Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord . Be glad in the Lord , and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Psalms 32:10-11
Praise God! I will shout for joy! Jesus is alive. He has saved me from my sin. He has delivered me into his kingdom of glory and into a right relationship with his Father; our gracious God. I am a new creation. I am forever changed. I eagerly await the day of his return. O glorious day it will be!
Day 20 in Almaty, on my own/without a program. God is good. I spent the first day with my WR team and helped our host set up for a youth camp in the mountains. Our host was a Russian pastor that moved to Almaty 16 yrs ago to pastor a church and run an orphange. We had the connection through one of my team mates from the program.
The following day I packed my bags and said my goodbyes to the team. I found a nearby hostel and set that as my first destination. On my way to the hostel I was stopped by two kind ladies that asked if I needed a ride (they realised I was a foreigner). I accepted the ride and they brought me to the hostel location where they arranged a room for me.
It didn’t end there. I mentioned that I needed to pull some cash from an ATM so they offered to bring me there also. They were worried for me safety (unnecessary but kind) and brought me to the shopping mall to get cash. After doing so they offered to treat me for lunch. They blessed me with a gigantic Georgian style meal and a leftover bag for dinner! What a great way to start my journey.
The best part is that as soon as I stepped into their vehicle, I got to share the love of God with them and begin to share about my journey with Him. By the time we finished our meal together, I had prayed for them and they decided to join me the following morning to a nearby church service. Praise God!
I spent the first week of my adventure walking through the city and connecting with travellers at hostels. Towards the end of the week I visited a fellowship called “Agappe” church. Upon arrival I got to connect with the youth leader and within an hour I was sharing about my travels with the 20-30 youth from the church! They were very encouraged and blessed me with a delicious dinner afterwards. During dinner, one of the young adults invited me to stay at his place for a few nights which allowed me to spend some more time with the youth and encourage them in their faith.
We spent one day at the mall/waterpark where I got to show them how to bless individuals in very practical ways such as giving encouraging words, buying their meal/drink, praying for them, etc. Praise God for the opportunity and the generous hospitality I received!
This past week I spent volunteering at a halfway home in Almaty. The connection was made through attending an International fellowship on Sunday evening and sharing about my journey with God and my recently open schedule. They were excited to have me stay at their facility and bless them through some yard work projects.
I am currently still staying with them and taking on a backyard project with my new friend/brother; Paul. Jesus is doing amazing works at this place and many women are meeting him through the program here. Please personal message me if you would like to learn more about the halfway home in Almaty.
I will be leaving Almaty within the next week and venturing to my next destination, which is currently unknown. I assume it will be Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, but i’m open to Gods calling. Praying for discernment as I make this decision.
After 20 days on my own/without a program; I am at complete peace with the decision I made and I believe I am walking in greater trust/intimacy with my Savior.
Jesus is extremely faithful and has provided the majority of my meals/accommodations. I am way under my budget of $10/day and I don’t expect to spend much over $100cdn this month. Money is the least of my priorities but praise God for amazing grace and faithfulness!
I look forward to the next step in the journey and the opportunities that God has for me along the way. I ask that you keep me in thought and prayer as I venture to my next unknown destination. I pray for discernment as I travel and I pray to meet many brothers and sisters that are eagerly expecting the return of our glorious King.
Thank you for your continuous support. May the peace of God that surpasses all knowledge and understanding be with you all.
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4
