Can you believe how quickly January has come and gone! At Calvary Chapel Saving Grace we started off the year with prayer and fasting as a church. What a better way to start off the year than to wage war in prayer. As chaotic and difficult this past year has been, I truly believe the Lord has used it to strengthen us individuals and as a Church body. I love what is says in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” At the end of verse 4 the word “let” stands out to me, because often times the testing of my faith is not fun and I don’t “let” it do the work in my heart. Life will always have trails and I want to “let” this time of testing work perseverance into my character.
It has been such a blessing to study God’s word alongside my fellow interns. Week after week I can literally see Hebrews 10:24-25 being lived out, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” We have served together by attending the Calvary Chapel Missions Conference and encouraged others to attend Calvary School of Missions. I have also had the privilege of serving through Voice of the Refugees and delivering food to families in need.
As I have mentioned in past newsletters I have been fervently praying for God’s leading as to where He would want me to best serve Him. Well my prayers have been answered! I have officially started working as an Administrative Assistant at Saving Grace World Missions. Initially I was apprehensive to even consider the position because I was convinced that I would be launched out as a missionary this year. But the Lord spoke to my heart through Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” He also used prayer and confirmation through others that I needed to use the giftings that he has given me for His glory. I encourage you to pray about the giftings the Lord has given you and how best they can be used to further His Kingdom and build up other believers.
Paul illuminates a truth in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 which has been resonating with me lately. The truth is simply every part of the body of Christ is absolutely essential, whether we are the “face” whose function everyone can see or the “liver” whose function no one can see. Administrative work is a very internal and an unseen part of the body just like the liver, but is it not essential for the body to function? God has used this truth in my life to set a fire in my heart to walk confidently in the calling He has put in front of me.
Praise Reports:
Working at SGWM Headquarters!
My families good health
Saving Grace having in-person services
Prayer Requests:
For all the missionaries around the world
That my work would glorify the Lord
Divine appointments to share the Gospel
I would ask that you pray for the Lord to meet my financial needs and consider partnering with me financially as the Lord leads. If you would like to support me financially either on an ongoing basis or through a one-time donation, click Become A Financial Partner button below, OR send a check written out to Saving Grace World Missions with Maribel Blanco Support in the memo. Address: Saving Grace World Missions, 17451 Bastanchury Rd., Suite 203, Yorba Linda, CA 92886-1873.