He Will Win!

God is doing some miraculous things in this journey to India. I know this not because of the great things that are happening to me, but rather because of all the barriers and challenges I am facing. The stronger I am becoming in Christ the bigger the obstacles and struggle become. I never understood this dichotomy until now. The truth is, Satan is going to spend more time and energy trying to tear people down who are doing amazing things in God’s kingdom. 

When I see all the energy Satan is exerting to try and break this team down I realize that God’s plan for us is HUGE. This isn’t just any mission trip, this is going to be a life-changing experience that will bring so much glory to God’s kingdom. This past weekend our team had a retreat. This retreat was truly the first time we were able to dig deep into one another and build relationships. 3 members struggled with conflicts, life issues and other barriers that popped up. Yet, they made time and overcame those challenges to be apart of this event. I could see why Satan was trying to keep our team from getting together, because that experience as a group built our team’s strength exponentially.

I see Satan trying to creep in the woodworks, placing whatever distractions or challenges he can in our paths. A few years ago, I would have looked at these struggles simply as the world turning against me. Now, I realize that when challenges emerge that is when I am closest to God. Having this perception makes me rejoice in the Lord and His glory. It makes me feel strongly rooted in my faith and even more determined to break through the muck.

I am one month away from getting on a plane to India. I know that Satan is going to continue to throw challenges in our way. I know that his attempts will be even more calculated and malicious once we get there. As I think about the magnitude this strife can esculate into I am reminded of His truth. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3). I know that God will complete His work in me and protect us through the process.

I am exhausted and drained. Apart of me wants this journey to be over or fast forward to the important parts. I never realized how hard planning a mission trip would be. I feel overwhelmed and consumed in the unknown’s that are to come. My heart is anxious and I want peace from it all. When I focus back on God I remember that these struggles exist because I am walking in His light and He is going to do some amazing things.

Knowing this doesn’t make the pain or heartache go away, instead it makes the challenges so much more worth it. Quite honestly, I want to “stick it” to Satan and prove that no matter the obstacle God’s love will prevail. This experience has been one of the hardest and most stressful things in my life. Because of that, I know it will also be one of the most amazing and miraculous experiences I will have in this world. At the end of the time I rest in knowing that Satan can cause cuts and bruises, but God heals us and gives us the strength to overcome. All I have to say is “Bring it.”

Prayer:

I would appreciate prayer for a couple of things.

1.     Financial Support – I am $350.00 away from being fully funded! Please pray that I can receive full support for this trip!

2.     Team Building – Please pray that our team continues to grow together in Christ and that we can nurture these relationships with one another

3.     Strength – Some team members are struggling through some intense situations, please pray that God will lift them up and get them through this tough time.

4    Wisdom – Please pray that God continues to give me wisdom as a leader in making decisions for our team.

I Can Hardly Believe It!

I can't believe that in a matter of days our team will have hit a milestone. As of May 18, our team will be exactly 2 months away from heading to India. This milestone is a little hard for me to grasp. I remember when this passion was put on my heart more than a year ago. I remember the hours of research I did to find the right organization to volunteer with. This whole process of a missions trip has been a true blessing. Even during the times of complaints I always end up taking a moment to re-focus my energies, realizing just how amazing this experience really is.

In just two short months I will be in India doing exactly what my heart has desired for a couple years now. It blows my mind to think how God has made this dream a true reality. One that will change every fabric of my life. This is the very first time in my walk with Christ that I have seen a desire of my heart become a reality, or at least the first time I've truly recognized it. I can remember feeling so deeply in love with working in India with the women who were victims in the sex trade. I remember feeling so lost, and overwhelmed by the desire I had for this mission. To know that in just 2 short months I will be doing the things I dreamt about truly reminds me of how great our God is. He truly is a God of wonder.

And so, I sit here, writing the 12th entry of my blog, and I realize that the true journey is just beginning. While I feel like I've been walking this path for a very long time, the true adventure is just getting underway. The thought of what is to come truly excites me. I can't wait to see how God uses me in India. This whole experience encourages me to kneel before God each day and give my entire heart to Him, even if it seems impossible or overwhelming.

My heart is transforming and my walk with Christ is strengthening. I feel so empowered. For the first time I truly understand what it means when people say God gives me the desires of my heart. This desire was birthed by Him, I just cultivated it. He is the planter and I am the sower. How amazing this world becomes when I realize how fruitful my heart can be when I give Him the power to plant any seeds he wants. I am excited for the next 2 months. I am excited to see God put all the pieces together, especially the ones I so easily doubt Him in. I can't wait to grow our team and build friendships that will stay connected forever. I just can't wait to dive deeper into God's desires for my heart and this trip. At the end of the day I want to live every moment for His glory, and this trip truly ignited that desire in me.

For all of the prayer warriors in my life, please pray for focus and wisdom as the last, crucial, 2 months comes upon our team. Thank you to every person who has supported me both financially and spiritually. The truth, God couldn't have used me in this way without your desire to glorify Him through your support. It's wonderful how it takes an entire community to make a difference. Without you, this difference wouldn't have been made.

I have raised almost $1,800.00 in the past three months, thanks to many generous contributions! That is 80% of the funds I need to raise for my trip (only $800 more to go!). For those who want to support me financially you can mail a check, by June 15th. Make all checks payable to Rahab's Rope and mail to 7299 Calm Sunset, Columbia MD 21046. 


This journey just keeps getting better with "age." In truth, as each day passes this experience becomes even greater. I become more humbled in knowing that God isn't just using me, but every single person who has contributed to our team. I become more passionate about this social injustice, realizing that beyond this trip I will continue to fight. I become more in love with my holy maker, realizing that His plan is going to blow mine out of the water. I sit here so close to something that once felt so far away, feeling so ready to take this step, knowing it will change my life as I know it. Bring it on God!