Pray It Up in Month 11!

Again, I have to apologize to my readers for not keeping up with my blogs these last couple months. For some reason, blogging has seemed like a chore versus a joy. When I have attempted to sit down and crank one out, I can’t find the right words to articulate my thoughts, feelings, stories, etc. I pray this slump ends quickly and I can finish out Thailand, share about my time in Cambodia, and then write about my final month in Malaysia!!!

I do want to share just a bit about what God is doing to me right now. I can actually say that I am on a "Jesus high" right now. I am doing pretty fabulous at the moment! It's about time!! God told me the words for this month were, "Have fun and live it up!" I have told God to be breaking me all 11 months, but I think He wants me to enjoy this last one and revel in His grace and love. The ministry and community here at YWAM Penang is great, and God has shown up so much in just this first week of Month 11. My teammates are telling me that I am vibrant and so full of joy, and that I am a different person from the Julie who began this journey in January. I know this month can be the best month of The Race if I choose it!

This Race has been incredibly difficult and challenging, but I have anticipation for current unresolved issues, relationships, etc. coming full-circle soon. God assured me that the clarity, answers, direction, and guidance are coming soon … some this month, some next, and then into the next year. Please pray that I hear clearly from Him and understand His will for me. I think life is going to get crazy next year and look very different from what I would expect.
 
A prayer request blog seems quite fitting during this season on The Race. My squad of 31 Racers and 3 squad leaders are in the final stretch … Month 11, baby! It is so surreal to think about going home in a month and ending this crazy, awesome, difficult, challenging, testing journey of goodness, struggle, growth, frustration, love, and grace.

(My team of 6 (Team Relentless Pursuit) and Misty's team of 7 (Team Redemption) are paired this month here in Penang/George Town, Malaysia. Our three other World Race teams are in other parts of Malaysia.)

The following are some of the prayers that are on my heart:

1. Pray for continued health and safety for our squad of 34 people. Last month in Cambodia did not go well, but Malaysia is fairly clean and food poisoning isn't at the front of our minds.

2. Pray for energy, focus, and determination to finish out this last month well. Pray for us all to dig in more to our spiritual walks, our teams, our squad, and our ministries.

3. Pray that God gives us peace and direction as we often think about what home back in the States will look like as we re-enter American society soon (Dec. 3rd).

4. Pray the 13 of us living in community show lots of love and grace this month!

5. Pray for divine appointments and new believers as we minister to the diverse peoples on Penang Island (Indians, Malays, Chinese, and other Asians).

6. Pray that we "live it up" this month and serve joyfully!

7. Pray for the 3 squad leaders and 5 team leaders as they humbly serve us well and give so much and so often.