United We Stand
Dear reader,
A month and half has flown by, filled to the brim with tales of love and joy. As I recall all of our joys and sorrows, it blows me away that I have only known each of these 14 women for such a short time. We have grown and fought for each other through the past several weeks when we have experienced the hardships of a new environment, heat exhaustion, illnesses or emotional stress back home. But The Lord is working, using those hardships to draw us closer together as a team and unify us for ministry.God has unified us in so many ways, and I would love to share with you the joys that I have found in this season though “Team Jesus”(yep that’s our team name) despite the trials the enemy tried to through at us.
Just as brief name introduction (for those who haven’t read their blogs! Please do, these girls are totally rad)
Kate
Sam
Mallory
Gracie
Casey
Bridget
Sidney
Sarah Grace
Makena
Genesis
Darian
Olivia
Jessica
Courtney
From Kool-laid dyeing to picking lice out of each other’s hair, we have made so many memories,that months from now,we can look back on and laugh over. I praise God for blessing this team with overflowing joy and love of Christ. I find so much joy in looking around at feedings and seeing the way that each of these women easily engage the children,are so intentional in their relationships and take the time talk to the children about the Lord.
Our team is diligent. During the cleaning/ painting/ Bible study block we push each other to use this time wisely, to get a lot done and serve others well.
Our team is blessed with some artistically minded people who have brought the Awana room to life with color. They adding flowers, shapes,numbers, a lighthouse sketch, and soon Bible verses!These women are so creative and seek ways to bring that talent into other ministries as well.
Our team is filled with leaders, whether that’s games, Bible study, worship leaders or prayer warriors, God has unified us with strength to spread the gospel!
As a team we have experienced the beautiful culture of the Philippines including: gorgeous waterfalls, crazy and yummy food [chicken head, chicken intestine(barbecue & fried) and Bako], a bit of rock climbing, fire dancing, beautiful oceans and the most stunning sunrises. During each new adventure we point each other back to the One who created it all.
Our team has shared in many tears. When we shared our testimonies or stories of brokenness from our past,we point each other back to the one who can bring true healing. We cry together when the Lord breaks our hearts for the poverty that surrounds us everyday. We joy cry in prayer when God has brought healing.
We celebrate together! Whether that’s a mini birthday party amongst the team or in the community, jumping up and down over a victory in ministry, seeing the fruit of our work in the Awana room or whatever it may be, our team is so quick to love on each other and praise the Lord for what He has done!
We pray together. Each day is filled with team prayer and individual prayer. Our hearts as a team is to be constantly pointing each other back to God and what he is doing through us as vessels for His kingdom and to be in mindful prayer throughout ministry.
Each of these 14 women bring something truly special and unique to our ministry. I am so honored to be apart of this team as we individually grow and then coming together and growing as a team so that in ministry we are unified.
“ Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ,the which you are called to one body,rule your hearts and be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you,in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms,hymns, and spiritual songs,singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,giving thanks to God the Father through him.”-Colossians 3:12-17
