Christmas Season

As the Christmas season comes upon us, I am having a new revelation and look at Christ's birth, something that seems so obvious to Christian followers. As I listen to Christmas songs, I think: "Was it really cold that night in Bethlehem, like the songs sing about?" Jesus' life is the pathway to me having life. The shepherds in the field, may not have "felt" like going a long distance to visit Jesus, but something (the Holy Spirit) touched them and they went. No matter the cost, the sacrifice, as Jesus did for us later on in His life on the cross. He became life for us. Now we have purpose. I am reminded of God's unmerited favor and I think two things: that I don't deserve it and I am afraid God will take it away. Then, God answers those two things with: "It's not about deserving, it's about acknowledging that you need me". And: I need to trust in Him. He is my only hope. I hope to find Him in His death and resurrection this coming year.

Our God is greater!!!

I have amazing news that I wanted to share!!! At church this morning the Pastor singled me out in front of the whole congregation to point out that I am collecting funds to serve in Lebanon, so if anyone wanted to support me, the church had a fund to which they could donate to!!! Immediately after, 2 women rushed to me who were connected to Lebanon somehow, and one of them has a ministry right here in Bristol serving an Arab population!!! God is totally preparing me! He is with me and is providing all that I need for when I go! Also, BRCC is partnering with me to fund and pray! I am so excited to see God moving!

Jehovah Jireh

I am so glad that God is teaching me to rely on Him! He truly is the God who gives and takes away...and I find that He truly gives what is good. This week, I lost power and became so thankful that God provided everything I needed: a warm shower, heat, food, gas...just by presenting different alternatives and solutions in the amazing way that He does! So, after realizing how much I depend on my health and material things, and how thankful I am for them, when I got them back I could focus on God as my sole Source and Provider! My true Jehovah Jireh! Related verses: Exodus 33:14, Psalm 116:6 & 7, Ephesians 1:7-10. This notion comforts me and helps me to abide in Him...to just be. Ahhh...I can be who I am and trust that He has the rest. Psalm 23- He leads me to green pastures!

While in Asia...

God certainly answered every prayer we asked for in the natural. Yet, in Hebrews He talks a lot about what is unseen. I am confident that Jesus healed. There was a release of past strongholds that the enemy wanted to steal away, and a new freedom in Christ! We got through customs perfectly, blessed the daycare with new toys, and rejoiced as we saw regain our strength again each day. I learned to rely on Him in each moment, because I battled many different kinds of sicknesses! It could have been opposition, or God humbling me to say "I am in control". It is certainly not about me! A prayer to continue for this part of the world is protection of Christian communities, that the enemy uses in government officials to seek out, destory...it is tough- and the young churches are needing more guidance and encouragement. There are many encouraging things I saw too: a new pastor to reach the local people! He is very passionate and strong in the Lord and his faith. Praise God!

The impossible!

God is so good! He really moved on my trip to Central Asia! As for my personal growth in Him, I got really sick during the trip and sensed God telling me to just rest in Him. This is a very important priniciple to abide in at home, as life can easily get crazy. As I battled an intense fever on the airplane, God used that time to show me how I can rejoice in how He has made me free in Him! Isaiah 26 are the exact words to describe my situation! God has shown me He has made me FREE in Him! There's truly no need to worry about what my present situation may seem like. He is ultimately in control and I can trust that it is for my own good! Amen!

Ministry Opportunity!

Okay, so tonight I will be boarding a plane to go to Central Asia...You may be surprised at this, and wonder: what does this have to do with Lebanon? Well, the ministry of the gospel is the same in every country; and this part of Central Asia shares a Muslim culture with Lebanon. The more I put myself in a position to be used by God in streching ways, the more He humbles me to learn to depend on Him and to follow in His ways. The purpose of this trip will be to strengthen and enourage women, who have been abused. I am going with someone named C who has gone many times and has connections with two women: one who is connected to a church (and has been helping us plan for the ministries we would be facilitating); and another who runs a daycare and teaches English to the kids. With us, we take donatations of toys (in abundance!) to bless the daycare with. Please pray that customs doesn't get suspicious! Pray for our flights, smooth transitions, our physical bodies (C's muscles to relax, in the Name of Jesus!), to adjust to time change, get enough rest. Also, for the ministries: we have a day where we will minister to women on healing for 9 hours!!!! (I will need grace for that!) That God would take care of my job while I am away for 2 weeks, that the people covering me would not feel over- burdened, and our families and friends interceding for C and I. I ask for blessing on all who are praying and supporting! We have planned to also share the gospel through the use of art, which were given to us from artists C knows. So, pray that we can transmit the gospel fully. I am "teaching" on intimacy with Jesus, pray for wisdom and God's leading! I know there is going to be a big explosion of God moving! I am so excited! I want to be open and prepared for whatever comes our way! God revealed to me through Acts that the women will come to know Jesus through our worship! Pray for that as well, as I know you so faithfully are! May God preserve the life of converts and protect them from persecution (Psalm 16)! To God be the glory of all He is doing as He sits enthroned on high! Halelujiah!

Good News!

I want to always be a witness of God's love to co-workers and it's hard to juggle everything: work, social groups, time for self and restoration...yet God is the one "doing" it all! He brought a co-worker to ME! I was about to leave work at the end of the day, wanting to get out of there as fast as possible...and she came over to me and said "I need a hug". Wow! Of course! What a ministry! To show love! God's love! Then, God led me to pray with her! (She was feeling overwhelmed). I want more opportunities like that! What a blessing! Praise God! Pray that I get MORE times to encourage and love...and to open a door for the gospel...I need more boldness!