Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
1 KINGS 19:11-12
Have you ever had those moments when you’re just waiting God to show up radically? In the strong wind, in an earthquake, in the fire? But instead, He graciously chooses to show up in a still small voice? Yup, that’s exactly what happened this past month.
The Lord spoke LOUD and clear during my time away, but coming back to my regular routine, to the mundane, He spoke to me when I least expected it. He reminded me that He has me here for a reason. For a purpose. Yes, my heart and desire to be sent out as a full-time missionary continues to grow, but so does my trust and patience in God’s timing. He has a good and perfect plan for me. His promises are what I continue to hold unto.
Spreading the Fire
Coming back to visit my home church, Calvary South OC, was such a blessing. I had an opportunity to share about my trip with the singles ministry, Focus Generation. They have been supporting me since day one and they are truly a gift from above. I’m eternally grateful for y’all!! The words the Lord had placed on my heart was ‘redeem the time’. I shared about my trip- going from different religions, to cultures, to even the weather!
After I spoke- I was even more blessed to know that my testimony was confirmation for some to pray about missions, especially in Japan! I continued to see how the Lord was spreading the fire even in our generation. As a reminder- Calvary School of Missions summer is just a few months away- if you have a heart for missions, fill out an application and learn more about the school by clicking here! Please continue to pray for more laborers, the harvest is plentiful and many are needed!!
Discipleship + Teaching
My favorite part in the school is the teaching class- I enjoy studying the Word of God and then being able to teach it. I have learned so much in this class, as every week we are critiqued by Pastors and leaders in the church. This has allowed me to grow in so many ways, but it has also allowed me to share with other women what God has shown me.
Last year, around September, I started a mini bible study with my cousin Val. By God’s grace, it is slowly growing and my other friend also decided to join! It has been such a joy teaching through the book of John. We have seen God not only transform us through His Word, but also how His Spirit has moved throughout the study. These ladies are hungry for the Word of God and it has been such a blessing seeing them grow in that! My passion for discipling women in the Word of God is truly a gift from above. Please keep us and the study in your prayers! <3
Next Steps
As mentioned above, I know the Lord has me here for a reason. And it is truly by His grace that I am here. That perfect grace is called debt. Thanks to God, we will be starting Financial Peace next week! If you can please be praying with me for wisdom, for accountability, and for me to be able to pay the debt off quickly. I know with God all things are possible! He made that very clear on this past trip. Once that is paid off, my next step will be to return to Japan for 3-5 months, Lord willingly, before making the decision to move somewhere full-time.
However as some of you may know, since day one, my heart has been for the Middle East. You might be asking yourself, then why Japan? I ask myself the same thing everyday. They’re both completely opposite yet with one similarity- they are both UNREACHED. They both desperately need the gospel. As of right now I will continue to be faithful with what God has placed in front of me. The rest- where I go and when I go- I will continue to surrender it all to Him. As Isaiah said, “Here am I! send me” (Isaiah 6:8). This is His heart- for us to be willing. I pray this is your heart as well. If you can please join me in praying for Japan, as well as the Middle East- as we are preparing and planning a trip towards the end of this year! How exciting!!
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter. I pray you are blessed and encouraged. Thank you for your continual partnership in the gospel from the first day until now- both through prayers and financial support. Any amount you feel led to give will help me in raising monthly support to be sent out one day as a full-time cross-cultural missionary, Lord willingly. I’m eternally blessed as this is also fruit to your account.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
EPHESIANS 3:20-21