Hello friends and family. I wanted to, again, start off by saying Thank You! I am almost fully funded for my first down payment. God is providing. Thank you to all of you who are supporting my journey through prayer. I have a huge prayer calendar that I made, and I want put your name on a specific day of the week/month so I know what days still need covered. I cannot get through any of this without prayer coverage. Please contact me with a specific day of the week or month you would be willing to pray for me.. I appreciate your prayers more than any of my words can express.
As you might know, I just got back from Brazil. As a senior/graduation gift, my parents paid for my mom and me to go. We went down there with a team from Faith Bible Chapel on a fantastic mission trip. So much happened on the trip, and I am hungry for more. Being in Brazil got me more excited and on fire for my upcoming mission. The team from Faith and I went down to the YWAM base in Manaus run by the Ammermans. There are some remarkable people down at that base.
Our first expedition was going on the riverboat and let me tell you, it was an adventure. We were blessed to be able to go to three different villages/communities along the river. The people of Brazil are SO hospitable! We were invited into houses, had meals cooked for us, and just got to visit and know the people. One of my favorite parts of going to the river communities was playing frisbee and soccer with the kids. On a funny note, I almost got married off to one of the chiefs’ sons, fortunately my mom was able to prevent that. It was an experience.
After about five days on the river, with many mosquito bites, we headed back to the base. Along with the YWAM base, the Ammermans also run a children’s shelter. Though we stayed on the base, a lot of the work we did was at the shelter. We painted, grouted and cleaned up two rooms for their food and clothing storage. It was hard work. We were sweaty, hot, tired, itchy and achy. It was totally worth it. One of my highlights was seeing our whole team work together, unified, to get both rooms ready/prepped for what they needed. It was incredible. I made many friends. I hope to return one day.
Now my all-time favorite part of the whole trip: The kids! Wow, wow, wow. I loved them. I only got to spend a day or so with them(that’s another reason I would love to go back), so my heart is still there. At the shelter, the kids are looked after and cared for with such love. I want to be a part of that, even for a short time. One of the prayers that I prayed was that my heart would be broken for what breaks God’s heart. Well, it worked. These precious kids are on God’s heart and He loves them so much. I wish I could have loved on them some more.
Other adventures from this trip included seeing: a sloth, boa constrictor, many frogs and lizards/geckos, alligator skins, a thirteen-foot python skin, a jaguar pelt, monkeys, macaws, toucans, and many other creatures big and small. We ran into too many spiders and scorpions as well. Also, my mom and I had some sort of reaction to something and got what we called jungle rash: Itchy when not touched with an awesome (not!) burning sensation if itched. We are still trying to heal from that and figure out what caused it. Prayers would be appreciated for that mystery.
My family personally has supported the Ammermans for years, and it was amazing to see our prayers and money in action. YWAM Manaus and Mount Salem Children’s Shelter are well-oiled machines, and Don and Terezhina are training up the next generation to continue their work. I was very impressed with the precision and faith in God’s provision. Their trust in God is like that of George Müller. The stories they told give me goosebumps every time I think about them. One story included, when the orphanage ran out of food, they prayed and before they could call people for help, God brought food. For any need that they lack, they pray. Time and time again God provides for them. I am awestruck. My biggest take away from the trip and prayer for myself is to have that kind of faith. The kind of faith that trusts God even when it seems like a losing battle.
Be on the look out, I am starting a T-shirt fundraiser! I will be selling T-shirts for $12 and long sleeve shirts for $18. I will have black t-shirts or long sleeved shirts with white writing or vice versa. If you would like a different color, feel free to ask me for a custom order and I’ll get it for you. We will place our first order this week. If you or your family is interested please, again, contact me with colors and sizes. I created the design for the t-shirts myself and they will have the link to my blog on them. An even bigger testament to God’s provision is the fact that a current racer’s family is donating the ink and silk screen. I am very excited to fundraise a little bit this way. Hope you’re having a blessed week!
Acts 14:17 – “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
1 Timothy 6:17b – …but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Luke 12:6-8 – Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.
