Praying
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Days come and go so quickly as ministries days are packed full of things to do. This morning a few of us walked to Manna Bible Institute for devotions with the students there. We left the house at 7 and walked for a half hour and got there right in time for devotions to start. Devotions was really good and exactly what I needed to hear as Monica, the one leading this morning, shared about some of the darts that satan throws at us. After that we had to plan for long term kids club since we finished the book of Acts and now needed more lesson plans. This and planning for tuitions today took up the rest of the free time we had for today.
At 2:30 The Pastor from PEFA came over and we had the opportunity to get to know him better and to hear some of the things he envisions happening during our time here. He also informed us that him and his wife want to have us over pretty often for dinner and said that his wife could teach us how to cook Kenyan food. I love eating Kenyan food and living more like they do rather then eating American food while I here. Also everyone loves to hear that you are learning how to cook Kenyan food and embracing their culture more.
After that we headed to tuitions where I was eagerly greeted by my kindergarten class. I have come to love these children even though I still struggle to know exactly what works for them in the classroom. Class today was good even though frustrating at times. I am learning so much about patience from this class and know the Lord placed me with this class for a reason. I believe I learn more them they do during this time.
As we headed home and the day came to an end God broke my heart for one girl I particular. I went and talked to Linda and Geoff about her and my heart broke a little more. God has told me I needed to pray for her and now I know why. I enjoyed my time chatting with Linda and learning more about what her and Geoff do everyday and learned more about some of the needs of the children here. I am thankful to be in Kenya and serving the community here in many different ways. God reminded me today of so much "junk" in my life that he has to work out and also reminded me of my life verse Romans 5:1-5 giving me the strength and courage to press on.
All for the Glory of God
At 2:30 The Pastor from PEFA came over and we had the opportunity to get to know him better and to hear some of the things he envisions happening during our time here. He also informed us that him and his wife want to have us over pretty often for dinner and said that his wife could teach us how to cook Kenyan food. I love eating Kenyan food and living more like they do rather then eating American food while I here. Also everyone loves to hear that you are learning how to cook Kenyan food and embracing their culture more.
After that we headed to tuitions where I was eagerly greeted by my kindergarten class. I have come to love these children even though I still struggle to know exactly what works for them in the classroom. Class today was good even though frustrating at times. I am learning so much about patience from this class and know the Lord placed me with this class for a reason. I believe I learn more them they do during this time.
As we headed home and the day came to an end God broke my heart for one girl I particular. I went and talked to Linda and Geoff about her and my heart broke a little more. God has told me I needed to pray for her and now I know why. I enjoyed my time chatting with Linda and learning more about what her and Geoff do everyday and learned more about some of the needs of the children here. I am thankful to be in Kenya and serving the community here in many different ways. God reminded me today of so much "junk" in my life that he has to work out and also reminded me of my life verse Romans 5:1-5 giving me the strength and courage to press on.
All for the Glory of God
Give Them Jesus
Saturday, November 2, 2013
So today was another kids club day and what a blessing it was. I feel like spiritual warfare is so real on Saturday mornings as the devil wants me to be discouraged and feel as though the little I do is not making any impact. This morning I was exhausted and wanted to climb back into bed but my bracelet I wear everyday reminded me to press on. So I got up and got ready for kids club and once I got there I remembered why I pressed on and did what I did not feel like doing. The children all had such energy and enthusiasm and were excited to be there. As we got up and lead all the children in kid songs my heart just became overwhelmed with joy. A little girl came up to me and handed me a rose with a ribbon tied around it. All the kindergarten class students that I teach on Tuesday and Thursdays came up to me saying "cha Natilya" and then gave me a bug hug. My little girl Valo came up to me with a big smile in her face and clung to me as always. This is kids club number 3 and I have fallen in love with so many of the children already. I am starting to get better with remembering their names and am beginning to form relationships with them. Rose is a teenage girl that I got to have a little,chat with today. Mary Ann is a high school student that showed up today and I was so excited to see her! As we were driving home I saw Jeffery walking on the street but he saw me first and yelled out my name. The children are all so excited to see us and their excitement and energy is way contagious. I can't even explain the joy in my heart after kids club today. I was exhausted but filled with energy as I enjoyed looking at all the pictures and videos I had taken. I did not want to say good bye to the children, especially Valo as I do not get to see her during the week at all. I pray God is doing a great work in her life even now when she is young that she may follow him and serve him all the days of her life. I love these children and my heart goes out to them every time I see them. I want to know I will see them all again in heaven after my six months here has ended. I want to know they will not perish in the fire when they die. I want to know they will not give into the desires of the flesh but will keep their eyes on Jesus. I want the best for them and the best I can give them is Jesus.
In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise. In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You can have all this world just give me Jesus.
All for the Glory of God
In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise. In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You can have all this world just give me Jesus.
All for the Glory of God
God Working Miracles
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sometimes God takes ordinary days and makes them extra ordinary. He took just a random Thursday and made it a day I will probably never forget. It started off this morning with a Skype call with team Guatemala at 6 am. I was not very awake since me and Kay were up past midnight chatting last night but seeing them made me so happy! We then had Acacia school at 8 this morning and me and Tyler taught the older group again. We taught on Acts 27 so I shared the story with them, Tyler asked them some questions, then we played jeopardy as a review game. The kids had so much fun and really got into the story as I told it and also put everything they had into the game. It was great to see them looking through the bible for answers to questions and to see all the hands eagerly go up when they knew the answer. These kids are also great singers and love to sing different kids songs so I always have a blast leading the songs with Tyler at the beginning of each class.
After that we left for Calvary Chapel Ongata Rongai and we were prepared to lead a Bible study for high school students that go to school there. The way God allowed all this to work out is so awesome since last week we found out a lot of the students do not go to church. We decided to go through the book of John with them so as we prepare to teach we also get a Bible study as team Kenya out of it. Mary Ann who I have become very close too was there and I got to meet her friend. I already love these two young ladies and cannot wait to get to know them better!
After that we prepared to go to tuitions at the church. I have struggled with the kindergarten class and I was not looking forward to teaching today because I have been so discouraged. God stepped in for me and showed me that he can do miracles. Today, the kids were great and I had so much fun interacting with them and teaching them. I finally felt respected as a teacher and now I cannot wait to go back! Even though teaching isn't my talent, God is using this to help me lean on him more. I truly cannot get up in front of a class and teach but a God has granted me the ability and strength to do it everyday and I know he will continue to if I allow him.
After tuitions we went elder Gabriel's home and had a delicious Kenyan meal and got to know him and his family better. It was a time of lots of laughter and memories that certainly won't fade. What a blessing it is to be in a place where everyone is so welcoming! I have been blessed by so many people here and feel honored to have this time here to serve them and get to know them.
All for the Glory of God
After that we left for Calvary Chapel Ongata Rongai and we were prepared to lead a Bible study for high school students that go to school there. The way God allowed all this to work out is so awesome since last week we found out a lot of the students do not go to church. We decided to go through the book of John with them so as we prepare to teach we also get a Bible study as team Kenya out of it. Mary Ann who I have become very close too was there and I got to meet her friend. I already love these two young ladies and cannot wait to get to know them better!
After that we prepared to go to tuitions at the church. I have struggled with the kindergarten class and I was not looking forward to teaching today because I have been so discouraged. God stepped in for me and showed me that he can do miracles. Today, the kids were great and I had so much fun interacting with them and teaching them. I finally felt respected as a teacher and now I cannot wait to go back! Even though teaching isn't my talent, God is using this to help me lean on him more. I truly cannot get up in front of a class and teach but a God has granted me the ability and strength to do it everyday and I know he will continue to if I allow him.
After tuitions we went elder Gabriel's home and had a delicious Kenyan meal and got to know him and his family better. It was a time of lots of laughter and memories that certainly won't fade. What a blessing it is to be in a place where everyone is so welcoming! I have been blessed by so many people here and feel honored to have this time here to serve them and get to know them.
All for the Glory of God
Blessed
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Another week has ended and we now begin week 3. It's hard to believe it because I feel like I have been here forever and feel at home yet feel like I just landed yesterday. It is crazy how close I have gotten to all the people here already and how I truly see Kenya as my home. I no longer feel like a foreigner even though I am almost daily reminded that I am by someone on the streets who likes to yell it out. Sunday morning was here and it was gone. We did not have to be at the church till 11 am so the morning was relaxed and had a great time talking with Linda, Faith, Christian, and Shaddy. Once we got to church we jumped right into the teenage Sunday school class. It was fun watching them act out skits that we started working on with them last Sunday and hearing Harrun talk to them about faith. Even as I was sitting there as a teacher figure I felt the Lord speaking to me as we looked specifically at Hebrews 11:6. As Harrun said it this morning "if you are walking in faith you are walking with swag". It was great helping the kids and listening with the kids, serving and being served all at the same time.
After Sunday school we hung out at the church for a while and immediately Valo found me. She is like glued to my side and I know every Saturday and Sunday I can count on having her there with me as we play and learn. She was wanting me to tickle her and to hold her hand and to give her piggy back rides. She wanted me to carry her as she rested her head on my shoulder. This little girl is so shy and today was the first time I really got to see her a little more herself. It makes me so happy that she feels comfortable enough to start being herself around me and is starting to talk more. It's the beginning of week three and I love this little girl already. I am so excited to find out more about her and her family!
After church we headed to the orphanage and I was so tired as we began our trip to the children there. Last week was a lot of fun at the orphanage but I was exhausted and was very unfamiliar with everything. Today the children were all excited to see us back and I started making connections with some of the children there. The one little boy is seven and his name is Teddy. Me, Teddy, and Curtis were playing baseball for a while then Teddy wanted me to read to him. We started reading a lot of books and doing flash cards. We were having so much fun! Then it was time for the bible lesson so I headed with the middle age group where me and Tyler and Geoff taught Acts 27. The kids were so great and listened so well as I told them the story of Paul being shipwrecked. I left the orphaned reenergized and excited to see the kids next week.
Everyday is just blessing after blessing from all the children we get to interact with.The Lord is continuing to do work in my life and is breaking me almost daily. As I seek him everyday he is bringing stuff to light that he wants to change and is just waiting for me to surrender it to him. I am ready for week three and I'm praying The Lord works in me and through me this week as I study his word and serve him in various ways.
All for the Glory of God
After Sunday school we hung out at the church for a while and immediately Valo found me. She is like glued to my side and I know every Saturday and Sunday I can count on having her there with me as we play and learn. She was wanting me to tickle her and to hold her hand and to give her piggy back rides. She wanted me to carry her as she rested her head on my shoulder. This little girl is so shy and today was the first time I really got to see her a little more herself. It makes me so happy that she feels comfortable enough to start being herself around me and is starting to talk more. It's the beginning of week three and I love this little girl already. I am so excited to find out more about her and her family!
After church we headed to the orphanage and I was so tired as we began our trip to the children there. Last week was a lot of fun at the orphanage but I was exhausted and was very unfamiliar with everything. Today the children were all excited to see us back and I started making connections with some of the children there. The one little boy is seven and his name is Teddy. Me, Teddy, and Curtis were playing baseball for a while then Teddy wanted me to read to him. We started reading a lot of books and doing flash cards. We were having so much fun! Then it was time for the bible lesson so I headed with the middle age group where me and Tyler and Geoff taught Acts 27. The kids were so great and listened so well as I told them the story of Paul being shipwrecked. I left the orphaned reenergized and excited to see the kids next week.
Everyday is just blessing after blessing from all the children we get to interact with.The Lord is continuing to do work in my life and is breaking me almost daily. As I seek him everyday he is bringing stuff to light that he wants to change and is just waiting for me to surrender it to him. I am ready for week three and I'm praying The Lord works in me and through me this week as I study his word and serve him in various ways.
All for the Glory of God
Encouragement
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Saturday mornings are always exciting because we have kids club to look forward to. We always meet as a team before kids club and spend some time in worship and in prayer which is a blessing to me. It quiets my heart and reminds me who we are really serving when we serve the kids for Jesus said whatever you have done to the least of these you have done unto me.
The challenges always come in life and even though today was one of those challenging days, God was there fore me as he always is. He used someone else to encourage me and to pray for me. He used someone else to do more in more life then she probably even realizes. The encouragement, reminders, and comfort that was brought after a short chat with someone changed my day in a split moment and I am so grateful for the words God spoke to me through her.
We taught today from Acts 27 and this chapter is when the ship Paul is on gets shipwrecked. We did a fun skit involving us getting wet for the kids and they really enjoyed it and honestly I had fun doing it for them. Then while the kids were being dismissed for chai we did a few worship sings with them. As we were singing child after child kept coming up and wanting to hug me or hold my hand and the love they showed me was such a blessing to me. During chai and fee time Valo found me and from that time one was attached to me. Children started playing with my hair and trying to tickle me and we all just had a good time laughing together before class. Then it was class time and me and Tyler were to teach the 10-12 year old children. I had agreed to tell Acts 27 as a story and was extremely nervous. I am not one to get in front of people and talk but over the past few months God has been breaking me of that as I am continually placed in situations where I need to speak I front of a group of people. With the help of God the story telling went pretty well yesterday for it being my first time. I forgot a few things but they were touched on latter then. The class went smoothly and it was a huge encouragement from Thursday when I had gotten really discouraged after teaching.
After class and feeding the children lunch, we get in a giant circle and do a little dancing. The children love to watch us muzungu dance because they get a good laugh out of it. After that Kay, Titus, and me took a few children home and got to spend some time in the one child's house again. It is always such a huge blessing to be welcomed into their houses and to get to spend time with them. Not much has to be said but an exchange of smiles that happens in the room says a lot as they are happy we are there and we are happy to be there.
We also got to go watch some of the older boys play soccer today which was a blast. I love being out with the children and having the opportunity to get to know them. When we got home it was almost 7 and I realized how long we had been out today and suddenly got very tired. It was exhausting but energizing. It was fun but a learning experience. I am so grateful for today and the opportunity I had to get to serve Jesus in this way.
All for the Glory of God
The challenges always come in life and even though today was one of those challenging days, God was there fore me as he always is. He used someone else to encourage me and to pray for me. He used someone else to do more in more life then she probably even realizes. The encouragement, reminders, and comfort that was brought after a short chat with someone changed my day in a split moment and I am so grateful for the words God spoke to me through her.
We taught today from Acts 27 and this chapter is when the ship Paul is on gets shipwrecked. We did a fun skit involving us getting wet for the kids and they really enjoyed it and honestly I had fun doing it for them. Then while the kids were being dismissed for chai we did a few worship sings with them. As we were singing child after child kept coming up and wanting to hug me or hold my hand and the love they showed me was such a blessing to me. During chai and fee time Valo found me and from that time one was attached to me. Children started playing with my hair and trying to tickle me and we all just had a good time laughing together before class. Then it was class time and me and Tyler were to teach the 10-12 year old children. I had agreed to tell Acts 27 as a story and was extremely nervous. I am not one to get in front of people and talk but over the past few months God has been breaking me of that as I am continually placed in situations where I need to speak I front of a group of people. With the help of God the story telling went pretty well yesterday for it being my first time. I forgot a few things but they were touched on latter then. The class went smoothly and it was a huge encouragement from Thursday when I had gotten really discouraged after teaching.
After class and feeding the children lunch, we get in a giant circle and do a little dancing. The children love to watch us muzungu dance because they get a good laugh out of it. After that Kay, Titus, and me took a few children home and got to spend some time in the one child's house again. It is always such a huge blessing to be welcomed into their houses and to get to spend time with them. Not much has to be said but an exchange of smiles that happens in the room says a lot as they are happy we are there and we are happy to be there.
We also got to go watch some of the older boys play soccer today which was a blast. I love being out with the children and having the opportunity to get to know them. When we got home it was almost 7 and I realized how long we had been out today and suddenly got very tired. It was exhausting but energizing. It was fun but a learning experience. I am so grateful for today and the opportunity I had to get to serve Jesus in this way.
All for the Glory of God
Challenges will Lead to Growth
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Today was a busy day but a good day. It was a day of challenges but they were all chances to grow. This morning just us interns went to Acacia school where me and Tyler taught Acts 20 to the 6th - 8th grade class. It was good to experience teaching with no supervision and it went well as all the children there are so attentive and ready to learn. Me and Tyler told the story, sang songs, and challenged the kids with life application from the scripture we read today. It was great to teach with Tyler as he is already very comfortable in the classroom setting.
After that school we headed to Calvary Chapel Rongai and got the opportunity to talk with the high school age students there. We sang a few worship songs together then opened it up for questions. I was so use to the questions always being about my favorite foods and colors that when they asked questions like why did you become a Christian, I had to step back and think deeper. Why did I become a Christian? Why do I love Jesus? What is my greatest challenge day to day in my walk? These were all great questions and I enjoyed answering them along with sharing my testimony for the students there. They all were very interested in what we had to share and I truly believe God used someone to say something that spoke to the heart of someone in that room. At the end of our time they all thanked us for coming and told us they wanted us to come back. We will have to wait and see what the Lord has planned. Afterward we headed home and prepared for the next thing on the schedule.
Today we started our journey through the book of Romans listening to the teaching of Pastor Joe Focht from Calvary Chapel Philadelphia. It was a challenging message he brought to us and the one thing that really stood out came from chapter 1 verse 16 where Pastor Joe talked about Paul being unashamed of the Gospel. I know there have been many times when I have been ashamed and Joe said when Jesus hung on the cross, he was naked and was not shamed. Wow, I really have no reason to ever back down now.
We headed to tutoring this afternoon then and I was prepared to teach the kindergarten class again but this time without an assistant. I had lots of fun ideas and nothing went how I expected. The time became very frustrating for me especially since the kids are so young and do not know much English yet. Afterwards I thought back and remembered I never asked God to specifically help me teach the class. That was just another reminder that I can do nothing in my own strength. I am slowly learning more of the language, culture, and Kenya dancing since my time here and look forward to all the opportunities I will have this weekend to be stretched and challenged through the different things that will happen both in and out of the classroom. I look forward to my day off tomorrow but also cannot wait for the opportunity to love on the kids again at kids club on Saturday!
All for the Glory of God
After that school we headed to Calvary Chapel Rongai and got the opportunity to talk with the high school age students there. We sang a few worship songs together then opened it up for questions. I was so use to the questions always being about my favorite foods and colors that when they asked questions like why did you become a Christian, I had to step back and think deeper. Why did I become a Christian? Why do I love Jesus? What is my greatest challenge day to day in my walk? These were all great questions and I enjoyed answering them along with sharing my testimony for the students there. They all were very interested in what we had to share and I truly believe God used someone to say something that spoke to the heart of someone in that room. At the end of our time they all thanked us for coming and told us they wanted us to come back. We will have to wait and see what the Lord has planned. Afterward we headed home and prepared for the next thing on the schedule.
Today we started our journey through the book of Romans listening to the teaching of Pastor Joe Focht from Calvary Chapel Philadelphia. It was a challenging message he brought to us and the one thing that really stood out came from chapter 1 verse 16 where Pastor Joe talked about Paul being unashamed of the Gospel. I know there have been many times when I have been ashamed and Joe said when Jesus hung on the cross, he was naked and was not shamed. Wow, I really have no reason to ever back down now.
We headed to tutoring this afternoon then and I was prepared to teach the kindergarten class again but this time without an assistant. I had lots of fun ideas and nothing went how I expected. The time became very frustrating for me especially since the kids are so young and do not know much English yet. Afterwards I thought back and remembered I never asked God to specifically help me teach the class. That was just another reminder that I can do nothing in my own strength. I am slowly learning more of the language, culture, and Kenya dancing since my time here and look forward to all the opportunities I will have this weekend to be stretched and challenged through the different things that will happen both in and out of the classroom. I look forward to my day off tomorrow but also cannot wait for the opportunity to love on the kids again at kids club on Saturday!
All for the Glory of God
Step Out and Grow
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
It was another awesome day here in Kenya! There was once again lots of laughter today along with learning and teaching. This morning was relaxed as I enjoyed my breakfast and quiet time in the porch as I usually do. The puppies always come up to visit me in the mornings and their energy is quite contagious. As I sat there this morning the Lord was really working on my heart and I was able to talk through somethings with him. One thing the Lord spoke to me was about scripture memory and how since I left Guatemala it has been put on the back burner. He subtly reminded me yesterday with Proverbs 22:17-18 which says about keeping his words ready on your lips. And today during my quiet time he reminded me of that verse and I sensed urgency for me to make that a priority again. The scriptures is a weapon for us as I was reminded the importance of the armor of God from reading Real Worship today. God wants us to meditate on his Word and wants us to take it and hide it in our hearts so that it may be pulled out when I am put on the front line for battle. Without it, I am unprepared to fight the enemy and will be defeated. What awesome truth God spoke to me today to get me motivated to memorize scripture again.
In the morning, Linda taught us about classroom management as her and Geoff are continuing to prepare us for the classrooms when we are the teachers. After that Titus, a local that helps with ministry, came over and we all planned for Saturday's kid club and the next week's lesson. Before we can plan to teach children we need to first meditate on the scriptures and see what the Lord has to speak to us. Then we can take it and break it down for the children. The time allows me to study the scripture for myself but then think how it can be simplified. It helps me to pull out the little things that I can so easily skim over but are great lessons for the chapter. This was a great time and having Titus over brought extra humor as he put on the cardboard armor made by a previous intern and started singing the armor of a God song.
It was soon time to go to Oschool where I was going to be stretched as I co-taught with Linda grade 5. We were in a classroom with tin roofs and the children already had lots of energy, then it started pouring rain and it became impossible to hear or quiet down the class. It was great observing how Linda handled that curve ball and I saw her out into practice a lot of the things she was telling us about classroom management earlier that day. This week we are teaching Acts 20 and I nave definitely enjoyed the learning I have recorded from looking art his passage so many times so that I could be prepared for the classroom. Even the stories I know well I will study and will learn more from as I prepare to reach these children week after week.
I have been incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to teach these kids English and math and truths from the Bible this past week. As the days continue, me and the other interns will be receiving more and more responsibility in the classroom as Geoff and Linda prepare us to teach on our own. God is certainly stretching me each and every day as I step out of my comfort zone and step into the classrooms and the lives of each of these children. God is using these times of stretching to bring growth to so many areas of my life.
All for the Glory of God
In the morning, Linda taught us about classroom management as her and Geoff are continuing to prepare us for the classrooms when we are the teachers. After that Titus, a local that helps with ministry, came over and we all planned for Saturday's kid club and the next week's lesson. Before we can plan to teach children we need to first meditate on the scriptures and see what the Lord has to speak to us. Then we can take it and break it down for the children. The time allows me to study the scripture for myself but then think how it can be simplified. It helps me to pull out the little things that I can so easily skim over but are great lessons for the chapter. This was a great time and having Titus over brought extra humor as he put on the cardboard armor made by a previous intern and started singing the armor of a God song.
It was soon time to go to Oschool where I was going to be stretched as I co-taught with Linda grade 5. We were in a classroom with tin roofs and the children already had lots of energy, then it started pouring rain and it became impossible to hear or quiet down the class. It was great observing how Linda handled that curve ball and I saw her out into practice a lot of the things she was telling us about classroom management earlier that day. This week we are teaching Acts 20 and I nave definitely enjoyed the learning I have recorded from looking art his passage so many times so that I could be prepared for the classroom. Even the stories I know well I will study and will learn more from as I prepare to reach these children week after week.
I have been incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to teach these kids English and math and truths from the Bible this past week. As the days continue, me and the other interns will be receiving more and more responsibility in the classroom as Geoff and Linda prepare us to teach on our own. God is certainly stretching me each and every day as I step out of my comfort zone and step into the classrooms and the lives of each of these children. God is using these times of stretching to bring growth to so many areas of my life.
All for the Glory of God
God's Perfect Timing
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
This morning was an early one since I had set my alarm to go off at 4:30. It was early but worth it as I was able to spend my quiet time with the Lord before having to Manna for a bible study which started at 7:30. Like I said, early but worth it. It was awesome to meet and be fed the word through the teaching of someone else. I already can tell that is going to be one of the hardest things for me on the field. I really enjoy Sunday mornings back home because I go to church and get fed spiritually where here on Sunday mornings we are serving during the service which is all in Swahili any ways so I would not understand it even if I were in there. So this morning the student Nicholas taught and talked about waiting on the Lord's timing. Well how perfect the timing of God is as I was praying about God's timing in certain areas of my life this morning during my quiet time. The Bible study was refreshing and exactly what I needed.
After the Bible study the five of us got to work and started doing some cleaning in different places at Manna. I started by cleaning a big sign that advertises what that land is. It was refreshing to be alone in the creation of God for that time while singing and just worshiping God as I worked. God's timing is always perfect for that is exactly what I needed.
We were there till about 12:30 then came home and had a few hours to relax before going took burch for tutoring. Today was my first day teaching at tutoring and since I lived helping with the kindergarten ears on Thursday I got to teach them today. I was a little nervous but mostly excited to get to be the teacher. What I quickly realized is that 1. The kids had a lot of energy and 2. I did not plan enough stuff to teach them to fill 1.5 hours of time. So I started throwing in kids songs and doing my best to teach the children what I had thought they should review today. The children are quite smart but since they are so young they speak very little English. I had someone in the room who would help me to translate when needed but it definitely made it a little but more challenging. I also realized that sometimes I would start speaking really fast and would have to consciously slow down my speech so if they do not know the word they can learn it and if they do know it can understand it. Indefinitely have a lot of thinking to do about how I want Thursday to look because there are things I must do different. I am happy for this opportunity today though because I learned so much that I would only have learned by jumping in and doing it.
After tutoring was over some of the older ones were hanging out with us at the church and were teaching us songs in Swahili and dancing with us. They also all started tickling me again as now everyone has found out I'm extremely ticklish. It is always such a joy to hang out with the children. I am starting to build relationships with some if the children and cannot wait for the next time I see them!
As I prepare to go to sleep, I look back on this day and seen ow many times God had come through for me. It reminds me of his grace that he has on me to give me my next breath and to even promise me a place in eternity with him. As I see the beauty of Jesus in these children and the people and the land, I recognize that none of it even compare to the beauty of Christ. Oh how I cannot wait to see him face to face!
All for the Glory of God
After the Bible study the five of us got to work and started doing some cleaning in different places at Manna. I started by cleaning a big sign that advertises what that land is. It was refreshing to be alone in the creation of God for that time while singing and just worshiping God as I worked. God's timing is always perfect for that is exactly what I needed.
We were there till about 12:30 then came home and had a few hours to relax before going took burch for tutoring. Today was my first day teaching at tutoring and since I lived helping with the kindergarten ears on Thursday I got to teach them today. I was a little nervous but mostly excited to get to be the teacher. What I quickly realized is that 1. The kids had a lot of energy and 2. I did not plan enough stuff to teach them to fill 1.5 hours of time. So I started throwing in kids songs and doing my best to teach the children what I had thought they should review today. The children are quite smart but since they are so young they speak very little English. I had someone in the room who would help me to translate when needed but it definitely made it a little but more challenging. I also realized that sometimes I would start speaking really fast and would have to consciously slow down my speech so if they do not know the word they can learn it and if they do know it can understand it. Indefinitely have a lot of thinking to do about how I want Thursday to look because there are things I must do different. I am happy for this opportunity today though because I learned so much that I would only have learned by jumping in and doing it.
After tutoring was over some of the older ones were hanging out with us at the church and were teaching us songs in Swahili and dancing with us. They also all started tickling me again as now everyone has found out I'm extremely ticklish. It is always such a joy to hang out with the children. I am starting to build relationships with some if the children and cannot wait for the next time I see them!
As I prepare to go to sleep, I look back on this day and seen ow many times God had come through for me. It reminds me of his grace that he has on me to give me my next breath and to even promise me a place in eternity with him. As I see the beauty of Jesus in these children and the people and the land, I recognize that none of it even compare to the beauty of Christ. Oh how I cannot wait to see him face to face!
All for the Glory of God
Trusting in the Lord
Sunday, October 20, 2013
I was extremely nervous about today because the five of us were asked to share our testimonies at churchy this morning. Not only was the church service new for me but I get really shy in front of people I do not know. God has been breaking me of this since I got here as I have had to dance and sing and talk in front of people many times in the short time I have been here. What is really awesome about this culture is that they sincerely care. Every classroom I enter and today at church you are to share about yourself because they want to know about you. But anyways, back to church this morning, so not only did we have to share our testimonies but they had us go up one at a time. Now I was extremely out of my comfort zone. After we shared they had us all come up front and prayed over us as a welcoming to their church. Then we got to experience Kenyans praise and worship God through song. The sincerity that they have towards us is even greater towards God and it really challenged me. Do I get excited to worship God? The love for our Creator was crystal clear as they danced and a made a joyful noise unto the Lord.
We then left and went to help with the teenage Sunday school class. Saturday night we had made a movie for this class bringing out the heroes of the faith from Hebrews chapter 11. Today the children watched it and were then divided into teams and chose one of the characters to make a skit about. I got to work with the group that had chosen Moses as their hero and they blew my mind. These children know the story of Moses so well! It was fun to plan out a skit with them and to see how much they remember of the Bible stories. After Sunday school, we got to hang out with all the children for a while before going to the orphanage.
Every Sunday after church we will go to this orphanage which is about an hour drive. There we get to play with the children, teach them some math, English, and work on their reading, and then share a Bible story with them. The children were awesome as, once again, they were all very anxious to come and greet us when we arrived. It has been so much fun meeting all these new faces and getting to love on these kids each and everyday. I am exhausted and ready for our day off tomorrow but am also quite excited to get back in the classrooms on Tuesday and get to teach the children from the Word of God.
I often times realize how I really have nothing to bring these kids but all they need is to hear about Jesus. My teaching skills on a scale of 1-10 may be a 1 but God just wants a willing heart. If I offer each and every teaching opportunity up to the Lord, he will place words on my heart to share with the children. God reminded me of this after I received a complement from Courtney after sharing my testimony with the church this morning. Ever since I heard we were going to be sharing I was praying and asking God to tell me what to share. Well he answered that prayer, about 5 minutes before I got up there but I had fully trusted God to give me the words to say. Every day this should be as I walk the streets and run into people who I then have the opportunity to share the Gospel with. This should be my prayer and how I live when I walk into each classroom. If I trust in myself to share the Bible with these people, I will fail miserably; but if I trust in the Lord to give me the word to say, he will use my words to reach the lost.
All for the Glory of God
We then left and went to help with the teenage Sunday school class. Saturday night we had made a movie for this class bringing out the heroes of the faith from Hebrews chapter 11. Today the children watched it and were then divided into teams and chose one of the characters to make a skit about. I got to work with the group that had chosen Moses as their hero and they blew my mind. These children know the story of Moses so well! It was fun to plan out a skit with them and to see how much they remember of the Bible stories. After Sunday school, we got to hang out with all the children for a while before going to the orphanage.
Every Sunday after church we will go to this orphanage which is about an hour drive. There we get to play with the children, teach them some math, English, and work on their reading, and then share a Bible story with them. The children were awesome as, once again, they were all very anxious to come and greet us when we arrived. It has been so much fun meeting all these new faces and getting to love on these kids each and everyday. I am exhausted and ready for our day off tomorrow but am also quite excited to get back in the classrooms on Tuesday and get to teach the children from the Word of God.
I often times realize how I really have nothing to bring these kids but all they need is to hear about Jesus. My teaching skills on a scale of 1-10 may be a 1 but God just wants a willing heart. If I offer each and every teaching opportunity up to the Lord, he will place words on my heart to share with the children. God reminded me of this after I received a complement from Courtney after sharing my testimony with the church this morning. Ever since I heard we were going to be sharing I was praying and asking God to tell me what to share. Well he answered that prayer, about 5 minutes before I got up there but I had fully trusted God to give me the words to say. Every day this should be as I walk the streets and run into people who I then have the opportunity to share the Gospel with. This should be my prayer and how I live when I walk into each classroom. If I trust in myself to share the Bible with these people, I will fail miserably; but if I trust in the Lord to give me the word to say, he will use my words to reach the lost.
All for the Glory of God
Learning the Ropes
Saturday, October 19, 2013
I feel like I lay down in bed at the end of each day and just say "wow!". It is incredible to me that this only the beginning. I feel like I have know Geoff and Linda and all our Kenyan friends and the children for ever and it's only the end of week one. It feels like home here and that is a true blessing from God.
Today was our first kids club and I was so excited for it! We jumped right in and went up on stage and led the children in kids song including teaching them a new one (if you love Jesus) which was a favorite of IGNITE class 5. The children also taught us a couple songs and had us dancing up on the stage for them giving them all a good laugh. We also had prepared a skit for them based from acts 20 where their Bible story was from today. It was great to jump right in and get the awkward shy moments out of the way the first week. The kids all knew our names and were very excited to come and great us during chai time before the classroom time. As soon as I walked outside, kids came running over to me and all wanted to hold my hands and hug me and tell me their names. They were all so excited to ask us questions like what our favorite food is. The love these children have for me and the rest of team Kenya after the first time meeting us is incredible and has caused me to fall in love with them already as well. A few of the children found out I as ticklish and soon I had a whole group of children chasing me around trying to tickle me. Even though it was hot and I was tired it was so much fun and I loved being able to interact with the children in that way. After fee time Courtney and I joined teacher Shadrack and the 7-10 year olds. Me and Courtney assisted him today a little in teaching today but mostly observed the way he handled the class so that we could be prepared when our time comes to teach.
This whole week has been awesome getting to observe different teachers and learning from them the best ways to handle different classrooms. I do look forward to teaching for myself maybe some this up coming week, even though I am slightly nervous with the idea of me being the only teacher in the classroom. When these fears do creep in though I hear God's voice telling me to fear not for he is always with me. The other night I was telling Kay that she has nothing to fear because God is with her and is holding her hand. That was the best advice that I needed to hear as well. When I fear I need to remember my own advice that I give to others. God truly is holding my hand each step of the way and I have nothing to fear. It is the Holy Spirit in me and the power of Christ that leads me and helps me each and every day.
After kids club I got to relax a bit then go on my first run in a very long time with Kay. Then after dinner Harrun came over again and we made a movie for the Bible story that the teens will be taught in Sunday school tomorrow. It was such a fun time laughing and getting creative. I can assure you that I will never forget what Hebrews 11 is about again after the video we put together tonight.
I am daily making memories with my team and with Geoff and Linda and all our Kenyan friends and I am so thankful for the times of prayer and studying, decision making and planning, and laughs and good times. How blessed I am to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people!
All for the Glory of God
Today was our first kids club and I was so excited for it! We jumped right in and went up on stage and led the children in kids song including teaching them a new one (if you love Jesus) which was a favorite of IGNITE class 5. The children also taught us a couple songs and had us dancing up on the stage for them giving them all a good laugh. We also had prepared a skit for them based from acts 20 where their Bible story was from today. It was great to jump right in and get the awkward shy moments out of the way the first week. The kids all knew our names and were very excited to come and great us during chai time before the classroom time. As soon as I walked outside, kids came running over to me and all wanted to hold my hands and hug me and tell me their names. They were all so excited to ask us questions like what our favorite food is. The love these children have for me and the rest of team Kenya after the first time meeting us is incredible and has caused me to fall in love with them already as well. A few of the children found out I as ticklish and soon I had a whole group of children chasing me around trying to tickle me. Even though it was hot and I was tired it was so much fun and I loved being able to interact with the children in that way. After fee time Courtney and I joined teacher Shadrack and the 7-10 year olds. Me and Courtney assisted him today a little in teaching today but mostly observed the way he handled the class so that we could be prepared when our time comes to teach.
This whole week has been awesome getting to observe different teachers and learning from them the best ways to handle different classrooms. I do look forward to teaching for myself maybe some this up coming week, even though I am slightly nervous with the idea of me being the only teacher in the classroom. When these fears do creep in though I hear God's voice telling me to fear not for he is always with me. The other night I was telling Kay that she has nothing to fear because God is with her and is holding her hand. That was the best advice that I needed to hear as well. When I fear I need to remember my own advice that I give to others. God truly is holding my hand each step of the way and I have nothing to fear. It is the Holy Spirit in me and the power of Christ that leads me and helps me each and every day.
After kids club I got to relax a bit then go on my first run in a very long time with Kay. Then after dinner Harrun came over again and we made a movie for the Bible story that the teens will be taught in Sunday school tomorrow. It was such a fun time laughing and getting creative. I can assure you that I will never forget what Hebrews 11 is about again after the video we put together tonight.
I am daily making memories with my team and with Geoff and Linda and all our Kenyan friends and I am so thankful for the times of prayer and studying, decision making and planning, and laughs and good times. How blessed I am to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people!
All for the Glory of God
Rejoicing with Humility
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Today was a free day so we did not have any planned ministry to do but it was great to have the opportunity to minister to each other during our group Bible study. We sat down with Geoff and Linda and worshiped through song then studied Acts 20 which then helped up to prepare a skit for kids club tomorrow since the children will be taught from that same chapter. It was fun day that was very relaxed and involved baking some peanut butter cookies (which are Geoff's favorite) and also a little adventurous walk to get soda. That walk formed many memories as we were dodging cows and saying "wapi?" (Where) when someone would yell "muzungu!" (White person or foreigner). It was fun getting to talk to a few people on the street and taking the opportunities given to invite children to kids club tomorrow. We ended the night with a dance party at Geoff and Linda's house with their family and a Kenyan friend (I do not know how to spell his name but it sounds similar to Aaron) who was teaching us dances that the children will want us to do with them tomorrow along with a little free styling.
Today in my morning devotions I was meditating on the fact that I am so unworthy to be here doing God's work in Kenya. I took time to think and reflect on how gracious God is to want to use his people who have messed up lives. But then, through my IBS verse for this week, I came across Ephesians 4:22-25 which talks about letting go of the past, forgetting about the old me and looking at the new me and rejoicing in the grace that God has shown to me. It really hit me because yes, I need to remember that I am unworthy and serve with humility but I also need to remember the new me and the freedom from the past that I received when I received Christ as my Lord so that I may rejoice. It's all about the balance of remaining humble while rejoicing in the new creation the mercy and grace of God has molded me into.
All for the Glory of God
Today was a free day so we did not have any planned ministry to do but it was great to have the opportunity to minister to each other during our group Bible study. We sat down with Geoff and Linda and worshiped through song then studied Acts 20 which then helped up to prepare a skit for kids club tomorrow since the children will be taught from that same chapter. It was fun day that was very relaxed and involved baking some peanut butter cookies (which are Geoff's favorite) and also a little adventurous walk to get soda. That walk formed many memories as we were dodging cows and saying "wapi?" (Where) when someone would yell "muzungu!" (White person or foreigner). It was fun getting to talk to a few people on the street and taking the opportunities given to invite children to kids club tomorrow. We ended the night with a dance party at Geoff and Linda's house with their family and a Kenyan friend (I do not know how to spell his name but it sounds similar to Aaron) who was teaching us dances that the children will want us to do with them tomorrow along with a little free styling.
Today in my morning devotions I was meditating on the fact that I am so unworthy to be here doing God's work in Kenya. I took time to think and reflect on how gracious God is to want to use his people who have messed up lives. But then, through my IBS verse for this week, I came across Ephesians 4:22-25 which talks about letting go of the past, forgetting about the old me and looking at the new me and rejoicing in the grace that God has shown to me. It really hit me because yes, I need to remember that I am unworthy and serve with humility but I also need to remember the new me and the freedom from the past that I received when I received Christ as my Lord so that I may rejoice. It's all about the balance of remaining humble while rejoicing in the new creation the mercy and grace of God has molded me into.
All for the Glory of God
God takes Care of His Children
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Wow! It's only the second full day here and it already feels like home! This morning was the opposite of yesterday. Instead of sleeping in we were up bright and early so that we could be ready to leave the house by 8AM to go to Acacia school to teach. It was a joy to be able to walk there since it is right around the corner from our home. What became an even greater joy was walking into the classroom and immediately being sung to by the children to welcome us there. Tyler and I joined Geoff today in the sixth and seventh grade classroom where we sang some songs and even got to lead my first kids song "Amor of God"! Tyler and I observed Geoff teaching the class from Acts 19 as we prepare to take a teaching position next week.
After teaching we went to the supermarket to buy some food for our house them had a couple of hours of down time before we went to the church for tutoring. I was extremely nervous about this time especially since I was to be helping out with the kindergarten class today but God blessed me with an amazing time with the children. I got to help miss Susan, who goes to the church, teach the kindergarten class math, vocabulary, and reading all in the English language. As soon as I walked into the classroom the kids were all excited and immediately wanted to know my name and were anxious to tell me theirs as well. After the fun time with the kindergarten class and tutoring was over, a bunch of the kids from all the classes hung around and we started playing tag. It was the first time I was ever seeing these children yet we were playing and laughing together and had already formed a friendship with them.
As I sit here and write this, I can't help but praise God for so quickly removing the fear of meeting new people and teaching in the classroom. I tend to be very shy and going into today I was still very nervous at the thought of having to teach. God heard my prayer and knew my weakness and broke that down today. God has placed me here to love on these children and teach them the Word of God; as Geoff taught from Acts 19 today, God will take care of his children. He will take care of me and give me what I need to do the ministry he has for me to do here. He will challenge me and ask me to step up and be bold but even in those times he is right next to me holding my hand. How thankful I am for such a great God!
All for the Glory of God
After teaching we went to the supermarket to buy some food for our house them had a couple of hours of down time before we went to the church for tutoring. I was extremely nervous about this time especially since I was to be helping out with the kindergarten class today but God blessed me with an amazing time with the children. I got to help miss Susan, who goes to the church, teach the kindergarten class math, vocabulary, and reading all in the English language. As soon as I walked into the classroom the kids were all excited and immediately wanted to know my name and were anxious to tell me theirs as well. After the fun time with the kindergarten class and tutoring was over, a bunch of the kids from all the classes hung around and we started playing tag. It was the first time I was ever seeing these children yet we were playing and laughing together and had already formed a friendship with them.
As I sit here and write this, I can't help but praise God for so quickly removing the fear of meeting new people and teaching in the classroom. I tend to be very shy and going into today I was still very nervous at the thought of having to teach. God heard my prayer and knew my weakness and broke that down today. God has placed me here to love on these children and teach them the Word of God; as Geoff taught from Acts 19 today, God will take care of his children. He will take care of me and give me what I need to do the ministry he has for me to do here. He will challenge me and ask me to step up and be bold but even in those times he is right next to me holding my hand. How thankful I am for such a great God!
All for the Glory of God
The Journey Begins
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Day1 began late and ended early as me and the rest of the team are trying to adjust to a different time zone. The morning was relaxed and it was nice to get to go with Linda to the store and to the church. We got to see Kenya in daylight and it was a highlight of my day to get to drive around and see the place I now call home. We met lots of people who were all very welcoming. I often heard the phrase "welcome home" from people we were being introduced to. Even though this home is temporary it was great to be received by the Kenyan people not as visitors but as Kenyan citizens knowing that our time here is limited.
We jumped right into ministry today and had to rely on Jesus to give us the energy to do his work since we physically were so exhausted. We got to go into a public school and help teach the kids for an hour and a half. I joined Geoff today who taught the seventh and eighth grade class. We began with singing a few songs and it was such a blessing to hear the songs I know and often times sing in church sung by the children. Their voices were beautiful and as I looked around I saw beauty in each one of their faces and in the land all around me. God's creation is so magnificent from each blade of grass to the people he designed. "How great is our God! Sing with me how great is our God!" This song speaks truth as time and time again I am reminded that God is a great God. I have learned to sing this song even in the hard times as I have seen growth and new leanings come from them if I allow myself to truly say and believe "how great is our God!"
All for the glory of God
We jumped right into ministry today and had to rely on Jesus to give us the energy to do his work since we physically were so exhausted. We got to go into a public school and help teach the kids for an hour and a half. I joined Geoff today who taught the seventh and eighth grade class. We began with singing a few songs and it was such a blessing to hear the songs I know and often times sing in church sung by the children. Their voices were beautiful and as I looked around I saw beauty in each one of their faces and in the land all around me. God's creation is so magnificent from each blade of grass to the people he designed. "How great is our God! Sing with me how great is our God!" This song speaks truth as time and time again I am reminded that God is a great God. I have learned to sing this song even in the hard times as I have seen growth and new leanings come from them if I allow myself to truly say and believe "how great is our God!"
All for the glory of God
Being a light
September 25, 2013
Today was another incredible day! As it is now only a week and half till I head home for a short time, I am getting anxious to see my family again! God has revealed to me this week though that there is still more work he has to accomplish in me before that time comes for me to go home and I am excited to see what else he has to speak to me. Today was the second to last kids club here in Guatemala and all of the children now know that we will be leaving. I have grown very connected to a group of girls in 5th and 6th grade. Seeing them every Wednesday brightens my day as they bring so many hugs and much energy with them. The girls had found out I was ticklish a couple weeks ago and today they started a tickling war! All of a sudden me and 5 other girls were running all over the property as we chase each other trying to tickle the ones that are ticklish. It was such a joy to know that I have formed a relationship with these girls that allows us to talk, laugh, and play together. Carla is one girl who is in 6th grade and for the past month has brought me a gift of some kind to kids club each week. Today I noticed she had a bracelet on that had the different colors representing the different parts of the Gospel. I asked her if she knew what each color meant and she vaguely answered me. I was then able to get her a paper that had it all written down and included Bible verses for each color. I explained it to her and she seemed to understand and was excited when I told her she could keep the paper. She told me she had a Bible so I now pray that tonight she looks up each of those verses on the paper. I am unsure if she is saved or not but my prayer is that tonight she will read the verses that are listed on the paper and that it will speak into her heart and she will think about it the rest of this week. As my heart continues to be more and more burdened for those that do not know Christ, my heart is even more burdened for those that I have friendships with as everything I do and say needs to point them towards Christ. I am reminded of the importance to daily walk with the Lord as I need to be a light in this dark world.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”
love, your sister in Christ
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”
love, your sister in Christ
Fear Not
September 23, 2013
In my devotions Sunday morning, I was reading in Deuteronomy. In chapter 3 verse 22 it says, “you shall not fear them (kings), for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” This verse really stood out to me. Joshua was just entrusted with a hard job. He was to lead a nation of very large numbers into the land God had promised them. God never breaks a promise so the land is theirs but they will have to fight to get it from the people who currently have it. Moses in verse 21 reminds Joshua of the victories over the other 2 kings. He then tells him, (1) look do not be afraid to fight this battle because God as been faithful and will be faithful to fulfill this promise. And (2) God will fight for you for this battle is his. This verse reminded me not to fear. As I get closer to going home for a week, I am nervous because that means that I am heading to Kenya for 6 months. I do not know what to expect culturally or in appearance of the city. I fear not being able to learn the language and I fear that I will not be bold in sharing the Gospel. I fear being so far away from home for that long but I need not to fear. For this verse tells me that the battles I face over the next 2 weeks and the next 6 months the Lord will fight for me. All my fears I have I need to offer up to the Lord and allow him and allow him to fight them for me. I am incredibly thankful for God and his faithfulness to his children.
God is changing lives
September 18, 2013
Wow! This past weekend was an incredible! Monday was independence day for Guatemala and so all weekend long Antigua's streets were filled with music and people. It was decided that we were going to try to do an outreach on Saturday since there were so many people out in the town. As we were walking i noticed the streets were very busy but God provided space for us to sing songs and do a couple mimes. The people gathered around every time we started singing or acting. After each mime Pastor Louis talked to the people and they stood and listened. I know Pastor Jim got to talk to one young man who gave his life to Jesus that day and I believe with all my heart that Jesus was stirring the hearts of many people in town that day. I have never done an out reach like that before and it was incredible! Spreading the name of Jesus is an incredible feeling and I cannot wait to do it more when I go to Kenya! God is at work here in Antigua, it is obvious from the outreaches we have done and also from kids club. Kids club is always an exciting day as lots of children and parents come to the property. Last week a little boy gave his life to Jesus and I see a difference in all the kids from the first week we were here. I have come to love these kids and saying goodbye in just a couple weeks is going to be incredibly hard! Pastor Don McClure is here with us again this week and is teaching us from the book of Nehemiah. He has pulled out a lot of valuable things for us to hold onto from the life of Nehemiah and I am looking forward to the rest of the week to see what else God has for me to learn from his teachings. God is incredibly faithful and has been hard at work in my heart over the past couple months. This time in training as brought to light some of the junk I was pushing down inside of me for so long. As this time in Guatemala is wrapping up quickly I must do as Paul did and press on. This time is not over yet and God still has more to here over the next 2 weeks. Thank you for your prayers!
love, your sister in Christ
love, your sister in Christ
God is Good!
God has been doing incredible stuff in my life even after just one week! The teaching I have been under this past week by Pastor Steve (a pastor with Potter's Field Ministries) has challenged me and taught me so much about living for Christ. I have learned a whole new way to study the Bible and now can more easily read, understand, and apply it to my life. Looking at John 13:1-17 this week was a great way to start this next year of my life. Seeing the way Jesus humbly served everyone challenged me to examine my heart while serving. We also got to begin studying the book of Acts which I am really excited to get more into! God has been hard at work but the devil is also at work. Thankfully we serve a God that is stronger then any other and Satan has not been able to tear me or any of my interns down. God brought together a group of complete strangers that I now consider my family! WOW! how amazing is He!!
This past week we also got to serve at Potter's Field Kids Club here in Guatemala! I was really nervous about it because I cannot speak Spanish but God proved to be faithful once again and showed me that you do not need to speak to children to show them God's love. I did get to learn some Spanish from the kids as I ran around with the younger ones and played soccer with the older ones. We got to sing songs with them and have a great time! Relationships with the kids are already starting to form and I cannot wait to see how God will use me and the other interns in the life of these children! I ask that you continue to pray for me and my team as we are continually studying, serving, and learning as we prepare for our time on the field!
Love, your sister in Christ :)
This past week we also got to serve at Potter's Field Kids Club here in Guatemala! I was really nervous about it because I cannot speak Spanish but God proved to be faithful once again and showed me that you do not need to speak to children to show them God's love. I did get to learn some Spanish from the kids as I ran around with the younger ones and played soccer with the older ones. We got to sing songs with them and have a great time! Relationships with the kids are already starting to form and I cannot wait to see how God will use me and the other interns in the life of these children! I ask that you continue to pray for me and my team as we are continually studying, serving, and learning as we prepare for our time on the field!
Love, your sister in Christ :)
Where I call home
God is at work!!!
July 28,2013
This week was another awesome week! Getting to learn so much about God and studying His word deeper then ever before! God is at work in my life and the lives of people on my team and those coming to kids club! This week at kids club a bunch of moms hung around after dropping off their children and asked for a women's Bible Study to take place during kids club! Praise be to God! I can't wait to see what else he has in store! I am staying really busy with all the classes and homework assignments and kids club but I do have some free time to bound with my new family here! Yesterday a group of us got to hike a volcano! It was the coolest experience and got to see Guatemala from a birds eye view! God is good!!
love, your sister in Christ
love, your sister in Christ
Kids Club
August 3, 2013
I am here to to learn and to minister to children and others around me. What I wasn't prepared for was how these children would grab my heart! This past week right before kids club on Tuesday we had the class called "on the mount". This is my favorite class! During this hour or two we get alone with our Bibles, journals, and God. We separate ourselves from everyone and use it as a time to praise God and a time time to be honest with him and also a time to listen to his voice. This time is always good but this week I felt like Jesus was literally laying right next to me chatting as I laid in the grass and enjoyed his beauty all around me. He softened my heart and told me everything was going to be okay. He told me that I am useful even though I cannot speak the language. He tore down those walls I had built up and was finally able to be fully me.
We had kids club Tuesday and Wednesday this week and what a blessing it was! I am here to minister to the kids, to serve them and let them know how much Jesus loves them. This week the kids reminded me how much Jesus loves me. They came running with open arms excited to receive love and will huge smiles on their faces excited to be back. It has only been three weeks but I already have a love for these children and can't wait for them to come back each week! I love getting to love them and to show Jesus to them. I love them! They are children loved by God with the same love he loves me with and I want them to experience this love and have the hope that I have! I thank Jesus everyday for this
love, your sister in Christ
We had kids club Tuesday and Wednesday this week and what a blessing it was! I am here to minister to the kids, to serve them and let them know how much Jesus loves them. This week the kids reminded me how much Jesus loves me. They came running with open arms excited to receive love and will huge smiles on their faces excited to be back. It has only been three weeks but I already have a love for these children and can't wait for them to come back each week! I love getting to love them and to show Jesus to them. I love them! They are children loved by God with the same love he loves me with and I want them to experience this love and have the hope that I have! I thank Jesus everyday for this
love, your sister in Christ
He Answers Prayers
August 21, 2013
So much has been happening here in Guatemala and it has been awesome to see God at work in my life and the lives of others. God has been revealing to me things in my life that need to change. He has been showing me areas that I still have not died to self in and its has been hard but in the end rewarding. I cannot believe it is week 6 already! This past weekend the group planned on doing a flash mob and since a team from Calvary Chapel Brandon was here we had someone who could help us out and turn it into a witnessing opportunity. We went to go and it had just started to rain so we prayed before leaving that if it be God's will that we do it today he would cause a pause in the rain. We walk to town in the rain in faith that God will provide us with some kind of opportunity to witness to the people in Antigua. Well He caused the rain to stop right as we got there and it was awesome! We sang songs and the guy from Florida shared his testimony and the Gospel with the LARGE crowd that had gathered around us. Several people got to talk with some of the ones that were there and 4 people became believers that day! We were all so excited and praised God for that answer to prayer! We also had an answer to prayer when several of the people we saw on Saturday showed up to church on Sunday night! Wow! How incredible! Why did I ever question God would answer those prayers? It was a question that Pastor Steve brought to our attention. God always answers our prayers, it is just a question of how will he answer our prayers. No matter how he answers, we must thank him for the answer to that prayer because his will was done.
love, Your sister in Christ
love, Your sister in Christ
An Exciting Week
August 31, 2013
Wow, what a week it has been! First of all, this week I had the priveledge of sitting under the teaching of Pastor Don McClure once again. He taught from 1 Timothy and brought out so much about leaders in the ministry. I also had the opportunity to see Pastor Mike do a pottery presentation for the first time! He did a presentation at Kids Club on Wednesday and one of the moms gave her heart to Jesus! Praise God! He also did a presentation for us inters and spoke right into my heart. It was such a great reminder for me to surrender my life to the Potter (Jesus) daily and to allow him to make me into what he created me to be. Also this past week we received our field assignments. I get the opportunity to spend 6 months with 4 other interns (Kay, Tyler, Steven and Courtney) in Kenya! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us! God is at work here in Guatemala and I feel blessed to be here. I only have 5 more weeks of training left and it is crazy that it is already September! I am excited to see what God has in store for these next 5 weeks and I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me and my team! Thank you!!!
love, your sister in Christ
love, your sister in Christ
How Great is Our God
God never disappoints and he is continually proving his faithfulness over and over again. This past week was another exciting week! At kids club on Wednesday, a little girl Carla came up behind me and tickled me. The previous week she had found out I was very ticklish so this week she was sure to let me know that she did not forget that. I love getting to see her and all the other girls that I have connected with over the past two months! Even though we struggle to speak the same language, we are always finding things to laugh about together and it blesses me to see the relationship that is building. Every week I see how not speaking the same language is no hindrance to God. He will find different ways for you to connect and for the love of Christ to come through. You do not always need to use words to spread the Gospel. What a great reminder that is for me! At the end of the kids club, Carla came up to me and handed me a plastic bag. I opened the bag and it was a homemade gift for me. It almost brought me to tears that this little girl would take the time to make me something. It was nothing fancy but something I will bring home with me and will be in my bedroom reminding me constantly of the work God did in my heart and the heart of Carla while I was in Guatemala. It is so encouraging to see her starting to sing more during worship time and her smile is always warm. Praise be to God for the work the he is doing in each of the children’s lives at kids club!
love, your sister in Christ
love, your sister in Christ