Hello friends and family! Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Things have been pretty crazy around here. My teammate and I have been traveling some this month, and I have also been dealing with some issues here. Last week I was able to meet with my supervisors about some anxiety I have been having. I believe that a lot of what I am dealing with is spiritual warfare, and the enemy is trying to attack our team in any way he can. We have seen the L work in so many ways in these past four months, and I know the enemy wants to do anything he can to put fear into my life and make me believe that I can't make it here. This whole experience these past few weeks has been hard, but the L keeps reminding me of truth. I know that there is no fear in love and that He is with me leading me through this battle. Talking about this has been hard for me in some ways. At first I believed I was struggling with this fear because I wasn't spiritually strong enough or did not have enough faith. I know that believing that lie is just another way for the enemy to attack me. After seeking the Father about this daily, I now see that the enemy is attacking my teammate and I because His kingdom is advancing. We are being given opportunity after opportunity to spread His love, and people are coming to know Him. Through scripture and p I know we can fight these attacks. The L is in control, and I want to walk in His love and peace. Please be lifting me up daily. Ask the Father to take away fear and replace that with hope and joy and peace. Ask Him to be my strength and give me the perseverance I need to make it through these next two months. Ask Him to show me power through His word and that I find the truth there. Ask Him to bind the enemy from my thoughts.
Thank you all for your p's and support through this journey. Be encouraged to that amazing work is being done here. As His children we are called to go through suffering, and I am thankful for what I am learning through all of this. Love you guys!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hey guys!! I wanted to post a few pictures I have taken around my city. This has been a slower week for us, and we are getting ready for a full last few months. The first picture was taken in our friends neighborhood. Most men like to take an afternoon stroll.
We see many of these cows as we walk down the streets. They just hang out...
This picture was taken in my favorite coffee shop that we visit frequently. It is our oasis!
My teammate and our favorite rickshaw driver. This is my favorite means of transportation.
My interpreter and me shopping in a market for some new spring kurtas. Look at all the colors!Please lift up my team this next week as we travel to the mountains again for our eighth training. We are so excited about this new opportunity to share in a place that is hard to reach. I will keep you updated on our trip when we get back!! Love you all!!!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sacrifice
So, my teammate and I have been traveling a lot, and it is only going to get busier! This past week we got to spend time up in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. It was absolutely beautiful and definitely a new experience. The roads were curvy, narrow, and very steep. These three things are not a good mixture anywhere...especially South Asia. The driving only gets crazier when paired with hills and no speed limits. BUT we survived!!
On this trip, we had the chance to meet one of the national pastors that is working with many groups of people around the area. We got to spend some time with his family and hear a little bit about his story and what brought him here. That conversation is one that I hope to never forget. This man has been through a lot. When he became a follower he had to give up everything he knew. His family disowned him because he was no longer practicing their religion. He had a very successful job in a very affluent city and gave that up to start his ministry. He is now living in conditions that many of us could not even imagine. His family still will have nothing to do with him, and he now has children that might not ever get to see their grandparents. What moved my heart the most as he was sharing wasn't necessarily the hardships but the hope that came behind the words. This man knows what's important in this life. He knows his purpose, and he is willing to sacrifice in ways that I cannot even comprehend right now. His life reflects the truth that we are not of this world and that our hope is not to be found in things here on Earth. Family, possessions, worldly freedom, comfort, prosperity, and many other things that I hold on to are things that he offers up to the Father. His faith and passion for the lost drive his heart and reflect such deep love. That love overflows into every aspect of his life, and he has challenged me in more ways than I can count.
Seeing this man sacrifice so much got me thinking about my own life. I know that the L has called me to live a sacrificial life. I know that a life with C means that suffering will come. This man's story has allowed me to see the power and beauty in living a life for Him. He is so faithful to provide exactly what we need. Everyday I see His love changing people...changing me. His love really is enough, and because of His grace I am learning to hold fast to that belief!
I want to leave you guys with a verse that has been getting me through the days here. I love you all!! Lifting you up!
"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."
On this trip, we had the chance to meet one of the national pastors that is working with many groups of people around the area. We got to spend some time with his family and hear a little bit about his story and what brought him here. That conversation is one that I hope to never forget. This man has been through a lot. When he became a follower he had to give up everything he knew. His family disowned him because he was no longer practicing their religion. He had a very successful job in a very affluent city and gave that up to start his ministry. He is now living in conditions that many of us could not even imagine. His family still will have nothing to do with him, and he now has children that might not ever get to see their grandparents. What moved my heart the most as he was sharing wasn't necessarily the hardships but the hope that came behind the words. This man knows what's important in this life. He knows his purpose, and he is willing to sacrifice in ways that I cannot even comprehend right now. His life reflects the truth that we are not of this world and that our hope is not to be found in things here on Earth. Family, possessions, worldly freedom, comfort, prosperity, and many other things that I hold on to are things that he offers up to the Father. His faith and passion for the lost drive his heart and reflect such deep love. That love overflows into every aspect of his life, and he has challenged me in more ways than I can count.
Seeing this man sacrifice so much got me thinking about my own life. I know that the L has called me to live a sacrificial life. I know that a life with C means that suffering will come. This man's story has allowed me to see the power and beauty in living a life for Him. He is so faithful to provide exactly what we need. Everyday I see His love changing people...changing me. His love really is enough, and because of His grace I am learning to hold fast to that belief!
I want to leave you guys with a verse that has been getting me through the days here. I love you all!! Lifting you up!
"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Pictures!!
Hey everyone! I finally got some pictures up of my trip from last week! We had a blast, and I definitely got to see and experience a lot! This first picture was taken at the main University in the city. It was beautiful, and we got a personal tour.
This one was taken at the famous temple there. We got to lift the people up that were there to honor the sacred place.
Here's another one of the temple. Many people wash in the lake and also make their children participate in the rituals.
This last one is a shot taken outside one of the markets. Just a typical day in my new life. I hope you enjoyed the snaps. Keep lifting these places up! Remember the darkness here. I love you guys! I'm thinking of you this week!Mere
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Well guys, it's official! Greyson is now finally on the trail. He has been dreaming of doing the AT for years, and through G's grace, he is now getting the opportunity to be out in the wilderness. I am so thankful that he is getting to do this for the next six months. Please be thinking of him and lifting him up as he encounters struggles and triumphs! I know the L has amazing things planned for this journey, and I know He will be faithful to provide!!
So, I have now been in SA for over two months. It is really hard for me to believe the time is going by so fast. This week I have been asking the Father to allow me to experience everything to the fullest. I have started to feel a little more comfortable in my routine, and I want to wake up every morning with a new sense of renewal and excitement for what is to come!
This past week we traveled north to a city that has a lot of religious history for this area. We were able to tour most of the city and see a lot! It was a relaxing time for my friends and me, and we got to make some contacts while we were there that will hopefully open doors for ministry in the future. I will be posting some pictures soon and will explain a little bit more about the city.
Tomorrow we will begin our work out in the villages. We have the opportunity to go and teach the same group we have been discipling for the past month. We are so excited about this group of women and really feel like there is hope for a fellowship one day. We will also be meeting with women that we have known since the beginning of our time here. They are not followers, and we are lifting them up to the Father everyday. All of these women are so beautiful in His sight, and we desire to see them come to know truth. Many of them are so stuck in their routines and rituals and cannot see past what they have believed for years. Please ask the Father that their eyes will be opened.
Here are a few things to be lifting up as this next week rolls around:
Ask Him to open doors for more trainings in our area. As we encounter new women, ask Him to give us the boldness to proclaim His name freely!
Ask Him to renew the nationals here and allow them to see their purpose. Ask that He would give them wisdom in how to lead others and start new fellowships throughout the region.
Lift the women and families up that we have already made connections with. Ask Him to strengthen relationships and build new friendships.
He really is doing some amazing work here. I am so encouraged to know that people are coming to know truth and that people are willing to go out and spread this love that the world so desperately needs. Thank you for your commitment to lift me up and encourage me! I love you guys!
So, I have now been in SA for over two months. It is really hard for me to believe the time is going by so fast. This week I have been asking the Father to allow me to experience everything to the fullest. I have started to feel a little more comfortable in my routine, and I want to wake up every morning with a new sense of renewal and excitement for what is to come!
This past week we traveled north to a city that has a lot of religious history for this area. We were able to tour most of the city and see a lot! It was a relaxing time for my friends and me, and we got to make some contacts while we were there that will hopefully open doors for ministry in the future. I will be posting some pictures soon and will explain a little bit more about the city.
Tomorrow we will begin our work out in the villages. We have the opportunity to go and teach the same group we have been discipling for the past month. We are so excited about this group of women and really feel like there is hope for a fellowship one day. We will also be meeting with women that we have known since the beginning of our time here. They are not followers, and we are lifting them up to the Father everyday. All of these women are so beautiful in His sight, and we desire to see them come to know truth. Many of them are so stuck in their routines and rituals and cannot see past what they have believed for years. Please ask the Father that their eyes will be opened.
Here are a few things to be lifting up as this next week rolls around:
Ask Him to open doors for more trainings in our area. As we encounter new women, ask Him to give us the boldness to proclaim His name freely!
Ask Him to renew the nationals here and allow them to see their purpose. Ask that He would give them wisdom in how to lead others and start new fellowships throughout the region.
Lift the women and families up that we have already made connections with. Ask Him to strengthen relationships and build new friendships.
He really is doing some amazing work here. I am so encouraged to know that people are coming to know truth and that people are willing to go out and spread this love that the world so desperately needs. Thank you for your commitment to lift me up and encourage me! I love you guys!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Light!
Hello Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the pictures and now feel a little more connected to where I am! I will definitely be posting more soon!
So, this week has been pretty tough for me. Although we were not as busy, a lot of our work in the villages was very emotionally draining for my teammate and me. I am beginning to experience some of the discouragement that comes with the lostness of this place. The people here are so stuck in their way of life, and it almost seems impossible to break through the barriers. This week we began some discipleship with new believers. We were very encouraged by some of the young women that were eager to learn more. Other women were much harder to reach and almost seemed closed off to the truth. We are learning that breaking down these walls takes time and A LOT of lifting up. Please be lifting that up every day this week. We are asking the Father to open the ladies hearts, and we need discernment to know where to go to teach and disciple.
I am struggling more because my heart is being broken for these people in a deeper way. As I begin to build relationships and meet with women on a regular basis, my heart is softened. I desperately want them to hold on to this free gift! I want their belief to be alive and working in their hearts! I know that it is only by His grace that we are free. Oh, how I want these people to experience that freedom!!
This week we sang a song during our weekly fellowship that encouraged me in such a powerful way. The last verse of the song says....Yes, I can see a light that is coming for a heart that holds on. And there will be an end to these troubles but until that day...still I will praise you! Still I will praise you!! I have been clinging to those words this week as I think about the lives of the people here. Sometimes it is hard to see that light, but everyday He gives me the strength to hold on to Him! I want the people here to have that same hope...that one day there will be an end to all these troubles, and I want them to be praising Him with us!!
I really am learning so much! I am so thankful for your p's and faithfulness in staying connected with me. I really need you to be lifting our team up. I love you all!! I am lifting you up this week!
My Love!
So, this week has been pretty tough for me. Although we were not as busy, a lot of our work in the villages was very emotionally draining for my teammate and me. I am beginning to experience some of the discouragement that comes with the lostness of this place. The people here are so stuck in their way of life, and it almost seems impossible to break through the barriers. This week we began some discipleship with new believers. We were very encouraged by some of the young women that were eager to learn more. Other women were much harder to reach and almost seemed closed off to the truth. We are learning that breaking down these walls takes time and A LOT of lifting up. Please be lifting that up every day this week. We are asking the Father to open the ladies hearts, and we need discernment to know where to go to teach and disciple.
I am struggling more because my heart is being broken for these people in a deeper way. As I begin to build relationships and meet with women on a regular basis, my heart is softened. I desperately want them to hold on to this free gift! I want their belief to be alive and working in their hearts! I know that it is only by His grace that we are free. Oh, how I want these people to experience that freedom!!
This week we sang a song during our weekly fellowship that encouraged me in such a powerful way. The last verse of the song says....Yes, I can see a light that is coming for a heart that holds on. And there will be an end to these troubles but until that day...still I will praise you! Still I will praise you!! I have been clinging to those words this week as I think about the lives of the people here. Sometimes it is hard to see that light, but everyday He gives me the strength to hold on to Him! I want the people here to have that same hope...that one day there will be an end to all these troubles, and I want them to be praising Him with us!!
I really am learning so much! I am so thankful for your p's and faithfulness in staying connected with me. I really need you to be lifting our team up. I love you all!! I am lifting you up this week!
My Love!
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