I’m not who I was

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come! -2 Corinthians 5:17

    I'm just about to begin month 6 of the race. The half way point is here! My heart is in complete thanksgiving reflecting on who I once was and who I am becoming. God has me on such an incredible journey and I am just so thankful he has brought me here. Little by little I am letting go of control and surrendering my life to Christ. I've learned that this doesn't come easy, it's a process. But the more I let go, the more freedom I find. This month in Malaysia has been truly amazing and as I was reflecting back on it I thought to myself "Who Am I? I would of never of done these things 6 months ago." Not that I'm complaining because I've never felt so alive and truly happy. So what was different about this month? Why was there more change in me this month then all the other months combined? The answer is prayer. 
    Pastor Yesudasun, the man we have been working with, has told us from day one to pray. He has instilled in me how important and powerful prayer is. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. So, I decided to pray. I prayed without ceasing. I prayed for the people of Kuala Krai, Malaysia. I prayed that God would radically change my heart. I prayed that God would use me in incredible ways. And guess what? It worked! This month I have stepped out of my comfort zone, I have done things I never thought I could do. I (Ciera Nelson, from Little River, Ks) preached an entire message about God's Love to a group of Hindu's. Not just once but twice! I (Ciera Nelson, who was once lost, but now found) entered the homes of non-believers in Malaysia bringing food to the hungry, praying for the sick and speaking boldly about Christ. I (Ciera Nelson, who thought I could never be good enough) spoke to a Hindu family and by the time we left had prayed with four of them to become followers of Christ. I have never done these things before. I never thought I could and today as I write this, I see that all things are possible in Christ who strengthens me. None of this was on my own. The more time I spend with God in prayer and in his word the more I can pour out into others. It is only through him that I find strength. So, as I pass the half way point in this journey some may be growing tired and weak around me, but all I have to say is, Bring it On.