If you read I believe there is power behind vulnerability, then you know I’m currently walking through a season of trial but I find abundant joy in my faithful God.
Let me tell you a few ways Jesus is working in my heart and life just the last few weeks.
- Light of the Village. For those who don’t know, Light of the Village is an intercity ministry striving to bring the message of Christ’s love, hope, and faith. If you know me, you know how tight I hold LOV to my heart. You’ve probably seen near 2 billion pictures of their sweet faces (no exaggeration). I just love them so much, ya know!? When I started serving with them 10 months ago I asked to be uncomfortable, and that has definitely been a reoccurring theme. In the midst of my uncomfortableness, I’ve been humbled, stretched farther than I imagined, and forced to rely on the Lord when my strength was almost nonexistent. I’ve learned patience, grace, and love in a whole new light. A few weeks ago I was moved to The Village from a LOV satellite camp, Camp Faith, where I’ve spent almost all my entire time serving. It was bittersweet to say the least. Then God reminded me why I’m serving in the first place, to spread Jesus and show his love to those in need of hope, and no matter the location or what kids.
- PTBC Iconic Weekend – DNOW. On my drive to a church I had never been to, where I only knew one person, and was honestly a little nervous, I prayed for boldness and vulnerability in my own life, over the students I would invest in, and for transparency in all of us. GOD IS FAITHFUL. Who knew 12 ninth and tenth grade girls would make such a impact on my life in just 40 hours?! But, boy, did they?! They went from strangers to family in the matter of hours (maybe even minutes). God tore down walls the first night, and each bible study became even more authentic and deep. My girls didn’t back down from hard conversations instead they came prepared to share their hearts and dive into truth. We all grew. I came expecting to be a group leader but left encouraged and challenged probably more than they did. Our whole weekend was vulnerable and real, everywhere from worship to sitting on the couch having late night talks. I witnessed four of my girls accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and publicly proclaim their decision through baptism on Sunday. Proud is an understatement! What a privilege to play even a small part of what Jesus is doing in their hearts and lives. Oh and it didn’t stop there. ALL 12 GIRLS asked me to start a daily bible study with them so, together, they could hold one another accountable to reading their bible. Today, they all sent texts and pictures of them reading and taking notes. *tears of joy*
- An Anonymous Donation. Let me just say, PRAISE JESUS! HE IS FAITHFUL. I wrote a blog asking for the month of February to be covered in prayer, and my community responded with lots and lots of prayer. Talk about feeling loved. But still fundraising was near nonexistent this month compared to the months before. All of a sudden that $18,100 seemed to look much much bigger. This past Wednesday, I poured my heart out to a few friends about how fundraising was going terribly this month and how discouraged I had become. Just when fear and doubt had crept in, God met my fear with the reminder of his faithfulness. I was reminded that I never walk alone, I’m always breathing His grace, and His love is unchanging. Though my flesh may fail, God never will. Two days later, I found out that someone anonymously donated $1,000. (If you’re reading this blog, please know I am so blown away by your generosity. Thank you so much! All I can think about is Matthew 6:2-4.) WOW, was I humbled or what!!! Jesus, you are more than enough. In my weakness, God, YOU, are my power.
