Wow, it Christmas and I am in the Southern Hemisphere, so it feels like Christmas in July! Seriously, it is over 100 degrees here. I think the weather helps take my mind off the fact that it is really Christmas and I’m not home with my family.
(Literally my last two Christmas’; no family or snow)
It has been a blessing to be here during this time though. This year I am not just celebrating the birth of Christ with my Family surrounded by a tree, opening gifts and sharing laughs. Instead I am actually blessed with the opportunity to walk out the meaning of Christmas and share it with people that needed some extra love and prayers at this time.
Today as I write this on Christmas Eve, I am reminded of one year ago today. The day I took my first big leap in faith. God had asked me to give up everything to follow Him, so over the months He gave me to obey, that is exactly what I did. He told me to leave Saint Louis, where I lived to go to Mission Valley, San Diego, California On December 24, 2018. He said by doing this I would step into my destiny.
That day I left with barely any belongings and no money to my name, except $30 to fill my gas tank. Not many people understood what I was doing, but I heard God so I kept on moving. I arrived in California on January 1st this year, still with no clue on what to do, but I seen how God provided for me the whole way through.
Two weeks later, I ended up homeless. I was distraught and so confused. I had no clue still on what I should do. However, I knew that God wasn’t through, so I kept pushing and standing on His truth.
I lived in a shelter for four months and half way through He revealed that He was training me. That somehow me living out of one duffel bag, moving from church to church had some significant role in my life. I questioned how and just then He said I want you to apply for the World Race!
So, here I am “homeless” again, but sheltered by the Lord moving from country to country and living out of one back pack. Sharing the Gospel with people in need, showing people the very reason for the season. I couldn’t be blessed more for an opportunity of this stature to miss my family. This is my destiny and I’m so blessed to see it.
Today we went to a hospital nearby to pray for people, invite them in to salvation and share the love of Christ through worship and giving. It was a blessing to see so many people uplifted and filled with hope and peace.
Tonight we are having a banquet and a secret Santa exchange. It is a blessing because we are on a bid base with many people and our whole squad is together this month, so it feels like one big family. We are also doing tu gift exchange at midnight tonight, which is special to me because that is a tradition my family does at home. God is so intentional on the things that He does.
I am so blessed to be known by Him and to be used to for His kingdom.
This Christmas I just want everyone to have the opportunity to start a relationship with the Father. If you would like to, say this prayer in your heart; (there is no reason to wait).
Dear God,
I need you. I am humbling calling out to you. I am tired of doing things my way. Help me to start doing things your way. I invite you into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Fill the emptiness in me with your Holy Spirit and make me whole. Lord, help me to trust you. Help me to love you. Help me to live for you. Help me to understand your grace, your mercy, and your peace. Thank you Lord, Amen.
Prayer Request:
- That you would share the good news with someone this week. (The good news; God sent His only son to be a living sacrifice for our sins and through our belief in Him we receive salvation and eternal life.) What better gift could Christmas bring?!
- Fundraising; it is nearly impossible this month and may be for the next few months. My goal is to be fully-funded. I need $6,266 to make my goal and my deadline is January 31, 2020. Prayer changes things, so please join me. Also, if you would like to partner with me to help me continue this mission you may make a tax-deductible donation above. You may also donate through Cash App ($AlyciaMathis) or Venmo (@Alycia-Mathis)Thank you in advance and forgive me in advance for my late replies.
