1 year ago, I had a desire for a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. I didn’t just want to know Him. I wanted to know EVERYTHING about Him. The Way, the Truth and the Life.
So I took a step of faith.
Baptized June 22nd 2024!
Leaving my stable and comfortable home and family behind. Forsaking all to know God.
I remember last year (2024) talking to my mom about this mission school I wanted to go on and how I knew that this was scary because I didn’t know anyone and it was a “dangerous” place. As I talked with my mom trying my best to describe the faith I had that God would take care of me. (While also dealing with the spiritual warfare and being scared that my liver would end up on the black market.)
She was watching a Roman movie (something weird per usual). As I was describing the trust I had that the Lord will protect me, the movie showed a scene where the Roman soldier was getting attacked and he held up his shield to millions and millions of arrows flying at him. It was an intense part of the movie and he ended up not getting hurt by one arrow. I pointed to the tv and I said “that’s what it’s like, that’s how I feel.” (At that time I didn’t know that this is actually scripture.)
Ephesians 6:16
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
AI Generated Photo
So, I took a step of faith…
I attended Calvary School Of Missions (CSOM) in summer 2024. There’s so many amazing blessing God did to even get me there, I hope to share one day…
Picture from 1 year ago (2024)
1 year later…
Now, this year I prayed and asked God what He wanted me to do. Yes, I had these desires but what I wanted more than anything was God’s will. After praying, talking to my pastors and leaders, reading, fasting, and more praying, I know what to do.
Again, there’s so many times where the Lord spoke to me and aligned blessings for this to be confirmed, I hope to share everything one day. The first thing was sermons my pastor was teaching. One of his points was “Do You Really Want To Know The Will Of God?” This was convicting for me because after my pastor asked me to be a leader for CSOM 25’ I almost immediately said “no.” I had this plan in my head to stay here in California and pay off my debt.
My roommate Serena was later asked to join the leadership role. Since then she also was battling with the same things. Stuff like not wanting to leave her job and having to figure out her finances etc. Every time she would come across something that seemed impossible she would say something like “I trust God though” and the CONVICTION WAS INSANE!! How could I limit God like that?!
I took a step of faith by sending out my last newsletter and meeting up with a friend to talk about the situation. The next day… GOD SPOKE! I was doing my devotionals when I was rereading a chapter I had read the day before, except I didn’t read the whole thing till that morning.
II Corinthians 8:10-12
“And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.”
A word from the Lord
DUDE! This is was just perfect timing. I believe God wants to increase my faith as I’ve been praying for that diligently. Exercising the gift of faith has been difficult at times. However, if anyone were to see my life, I want them to see the faith Christ has given me.
Screenshot from a year ago (2024)
So, I’m taking a step of faith…
I’m going to CSOM 25’! Praying and seeking God diligently for Him to provide the finances. This was the main and probably only reason why I thought I couldn’t go. BUT GOD is bigger than that.
I pray that you would join with me in this calling God has set before me. Which is to fulfill the Great Commission! My heart breaks for the people who don’t have a future or a hope. What I’ve come to realize is that God’s heart is often very broken for His children. I want the whole world to come to know Jesus. I want all to come to repentance and the knowledge of Christ. How much more do you think He wants that?
So, would you join me?
WITH PRAYER:
Please be praying that God would provide financially. Pastor Joel once said “haven’t you ever thought that because YOU prayed, it happened?” God hears my prayers, and I know He hears yours too. Join with me in praying diligently for people who live in darkness and that God would send out more labors into the field.
WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
I know for someone people it can be uncomfortable sharing a number. However I feel led to be open with you guys… 3 months ago I was in debt around 27,000 dollars. I was drowning and I couldn’t serve my Father as much as I was called to because of the bondage I was in. Now, June I’ve cut that down to 6,000 dollars! All glory to God! THANK YOU JESUS! I continue to press on working, serving and most of all, first seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Thank so very much for your love and support. I would also love to pray for you! Please respond to this email with how I can be praying for you!
Blessed never stressed,
Ariana
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