The Joy of Obedience

Hey family! I pray this newsletter finds you well. This one finds me in The Philippines! Finally, we made it! Some of you know all the prep that went into getting here. If you don’t know, then please… Let. Me. Tell. You. It does feel cool to finally walk in what the Lord has called me to this year.

I pray that you are encouraged by what the Lord has been teaching me and speaking to me these past few months. God doesn’t waste anything. That brings so much comfort when I’m in the thick of it. So, lets see what these past few months held. Here we goooo!!

The Bible says that God’s ways are higher than our ways. We may plan for certain things and expect specific outcomes and yes, those may or may not happen. But God is always working in many other ways; ways that our human minds didn’t account for. When the opportunity to serve in the Philippines and help start up a brand new Calvary School of Missions came to me, I was a little hesitant about it. But when I brought it before the Lord, He confirmed that this was something He wanted me to walk in. So I said, “Alright”. And got to work. Creating budgets, having meetings, promoting the school, raising support, speaking at different churches, ironing out details with my team. I was getting prepared in all the practical ways. BUT I didn’t realize that the Lord was wanting to prepare me spiritually. How did He do that? You may or may not have guessed it. Trials. Good job to you if that’s what you were thinking! Multiple hard things happened this past year. Things that I had no clue how to navigate. There is a second part to that answer though. Spiritual warfare. Yes, God teaches, but the enemy is also trying to stop the work God is doing.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” - Philippians 2:5-8

Here are some things that He taught me through the trial and warfare. His Presence with me provides peace, and this peace produces a confidence in who He is and who I am in Him. This is the only way I can love people well and do what He has called me to do. I realized that, unfortunately, my joy and happiness is so dependent on my outer circumstances. When things aren’t going well, I feel alone and as if God isn’t doing anything to help. But those feelings are not aligned with the truth of His Word. He is working and He is with me. If I believe those lies every time hard times come, I will never learn the heart of the Father. Sitting with Him and intentionally going into the Secret Place with Him must be the main thing. Because as you consistently behold Him, He is faithful to take you deeper. And as you go deeper, there is a dependence in Him that will carry you through every circumstance with a joy that cannot be taken from you and a heart that is constantly being poured into, so that you can pour out. His Presence is home.

As I live here in the Philippines for the next 10 months, I must apply what God has taught because that is the only thing that is going to keep me here, keep me joyful, and keep me running the race that is set before me. God has sovereignly chosen Macey, Deprii, and I to serve Him here in the Philippines because He has a work to do in our hearts and so that we can bring the fragrance of Christ.

Some have said that Filipinos are like the Asian Latinos… it’s true! So, we’re already vibing here. Many of the words in Tagalog (Filipino language), are either a Spanish word or very similar to Spanish, since they were colonized by Spain hundreds of years ago. It’s been a blast getting to know the believers here. They have a drive to serve the Lord however they can, give up whatever they need to, and share Jesus wherever they go. I’m excited to see how my team and I can come in and learn, but also disciple in certain areas.

The Calvary Bible Institute began 3 weeks ago! The group of students is very small. We have Filipinos, a Guatemalan, and a Vietnamese student. So many different cultures, but same desire; to study God’s Word and apply it in their lives. I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in their lives.

Along with the Calvary Bible Institute, the students have the opportunity to be a part of one month of The Calvary School of Missions! Most of you know what this is. If you’ve been keeping up with me, you know I went through this same school in Mexico in 2023. LIFE CHANGING. Which is why I am so excited for the students who will be a part of this school, only in the Philippines this time! This is a pioneer work. The first time we’ve ever done CSOM in another country besides Mexico, teaching non Americans. Believers from Asia, most coming from the 10/40 window, who want to learn about missions get to come to the Philippines and be trained and equipped in the Word to take this back to their homes and churches, and apply what the Lord will do in their hearts here. We are praying for each of their countries. They come on behalf of their people. I believe God is going to do something great!

I know the Lord is going to do amazing things as the students dive deep into The Word and surrender all they are to Him! The team is all here now! Macey, Deprii, and I have been joined with our leadership from home. It’s been sweet to be reunited with them. I see what a blessing they’ve been in each of our lives. They’ve discipled us over the years and shown us how to seek the Fathers heart and do what He asks of us in joyful obedience and surrender. They’ve shown it through word and action. So it is an absolute honor to serve the Lord, worship, and pour into the students lives with them. Please pray for us as we do this, the enemy is also hard at work. BUT God is greater and He is with us!

That’s it for now :)…

My heart is filled with gratitude when I think of each and every one of you. Your continuous support in prayer, love, and financial giving has gotten me where I am today and will bring me through whatever God calls me to next. I am constantly in awe of what God has done and is doing. I am privileged to be a part of the work He wants to do, because I understand that I am not worthy of it, but in His love, He still decides to use me! As I walk in what God has called me to, I would greatly appreciate your continued partnership in prayer as the Lord leads me towards long-term, cross-cultural ministry. If you feel led to give financially, whether one-time or monthly, that too would be amazing. Please know that the fruit that comes from what God calls me to, is yours as well. You too are a part of this work!

Please reach out to me. I love to hear what God is doing in your lives and pray with you!

I love you all,

Alani