Beginning of the Send
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9 ~
Hello! Welcome back to hearing all that God is doing over here! I’m so grateful that you’ve taken the time to read this newsletter. I pray it finds you well and leaves you feeling encouraged and stirred.
Last newsletter I shared that I was praying for a few different opportunities such as: a vision tour to Almeria, Spain and attending CSOM as a leader again.
Spain
The Lord provided just enough for me to buy the plane tickets to Almeria and back! I was beyond blessed to be able to travel with pastor Trent, Micah, Pina, and Nancy!
Huge shoutout to Nancy who did such an amazing job juggling all the behind-the-scenes necessities such as booking the Airbnb, car rentals, meals, and so much more.
Madrid
This is where we met with the rest of the team and had times of meeting, prayer, and fellowship. The next day, our leaders went to meet with Jose G and his wife. Pastor Manny has been in contact with them and it turns out, they have the same heart to reach the unreached. They also serve alongside a ministry called, “On The Red Box.” This ministry convicted and encouraged me. They teach, pray, share the good news and disciple! I left wanting to know and share Jesus even more!
Please keep them in your prayers.
Almeria
Flying in to Almeria you can just tell, the harvest is plentiful! No, literally, Almeria is known for having the highest concentration of greenhouses and even being seen from outer space! Naturally flying over that, I was immediately reminded of Matthew 9:37-38 when Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Now for the juicy stuff…
I noticed a very wide variety of different cultures, religions and nationalities. We met Muslims, people from Morocco, people from India, people from the Dominican Republic and of course Catholics.
One night we decided to step inside a Catholic Church where we saw people coming and going. [For context] Pastor Rob has been taking us on different visits to Hindu temples, mosques, a Mormon church, and even a Buddhist temple. I’ve learned about the discernment the Lord has given me, so walking into this church, that’s what I asked for. My heart broke as I felt very familiar with the prayers they were praying and statues of the saints, and Jesus on the cross. This didn’t seem all too surprising or anything but instead my heart broke because this is how I grew up and was raised.
The very next day in my devotions, I was led to read the Proverb of the day. Which landed on Proverbs 24. Verses 11-12 are where the Lord spoke and convicted me. It says, “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?”
WOW did that pierce straight through my soul. The Lord has a plan and a purpose for everything; I believe the Lord has called me to join in sharing the Gospel, discipleship, and church-planting across seas. He’s revealed this to me so how could I not answer with anything but, “Here am I, send me.”
CSOM & Next Steps
Oh how I LOVE going to CSOM. This is the six-week Calvary School of Missions that I’m always talking about. I was asked pretty early on in the year to pray about being a leader again. However, after fervent prayer, I felt a stronger conviction to address my remaining debt than to attend. I know the Lord’s leading me closer to the field, and honestly, I’m not being sent while still being tied down to debt. Also, the door for affordable housing is closing. With all that being said, I believe the Lord is leading me back home to Las Vegas. I will be able to minister to my friends and family, serve with my home church, and continue building a deeper foundation in Christ.
Thank you again for the love and support you have shown me. Whether it was reading this newsletter, a prayer or giving financially. Thank you. I know these next steps aren’t always rainbows and sunshine but if I believe that God is who He says He is. I know I can walk confidently knowing that I (and you) am His workmanship, created in Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that WE should walk in them regardless of how scary it may look. (Ephesians. 2:10)
Prayer Requests
Please pray for the students and leaders of CSOM 26’
Pray as I move back in with my family (pray for their salvation!)
Pray for my relationship with Micah as we navigate a long-distance relationship.
Blessings,
Ariana
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