Radical Redemption
Hello friends!
Thank you for tuning into my newsletter. We have now been in Mexico for two weeks, and are beginning week three of the school of missions!
This past week, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness as I heard about what He has done in the lives of people around me. Our week was filled with opportunities to learn, serve, and teach!
On Tuesday, we partnered with Calvary Chapel Homex for a park outreach. My classmate Abby and I had the opportunity to share our testimonies, with James translating for us. As we prepared and served throughout the evening, I experienced spiritual warfare more noticeably. My mind was filled with distractions, but the Lord faithfully reminded me of my need for Him and carried me through as I depended on His strength.
Sharing my testimony was a reminder of God’s faithfulness through every season of my life. He has used both my failures and my growth to draw me closer to Him, teaching me to trust His grace and rely on His strength. Any transformation in my life is only because of His work, and I am thankful that He continues shaping me day by day.
Hearing others' testimonies was just as encouraging. Each story pointed back to the same truth: God is faithful to pursue, redeem, and transform His people. My prayer is that God would water and bring growth to the seeds of the Gospel planted throughout this week!
We have been learning so much in class! There has been a lot of information to take in and ponder throughout the week.
One theme has been consistent: we must see the need our world has to hear the Gospel.
3.5 billion people in the world are unreached - 3.5 billion have not heard the Gospel.
Some might say, “How can God be just by allowing those people to die without hearing the Gospel?” This is exactly why Jesus died, and why He commissioned us to go and share the Gospel among all nations. Aditionally, this is not just a call to “go evangelize all nations.” This is talking about evangelism and discipleship.
Short-term mission trips are great for exposure, but we need to prioritize connecting those with whom we share to a local, Bible-believing church.
What has happened a lot in the world, especially amongst polytheistic worldviews, is that people will hear the Gospel, make a profession of faith, and then go back to worshipping their many gods. Synchrotism occurs, a combining of beliefs. To them, Jesus is just another God in their lineup of gods to worship. Amongst Hindu people, this often looks like the continuation of the worship of demons while claiming to worship God. This grieves the heart of God. Jesus died and was resurrected to set us free from such principalities.
Discipleship is needed. When someone goes about living their whole life believing one thing, then repents and declares Jesus as Lord, they need to be taught what it means to be a Christian, how to live as a believer, how to get plugged into a church in their area, and more.
We also read Radical by David Platt in class last week; it was a challenging but necessary read. He challenges believers to live radically different lives from the all-consuming, comfortable American Dream. He challenges us to live radically for the Gospel, whether we are called to be senders and stay at home or to go serve on the mission field.
I highly recommend this book!
During our outreach with Calvary Chapel Playas in Tijuana, I met a woman named Betty. My teammate, Deicy, translated our conversation, allowing us to connect despite the language barrier. Betty shared that months ago, she found herself surrounded by people on a destructive path. Recognizing the need for change, she stepped away from that environment. Soon afterward, she heard the Gospel, placed her faith in Jesus, and was saved.
Even before we spoke, I could see the joy of Christ reflected in her countenance and demeanor. It was a beautiful picture of the unity we share as sisters in Christ, even across different languages and cultures. Her story was another reminder of God’s ability to bring new life and hope through Jesus.
Last week, we also had the opportunity to hear from Calvary School of Missions alumni about how God has faithfully led them to the mission field. Some are preparing to go, others are waiting on the Lord for greater direction, and others have already been sent out. It was encouraging to hear how God has taken them from where we are now and led them into the work He has prepared for them.
One session that particularly impacted me was taught by a couple serving in the Middle East. As we sipped Middle Eastern coffee they made for us, we were able to hear about how the Lord led them to that region. They also shared about the culture and beliefs of the Muslim people they serve, as well as the challenges of ministry in that context.
Their stories deeply resonated with me because I previously had the opportunity to serve in a country where the majority of people I encountered were Muslim. During that time, I experienced the people's kindness and hospitality while also seeing the deep spiritual need around me. Since then, my heart has remained burdened for Muslim people, longing for them to know the hope, assurance, and saving grace found in Jesus Christ alone.
It is heartbreaking to know that many spend their lives searching for eternal life through their own efforts, without the assurance that comes through Christ. Even more heartbreaking is that many go their entire lives without hearing the name of Jesus or the hope of the Gospel. Please join me in praying that the Lord would open hearts, draw many to Himself, and strengthen those faithfully proclaiming Christ where He is not yet widely known.
On Sunday, we did a church takeover at Calvary Chapel La Mina. Pastor Tim taught in the main service, and some teammates translated and led the congregation in songs of worship.
I had the opportunity to teach the Sunday school class for 10–13-year-olds. An intern from the mission housing we are staying at translated for me as I walked through the “Romans Road” with the students. This is a collection of passages in Romans that explain our sinful condition, our need for forgiveness, and the salvation made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We ended the day with some time at the beach, followed by prayer and worship through singing. As I reflected on the week, I was reminded of how every conversation, lesson, and encounter pointed back to the same truth: God is faithful, and His goodness is greater than our brokenness.
I am thankful for all that He allowed us to be part of last week, and I pray that He continues to shape our hearts to love Him more, trust Him fully, and proclaim the hope of the Gospel wherever He leads.
Please reach out to me with any prayer requests you may have.
Have a blessed week!
Praise Reports
We have seen people come to Christ! With that, they can be connected to a local church, where they can be discipled.
I got to share my testimony!
I have not gotten sick yet
I am now fully funded, praise the Lord!
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
A few days ago, I was feeling discouraged. During our time of prayer, a leader asked if anyone was struggling, and I eventually spoke up. I really felt encouraged by the students and leaders who literally surrounded me and prayed for me. As a result, my discouragement was gone, and it was easier to focus on the Lord and praise Him for who He is, even as I waited on Him for answers in some areas. He uses our sisters and brothers in Christ to lift us up when we are weak.
Prayer Requests
Continued team unity
Mental clarity
We are heading into week 3 and are starting to get tired. We are excited about what the Lord is doing, and want to give our full attention to learning and sharing with others.
The preparation of the hearts of those we will share the Gospel with
For my continued trust in the Lord as I seek guidance for my future.
Health for our team! A team member has been experiencing some health issues; she seems to be on the mend. Please pray for a quick recovery!
More laborers to be sent out into the harvest!
Above: Dani, Deprii, Abigail, and I
Below: Top row: Ella, Abigail, me. Bottom row: Mia, Pastor Gary
These are all photos from Wednesday evening when we went to a Calvary Chapel that also has a rehab ministry.
Abby, Abigail, Alli, and I after our class book reading session. Radical was a fantastic read!
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