So I got back from Haiti feeling a little bit under the weather. Under normal conditions I would have probably assumed the flu or a basic cold but having just come out of Haiti I was a little nervous about other possibilities. After a trip to the doctor and a lot of testing it was confirmed… mononucleosis. My first thought, "really Lord? I don't have time for mono!" It's officially been about a month since I was diagnosed and I can say that mono truely has been a blessing. Don't get me wrong I miss being active SO BAD. I miss having the energy and strength to do all that I want to do but God has used this season to teach me so much. Ultimately it has been an invitation to rest in His presense.
He is also teaching me the significance of prayer. I literally can't give physical attention to everything around me right now but I can pray. I can fight for others through prayer just as much as I can in a one-on-one. I can intentionally seek and fight for grace, hope and peace in the lives of others while being in my pj's at my apartment. So good. Our God listens and responds to our prayers. Daniel chapter 9 and Genesis 18 have been a couple of my favorite prayer passages. It is so beautiful to me to watch how these men approach the throne on behalf of others. Their tone even before the Lord exibits how free and safe they are in His love. Check it out when you can! We do indeed have a God who is approachable and abundant in mercy and grace.
He is also teaching me the significance of prayer. I literally can't give physical attention to everything around me right now but I can pray. I can fight for others through prayer just as much as I can in a one-on-one. I can intentionally seek and fight for grace, hope and peace in the lives of others while being in my pj's at my apartment. So good. Our God listens and responds to our prayers. Daniel chapter 9 and Genesis 18 have been a couple of my favorite prayer passages. It is so beautiful to me to watch how these men approach the throne on behalf of others. Their tone even before the Lord exibits how free and safe they are in His love. Check it out when you can! We do indeed have a God who is approachable and abundant in mercy and grace.
Prayer Requests:
- that the Lord would continue to teach me how to rest during this season of mono and that I wouldn't waste it. I am free to rest but I know the days are evil and I want to be intentional with my time
- that God would continue to expose the roots of fear and doubt in my life and that He would speak truth into those areas
- that God would show me which relationships to make a priority here in Gainesville. I am praying for a few like-minded women to intentionally walk through life with; also for a couple of younger women that I can invest in; and for a couple of mentoring relationships where I can be poured into and challenged more.
- the Bahamas: there is a specific ministry just north of Eleuthera Island that I would love for us to partner with. Currently finances are the only barrier that we have in working with them. Pray that that could be resolved or that the Lord would redirect me.
- Appalachia: please pray specifically for another good lodging site. Currently we are located in Kingsport and in Sneedville but are in need of finding a third and even fourth area to lodge and minister. My co-worker Jovoni is headed up on another set-up trip tomorrow. Pray that his time is fruitful.
- NYC: we are still in need of finding lodging for the summer. Pray that God would open some doors!
- Hurricane Sandy: I have gotten connected with a new ministry partner that is highly networked in NYC and New Jersey. Our first trip partnering with them will be March 17. Please pray that all of the logistics will work out and any kinks resolved.
- financial support: I am still in need of monthly financial support to enable me to continue the work that God has entrusted to me. If you or anyone you know is interested click the "support me" link to the left!
Ultimately for all of these sites I understand that God has a plan- it's been in motion since the foundations of the world. I pray that He would guide and direct me according to His plan and that I and all of the participants would be flexible with the plan. I have already seen many lives transformed through these short-term trips and I press on confident that God will continue to use me and all of us for His kingdom!
