Hey Everyone!!
It is a beautiful day here Ohrid, Macedonia. We had a nice storm blow in last night and with that, the temp has dropped to the 70s. All smiles over here. During this month of July, we get to bounce around Europe on our way to Spain for August. We were in Bulgaria last week and en route to Spain, we will hit Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, and France. It’s crazy to think about being in month 7 already. The time is flying by and with that comes a lot of reflection on what has happened during this time so far. Sure, I can list off a few things we have done in some countries. Preaching in the Hmong villages in Thailand, Connecting with refugees in Malaysia, Building a soup kitchen in south Africa, pouring into a beautiful family and group of people in Kingdom City Church in Botswana, going into the slums of Cambodia and loving on the families and kids there. Doing a long Jericho prayer walk around the red light district in Thailand. In Indonesia meeting a bunch of locals through couch surfing and focussing on hospitality. Showing love by simple fellowship and cooking meals for them, people on the streets, and local security guards. Praying for random people on the streets and feeding the homeless.
I mean I can sit here and name off things over and over again but the thing that really stands out to me is just how God can move every day and you never know what is going to happen. Unscripted is a lot different from the other squads out in the field right now. We do not have host families to stay with. We don’t have set “ministry” plans each day. Our entire trip, other than the countries we go to is up in the air. The point of this is to really trust the Holy Spirit each day and see what happens. Challenging for sure at times. I think all of us out here at one point in time have had the conversation with God and asked what am I doing out here or we have had a feeling that we should be or could be doing so much more. Then you snap out and realize every day is an opportunity to pour into someone. A chance to show love and really dive in and improve your relationship with the Lord. If you think about it everyone you pass during your day no matter what you’re doing is going to spend eternity somewhere. That right there is more than enough reason to get up and grind for Christ daily. You don’t need to have set ministry plans every day to impact lives and make a difference in the world. Every day is full of opportunities to impact somebody’s life. I’ve been so amazed at what a simple smile or intentional conversation can do to change the course of somebody’s day, week, month or even year. People just want to be seen and loved. To know that they matter and have a purpose.
Can I be real with yall? I’m a mess and yall are messes too. It is what it is. We all have crap we are dealing with. That stuff doesn’t magically go away just because you decide to go out in the world and tell people about Jesus. It doesn’t go away because you decided to turn your life around and live for Christ. I’m not concerned with what people may think of me or say about me. I have to stay authentic and I think in doing that since I’ve been out here as allowed for a lot of great interactions with people. People respond when they feel that you are genuine and real. When you can have a conversation with a person and they pour out everything that they are going through and you can be like hey man I’ve been there or I’m going through that as well but it’s going to be ok. They can look at you and feel a sense of trust because you aren’t judging them because you two don’t live the same life or have the same beliefs at that moment.
Too many people out here are playing church or giving Christians such a bad rep. Doing this and saying that but your fruit is nasty. So judgemental and hypocritical. Quick to talk about somebody or discredit someone who doesn’t look the part or fit the mold. You need to check yourself and do it quick. Let me remind yall with a little example. God doesn’t care about our every Sunday church attendance. Especially if our attendance at the club the night before is just as consistent, twerking on Joey or dancing on Cindy. Trust me I use to do it. Go out then stumble into the church the next day looking ridiculous. It’s not a good look. It may fool the people around you but God sees youuu. How about when you go back to work on Monday and you are the same bitter, resentful, awful co-worker that nobody likes to be around. Stop playing church and pretending to be what your fruit says you aren’t. At some point the real you will come to light and when that moment happens you won’t be able to hide behind that facade. Just saying.
I think a lot about what it will be like going home. I believe that if the main reason I was meant to come out here or why I believe God called me out here was to improve my personal relationship with him and to really know what I’m called to do then it’s all worth it. I have seen so much and I’ve been able to help so many people and that is all great but at the end of the day, I have to stand before God when my time on earth is done and my relationship with him is my top priority. It should be yours too. I know what I’m supposed to do with my life and God has shown me so much on how to get there. Steps, timelines, etc. People ask me all the time, do you know what you’ll do when you get home?? In the long term yes. I know exactly what I’m called to do and what my purpose is. Will it take some time? yes, but I’m striding towards purpose and trusting his timing for everything he has shown me. Staying focused on the pace of grace. I know when I get home I have bills and responsibilities right away. I get all that and I’ll do what I have to do to grind and take care of my business but in that time I have to be working towards what God has shown me and what my purpose is. See when you live a life of purpose you pull others into theirs. That’s huge because it doesn’t matter what we do right when we get home as long as we are working towards our purpose, helping others get to theirs, and doing it with love.
God has a great future for you and me. We have to believe it and confess it on the daily. Think about your future in a positive way. I know I do. I know my past has nothing to do with the future God has for me and what my destiny is. The same goes for you too. It’s part of our story and testimony but it by no means determines our future. When God calls us and when he begins to show us our purpose he gives us the desire, faith, and ability to do the job. That is so cool. If God has called you to do something he is going to provide the way. Let that be an encouragement today. When you start believing in your calling the enemy gets worried. He knows you can do great damage to his kingdom. At the same time, it’s important to know that not everyone is going to understand your calling and purpose and that’s ok because it’s yours. It’s the reason God made YOU not them. Stay focused on it no matter what. We have a responsibility to discover our God-given gifts and talents.
I think a lot about community since being out here. I have realized just how important it is when it comes to reaching the purpose of our lives. We have a lot of conversations out here about what community looks like back home and if we have it. I think it’s important that if you don’t or if you want it to look different then you have the power to do so. It’s simple, be the change you want to see. Your attitude is contagious and people will feed off of it. Really do some evaluating of whos in your life. Are they supportive of you? Do they believe in you? Are they helping you reach your God-given purpose in life? If they don’t love you, support you, and bring joy and love into your life then why are you giving them the opportunity to be in your life? Your inner circle is so important and I can’t stress that enough. Your inner circle is what your community is built around. Choose wisely.
I feel like I could keep talking about all kinds of different stuff right now. I guess that’s what happens when you haven’t blogged in a hot minute. I just want to say thank you so much for all your support and prayers. I really couldn’t be out here without your support. Know that your prayers, donations, and love is making a difference in the world and changing lives daily. I miss everyone back home so much and it’s crazy to think that I will get to see you soon. Always know that even though I’m out here I’m still available to chat. Please reach out to me if you need some prayer or just to talk about life. Your lives are important to me. I’m always pretty easy to reach either on the gram or WhatsApp. So don’t hesitate to reach out. Plus it would be cool to chat. I love yall and I will see and talk soon.
** One more thing!! I am so close to being fully funded so if you feel it on your heart to donate that would be awesome and greatly appreciated. It’s all tax-deductible as well. My deadline to be fully funded was a while ago but since I am so close they have shown a lot of grace and given me more time. Since it’s July 11th I’m seeing how many 11 dollar donations I can get today for this 11-month journey. But obviously, any bit helps. 1 5 10 100 1000 hahaha. but if a donation isn’t what you feel then like always ill take all those prayers!! Thanks again, Love yall
