Recap:
The past two weeks have been both good and challenging. They were filled with messages and worship, and I’ve learned so much! We got to do street evangelism. I feel like often we normally just do life without speaking to anyone beyond our group, but this experience highlighted how everyone carries a unique story.
The first man we spoke with was familiar with the World Race, and it was a sweet conversation. He had just returned from South Africa, where he ministers to other pastors. After we prayed for his injured knee, he experienced healing! We also connected with a woman who had recently lost her husband, and we prayed for her peace. There were so many inspiring stories from my team; one group even gave their rain jacket to a homeless man and got to pour into him. God has been working in me, teaching me to have compassion and a bigger heart for others. Since God loves everyone so deeply, I want to reflect that love.
We participated in various scenarios that were both fun and enlightening, giving me a clearer idea of what the time on the race will look like. In one exercise for children’s ministry, we had to create a message and a song in just 10 minutes—something we’ll likely encounter. We also had Culture Day, where we enjoyed food from different countries and wore dresses. I surprisingly liked the South African cheese and jelly sandwiches!
Additionally, we hiked Mt. Yonah, which was a blast. The view was incredible! We backpacked for a night and woke up at 5 AM to get breakfast at Chick-fil-A. Hiking down in the dark was challenging but rewarding.
I have been sick these past couple of weeks, which has been difficult. I’ve missed home a lot and struggled not being at 100%. I visited the doctor twice for medication, but I’m finally feeling much better.
What I Have Learned
- Spiritual Warfare: It’s a daily battle, and I need to put on the armor of God every day.
- Prayer: It is powerful and important, encompassing various types, including worship and warfare.
Prayer Requests
- Healing for sickness
- That God will move this week in North Carolina
- Against any fear or anxiety as Guatemala approaches.
Ella, your update is so encouraging. For you to face all that you are experiencing, and not having been at 100%, and yet pushing through, is a clear sign of God working through you. Getting to interact with other people, out side your group must be exciting and scary. So thankful you have seen fruit from that. Do not forget those in your group need care too. You may be the one God plans to use to help them. Ask them how they are and how you might pray for them right now. And then pray for them right then. Your age is not a limiter. Care for and serve whoever is around you.
Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ….
Thankful for the work God is doing through you.
A friend of your parents and
a brother in Christ.
Cheese and jelly sandwiches?! 🤢 haha
We will keep you in our prayers Ella! Glad you’re feeling better! Feeling sick all the time is the worst!