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Jason is the founder of Ignite Student Ministries, a dynamic ministry igniting youth, young adults and university students to passionately pursue Christ and transform society in high schools, work places and universities around the world.

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Arrested Heart

Jason VanaJason Vana

arrested_heart

Roughly nine years ago, I boarded a United flight heading out on my first trip to Europe.

There was no way for me to know at the time how much that trip would change me.

That for nine years I would return at least once a year to Europe, sometimes twice.
That I would sacrifice vacation time, personal days, and sick time to go.
That I would spend months each year preparing, planning, and fundraising to return.
That Ignite would eventually launch a group in the Czech Republic.
That I would be a part of the national youth camp, and speak to hundreds of youth throughout Czech.
That I would develop a heart to do ministry in more countries in Europe.
That I would lead retreats, leadership conferences, and outreaches to those who speak another language.
That I would cry on every return flight, watching the continent I love so much disappear under the clouds.

Nine years. It’s crazy to think about.

The funny thing is – on my first trip to Europe, I didn’t even want to go to Poland and Czech. We started and ended the trip in England, and sandwiched a quick trip to Poland and Czech in between.

I remember being excited to be in England. To see the sights, experience the culture, meet the people. I was pumped to see what God would do during our time there – that He might call me to do ministry in England, give me opportunities to return, allow me to speak at churches throughout that country.

But as we boarded the plane from England to Poland, I had an uneasy feeling in my heart.

God was going to call me to central Europe.

I wasn’t too happy about it at the time.

You see, like most Americans, I thought the countries of Central Europe were a little…rough. I had images of landing in Poland and seeing armed guards on every corner. I feared I wouldn’t be able to communicate or relate to the people. I pictured having to run from crazy communists trying to abduct me.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

After one night in Poland, I didn’t want to leave.

The trip back to England wasn’t as glamorous as I anticipated, and all I wanted to do was return to Poland and Czech.

And I have.
Every year.
For nine years.

When God arrests your heart for an area, a people group, or a country, it changes your life. Tweet this

You do crazy things like give up taking a vacation for 14 years just so you can go back.
You arrange yearly mission trips to take others with you.
You give your time and energy and resources to be a part of what God is doing.
You learn the language, crave the food, and count down the days until you can go back again.

That is what happened to me.

And, if you’re willing, it can happen to you, too.

It might not be a foreign country.
Or a different state or city.

He might arrest your heart for someplace closer.
A people group in your own backyard.

But He will arrest your heart for some place, some people, some one.
And when He does, expect your life to be drastically changed.

How has God arrested your heart? Are you willing to follow that calling? Leave a comment below.

Czech Trip 2015

I will be returning to Czech this July for my 11th time. During this trip, the team and I will be speaking at various youth groups, hosting a Leadership Conference for the Ignite Czech team, and assisting with Kristfest – the national youth camp. In order to go, I still need to raise $2,400. If you would like to partner with this trip to impact the lives of youth in the most atheistic country in the world, you can make a tax-deductible donation online via Paypal. Any amount helps me reach my goal!

Make an Online Donation Today!

Jason is the founder of Ignite Student Ministries, a dynamic ministry igniting youth, young adults and university students to passionately pursue Christ and transform society in high schools, work places and universities around the world.