked me if I would be willing to come and help nanny her boys. In Canada. Yeah. But I knew God was in it, so I went and had an incredible time of seeking God and growing. Growing in many ways; maturing into someone more dependable. Learning to work hard and wake up early. Learning to trust him. To seek him. To depend on him. Sometimes God has to get you out of your comfort zone to do that. Since then I've come back to my family in Ohio. Long story short, I'm signed up to attend a 3 month intensive midwifery class in Idaho taught by missionaries who serve in the Philippines. www.mercyinaction.com
Check it out.
Chase after him with all your heart. He loves you more than you know.
Joanna
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