Hey! I miss you a lot, and I can’t believe that in less than a week I get to see you and hug you. I’ll try not to cry (no promises). To all the other readers: yes you’re reading that right! Rick and Hope are coming to visit me on the field for a week here in Guatemala. This specific trip is called the “Parent Visit Trip” also known as PVT. they’re not only visiting me, but they are coming alongside me to do mission work daily, worship with me, grow with me and dive deeper into the Lord and the promises He has!
Well mom and dad, I’m sure you’ve already noticed this, but I’ve changed a lot. I hope and pray that you are able to notice this growth, and accept it and that you will want to grow with me towards the father. I know that you love me so so much, as much as earthly parents ever could. You are proud of me and I see that so evidently. I could never thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me and will do for me, but I’m so incredibly thankful for all that you’ve done and how you’ve raised me. Some people aren’t as blessed as me. I love you.
I pray that throughout the days of ministry that we have together you will be able to see God’s love throughout all of it. Whether we are evangelizing, building, teaching, playing with children, etc. I pray that you will see Him through the actions, words, and love of the people around you. God is not just a God of big miraculous things, but also a God of small things too. He works in every moment. I’ve seen the Lord in a lot of moments here on the race mom and dad, and I hope you’ll be able to while you’re here too!
I pray that through every single devotion, session, worship time and ministry that things and words resonate with you and something in your heart shifts. I know that life gets extremely tough sometimes and I can only imagine what kinds of trials and tribulations you’ve experienced. I know that those things make it hard to trust in the Lord and continue seeking His face, but I hope that you are reminded of His faithfulness. I pray that during PVT you are reminded of how deep God’s love for you really is; deeper than any ocean, He sent His only son to die on the cross for YOU. I pray that you learn how to forgive like He forgives; His mercies are new every morning. I pray that the Holy Spirit moves in huge ways, and it inspires you to devote your lives and your every moment to the Lord. I pray that you don’t leave the same, but that you leave refreshed in the spirit and ready to bring kingdom wherever you are.
But you have to be ready for it. I pray that God is preparing your heart right now, I know He is. You have to be willing to walk out in obedience when He calls you to, even when you don’t know what the outcomes will be. You have to have faith in Him, He will bear good fruits.
Mom and dad, I know that the concept of “Family” has become something so different than what you imagined it would be. I know that my siblings have stopped seeking the Lord, but I know that He still loves them more than they know. It still breaks my heart, but I pray that God builds us up into a community of people who encourage each other in our faith, who run full force together towards the father and nobody keeps us from growth, who love each other with a Christ-like love. I desire this, and I know that God gives us the desires of our hearts. We can reach the nations together, it starts with family. We need to keep praying, because we serve a God who delights in answering prayers.
I love you beyond what words can say, and God loves you even more. I can’t wait to see you and grow with you. See you soon Mommy and Daddy
xoxo
A prayer for mom and dad:
Hey Jesus, I thank you for just how much you love us, it’s unimaginable how much you truly do. Right now I want to lift up my parents to you, they’re your children. I ask that you relieve any anxiety or fear that they might have for this coming week, I ask that you replace it with peace and excitement for what you’re about to do. I declare that you will MOVE MOUNTAINS, and that you will BREAK CHAINS Lord. I thank you for walking with my parents in every single situation throughout their lives; good or bad, you were with them even if they didn’t see you. Please prepare them for what you’re about to do. Help them to bring kingdom wherever they are, especially when they return home. Have your way Lord. I love you. Amen.
