I was deeply challenged by that, and I realized that I want the same for myself and everyone else who follows the Father. We should all be able to look back at our own lives in twenty years and say, despite what fruit or lack of it may be present, that we were faithful through and through. It's that mindset that God has been drilling into me since the day I got here, and it has been redefining what I strive for in my future, my relationships, and my prayers.

At times it seems hopeless-- the task is so large. But I continue to be drawn to the feet of Jesus. I'm reminded that our reality is Zion-- we are sons and daughters of the living Father. I'm reminded that Jesus bridged the gap for us. Because of His loving kindness, we do not have to build ourselves up to Him.

The Lord is gracious, patient, ever faithful, omniscient, and love. He has shown this to me in so many ways, and all he wants of me right now is to trust in who he says he is. And that is the desire of my heart; the hard things are necessary, pruning is necessary, for my good and his glory.

It was in the desert that I truly began to understand the importance of rain and God’s protection and provision over us.

n a country where so much hope is lost and so many people are lost, I was reminded constantly of the Father's plan for redemption. I am just in awe of what He is doing in this place... For the movement of the Father's Spirit in this village and in these people. It was so uplifting getting to see the heart of our guides and the people throughout the village. A memory that will be stamped in my mind and heart forever.

I then looked out and begged God to lift the fog. To lift the fog around those peoples hearts and minds. Because there is the most beautiful sight, the most high God, just on the other side. And I asked God to lift the fog in my life, to take away all that obstructs my view of him. I know that God is lifting that fog.

It was like God was telling her “See R, I’ve been in love with you this whole time. Since the beginning of time—this has been my plan from the beginning, to redeem and rescue you.” R told us a couple days later that she’s been having thoughts about God like crazy.

 You run up to the blind man with the painting in your hands, excited to share the intricate masterpiece with him. The painting is so unique to anything that you have ever seen before. By just glimpsing at the painting, it leaves you in such awe that you know that the painter must be a master artist.

There is a desperate need for the Good News here, and I am both excited and challenged to be coming alongside this ministry as they work toward making it known. Would you join me in praying for James and so many others like him that they would have hearts open to the truth?

Right then and there I thanked God for the opportunity to be in Southeast Asia, where there is little access to the gospel. God reminded me in that moment of my purpose here and how necessary it will be for me to abide in Him during my three months here. Even though there is a heavy darkness, the Holy Spirit is moving here. The Bible tells us that one day every tribe from every nation will be bowing down at the Father's feet and praising His name.

I struggled with feeling like I was failing at my purpose in being here and felt like God was so far away...when He gently reminded not one time had I brought that prayer of my heart to Him. I hadn't prayed from faith that He was working. I hadn't prayed for the hearts of the women He's already working in. Then I paused and was gently reminded that He doesn't need me to be here, at all. That He didn't bring me here for me to work for Him, but to show me joy in loving this city with Him. 

On the trails our phones lost service so we had more freedom in our topics of discussions and we were able to share more of God’s work in our lives and hearts, as well as the impact of His beauty. I found myself stopping often to absorb the breath taking view of the landscape as these lyrics filled my heart….