Jesus Speaks Arabic
Hi Friends and Family,
I hope you are all doing well! It is hard to believe another week has already gone by. The time is flying, and every day the Lord continues to teach me something new. This week was full of classes, outreach, and opportunities to serve alongside local churches, and it has been such a sweet balance of learning and immediately putting into practice what we are being taught.
We continued spending our days in class focusing on God's purpose for the Church, understanding culture, and what it means to faithfully take the Gospel to the nations.
The week started off with some wonderful visitors! There were some alumni who went through the program. It was so good to hear from them because they are a few stages ahead of me and were once in my shoes, so they know some of the challenges and blessings that we will be and are facing. They all shared their testimonies and how they felt called to go to the mission field. It was an encouragement to have them pour into and participate with us for a few days.
One of the greatest blessings has been hearing from missionaries serving around the world. This week we learned from a family serving in a predominantly Muslim country in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of learning the heart language of the people so they can hear the Gospel in the language they know best, and the goal is always to raise up national believers who can plant churches among neighboring people groups. One statement that really stuck with me was, "Every single word you learn is one word closer to bringing the hope of the Gospel to people who are hungry and ready to hear." They also reminded us that learning another culture requires humility and a willingness to understand the people we are serving.
We continued serving through outreaches with local Calvary Chapels, putting what we are learning into practice. On Tuesday, we served alongside a local church in a beautiful afternoon of community and sharing the Good News in a park near a town mall. I got the role of painting people’s nails. I quickly realized that is not one of my gifts! One little girl even painted my nails after I painted hers! After serving food, the pastor shared an incredible answer to prayer. He has been praying for land near the dump where they minister to build a church, and while sharing the Gospel with a nearby woman, she unexpectedly asked if he was looking to buy land because she wanted to sell her property. Would you pray with me that, if it is God's will, they would be able to purchase it? They are the same church we went to the dump with to do the ministry on our first week! The church is called Calvary Home X, and it was such a blessing to partner with them.
On Saturday, we partnered with a Calvary Chapel near the beach and invited families to a community event with free food, games, and a Bible message. It was a cold, cloudy day and many people were inside watching the World Cup and it even started to drizzle a little! I got to lead the kids in a craft that aligned with the Bible story. We prayed the rain would hold off, and the Lord provided. I spent much of the evening with a family of three. They had been invited earlier that day and were warmly welcomed by the church family. The mom was originally from Cuba, had lived in the United States, and even knew what CBU was! They listened to the Gospel message and were excited to be there. I am praying they return and that the Lord continues working in their hearts.
We ended the week by serving at another Calvary Chapel, filling regular serving roles so the church members could simply attend and be refreshed. Though a smaller congregation, everyone was incredibly joyful and welcoming. Afterward, we took a quick trip to the beach. It was a refreshing end to a full week!
As I reflect on this week, I continue to be amazed by the faithfulness of the missionaries and pastors who have poured into us. Their lives remind me that following Jesus is not about having every answer, but about continually saying "yes" to whatever He asks. I am grateful for all He is doing in this season and excited to see what He has in store for the week ahead!
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support. I am continuing to raise support and am so grateful for everyone who has already participated with me! I am needing to raise $1,000 more for the remaining time here! I truly could not be here without the people the Lord has placed in my life, and I am so thankful you are partnering with me in what He is doing!
Please pray:
That I would continue to seek the Lord wholeheartedly and faithfully follow wherever He leads.
For Calvary Home X, as they pray for the opportunity to purchase land for their church.
For the family we met during outreach, that they would continue attending church and grow in knowing Christ.
For the believers who professed faith that they may be surrounded by a fellowship who will walk alongside them in their new journey!
For our team to continue walking in unity, humility, and joy.
For continued health, energy, and wisdom as we begin another week of classes and ministry.
Blessings,
Ella
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