WEEK 2: CSOM

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the HolySpirit and fire.”  Matt. 3:11

Every so often, the Lord places a word on my heart. This week as I walked with the students through teachings, readings, prayer time, and outreaches, it was “Consistency” that God spoke to my heart. My sacrifices don’t compare to the sacrifice made by Jesus which saved my soul and promises me eternity in Heaven regardless of anything I do for Him. Yet, I am compelled to rise early and lead by example a disciplined life led by the Holy Spirit. Most days that means 5 am alarms. If early mornings are easy for you that’s a gift.  For me it’s more about being consistent and disciplined. Personal devotion time comes next with a  “grande” warm cup of slightly sweetened coffee. This is a perfect example of how I want to lead. A whole lot of Jesus and a sweet spirit. Those who know me know that this is a work only God can do. 

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know these amazing students. They’re gifted and grounded in God’s word. CSOM provides us with opportunities to serve with one another and live in community which is a big part of missions. We encourage the students to prepare for living communally. I shared a morning devotion on “Consistency.” God spoke to me about how Abraham lived with a constant awareness that God was with him. For you and me today, God is with us! He is for us! As our team reaches out to communities with Bible teachings, Kids activities, and COVID relief, I sense a force, the Holy Spirit, behind us and around us, gently propelling us to move forward. King David speaks of the blessing of consistency in 1 Chron. 28:7 We’re weak individuals at times, we can start out well, but the challenge is to end well. Pray for us that our leaders and students would remain faithful to what God has called us to here in Mexico. 

Praise Report

• Outreaches are providing an opportunity for the gospel to go out, needs to be met, and prayers to comfort those living in some of the most materially poor communities here in Mexico (Baja,CA)
• Students and Leaders are unified
• Speakers are able to travel here to teach

Prayer Request

• For our team to be equipped with supplies for more COVID relief
• The students to gain a vision for their calling
• For Sienna to stay focused and continue to be a blessing 
• For the Connection House to complete building projects and their upcoming mission trip to be fruitful. 
• For my family, my sons, to walk with Jesus and connect with our family

Thank you for taking time to read all God is doing in my life and ministry to CSOM. For praying for me and my family. God has so…much more for me, for you, as we follow Him and are led by the Holy Spirit. The Financial partner link below allows you to financially partner with me. I am currently saving for mission trips. Where? Well, wherever God calls me. My heart says South Sudan and to the Ends of the Earth! God says just follow me. 

Week 1: Calvary Chapel School of Missions 

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.” 1 Cor. 9:19

Recently, I received an invitation to join the leaders for the 2nd year of Calvary School of Missions (CSOM) 2020. While the request came from my church leaders, the call came from God.  My first thought was that I get to serve with some of the most amazing God-fearing, missions-minded, and passionate Bible teaching leaders whose sole desire is to raise up, train, and disciple the next generation. I struggled at the thought of leaving my ministry work and family behind for six weeks, but God spoke to my heart as He asked me “How much are you willing to surrender?” Total surrender to God’s will was my response, for the sake of loving these Daughters of the King and walking by their side through the school of missions. 

Being spent for the gospel is worth every sacrifice to me. Jesus humbled himself to the point of the cross. How much lower can I humble myself? It's an absolute privilege for me to leave behind the comforts of my home, and go out on outreach to the Calvary Chapel church plants and communities here in Mexico with this team. I come prepared and prayed up to lead from the front. This includes asking God to soften my heart to tend to the hearts of these students, carrying bandages and my Bible to care for their wounds and pray over them. Continuously praying for the Lord's protection as they step out in faith to provide COVID-19 relief in some of the most materially poor areas in and around Tijuana and Rosarito. 

We’re on a radical journey with Jesus! These students are no longer satisfied with surfing on the surface of God’s word, but instead, they’re taking time to go deeper and further out of their comfort zone. The people here have lost so much due to the fire that blazed through their community and lack of work due to the pandemic. What do we have to offer? We offer them the hope that comes from a caring and loving God who hasn’t forgotten them. A smile, prayer, and the Word of God are paired with much-needed provisions thanks be to God and generous partners. 

Praise Report: 

So far the outreach material we brought has met the needs of our outreaches. We were able to prep individual kids activity bags for outreach in order to limit contact and sharing of materials. The students are stepping up and doing amazing things for God.

Prayer Request:

• For God to help me Love and Lead the students well
• Opportunities to share the gospel as we bring provisions (COVID Relief) to families 
• That people we invite to the local church would come and get connected to the body of Christ
• Sienna’s tuition to be fully funded 
• Health and protection over our team 
• Safe travels for the leaders traveling 
• Students and myself to absorb all that’s being taught in the classes 
• Blessings over The Connections House staff and missionaries who are faithfully serving us