No, Not Me!

By Susie Y Jennings

God's calling comes with God's limitless power!

In an inspiring message of awe for the things of God, the author shares her past grief, her struggles, and her initial reaction when God's Spirit first spoke her name: "No, not me!"

But when the grieving widow responded to God's call with an obedient heart and activat

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Dec 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647738044

Book preview

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What people are saying about No, Not Me!

It’s amazing what God has done through this tiny Filipino widow. Don’t let her small stature fool you—Susie has a God-sized heart for the homeless. It’s truly amazing to see what God has done through her. Susie listens and obeys, and so many lives have been impacted by her faith. Even against all odds, Susie believes that God will make a way! It’s been fun to be a part of this journey with Operation Care International. God has always been faithful, and Susie always gives Jesus all the glory!

A.C. & Mary Musgrave

Philanthropists & Entrepreneurs

Susie writes a powerful story based on her experiences. She has been obedient to the call of God in her life, laying down her goals to serve Him. In serving God, she has impacted thousands of people’s lives and brought them into the kingdom of God, changing the trajectory of their lives. I know this book will encourage you in your walk with Jesus.

Amy Simmons

Author & Founder

AmazingGrace Life Ministry

I was so engaged as I read Susie Jennings’ book, No, Not Me! This inspirational story is a testament of God’s faithfulness that can turn one’s pain and mourning into joy and blessing. Though small in stature, Susie is a giant in the Spirit, and through a childlike faith she has permanently altered the world to the glory of God.

Dr. Victoria Sarvadi

Author, Teacher, and Co-founder

The Nathaniel Foundation

Susie Jennings is an angel here on earth! Her desire to serve others, and to feed and clothe the poor, is a sincere expression of her loving heart. Susie is wholeheartedly obedient to God’s call of duty, and her book No, Not Me! is a shining example of her hearing His voice and following those ordered steps. Sitting on the Operation Care International Board, I saw firsthand her genuine humility and selfless actions toward blessing some of God’s most vulnerable people.

Catherine Benavidez-Anderson

President

Injury Management Organization, Inc.,

A Health Managed Care Company

Susie Jennings lives her faith. As a result of her saying yes to God, thousands of lives have been impacted for the cause of Christ. Should you ask me about Susie’s impact on the world, I would answer in a similar way to Jesus’ response to the disciples of John the Baptist: Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Dan Dean

Lead Singer

Phillips, Craig, and Dean

Susie Jennings’ faith and obedience are contagious. I work with Susie behind the scenes, and trust me, her faith is authentic. This book will encourage your heart and challenge you to activate your own faith! Susie is a mighty warrior, with a relentless pursuit to help those in need and bring glory to her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Mike Tirone

Director

ONEDAY2020

Susie Jennings’ life is a wonderful testimony to what God can do through His servants as they boldly live by faith and obedience to God! If God says to do something, Susie obediently goes into action, trusts that God will make a way, and gives God all the glory for whatever is accomplished.

Bruce Butler

CEO

Union Gospel Mission—Dallas

I know Susie Jennings. I’ve known her for years. I have watched her trust God and step out in faith over and over again. And yet, I am still surprised as I read this testimony of one who walks daily with the Lord and serves Him with her whole heart. It is an amazing story of an amazing lady who wholeheartedly serves our amazing God. If you have ever felt reluctant to follow the Lord’s urging in your heart, you will be greatly inspired by the story of Susie Jennings. She has turned No, not me into Yes, Lord. Wherever You lead, I’ll go. Who knows where saying yes to God might lead you?

Dr. Ron Harris

President

MEDIAlliance International

A one-of-a-kind leader the likes of which I have never seen before, Susie Jennings has impacted people at the point of their need. She is committed to making the people better, so the world can become a better place. The evidence and results of her faith are on display every year as she takes care of thousands of disenfranchised people in the Dallas, Texas, community. If you’re looking for someone who walks the walk and talks the talk, it’s Susie Jennings. This book will inspire you and activate your faith to dream big. This is a must-read for the entire world.

Sir Clyde Rivers

World Civility Leader

President and founder

I Change Nations

U.N. Ambassador for Burundi

You will not meet too many people in your lifetime like Susie Jennings. She sees opportunities where others see obstacles. She charges forward to accomplish her colossal, God-given vision while others are still charging their batteries. You might wonder why someone like Susie has such deep spiritual roots and such strong motivation. Well, the answers are all here in her new book, No, Not Me! It will draw you in, capture your heart, and create in you a durable desire to make a difference in this crazy world.

John Ashmen

President of Citygate Network

I have known Susie Jennings for over a quarter of a century. Her reputation is spotless, and her character is beyond reproach. She is the walking, talking, living proof of what God can do with a single life, yielded to him. When you finish this book you will never again say, No, Not Me!

O. S. Hawkins, PhD

Author of bestselling Joshua Code

President/CEO of Guidestone Financial Services

Many people marvel, How did you move from travesty to victory? How can one average person inspire people around the world to meet the spiritual and practical needs of others? This true story gives us the answer.

The Bible says, The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. The life of Susie Jennings displays how she is called—she steps out, but He indeed is doing it!

June Hunt

Founder, Hope for the Heart & The Hope Center

Author, Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes

No, Not Me!

Susie Y. Jennings, R.N.

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780

No, Not Me! © 2020 Susie Jennings

Cover photos by David Stiff Photography. Cover design by Marji Laine and Terri Podlenski.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked KJV are from The Holy Bible, the Authorized (King James) Version.

Scripture marked NASB are from The Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible®, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.

Scriptures marked NIV are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblical, Inc.tm Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.

Scriptures marked NLT are from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Scriptures marked NKJV are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Trilogy Christian Publishing Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/ TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network. For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-64773-803-7

ISBN: 978-1-64773-804-4 (e-Book)

Dedication

This book is dedicated to and in honor of the

CEO of Operation Care International,

Jesus

In Loving Memory

David Jennings—Dear Husband

Betty Yanson—Dear Mother

EulalioYanson—Dear Father

Mercy Yanson—Dear Sister

Daisy Yanson—Dear Sister

Dr. W.A. Criswell—Dear Pastor

Foreword

Charisma Magazine called her a pint-sized nurse with a King-sized vision for the homeless. That vision, we already know, came from God when He spoke to her after the tragic suicide of her husband. That story was told in her first book, 31 Days of Mountain Top Miracles, where God set her feet on a new and higher path than she believed was possible.

This book you now hold in your hands, No, Not Me! was Susie’s answer to a greater calling. When you think about it, that is a natural, certainly logical response from a person who suddenly became fully aware that they had been chosen to live a radical life of radical faith. For who could believe God chose you to be His world ambassador for the poor, homeless, and unsaved? Certainly not pint-sized Susie. Even Billy Graham was reluctant when he first felt God tugging on his heart. And those same words, No, not me, ran through my mind, as I did not feel worthy when Susie asked me to be a spokesperson for Operation Care and ONEDAY2020.

To fathom the magnitude of what Susie Jennings has been called to do by faith—with so little resources, I might add—we have to look only to the Bible and Jesus’ disciples. From blankets for the homeless in Dallas to the largest homeless Christmas party ever conceived, now in its seventeenth year, Susie never ceases to amaze everyone in her presence. And by the way, I’ve never met anyone who can tell her no! But please give her no credit or accolades, as everything she says and does is for the glory of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If I were the Pope, there would be a new saint named Susie.

Now, in this new book, you will learn of a global vision God has given her called ONEDAY2020. On December 19, 2020, Operation Care’s birthday party for Jesus will be celebrated across America and in different countries around the world. Millions will hear the gospel and experience the love of Christ for the first time.

To most, this seems impossible—but according to Susie, with God, all things are possible. If you ask her, she needs nothing, as God has provided her with everything. However, I’ve spent enough time around her to know the importance of volunteers and financial blessings. More importantly, although she is the busiest person I’ve ever encountered, she will find the time to pray for you. Trust me on that.

As you dive into this beautiful story, prepare to be blessed, inspired, and hopefully challenged by page after page of countless miracles and visions that have come to her through obedience, constant prayer, and trusting God’s word. Susie is no longer a pint-sized nurse, for by faith, she has become a giant for the kingdom. When I see her, I see the hands and feet of Christ, giving hope to the hopeless and offering eternal life to those who receive it.

Ron Hall

Best-selling author of

Same Kind of Different as Me

Acknowledgments

Writing a book is like birthing a baby. So, this baby is now born. But it would not just get here without people helping to deliver it!

It is so impossible to list everyone who has helped birthed this miracle baby. I am forever grateful to all whose love, encouragement, support, and prayers have helped me to reach this stage of delivery. I am afraid I will miss some names. My deepest apologies if I have neglected anyone.

Most of all, I am grateful to our Lord Jesus for giving His life for me and for calling me to a ministry I did not like and people I did not want—the homeless! Jesus changed my heart completely, and now I cry for those people and even became homeless by choice! It made me a better person.

Secondly, I would like to thank my most patient, kind-hearted editor, Marji Laine, and her daughter, Brittany Clubine, who helped edit this book. Thanking God also for Mike Tirone, Darrell Mortalla, Jack Shaw, and Mary Taylor, who helped with the Bible study segment of this book. And I want to thank Marissa Leinart for narrating my book, and Andy Costa for editing the audio for me. I also want to thank my closest friends and prayer partners, Rhonda Looney, Adelfa Lorilla, Fran Hurst, and Michelle Welch, and our prayer coordinator, Joshua Christian. And I want to thank TBN’s Matt Crouch for covering our Dallas Christmas Event for the past four years and for being a part of our ONEDAY2020 broadcast.

Thanking God for all my family, staff, board members, prayer partners, advisory board, and the homeless and impoverished men, women, and children in Dallas and other parts of the world. Because of all of you, I have found purpose.

So, instead of saying, No, not me, I can say, Lord, send me!

In His service until He comes,

Susie

Mike Tirone, Susie Jennings, and Matt Crouch.

Taken inside the TBN Studio in Irving, TX.

Introduction

There was one defining moment in my life:

And it wasn’t leaving my home in the Philippines to build a life on the other side of the planet.

And it wasn’t when a police officer appeared at my door with devastating news.

It wasn’t even working with many famous people.

It was when I said, No!

The word always has repercussions, whether it’s actually said, merely acted upon, or intended. Especially when that intention is toward God. Blessings, peace, and God’s limitless power follow our obedience, but many heroes of the faith have wrestled with God and even doubted God’s calling.

When God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, the prophet said no and ran in the opposite direction. God eventually got Jonah’s attention in the belly of the fish and used Jonah to save an entire city.

Moses said no to God as well, through excuses. He claimed that his slow speech and lack of eloquence would hinder him, explaining that he wasn’t the right man for the job. Moses eventually said yes, and God used him to deliver His people from the hand of Egypt.

Remember Gideon? Gideon said no because he thought God couldn’t possibly use him. Gideon even tested God twice in Judges 6:36 before saying yes. His eventual obedience led the Israelites to victory.

Before that, God told Sarah she would give birth to a son in her old age. Sarah not only doubted God, she laughed at Him. From a human perspective it was impossible, but Sarah forgot that God is a supernatural God of miracles.

Many of the great prophets of God also said no to Him. Jeremiah argued, like Moses, that he didn’t know how to speak. When God told Jeremiah, I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations, basically Jeremiah said, No, not me. When Jeremiah later said yes, God used him in a powerful way.

The great apostle Paul also felt unqualified and said no to God at first. How could God use a man who used to kill and persecute Christians? God powerfully used Paul throughout the New Testament. The historic story of Paul goes back to when he was called Saul. Remember when God called Ananias to go and help Saul? Ananias wrestled and argued with God, assuming he knew better than God. Ananias thought God didn’t know all the facts. When he finally said yes, miracles followed.

Barak doubted God and said no as well. He stated that he would not go into war unless Deborah came with him. He refused to listen to the warnings of Deborah that the honor of killing Sisera would fall into the hands of a woman if she came. There are consequences to disobedience.

One of the prophets who immediately said yes to the Lord was Isaiah. When God called and said, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Isaiah said, Here I am. Send me.

It’s okay to have a faith wrestling match with the Lord, because God is in the business of stretching our faith. When we say yes to the Lord and see His power, it builds our faith, intimacy, and trust in Him.

What is God calling you to do? Remember, it is His power and faithfulness that carry out the assignment, not our ability.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Before the Call

Chapter 1: Unexpected Visitor

Chapter 2: Asking for My Hand in Marriage

Chapter 3: Depression: David’s Well-Kept Secret

Chapter 4: Week One: Receiving Comfort

Chapter 5: Saying Goodbye

Chapter 6: Hearing the Voice of God

The Call

Chapter 7: My Road to Damascus

After the Call

Chapter 8: The Birth of a Tradition

Chapter 9: Let the Festivities Begin

Chapter 10:

Chapter 11: Operation Care Becomes International

Chapter 12:

Closing Thoughts

Twelve-Session Bible Study

Session One: No and Yes

Session Two: Why, God, Why?

Session Three: Proverbs 31 Mom!

Session Four: A Miracle Mindset

Session Five: Running to God

Session Six: Hearing His Voice

Session Seven: Center of God’s Will

Session Eight: Stretching My Faith

Session Nine: Pinpoint Obedience

Session Ten: Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Session Eleven: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Session Twelve: Outside the Comfort Zone

Author’s Note

Before

the Call

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

Psalm 34:17 NLT

Me with my mother and all