So I've been a major slacker with blogging. I apologize to those of you that are wanting to know what is going on here in War. Well, let me tell you, it has been a super exciting month where God has revealed Himself in many ways!
First of all, thank you so much for those of you who have been praying. Do you ever feel like God's blessing are just flowing over you? That is how I have felt, and I know that part of that is because of your prayers. This past month I don't think I have ever been so humbled by the work of God. Through random churches saying that they are praying for me, getting checks in the mail for school supplies, to my home church letting me know that they want to partner with me....I have felt incredibly loved. God has used these people to show me a glimpse into His plan for my ministry here in McDowell. Most of all, He has shown me that His plan is so much more than I can imagine! It seems like all of the sudden the flood doors have opened. I'm holding on and cannot stop smiling as I know it is God!!!
Well, besides encouragement, I have been really excited about the opportunities of involvement that God has brought my way. In school I have made some great relationships now with many teachers and have been able to share my faith. Also, I have started to really bond with my students and to be able to see some progress in their learning which is super exciting. Outside of school, I joined Kiwanis with my roommate. I'm now a pinned, official member! :) For those of you who don't know, this is a service volunteer club that does a ton for the community. I feel like it is a wonderful way to not only serve War, but also to build relationships with community members.
And one of the most exciting things...YOUNG LIFE! I should first back up...when I came a year ago (exactly today), I started praying about the ministry that God wanted me to be involved in. I really was overwhelmed by all the different options, so I decided just to wait and pray till the Lord lead me. Well, this year I have felt like Moses at the Red Sea when God says, "What are you waiting for? Go!" I know that the Lord has brought me here for two years and for a reason. The entire time I've been here, I have been very burdened for the high schoolers. With churches that are barely surviving, kids their age do not have a lot of healthy options...let alone an opportunity to really grow in their faith. So, I presented the idea of a "Coffee House Ministry" to Dan and Laura. They were both very much on board and felt a similar burden for these kids. At that point, we gave it to God and prayed that He would lead us as we started something like this. One thing led to another, and now I am thrilled to say that God willing, we will be starting Young Life ministry here in War by the first of January. God has so intricately worked out every step and the people in our path...especially the WV Director of Young Life. Please be praying as we continue to seek God in this exciting adventure. We are still praying about a location. Also, please pray that God will open up the hearts of those we work with and that we would continue to let the details to Him as we minister to these kids.
As you can imagine, I'm basically beyond excitement. I am feeling so amazingly blessed at the outpouring of God's love on me. I wanted to share this with all of you. I hope that God shows His face clear to you and that today you are reminded how great His love is for you!
