Prologue

 "As the hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for You, O God." This psalm reveals a call; a call God puts in all our souls to pursue the plans He has made for each and every one of us.  The most difficult step is to follow after His plan and put our faith in Him. 

My journey towards discovering and following God's plan for my life is just beginning.  During college, I started to think about where I could go and what I could do for God.  After listening and spending time in prayer I started paying attention to the things God had placed on my heart.  I’ve always had a passion for missions; for going out into the world and doing anything I can to help those in need.  I also have a passion for Ireland.  Much of my family’s heritage comes from Ireland and was passed down from mother to mother through the generations.  In my immediate family this has proven true in our love for Irish music.

Even though I still have many doubts about how to pursue God’s call for my life, I’ve decided to start by following after the things God has already put on my heart. 

After much prayer and consideration I applied a few months ago to YWAM in Ireland and was accepted.  I started researching more information on the “Troubles” in Ireland and about how this particular YWAM base has been striving towards reconciliation in this conflict-torn country.  More and more my heart goes out to these people whose need for reconciliation is as serious and great as ever.  I’m eager to learn from the legacy of faith that has grown from the shores of Ireland.  I am excited to see where God will take me on this journey and I know that with His love, strength, and the guidance of His hand nothing is impossible.
             This blog serves as a place where people can check out what I'm up to and where I will continue to post updates about how your support is making possible the things God is crafting for me on this journey.  

               

About the Journey

Who Am I?

I am Maria Nickolay  from the Northern town of Grand Marais, MN.  I have always striven to live a life after God’s own heart.  I consider this mission to be a unique opportunity to focus on growing in my relationship with God  and serving Him.

What Will I Be Doing?

YWAM (Youth With A Mission) is committed to training people to go out in to the world and serve those in need. In the Discipleship Training School I will be attending, I will learn how to be the hands and feet of Christ in a place where there is a great need for the healing power of reconciliation.  This DTS will wrestle with the legacy of conflict in Ireland and issues like apathy, injustice, conflict and poverty around the world.  The knowledge and skills I acquire I will then take on a two-month outreach to one of YWAM’s focus nations, some of which include: Rwanda, Burundi, Israel & the Palestinian Territories, South Africa, India, The Balkans, China, and Ireland.  We will focus on actions and ministry that communicate God’s heart of compassion and justice for the poor, week and marginalized.

Where Will I Be?

I will be in Rostrevor, Ireland. The Christian Renewal Centre, located near the borderline where Northern and Southern Ireland meet, has been a place of reconciliation for Protestants and Catholics alike since 1974.  “In the midst of one of the darkest periods in Ireland’s history, the center became synonymous with reconciliation, prayer, and spiritual renewal.” The center has been renamed “An Cuan” (pronounced “on koo-in”) which is the Irish word for a harbor: a safe place from which many are sent out.

What Can You Do To Help?

Even though I am working three jobs to pay YWAM’s  program costs, I will not be able to cover the entire amount myself.  I will need people who are willing to pray for me and help me financially, partnering with me in reaching out to people all across the world.  Financial costs include: training phase, outreach phase, visas and vaccinations,  and plane tickets  to and from the locations.