I’m here in Cyprus and I love being a part of what God is doing! We went to Cyprus expecting to have a host that we would live with and do ministry with, but arrived to the news that we would no longer have a host. With expectations dashed, my team and I didn’t know where to stay that night or what our month would look like. So we went to the Lord in prayer and saw God provide in great ways! I’ve loved being thrown into circumstances where we have nothing else to do but turn to God’s directing and seek the help of brothers and sisters.
After staying with another World Race team our first night in Cyprus, we traveled to the city we were assigned and went to an international church there. I loved it immediately – the abundance of cultures represented, the missional focus, all of the ministries they are supporting. This church is a gem. We are so thankful that through one of the church members my team and I have received a free house to stay in and a car to use for the month! These blessings are beyond what I could have hoped for. It’s so encouraging for me to see even the smallest of details taken care of through God’s provision and His kindness through His people.
I also love the ministry that I get to be a part of this month. A few days a week I’m coaching soccer with Victory Football (an international soccer ministry founded in Ohio, USA). During our training sessions I am able to build relationship with the kids that show them Jesus’ love, but I’ve also gotten to speak on God’s faithfulness and share part of my story with the players. It’s an added bonus that I get the chance to play a game that I love and encourage the coaches here, some of whom are increasingly tired. I’m also starting to work with a ministry that aids trafficked, abused, or vulnerable women. Practically this looks like cleaning and organizing at the second hand shop, gardening and organizing food at the drop-in center, and having coffee and chatting with women who have been victimized. I also got to go through a training session with Dr. Johnson from Rescue: Freedom International where we learned more about trauma focused emotional support and after-care for victims. I loved this and am seeing God use my passions to honor Him, while He simultaneously gives me ideas for my future.
Prayer Requests/ Praises:
- It’s hard thinking that I have less than two weeks here. I love getting connected to ministries I’m passionate about, but it feels like we get started and into a rhythm and then leave for the next country. Please pray for the ability to invest well and then move to the next place that God has me without regret or misunderstanding of why God has called me to a mission like this.
- Pray for an increased immune system and a healthy digestive system. I continue to get sick and am in pain frequently.
- Team dynamics are sometimes hard and I have felt drained. I’m praising God, though, because I needed time to rest and today I had a morning off. I’ve also been able to walk through inner healing with a friend, which has used my education and gifting.
- God is teaching me areas that I want to grow in and I pray that He continues to root out my sins. At the same time He has given me a joy that only comes from Him.
- Team changes are coming at the end of this month and new leadership will be raised up among our squad.
Thank you all so much for your love, prayers, and support!! I’d love to be able to pray for you too so please email me at [email protected] to let me know how I can pray for you!
