unstoppable

My brother, who is quite the global citizen using his medical genius to serve those in need, shared with me this awesome report from the Gates Foundation about the future in global development and setting optimistic bets for the alleviation of human suffering in years to come. The video above stood out to me for the type of work I am doing with Baja Missions. I am constantly reading, soaking up information, and encouraged by the notion of how important it is to invest in women.

A few years ago, I started praying for my heart to be broken for the things that break God's, and man did He open my eyes. I became so unsettled with injustice, I was determined to find how I could best use my gifts and passions to fight on behalf of those in need.

Of course we are small, but God is huge.
Of course we have limitations, but God is limitless.
Of course we are weak, but God is strong.
Of course we are finite, but God is infinite.
Of course we are imperfect, but God is perfect.
Of course we fail, but God never fails.
Of course we can choose to stop, but God is unstoppable.

The words above come from Christine Caine in her latest book, Unstoppable. A champion for human rights in our generation and a soul on fire for the Lord, I had the chance to hear Christine speak at the The Belonging Co. when I was back in Nashville over the holidays. Her inspiration is contagious, and I highly recommend this book on "running the race you were born to win".

I am so thankful each day for the chance to be working here in Baja and the ways God has orchestrated generous givers like yourself for it to be possible. I am learning more each day how the will of God is not a place, but to know who you are in Christ- to know who you are in His presence.

And that's where I always want to be. In his presence. And leading others there as well. For in Him, we are unstoppable.

Let's keep believing and praying for God's restoration and healing here on Earth!

trust and yarn

Looking back and reading my journal, it is so crazy the amount of fear that the devil tried to throw at me about trying something new. 

This past summer, in a restaurant parking lot, a spark went off for ladies to come with the mechanics group in January. Being the new girl with the least experience, trying new things with groups intimidates me a little. Not to mention, I don't even have many of the skills that we want to equip the women here with. But Jesus hasn't given us these visions for the women's ministry for nothing.

In prayerful preparation, he reassured me that our real mission for this week was to: encounter God through prayer, be a blessing with our presence, and encourage our sisters with the message of God's love. That's it! Gone are all the other meaningless stresses and worries.

Sweet Deb and Courtney from Virginia arrived with many suitcases packed with hours of organization and love. Prayer journals, bags, yarn, needles, fabric, a HUGE bag of stuffing, you name it, they brought it. And oh what a blessing it was!

We had the best week. God blessed our time together so much. They each taught knitting and sewing (even a little friendship bracelets and hair wraps for the young ones were thrown in before the week was over). We were able to have 3 days of class in Maneadero, 1 in Colonet and 2 days in Papalote. We all had lunch together each day and did home visits in the afternoons with the surrounding congregations.

It was tiring, but God sustained us. It was so amazing to see the work ethic of the ladies and hear what other things they are passionate about. We are excited for similar classes to continue with the local talent (turns out crocheting is pretty popular around here). The joy of being together in community was evident, and we focused devotional thoughts on being found in God wherever we may find ourselves this year. Doubting, scared, lonely, rejoicing, working- we can always be found in Him. In his peace, purpose, goodness and love.

We are going to hold on to our Anchor who has given us dreams and visions. We are going to TRUST and not grow weary.

Praise God for the safety and excitement of this past week. Thanks again to Deb, Courtney and the ladies of the Southside Church in VA for sending so much love and prayers.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; 

my hope comes from him.

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, you people;

pour out your hears to him,

for God is our refuge

Psalm 62:5-8