I wanted to share just a few things that God has been showing me this month in Albania. God has really shown up in my quiet times more than ever, but not just that. I’ve been choosing to do life with Jesus and He has spoken to me many times. Here’s a few of the things I’ve heard that stuck out.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
I learned at the beginning of the month that God doesn’t work through a heart that is not completely open and willing to be used by Him. I was holding onto bitterness against people and God saw that and then put this verse in front of me. We all are sinners. We all mess up and have sin and the only one to make us clean again is Jesus. Jesus’s love doesn’t stop.
Before I left for the Race my mom put together a book of encouragement from many you. I cannot tell you how good it feels to know there are people back at home praying and sending their love this way daily. Your prayers really do make a HUGE difference. God is working in mighty mighty ways inside and though myself and my team. A massive thank you for that. I can’t say thank you enough.
There is Power in the name of Jesus!!
This month I have: sang with Jesus, talked to Jesus, listened to Jesus, cried with Jesus, loved people for Jesus, ate with Jesus, played soccer with Jesus, led bible study for Jesus, smiled for Jesus, worked for Jesus, worldraced for Jesus. This month was great because it was all about Jesus.
I stepped into opportunities that I never stepped into before.
I shared my testimony in front of the church that we partnered with in Albania. Not that I doubted I could do it but there was definitely a small bit of fear and timidity that the devil was trying to push into me. But we know that “God does not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self discipline” 2 Timothy 1:7.
Not only that but I got the chance to lead my own bible study with the youth group. They didn’t have a lesson plan to follow so I sat down with the lord one morning and asked Him where to go and what to say. Let me just say the Lord is faithful.
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you: He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
This verse is one that my team memorized together month 1 in Macedonia. Something that the Lord has been showing me lately is that HE is the one that prepares the way in every situation. He doesn’t just prepare the way but He actually is already there calling us into deeper relationship with Him. Probably the biggest highlight of the month was going to a highschool in a village down the street and sharing my story. This verse kept coming up in my head. Just the thought that I couldn’t fail.. that Jesus wasn’t going to leave me.. I had nothing to worry about.. HE was already there working in their hearts.
Manistry!!
Manistry is when all the men on one squad spend a month together while the girls get out on all girl teams. The girls on my team are a huge blessing, but getting to pour into and be poured into by men that have the same calling I do has been incredible. There is something powerful that happens when “iron sharpens iron”.
“Don’t wait!”
I asked a good friend what advice he would give a person like myself in my position before leaving for the race. He told me straightforward that the race is what you make of it and if you see something or someone that needs prayer or help in anyway to just Go do it. I’ll be honest sometimes it’s harder than others but I’m working on it. More than anything else I want to serve God and His people. For His glory alone.
Again, a huge shoutout to all those praying. This would not be possible without you. There is power in prayer. Death has been defeated and now Victory is being taken to the “ends of the earth”.
Things to pray specifically for:
•God would begin to prepare hearts in Greece as we go to help with the refugees
•My squad would be so filled up with Jesus that every person we come in contact with would receive an overflow of Gods love onto them.
•My team would be mentally ready for what we are going to see. My biggest prayer is to see things the way Jesus sees them.
•I just want more and more of Jesus. The way He satisfies my heart and soul would continue and I would continue to sit under the waterfall of His grace, and love, and peace, and hope.
Love you all very much.
