What does it look like to be completely sold out for Christ?
John the Baptist.
Apostle Paul.
Stephen the first Martyr.
PETER- The rock.
John-The beloved.
These men.
These men knew what it was to be loved by God.
Notice I said, these men knew what it is to be LOVED BY GOD and not that these men knew what it is to love God.
Now, I have no doubt that these men loved God with every fiber of their being. But how did they get there?
By not only knowing with their head, but feeling with their heart the love of God towards them.
Once you come to the full and overwhelming reality that the God of the universe deeply loves you-
You.
In all your broken, dark, shattered glory. That it was what you were created for- to be loved by Him. That your sole purpose in life is to be loved by Him.. it brings you to a place of deep, deep humility. And yet a place of instinctual knowing. Knowing that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
“I wanna sit at Your feet,
Drink from the cup in Your hands
Lay back against You and breathe..
Feel Your heart beat
This love is so deep
It’s more than I can stand
I melt in Your peace
It’s overwhelming…”
It only takes but a second of sitting in this place of overwhelming underserved pure unconditional love, that your heart posture begins to make a paradigm shift. The priorities that you once held dear, the things that used to seem so important, they all begin to fade in the shadow of His glorious grace. And suddenly all that matters is sitting in His presence, breathing in His love, and exhaling your love in beautiful surrender.
“The more I seek You
The more I find You
The more I find You
The more I love You….”
This year I have been absolutely captivated and swallowed up by the love of God. It is the most powerful force in all Creation- it is actually the source of all Creation. It has completely and totally transformed my heart, mind, and soul. It seems like just yesterday that I stepped foot off that airplane in El Salvador… but at the same time it also feels like lifetimes ago. I am not the same person I was when I left America 11 months ago.
And thank God for that.
I am not perfect. No where close. And I never will be. But God is taking me on this journey with Him, this- adventure. It’s a process. There will always be ups and downs. Mountains and valleys. Obedience and surrender. Doubt and fear. But I’ve learned that despite all this change, I can always find joy. I can always find peace. Because my God is never-changing. My God is constant. My God is faithful. And all His promises are Yes and Amen.
A desire has been awakened from deep inside my soul. A desire to follow Christ. Wherever He leads. To the ends of the earth. To love Him with every fiber of my being and then go and give that love to every soul I encounter. It is an all-consuming desire. A desire that demands only one way to be fulfilled- through the love of God. Nothing else can satisfy this desire. Everything else falls so miserably short.
With this being said,
I have an exciting announcement!!!
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I have officially bought a plane ticket to Mijas, Spain and will be attending G42 Leadership Academy in September!
Here are the basic details!
What is G42?
G42 Leadership Academy is a 9 month training program designed to mobilize leaders to plant missional communities that establish the Kingdom of God around the world. Our graduates, and their communities, pioneer and serve at ministries and businesses that reverse oppression, and reveal God’s love wherever they go.
First Three Months
In the classroom in Mijas, Spain. Teachings in the first three months are focused on the core teachings of Christ, developing a “well worn path to the tree of life”, and becoming men and women who cannot be stopped in our pursuit of Christ and His Kingdom.
Middle Three Months
On the field, practicing and applying the concepts taught in the first three months, and actively becoming Christ’s hands and feet. Interns will practice living above the fog, not circumstantially or emotionally. A main component of G42 is practice in partnership with existing ministries and/or communities. While in the field, interns will need to balance work, ministry, and community life, while practicing what “seeking first the Kingdom” looks like every day.
Last Three Months
Back in the classroom solidifying revelations learned, sharing practicum lessons, and celebrating together. Teaching will focus on practical application, and preparing interns to launch into a new way of life after G42- living and leading in Christ-like community wherever they are called to.
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I have prayed a lot about this decision and have felt nothing but peace surrounding it. God continues to open doors and reveal purposes. G42 I believe is going to be a preparation time for me as I discover exactly how and where God wants me for this next season of my life. I can only see a shadow of it now, but I believe the Lord has placed a very heavy and unique burden on my heart for Muslims. I don’t know exactly how or where that ministry will look like, but I’m excited to find out!
Your prayers and support has been absolutely God-ordained on this journey! I seriously can not thank you enough! Your support has changed lives! And that is not an exaggeration, if anything it is an understatement. It has forever changed my life, but beyond that, I could tell endless stories of all the people and children we have met over this past year who are forever changed by simply hearing the name of Jesus and experiencing His love.
I am so thankful for you and have been so encouraged by all your comments and messages in response to my blogs! The power of testimony is matchless only to the blood of Christ Himself!
“They have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
Revelation 12:11
I am going to be working on creating a new blog page, as my time with the world race is coming to an end. I will let you know once it is up and running! This way you can continue to follow and come along with me on this journey that God is taking us on!
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I am needing to raise $9,800 to cover the cost of flights, tuition, room/board, and food for the total 9 months. If you feel the Lord’s leading to support me financially on this journey, please pray about it! And if He leads you to it, you can-
Rachel Hargreaves G42 Donation
If you would like to donate a different way other than online, please message me and let me know!
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What is even more important…
Pray! Pray, Pray, Pray!!!
Paul’s request is my request:
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Ephesians 6:18-20
Thank you again for all your love, encouragement, and support. I honestly can’t tell you how much it means to me and my team.
I pray that the Lord draws you close to Him today and every day for the rest of your days.
Here’s to the Next Chapter!!!
“Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”
Ephesians 6:24
p.s. That’s YOU.
