This past month has ripped me apart. As I have shared earlier, it was a month more of personal growth than being deep in ministry. It was exactly what I needed and God gave me many realizations. He pursued my heart and took away my pain! John 15 has been the past week…read it and be encouraged. Are you being pruned?
Then God revealed to me PSALM 30, and it is filled with my promise from God.
I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.
Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
“What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help.”
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
That my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Being at debrief has been the most peaceful, comforting and freeing week of the race so far. God knew I needed it. I have had many conversations and fallen completely in love with my team (I love them all dearly, in ways that I never realized before) and my Squad. It’s amazing how one decision – being obedient to my Lord – can make all the difference in my life, and therefore in the world. I am FREE. I am at peace. God has reached out and comforted me. I am exactly where I need to be and have taken a stand to do what is right rather than what is easiest. The hard things in life come with a cost…but in the end, it’s all worth it. With God, there is no opportunity wasted! LOVE…deeply, freely and genuinely!
Steph P. and I at the Park in Santo Domingo
An interesting part about our debrief has been our nightly worship sessions. This is not a rainy season…yet it has rained the past four nights. God’s presence is reigning down on us. He’s washing away the old and cleaning it and filling it with the new. We have enjoyed dancing and singing in the rain and being amazed at who God is. To be able to spend time as a Squad, and individual teams, in worship is powerful. God has been moving mountains and breaking down walls. He is bringing unity to this Squad. Hugs and conversations have meaning and depth…and it’s great to start getting to know eachother’s hearts, not just what they do or where they live!
The past few days we have been blessed to have our coaches Mike and Patti with us to encourage us and be spiritual parents. Their love is deep for this Squad, and it is evident. We love seeing them and having them take time to invest in our lives. It’s the feeling you get when your parents tell you they are proud of you…that’s also Mike and Patti! Their time ended here with a baptismal service, where seven members of my Squad got baptized. What a glorious day! Then a day to spend time with the Squad and God at the most amazing park…so amazing. So filled with God!
God has done so much. I have been dancing with him all week. He has embraced me. I am completely in love!!!
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Thank you all for your prayers. Keep praying for our ministry in Cambodia. It is still up in the air as to whether we will be going to Rubbish Mountain or not – but God knows. The World Race is about waiting and being flexible…this is one of those times!!
** I have uploaded Haiti pictures to facebook for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy…if you need the link, let me know! **
