The days have just been flying by like crazy!! The past month has contained so many blessings and challenges, it would be nearly impossible to list them all, but here a just a couple:
1st blessing: I need only 20% more of my monthly commitments before I can buy my ticket to Uganda! I have had several new families join my team, and each one is such an incredible encouragement to me.
2nd: Each of the churches I have visited have been uniquely encouraging. I have been so blessed by each individual's response to the work of God in Uganda and my life, and each pastor has blessed me both by his preaching and personal encouragement.
3rd: My brother, Matthew, returns tonight from a fruitful missions trip to Croatia. How exciting it is to me to see my siblings reaching out past their comfort zones to expand the Kingdom of God! With my passion for cross-cultural ministry, it's so exciting for me to watch them get involved with ministry overseas! It's a wonderful reminder to me to keep the goal in sight and not become discouraged along my own path to live in Uganda.
4th: I have been meeting regularly with several young women, and have been so blessed by their ministry to me, as well as the opportunity to speak into their lives. Since I am preparing for ministry in Uganda which will include leading and counseling young women, these opportunities Stateside are an incredible blessing as I learn how to communicate effectively, care deeply, and love practically with each of these precious gals.
1st challenge: Many members of my immediate and extended family have been under intense spiritual warfare. As I talk with them and pray for them, it becomes even more difficult for me to face the reality of leaving them. I know that when I am gone, I can still pray for them and talk to them, but I feel the burden that physical distance will put on our relationships. I so want to be here for them, to encourage them, pray for them, or even just offer that much needed hug. I know that I must even now surrender them to the One who heals and defends. Please pray that I would take advantage of every opportunity now to speak the Lord's healing truth to them while I am here, trusting that the Lord is their protector whether I am here to remind them or not.
2nd: With every person I talk to, and every church I visit, I see areas where I lack wisdom. I know that if this is the case here in my own culture among people who care about me, then when I'm in a foreign culture, I will have an even greater need for wisdom. Although I have been constantly clinging to God's promise that He will give wisdom to those who ask, I also need your prayers!!
3rd: For a long while I have been wanting to record some of my piano pieces before I leave the country. Since I may not have access to a fully functional piano in Uganda, I wanted to document where the Lord has brought me, before I lose a lot of my skill. I also desired to leave something that would provide encouragement and comfort to my family and close friends while I'm away. However, I have been unable to find the necessary resources to actually make this happen.
Prayer points:
1. For my spiritual sensitivity and wisdom and a growing passion for the Lord and His Word
2. For the the Lord to continue to teach and prepare me now for all He would have me to do here and in Uganda.
3. For the rest of my monthly commitments to come in quickly!
4. For the Lord to continue burdening the hearts of His people with this ministry, and drawing them to prayer.
5. For spiritual encouragement and victory for my family.
6. For guidance and provision for a piano recording.
1st blessing: I need only 20% more of my monthly commitments before I can buy my ticket to Uganda! I have had several new families join my team, and each one is such an incredible encouragement to me.
2nd: Each of the churches I have visited have been uniquely encouraging. I have been so blessed by each individual's response to the work of God in Uganda and my life, and each pastor has blessed me both by his preaching and personal encouragement.
3rd: My brother, Matthew, returns tonight from a fruitful missions trip to Croatia. How exciting it is to me to see my siblings reaching out past their comfort zones to expand the Kingdom of God! With my passion for cross-cultural ministry, it's so exciting for me to watch them get involved with ministry overseas! It's a wonderful reminder to me to keep the goal in sight and not become discouraged along my own path to live in Uganda.
4th: I have been meeting regularly with several young women, and have been so blessed by their ministry to me, as well as the opportunity to speak into their lives. Since I am preparing for ministry in Uganda which will include leading and counseling young women, these opportunities Stateside are an incredible blessing as I learn how to communicate effectively, care deeply, and love practically with each of these precious gals.
1st challenge: Many members of my immediate and extended family have been under intense spiritual warfare. As I talk with them and pray for them, it becomes even more difficult for me to face the reality of leaving them. I know that when I am gone, I can still pray for them and talk to them, but I feel the burden that physical distance will put on our relationships. I so want to be here for them, to encourage them, pray for them, or even just offer that much needed hug. I know that I must even now surrender them to the One who heals and defends. Please pray that I would take advantage of every opportunity now to speak the Lord's healing truth to them while I am here, trusting that the Lord is their protector whether I am here to remind them or not.
2nd: With every person I talk to, and every church I visit, I see areas where I lack wisdom. I know that if this is the case here in my own culture among people who care about me, then when I'm in a foreign culture, I will have an even greater need for wisdom. Although I have been constantly clinging to God's promise that He will give wisdom to those who ask, I also need your prayers!!
3rd: For a long while I have been wanting to record some of my piano pieces before I leave the country. Since I may not have access to a fully functional piano in Uganda, I wanted to document where the Lord has brought me, before I lose a lot of my skill. I also desired to leave something that would provide encouragement and comfort to my family and close friends while I'm away. However, I have been unable to find the necessary resources to actually make this happen.
Prayer points:
1. For my spiritual sensitivity and wisdom and a growing passion for the Lord and His Word
2. For the the Lord to continue to teach and prepare me now for all He would have me to do here and in Uganda.
3. For the rest of my monthly commitments to come in quickly!
4. For the Lord to continue burdening the hearts of His people with this ministry, and drawing them to prayer.
5. For spiritual encouragement and victory for my family.
6. For guidance and provision for a piano recording.
Praying for you, Melanie! I am excited to see that God is opening these doors. It is no surprise that satan is actively working against these efforts. I will be praying that the gates of hell would not prevail (and we know that they won't). :) Keep pressing forward in knowing and serving Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Daniel! And we keep pressing on!!
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