I would like to dedicate this blog post to YOU. For each and every one of you who have eagerly given your hearts, time, resources, and prayers to enter into what God is doing around the world, and what He will specifically be doing through US on this journey together.
Maybe you have supported me by praying faithfully for this trip. Maybe you have supported me by offering encouraging words about how God is truly at work and how incredible it is to be a part of that. Maybe you have been burdened to open not only your heart but your wallet so that I can actually do this thing. Maybe you are really stoked about missions and have given me incredible advice as I prepare to go. Maybe you faithfully read my blog. Or, maybe you were one of many people who allowed me to gush and panic and daydream about God`s mission through the World Race for an hour when there are so many other things you could have been doing.
I want to say thank you. Truly.
I want you to know that every time someone tells me they are praying for me, or I see a donation come in, or someone gets excited as I share my heart for this journey, I want to weep because I am so moved by your willingness to join in.
In January, I leave to see how God is at work throughout the world and to join Him there. I have 3 months left before I leave and I feel like my journey has already begun. Why?
Because I have already been blessed to see God at work in all of you. It`s truly amazing.
Within four hours, I saw God provide through His people every single item that was on my gear wish list. He is faithful.
People I have barely talked to in over a year have given generously to this mission. He is faithful.
New friends who barely even know me have chosen to partner with me financially and devote precious time to helping me to fundraise. He is faithful.
I have people praying for me regularly (and one I know of for sure who prays for me every single day) as I prepare to leave. He is faithful.
I am more than halfway to my fundraising goal, and with amounts that have not been processed yet, have already met a fundraising deadline set for way out in December. He is faithful.
You all have taught me the meaning of generosity, of the love and support we are to have as brothers and sisters in Jesus.
A friend reminded me recently that this journey really isn`t about me figuring out how missions fits into my life, like I keep thinking it is. Rather, the question is, How does my life fit into the bigger picture of God`s mission on this earth?
The question starts with God, not Ashley.
I am glad that I can`t do this on my own. My dependence on God and on all of you for support, in so many ways, keeps me humble and reminds me that this thing is so much bigger than any of us.
I am so excited to continue this journey, especially with your support and encouragement. I am so blessed.
It’s almost impossible to fathom, but I fly to Atlanta for Training Camp in 8 days, and it officially starts in 9!! Where has the time gone?! I would appreciate your prayers for the following:
1. That God will begin to prepare me spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically at Training Camp for what is coming next year.
2. That I will begin to develop strong friendships with my squadmates and that God would connect me with some life-long friends and co-laborers in sharing the gospel.
3. At Training Camp, we will be divided into our small teams (usually 5-8 people) that we will be doing ministry with each month. Please pray that God will put me on a team of people who will complement each others’ strengths and weaknesses, a group who will grow together and learn from each other, who will be united, passionate about Jesus, and love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Also for His plan whether I am supposed to be on a co-ed or all-girls team.
4. Oh, and I’ve been sick the past several days, so you could throw in a prayer for my health too. 🙂
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I deeply treasure your prayers.
