That One Song

Hi Guys!

We are entering week 4 of CSOM and I am beyond grateful for all that God is doing. I am also grateful to have so many people supporting me still. Your prayers and words of encouragement make my heart so happy! This week flew! We had great classes taught by faithful workers of Christ who are currently on the field. To hear their heart for the people God has called them to is awesome. It’s amazing what God can do with a heart that is faithful and obeys His words. We also had 2 outreaches this week and street evangelism! The first outreach was a sweet time partnering with CC Rancho Santa Cruz. I was blessed to talk with the pastor and hear how God provided in their season of church planting. Super humble guy! We had the opportunity to do a church takeover this Sunday with them, which was a good time. This church doesn’t have many servants, so I’m glad that a lot of the congregation was able to sit and listen to God’s Word. I was blessed to be able to lead worship once more and sing praises with this congregation. Although we attend different churches, we are still one family in Christ. To hear a group of God’s people sing with all their hearts, lift up their hands to Him, and worship is the sweetest thing. I can only imagine how the Lord feels when we do this. One song that always hits home for me is Levanto Mis Manos, an oldie but goodie. The second we started playing this song, the room got so loud. It’s a song of casting our burdens on Him, drawing strength from Him, and fully relying on Him. Even though things are hard, we lift up our hands because Our God is much bigger than our trials. I ask that you please pray that God would raise up more servants in that church and that He would strengthen the congregation.

iVamos a la playa!

Next, we went street evangelizing! This had its highs and lows. Obviously, I love when people are receptive, but it can be discouraging when people completely push you away. This happened twice, but I just prayed from afar and kept on. I talked to a guy named José. He was walking around offering pony rides for a reasonable price I’m sure. Anyway, he said he believed in God and knew Jesus, but this was only knowledge, not a relationship. I let him know that it’s one thing to know about it but it’s a whole other thing to do something about it. Knowing about God isn’t what’s going to save him, it’s having a genuine relationship with the creator of the universe. He explained to me that he’s thought about going to CC Rosarito but hasn’t made it yet. José also shared that he doesn’t really have anyone because his family lives in Greece. I told him if he ever makes it to church, God will provide a spiritual family for him there! One thing I love to do is hear people out. So asking them questions is what I try to do before giving them the gospel. One of our pastors said this, “The gospel is not a presentation, it’s a conversation”. That stuck with me because the last thing I want unbelievers to think is that I want to sell them something. People have many different stories and backgrounds that come with so much hurt. Getting to the bottom of it will help me know how to share Jesus with them.

Rain or Shine!

Lastly, we finished the week with an outreach at an Indian Reservation to the Kumeyaay Tribe. I served at the nail painting station, which made me appreciate the ladies at the nail salons back home! They do it so effortlessly. I also got to do worship with the adults and the kids. Worship this time was a little tough because the wind decided to pick up. My hair and music sheets were trying to escape from me, but it’s all good, I had an awesome helper. Even though the wind doesn’t seem like a huge deal, at that moment I kind of wanted to cut the songs short, but I didn’t. God is a good God who deserves all the worship and praise. A little wind wasn’t going to keep us from fully worshipping Him. So, when I had the thought of cutting the songs short, I immediately decided to enjoy the wind and just praise the Lord with the people. There is nothing better than to be in the presence of God and worshipping Him, rain or shine. Or in this case wind and dirt.

Once again, I cannot thank God enough for how He’s been working in me throughout my time here. It’s so crazy! He’s been confirming things in my life and I trust that what He has in store is best. Thank you guys for your love and support. I am so blessed to have a spiritual family that continues to love me and encourage me in my walk with God.

In His Love,

Alani