Today’s post comes from Vance, one of our senior boys. Vance has been on this trip before, but today the Lord stretched him in a new way as he served in one of our counseling stations. We’re especially grateful for Vance this week because Tuesday is his birthday! Be sure to wish him a happy birthday in the comments!
Here’s his reflection from our first clinic day:
Today was our first clinic of the trip, and Josh picked me to be in a counseling station. This isn’t really an area where I have a lot of experience or desire to partake in. I think it’s best if I set this up by talking about my experience two years ago.
I went on this same trip in 2024, and I managed to avoid being placed as a counselor until our very last day. I was nervous out of my mind, but I was placed with Mr. David who has such an incredible gift in prayer and letting the Spirit speak through him. I kind of just let Mr. David lead the conversations and only chimed in once or twice. Fast forward to this year, and our team is half the size. This means that most counseling stations have just one person, instead of two, and of course their interpreter. I knew about that last night and I had prayed that, if I ended up in a station, that I would have the words and direction.
I walked up to Josh once we arrived at the clinic to ask what my position was, and I saw on his phone that I was in a counseling station. By myself. With just an interpreter that I’d never met. My brain was telling me to freak out because I don’t know how to lead a conversation as serious as this one with someone I’ve never met whose language I don’t even speak. But, for some reason, I had this overwhelming sense of acceptance and peace with my situation.
I sat down and introduced myself to my interpreter, and I got a strong urge to write down notes and a structure of how I wanted conversations to go. The Lord brought so many verses back to my mind; some that Herman had given us and some that I just had stored at some point in my mind and I kinda got into a flow state writing things out. I also wrote down one phrase: “Holy Spirit speak through me.” This was kinda inspired by Mr. David (who mentioned “Lord Jesus speak through me” at our debrief last night) and I think it worked really well.
I won’t get into any specific people and stories but overall the counseling station was a great experience that encouraged me and taught me in so many ways, and I’m very grateful that the Lord answered my prayers and took away my nervousness to lead and be bold.
Fellowship Student Missions 
HBD Vance! Thank you for inviting the Spirit to lead you at the counseling station.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANCE!!!! Thank you for sharing your story from yesterday so authentically. We are so proud of your willingness, boldness for Jesus and kind heart that is evident to all. As Will’s mom, I have prayed since he was young for God to bring David and Jonathan (from the OT) hearted friendships, and I want you to know that our family considers you one of the answers to that prayer. May God continue to be so real and close to you as you walk this week and may His favor be upon you in this next amazing year!! Love, Mrs. Langmack
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Happy birthday, Vance! You have a gift of words in writing, and I believe that the Spirit gave you the right words as you ministered to the people yesterday. Way to be vulnerable and lean on the Lord!
Tim, I know the Lord used you too yesterday as well as you counseled and prayed with people. We pray for the Lord to keep stretching you and leading you.
And the question is- did you make the shot?!? (Final blog pic)
We love you!
Mom and Dad
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Happy Birthday Vance! Thank you for sharing your testimony with us. I’m so proud of you! The Lord will never put more on us than we can bear and He knew you were ready and you opened your heart and mind for the sweet Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. I am encouraged by your testimony. Keep leaning on Him and He will ALWAYS direct your path. Be Blessed!
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Happy birthday Vance!!! This story speaks so much to who you are – someone willing to step in to the unknown, listen to the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to work! Jonathan and I are so proud of you and how much you’ve grown in your faith the last few years and can’t wait to see how this trip contributes even more to that growth!
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happy birthday. that was moving
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Happy Birthday, Vance! I am a little bit sad not having you home for your 18th birthday (like your 16th birthday), but as I told you, I know you are where the Lord has called you to be. Thank you for sharing your testimony of the Holy Spirit at work because it encourages me in my walk with the Lord. I love how the Lord is stretching you. The Lord gave you the ability to write well, but most importantly, He called you to Himself and His work. I pray this isn’t your last mission trip, but even if it is, the Lord will use you to minister to people as you move away from home into a dorm full of hurting people who need Jesus. Just listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudges. I pray you stay healthy and safe! I love you so much! Happy 18th! Sending you a big hug! Love, Mom
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