This past year, I went on an incredible journey.
Yes, I went around the world to 11 different countries, but that's not the journey I'm talking about.
I'm talking about the journey that took place deep within my soul. A journey of finding my identity in Christ. A journey of soul healing, of forgiveness, of restoration. A journey that brought me new confidence and unlocked new spiritual gifts. A journey that irrevocably changed me.
I am not the same person that left the States last September. Over a year later, I look back and stand in awe of the change and the growth that has occurred in my life, all thanks to Jesus. He picked me up, showed me who I am according to Him, and whispered new life into me. I am now a woman that walks in boldness, in spiritual authority, and in confidence. I know who I am in Christ, and I cannot be shaken.
But I don't want to remain content with just finding and walking out my identity in Christ. I want to declare truth over others. I want to see others restored to Jesus and the full potential He has for them. I want to see others healed of their soul wounds. I want to see people set free from the lies that encumber them. I want to see them walk out in boldness. I want to see them experience the joy and freedom that comes from this journey.
So, in January, I begin another journey. A Kingdom journey. Which is convenient, because the trip is called Kingdom Journeys. This is another trip through Adventures in Missions, but it is very different from the World Race. I will be on a team of 6-8 people, all women. After a month of training in Georgia at AIM's headquarters, we will travel to three different countries (right now, our route is Guatemala, Thailand, and the Philippines), and stay two months in each. While in country, my team and I will connect with women in the community who are in need of the Holy Spirit's healing. We will plan and implement Beauty for Ashes retreats, where we will provide a safe place to invite the Holy Spirit to begin healing and redeeming them. It will also be a place where they can share their stories and walk into what the Lord has for their futures.
I'm very excited to walk into this next season. It's going to be a very stretching season for sure, because my background is working with children. But the Lord has placed in my heart an incredible love for women who are hurting and a desire to see them walk into freedom. This journey fits right into what the Lord is calling me to now, and I'm thankful to have this opportunity. I cannot wait to see what the Lord does in the lives of these women, and in my life through this journey. I feel like this next season will open up doors I never imagined in my life.
Practically, I am in need of a few things. First and foremost, prayer. I need prayer as I prepare to go out on the field again. Please pray that the Lord would continue to work in my heart and root me deeper in Him. Please pray also for my team as we form and prepare to live together for 7 months. We've already begun the process of getting to know each other and praying over and for each other, and I already love these other women so much! I would also appreciate prayers for my health (not that it's bad or anything…I just want to continue to be healthy!), for my family as I prepare to leave them again, and for the two months I'll be home before leaving again. I come home on November 5th from Cambodia, and I'll be home in Raleigh until the beginning of January. I want to make the most of the time I have by pouring into my family and friends.
Another huge thing I need is money. Kingdom Journeys is a mission trip, which means I'm officially support raising again. This trip costs $12,000. God is such a God of provision, as evidenced by the fact that I was fully funded by month 1 of the World Race. I know the money will come in, and I'm humbly asking you, my dear supporters, to be a part of His provision again. If you feel the Lord leading you to donate, you can do so on the left of this page, under the Support Me! link. Thankfully, I already have around $1000 either in my account or pledged. God is already providing beyond my expectations!
Thank you, dear friends, for your continued support of me and the journey Jesus has me on. As someone who enjoys being independent, I've learned over and over what a joy it is to share this process with others instead of trying to go it alone. I cannot wait to share with you all the Lord will do next year through Kingdom Journeys!
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring god news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grand to those who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." ~Isaiah 61:1-3
