the beginning of something new.

Wow, where do I even begin?  Well first I must say that I have been procrastinating writing this for awhile because the thought of an online journal to any and all was a bit overwhelming, but I finally came to a point where I could no longer avoid it, as I have promised to many family and friends to keep them updated on this journey, therefore I must start.  And as I sit down at the kitchen table, with my cup of coffee and the snow falling heavily outside and piano sounding in the other room I realize, what a perfect atmosphere to begin something new....

My name is Abby Scherf and I'm from Jefferson City, Missouri.  Recently God has lead me on a new journey that has taken me to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where I currently reside.  It is through a ministry called Off the Wall, which is a ministry geared towards producing passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.  But allow me to back track a bit and tell you how I got here.

I was born into a loving Christian family, and baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church.  My memories of church and Sunday school as a child are sweet and charming.  As I grew up I went through a lot of trials and tests which caused me to venture away from the church for a long while.  When I returned it was through a dear friend whom invited me and on a whim I decided to attend.  It was a completely different church than what I was accustomed to, so at first I was overwhelmed but something about it intrigued me and I wanted to know more.  In time I attended again and it was shortly thereafter Jesus spoke to my heart, pulling those strings ever so tightly.  I raised my hand to claim him as my Lord and Savior.  The best decision I have ever made in my entire life.

The road was still a bit rocky from there, but I saw a light, and as I continued on that path the light was getting brighter and brighter...I knew the way, now I just had to follow it.  These were some of the hardest seasons of my life, saying no to the world and yes to Jesus.  A road not often traveled.  But after each and every turn eventually the road became less bumpy.

I decided in April of 2011 to get re-baptized after returning home from my first local missions trip.  I had been attending the church regularly for almost 2 years at this point, but the mission trip planted a new seed in my heart.  I knew I had been baptized as a child, but I wanted to do something to wash away the old life I had lived, and to dedicate my everything to the Lord for his plans and purpose for me and I felt I needed to be the one to make that decision and to make it known.  There is no better feeling than having that guilt wash off of you like water and to be made new and pure in Jesus Christ.

A mission trip was something that went from being on my "bucket list" to something my heart deeply desired and wanted more of.  So I started praying to God about just that.  I started out like most do, thinking "okay I'll do a week in Mexico."  An out of the country short term trip seemed like the logical next step.  But then God decided to bring into my life a new friend.  Her name is was Whitney, and she introduced me to a whole new world.  I had never heard of programs such as YWAM or Off the Wall and eventually she would tell me about both.  While I had felt just fine about committing to my week in Mexico, there was also a part of me that wanted more.  Then one of the most incredible things happened as she told me about these ministries, I knew with everything in my heart this was exactly what God wanted me to do, and I had never felt so sure of something before in all my life.

At first, I jumped at the idea of going to somewhere warm with a beach, I mean why not right?!  But then God pressed in my heart that he wanted to bring me somewhere opposite of where my flesh might leap to go.  And that was to the cold...snowing... Amish country ...of Ohio.  For those of you who know me well are laughing at this very moment, for you know I'm quite "city" over "country".  And I hate the cold.  This alone should be a testify of how much I love Jesus. 

Once I decided to go, it was amazing to watch God work and provide through his people.  I couldn't of done it without the amazing support system he gave me.  When you give it all to him he will be sure to work in miraculous ways.  So often its so hard for us to be able to do just that.  We must remind ourselves to give it all to the Almighty One who loves us all so very much.  I'm so blessed to be on this journey I am on, a part of me doesn't even feel worthy to be able to have the opportunity to take this time to fall more in love with Jesus...I am so thankful.  Amen.