Hi all! I know it’s been a while since my last newsletter, but I would like to update you all on what the Lord has been doing in my life recently. Before I get started, I want to thank you all for your constant support and love. The body of Christ is important for a believer. Knowing that you guys are with me, gives me great comfort!
El Reino de Los Ninos
This past month I had the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Ensenada. This was a sweet time because this orphanage was one that I used to go to when I was in high school, so it brought back many memories! I remembered that this was where the Lord began to plant the seed of missions in my heart, so visiting while I’m now walking on the path of long-term missions, brought my heart great joy to know that the Lord does not waste anything! Spending time with the kids and getting to know them was sweet. I love these kids! Watching them laugh and have fun was the cutest thing ever! Every time the kids would line up for food, they would recite a verse by memory. I love this because in the moment they feel alone, sad, or broken, the Lord can bring these verses to memory and help them recall what they know to be true about Him. I had the best moments with a girl I met there. She is in her early teens, we will call her Nadia (for her privacy). As we were talking I asked her what her favorite thing to do was and she told me singing. I thought, “perfect! I brought my guitar!” So I pulled it out and we sang a couple of songs together. She was pretty shy to sing by herself, so I sang with her. Later in the night we were singing together again and this time, she sang by herself. My heart melted when I heard her sing. I loved the way she sang, but what got me more was realizing how the Lord gave her that. I prayed that God would make Himself so real to her and that she would use this gift to worship Him and to have intimate times in His presence. I loved sharing what I’ve learned with Nadia. I pray it sticks with her.
Overall, it was a great trip. I loved seeing everyone that I hadn’t seen in so long. God has been growing the friends I made there when I was in High School, and I was so happy for them.
I also had a great time with my cousin! This was her first mission trip! I loved our conversations and sharing with her God’s heart for the lost.
In Training!
While being here at MTS (missions training school), I’ve learned so much. From bible classes, missions classes, serving in ministry, to even being around my fellow students. One thing that I know for sure is that I want to GO! My heart is for the lost in general, but the Lord put on my heart, the unreached, the 10/40 window. While I am here, I am training for that. Of course on the field, it won’t be exactly like this, but I know that training is important. If God has called us to something, then we must steward that well and keep that calling on the forefront of our minds. I have to constantly remind myself that He is training me. God is preparing me, teaching me, shaping me. As much as I want to go, I know that He has me where I am for a reason and it’s good. It can be hard to wait and to not really know what the future looks like. There are so many decisions to make, so many things to think through, and so many things to do. As I sit and think about these things, I get overwhelmed, which makes me lose sight of God and who He is. As I was sitting with the Lord, this overwhelming feeling of “I don’t know what to do,” became “But I know He knows what to do.” The Lord is my Shepherd and He is a good Shepherd. When I feel lost or like I can’t do it, He reminds me that He can and He is with me. I tend to complicate things… but something someone told me once, comes back every time I feel this way, “Just walk with God.” It’s as simple as that, though at the time I heard it, I thought, “NO IT’S NOT”! But it is. Walk with God and He’s going to show you what step you need to take at that time. Walk with God and He’s going to lead you to where He wants you to go. God is someone you can trust, He never falls back on His word, but keeps every promise He makes.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake... Psalm 23
I am happy to announce that this summer I will be going back to the school of missions, but this time as a leader! The Lord taught me so much as a student last year and I know this will be a great time of learning the leadership side of things this year. The great commission is a command and the Lord wants to send people into all the nations, so I ask that you would pray with me for this year’s CSOM students, that they would learn all that God wants to teach them through this school and that more people will be fired up to reach the unreached!
I ask for your prayers as I serve at CSOM (Calvary School of Missions) this summer. I know this will be a fruitful time. If you would like to partner with me financially, you can give as the Lord leads, and your prayers are always appreciated!
Thank you all for your constant support. I am grateful for each and every one of you and I am blessed to know that God has put you in my life!
In His Love,
Alani
Prayer Requests
- For my time training with Saving Grace World Missions, that the Lord would continue to teach me and that I would walk surrendered.
- This year’s CSOM!
Praise Reports
- Praise God for the opportunities He’s given me to share the gospel with people!
- For loved ones coming to me and asking questions about the Lord.