I just landed in Thailand this week, but I would like to write a little something about Nepal before I head off on new ministry adventures here in Mae Sot.
With Nepal being an all squad month, it was so easy to get caught up in the excitement of being around 46 awesome people. Sorry that blogging was put on the backburner, but I would love to explain the main reasons my month was so incredibly rad.
Ok Nepal month 2 in 1 blog….. GO!
1. Freedom of self.
Do you know how terrifying yet freeing it is sit in front of close to 40 incredible women and tell your testimony and deepest darkest secrets?
There have definitely been mistakes and brokenness from my past that I was continuing to hold on to. There were words that had been spoken over me that I just couldn’t seem to let go of and addictions that left me feeling empty and unworthy. I continued to play those scenarios over and over in my head until this month. Giving all of this “stuff” to the Lord and knowing that He has already forgiven me is the biggest breath of fresh air!!
One night, my entire team took turns standing on top of the couch and declaring different things about themselves. I made a spoke aloud that I wasn’t my past, wasn’t my addiction, wasn’t my mistakes, am a daughter of the one true King, and worthy of a loving relationship. If you’ve never given that a try… please do. You will literally feel light as a feather.
2. The 15 year old working in a dance bar.
One day our team was doing ministry in the local dance bar restaurants. Once we were able to find a place to let us come in and talk to the girls, we entered immediately. With two of my teammates and a translator, we were able to speak to two young girls, one 18 and one 15 years old and just love on them for a little bit. I instantly connected with the younger girl. We kept asking questions about each other back and forth, and I could see in her eyes the pain that she felt. It was evident.
She explained to us that men would come in and make her drink alcohol and smoke and would then “buy” her for a bit. She told us how she believed in Jesus and even saved enough money to buy a Bible, but her abusive father found it and ripped it up. The girl told us how her dad was very mean and would hit her and her mother, and how all of this made her very depressed.
Since she didn’t speak any English, I asked the translator to tell her that I used to drink alcohol and smoke until I found the love of God and that I could feel her pain. The bond we connected in those few short hours was beautiful. Tears began to swell in both of our eyes as we continued to talk.
I took her hands and prayed for her. Prayed that there would be a lift of any strong chains and the bondage that she felt. I prayed that she would feel self-worth and beauty and that God would reveal the plan that He has for her life. I just continued to pour into her and let her know how incredible this baby girl in front of me was.
As I was preparing to leave, I pulled out a bracelet I had made for her to let her know how much she meant to me even if I didn’t know her. I grabbed it out of my bag and tied it on her arm to let her know how beautiful she was and how I loved her before I even knew her. I still to this day continue to pray for this pretty, pretty princess.
3. Tailoring School Ministry.
This was such an awesome ministry for me. Knowing that I didn’t want to leave my fashion design career behind, the Lord provided this awesome opportunity. I was able to help with a school for women at risk. Girls that have been pulled from prostitution are placed into schools to learn English, computer classes, tailoring skills, and so much more. These classes empower women to learn new trades, so they are able to find jobs instead of having to use their body.
4. Candle Making for the Women’s Ministry.
We learned to make candles that will be sold to raise money for the women’s school that my ministry owns. Together we melted the wax, strung the candle molds, filled them and even dyed some.
5. Slum Ministry.
What a humbling experience to witness the beauty that comes from seeing the slums and witnessing the happiness that beams in the beautiful children.
6. Wednesday Soccer/Cooking Day.
Every Wednesday, our ministry cooks vats of food for the street kids and spends the day pouring into and playing with them. We were able to help, serve, play with, and feed about 40 streets kids.
7. Alter of Declaration.
We created a alter of rocks in front of a Hindu Temple. Each team member wrote on a rock what we would like to see for Nepal in the near future. I declared a RENEWAL of spirit, mind, and being for this awesome country. Nepal is one of the fastest growing countries for Christianity, and it is definitely apparent!!
8. AND OF COURSE… Rockstars for Ministry Contacts!!!
Please Please Please continue to pray for the Jesus Jewels as we continue on to a brand new month in Thailand. I really appreciate it! I love you and miss everyone so much!!!!
