Thanks, Ron.

I'm going on my ninth year in youth ministry and still get butterflies whenever I stand up in front of a group of people. I'm fine once I get going, but in that initial moment, I feel as if I'm about to choke. (One of my teens actually thought there was something wrong with me the first time we did a one on one activity. "You're so quiet. Is everything O.K.?" She was surprised to discover that my apparent extroversion is limited to those moments when I judge that what I have to share is more important than my own discomfort and that, most of the time, I'm just a quiet person!)

This effect has been notably exaggerated over the course of the last few months, since I am now attempting to raise the support necessary to get me to the mission field. I've spoken at a different church nearly every week and I can feel the tension creep through my body every time I get up! I've actually discovered two ways to handle the stress, both of which work particularly well for me:

1. My Associate Pastor prays with me before each engagement. Somehow, knowing that there is someone in ministry who is as committed to my ministry as I am, helps. If I get nervous, I can think back to that prayer and relax knowing that there is someone who shares my enthusiasm.

2. I try to focus on people in the audience with whom I already have a relationship. I don't ignore others, but when the butterflies start, making eye contact with someone who already shares the vision really calms my nerves.

Chrysti, Thanks for the post. I've recently accepted a call to serve in missions and I've been struggling a bit with "preemptive" homesickness. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures.