Whew! This past week went by so fast, and I am just now finding a breath to post.
We had a team here from North Carolina. They did a sports camp in one of the villages we are working in. They were such a blessing, because they helped open so many doors for us. We had way over 100 children at the sports camp, and got to meet people who live in the villages we are in. God opened up so many potential opportunities for us to carry on this summer.
At our end of the week meeting, we went over Acts 17. There were two things that stuck out to me that I would like to share with you all: 1. we must contextualize the gospel, and 2. we should not be surprised when we face trials.
First, it is incredibly important to learn about the people and their cultural values. Then, use the things that you learn about them to lead into and relate the gospel. Paul does just this in Acts 17.
Secondly, trials will come if we are being effective. The people are fine and welcoming and open, until change begins to occur. When hearts begin to change and people begin to act different, others begin to fear and persecute those who cause change. At this time, when struggles are invading, this is when we must get on our face before God, and go through the struggle with Him. If we kneel before and cling to Him, He is faithful to bring us out stronger that ever before.
Going into this week, we are ready to dig deep with the relationships we have begun. We are ready and open for God to use us in ways that we cannot fathom.
Prayers:
- relationships from sports camp to grow
- strength when trials come
- openness and boldness to share the gospel
- encouragement for my village team to know that we are being effective
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
Love Like Him
Let me just start by saying that we serve an awesome God! I am so blessed to be a part of His work here in southern Mexico.
We started in our villages this week. We are getting aquainted with the culture there, and starting to build some great relationships. Our mission this week was to pass out fliers for the sports camp this coming week. It was a great foot in the door to meet the people we will be getting close with this summer. I am amazed by the Holy Spirit. Although none of us in my village group speak fluent Spanish, God truly used the Spanish we have to carry on some great conversations. Without Him, we would have been useless.
We met a lady in our smaller village who quickly became one of our great new friends. She was so helpful in showing us where certain people live, and introducing us all around. We met a woman who instantly offered to show us how to make "real" tortillas. Yum! However, we figured out when we came back the next day and tried, that it is not easy. It is a divine art.
On the second day in the villages, the same day as tortilla making, we met some women in the bigger village. We are very excited to see the relationships to come there. We ended the day with a hike to the top of the hill at the smaller villages. Some of the children lead us up so that we could see God's beautiful creation from high above. It was breathtaking! I was reminded that God created it all, including each individual and unique person. How simple, but amazing is that!
It is so easy to get caught up in the differences between people. However, we are ALL created in the image of God. Whether we are believers or not, we are still created in God's image. Therefore, I am reminded daily to look past any differences or first impressions, and to love each and every person as Jesus would. We are called to love, and in the way that Jesus loves, sacrifically and unconditionally. As I continue on my journey that God has given me,I challenge you and pray that I always walk in the way of love, never forgetting that Christ is my example.
In Him,
Alex Kate
"Keep company with Him, and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious, but extravogant. He did not love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that!" - Ephesians 5:2
We started in our villages this week. We are getting aquainted with the culture there, and starting to build some great relationships. Our mission this week was to pass out fliers for the sports camp this coming week. It was a great foot in the door to meet the people we will be getting close with this summer. I am amazed by the Holy Spirit. Although none of us in my village group speak fluent Spanish, God truly used the Spanish we have to carry on some great conversations. Without Him, we would have been useless.
We met a lady in our smaller village who quickly became one of our great new friends. She was so helpful in showing us where certain people live, and introducing us all around. We met a woman who instantly offered to show us how to make "real" tortillas. Yum! However, we figured out when we came back the next day and tried, that it is not easy. It is a divine art.
On the second day in the villages, the same day as tortilla making, we met some women in the bigger village. We are very excited to see the relationships to come there. We ended the day with a hike to the top of the hill at the smaller villages. Some of the children lead us up so that we could see God's beautiful creation from high above. It was breathtaking! I was reminded that God created it all, including each individual and unique person. How simple, but amazing is that!
It is so easy to get caught up in the differences between people. However, we are ALL created in the image of God. Whether we are believers or not, we are still created in God's image. Therefore, I am reminded daily to look past any differences or first impressions, and to love each and every person as Jesus would. We are called to love, and in the way that Jesus loves, sacrifically and unconditionally. As I continue on my journey that God has given me,I challenge you and pray that I always walk in the way of love, never forgetting that Christ is my example.
In Him,
Alex Kate
"Keep company with Him, and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious, but extravogant. He did not love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that!" - Ephesians 5:2
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Obedience is the Center of His Will
Hola!
I have started my journey in Oaxaca. We arrived here Thursday, and we are all in love with the people, colors, culture, and city!
Let´s rewind just a little bit. Before we even set foot on the airplane, there were many hours of preparation that took place in Alabama. This past week has we were bombarded with tons of information, but it was so rewarding and challenging. One of my favorite things that we talked about at orientation has got to be: Going does not make you effective. Staying does not make you effective. Obedience make you effective. We who go to the nations are not any more spiritual or any better than the ones who stay, just because we go. It is incredibly important to listen to the Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and heed his calling or command. We are to be in the center of His will in all that we do, and to be obedient to His command.
In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus calls three different people to come and follow Him. However, each time the people make up some excuse as to why they are not ready to follow in obedience to what He is calling them to do. I urge you to tune your ear to the calling that God has for you. When He speaks, go and do as He is asking you. When you are in His will, He is faithful to carry out the work He began in and through you.
Thank you all for your prayers as God is taking me on this journey. I am encouraged by you, and I am so glad that you are going on this journey along side me.
Prayers:
- continued growth together as a team
- comfort zones to be shattered
- that God continues to go before us and prepare hearts
- that we will sieze every opportunity He places in our path
- language
- confidence and boldness in sharing the gospel
- comfort and peace in knowing that He fills every area in which we feel inadquate
I have started my journey in Oaxaca. We arrived here Thursday, and we are all in love with the people, colors, culture, and city!
Let´s rewind just a little bit. Before we even set foot on the airplane, there were many hours of preparation that took place in Alabama. This past week has we were bombarded with tons of information, but it was so rewarding and challenging. One of my favorite things that we talked about at orientation has got to be: Going does not make you effective. Staying does not make you effective. Obedience make you effective. We who go to the nations are not any more spiritual or any better than the ones who stay, just because we go. It is incredibly important to listen to the Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and heed his calling or command. We are to be in the center of His will in all that we do, and to be obedient to His command.
In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus calls three different people to come and follow Him. However, each time the people make up some excuse as to why they are not ready to follow in obedience to what He is calling them to do. I urge you to tune your ear to the calling that God has for you. When He speaks, go and do as He is asking you. When you are in His will, He is faithful to carry out the work He began in and through you.
Thank you all for your prayers as God is taking me on this journey. I am encouraged by you, and I am so glad that you are going on this journey along side me.
Prayers:
- continued growth together as a team
- comfort zones to be shattered
- that God continues to go before us and prepare hearts
- that we will sieze every opportunity He places in our path
- language
- confidence and boldness in sharing the gospel
- comfort and peace in knowing that He fills every area in which we feel inadquate
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Beginning
The Lord is amazing. I stand in awe of Him, and all that He does.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:10-12
Wow!! This is all that I can say after coming home from orientation this weekend with Go Now Missions. This weekend, God blew me away! He showed me His power, and truly was present in everything that took place this weekend.
At orientation, we were divided up into groups, called tribes. My tribe was made up of teams going to Mexico, Venezuela, Nashville, and Texas. Let me just say, I wish we were all going to the same place! Our tribe meshed together so well. We felt like we had known each other for years and years, when in reality it had only been about 5 hours. God truly placed each one of us together!
The weekend flew by, and was extremely busy! We participated in seminars, worship, house church, tribe bible study, travel preparations, prayer walking seminars, commissioning service, and that is just the beginning. Each one of these things grew us so much in Christ! Who knew that in one weekend, my whole view of the Lord and passion for Him could grow so much!
I stand in awe of Him, and of His power. I am amazed already at how He is working!! I look forward to this summer serving Him in Oaxaca, Mexico. I am ready for Him to use me in some crazy ways!!
Thank you all for your prayers and support as God takes me on this journey.
Prayer requests for now:
- God is preparing the hearts and opening the hearts of those we will meet
- Safety
- Health
- Jeff and Liesa Holeman (career missionaries to Oaxaca)
- Travel (to Mexico June 6)
- God will use us out of our comfort zones
- Discernment of His will
- Team will mesh together well, and we will truly be a team
- Nehemiah Teams Orientation (June 1-5)
In Him,
Alex Kate
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
His Ways are Higher than Our Ways
Hey y'all! So, it has been a while since the last time I posted anything, but like I said last time, college makes you busy. There seems to never be a dull moment or time for rest. Here I am now, though, taking the time to lay out what is on my mind/heart.
As I am planning for my mission trip to Mexico, I have been faced with many different people and situations that have really got me thinking "Why am I here?", "Why did God place me where I am?", and "What is my purpose here on earth?" As I contemplated these questions, I was encouraged to dig and to ask questions and to figure out the answers to these questions that at first glance seem so simple. As I continued to seek what God has for me, I was deeply encouraged in so many different things. I want to share some of those with y'all, and hope that they encourage you just as they have encouraged me.
- God has a plan for all of us.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that God truly does have a purpose for each and everyone of use. We were all created by God, for God. He knows the amount of hairs on your head (Luke 12:6-7). He knows your deepest secrets, worries, aspirations, and dreams. He knew all of this before you were even thought of by your parents (Jeremiah 1:5). How amazing is that?! Our God, the Ruler of the Universe, the Ultimate King, the Loving Father loves us so much that He takes to time to intimately care for and know us. Wow! Now, take this in. The King who knows your inmost being, has a plan for you. Not just a plan that is like everyone else's plan. No! He has a specific and unique plan just for you. Made and mapped out with you as an individual in mind.
- God's plan is the ultimate plan
So many times, we like to think that our plan is higher that God's. As humans, we, by nature, are lead to believe that we know what is right for ourselves. We are lead to believe that we can handle anything that comes our way, and that we know just what the future will hold for us. This could not be anymore wrong! In Isaiah 55:8-9, God says ""My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." God lays it out for us. He does not leave it to question. His ways are higher than our ways. We can only see one single pixel of the picture, and God can see the entire view. Why would we trust our own selves when we are so blind to what He has for us? We are to seek out and follow His plan for us.
- God's plan is for your best interest
God knows just what we need. He knows what we desire and want as well. God will not bring us something, or He does not have something in His plan that is not with our best interest in mind. In Jeremiah 29:11 He tells us just this: "For I know the plans I have for you,...Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." He knows what he has for you, and He assures us that it will be good for us and not bring us harm.
- God's plan is not always easy
So many times, we are told that being a Christian is not easy. Nothing could be any more true. We are not promised a straight path that is clean and fresh. Rather, our path my look a little rough. If you have seen Kid President's Pep Talk he says, "Two roads diverge in the wood, and I took the road less traveled, and it HURT, MAN!! Really bad! Rocks! Thorns! Glass!" He gets it! Just like our walk with faith, we will encounter some struggles, some hurts. We will encounter tough times, and broken hearts. Is this supposed to lead us away from God? NO! NO! NO! It is actually just the opposite. We are to RUN closer to Him. An important thing to remember is that God will not bring us to something that He will not bring us through. He will not leave us either when times get hard. As the boat starts to rock, He will hold our hands as we fear. He will hug us as we cry. He will carry us when we are tired. Trust Him to do just that. Trust your life with Him, and that He will NEVER leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
So, now what? Take this. Take it and RUN! Take encouragement in the fact that you have a purpose. Our ultimate purpose for life is to Glorify God and to Make Him Known. How will you do this? How are you currently doing this? Will you take heart when times get hard, and cling to Him? Will you seek out what He has in store for you? What keeps you from seeking out and living His plan for your life? Are you afraid? Are you anxious? Let all that hinders go away. Run the race that He has marked out for you as it says in Hebrews 12:1. Take courage and sprint to Him.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, Let us throw of everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-Hebrews 12:1-2
So many times, we are told that being a Christian is not easy. Nothing could be any more true. We are not promised a straight path that is clean and fresh. Rather, our path my look a little rough. If you have seen Kid President's Pep Talk he says, "Two roads diverge in the wood, and I took the road less traveled, and it HURT, MAN!! Really bad! Rocks! Thorns! Glass!" He gets it! Just like our walk with faith, we will encounter some struggles, some hurts. We will encounter tough times, and broken hearts. Is this supposed to lead us away from God? NO! NO! NO! It is actually just the opposite. We are to RUN closer to Him. An important thing to remember is that God will not bring us to something that He will not bring us through. He will not leave us either when times get hard. As the boat starts to rock, He will hold our hands as we fear. He will hug us as we cry. He will carry us when we are tired. Trust Him to do just that. Trust your life with Him, and that He will NEVER leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
So, now what? Take this. Take it and RUN! Take encouragement in the fact that you have a purpose. Our ultimate purpose for life is to Glorify God and to Make Him Known. How will you do this? How are you currently doing this? Will you take heart when times get hard, and cling to Him? Will you seek out what He has in store for you? What keeps you from seeking out and living His plan for your life? Are you afraid? Are you anxious? Let all that hinders go away. Run the race that He has marked out for you as it says in Hebrews 12:1. Take courage and sprint to Him.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, Let us throw of everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-Hebrews 12:1-2
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Day of Renewal.
Blogging has seemed to become a very low priority lately, even though I wanted to blog a lot more once I moved to Tech. So, while I have a short break in studying, I thought that I could update on what the Lord has been doing in my life.
Life a Tech has been a whirl wind, but the Lord has blessed me beyond belief. He not only has given me good times, but has also shown me some areas in my life that I need to work on. I would like to say that once I came to Tech, I kept the desire to stay on a mountain top in my relationship with Christ. However, I now know and believe that He teaches us things when we are in the deepest valleys of life.
Going through life here, I have been solely going through the motions. I no longer think about "What can I do right this moment to glorify God?" or "What am I not doing enough of to bring glory to His name?" These questions have been hitting me in the face lately, and I have began to realize that I am not going any extra length to glorify the most amazing God of the universe. What am I thinking? I have began to be self reliant, and since everything was going well, I didn't really seek Him.
However, with procrastination comes stress, and in a sense, that is what I was doing with my faith. Procrastinating. I was putting God off until tomorrow, and the tomorrow, the next day. This has really began to weigh down on me hard. Why am I beginning to even think that I can take care of myself or rely on myself when I only fail myself every single day? So, what comes next?
When I read God's word, He truly answers my prayers of what I could be doing better in my life. He shows me what areas I need to work on, but He also shows me what areas I am doing well in at this time. As sin continues to lurk in the background just waiting for an opportune time to pounce, God is preparing me to face these temptations. He is equipping me with the armor I need to fight war against these sins.
He is not only teaching me in solitude. He is teaching me through so many other people in my life. Whether that be good influences or bad, He is revealing to me His plans little by little. Christ has been growing immensely within Kyle, for one example, and He is becoming the spiritual leader that I always wanted him to be, and the leader that Christ desires for him to be. The Lord is amazing me day in and day out through what work He is doing in Kyle. He teaches me new things daily.
So, what does all of this mean?
Even though I haven't given God the time and glory that he deserves and desires, He still stands right by my side waiting for me to grab His hand and ask for His help. He doesn't give up on me just because I am trying to do it on my own. He continually jumps out in front of me in hopes that I will see Him, and learn the lesson that He is going to teach me. He is renewing me everyday, so that I can glorify Him.
Thank God for His patience and unending grace.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2
This is a day of renewal.
Life a Tech has been a whirl wind, but the Lord has blessed me beyond belief. He not only has given me good times, but has also shown me some areas in my life that I need to work on. I would like to say that once I came to Tech, I kept the desire to stay on a mountain top in my relationship with Christ. However, I now know and believe that He teaches us things when we are in the deepest valleys of life.
Going through life here, I have been solely going through the motions. I no longer think about "What can I do right this moment to glorify God?" or "What am I not doing enough of to bring glory to His name?" These questions have been hitting me in the face lately, and I have began to realize that I am not going any extra length to glorify the most amazing God of the universe. What am I thinking? I have began to be self reliant, and since everything was going well, I didn't really seek Him.
However, with procrastination comes stress, and in a sense, that is what I was doing with my faith. Procrastinating. I was putting God off until tomorrow, and the tomorrow, the next day. This has really began to weigh down on me hard. Why am I beginning to even think that I can take care of myself or rely on myself when I only fail myself every single day? So, what comes next?
When I read God's word, He truly answers my prayers of what I could be doing better in my life. He shows me what areas I need to work on, but He also shows me what areas I am doing well in at this time. As sin continues to lurk in the background just waiting for an opportune time to pounce, God is preparing me to face these temptations. He is equipping me with the armor I need to fight war against these sins.
He is not only teaching me in solitude. He is teaching me through so many other people in my life. Whether that be good influences or bad, He is revealing to me His plans little by little. Christ has been growing immensely within Kyle, for one example, and He is becoming the spiritual leader that I always wanted him to be, and the leader that Christ desires for him to be. The Lord is amazing me day in and day out through what work He is doing in Kyle. He teaches me new things daily.
So, what does all of this mean?
Even though I haven't given God the time and glory that he deserves and desires, He still stands right by my side waiting for me to grab His hand and ask for His help. He doesn't give up on me just because I am trying to do it on my own. He continually jumps out in front of me in hopes that I will see Him, and learn the lesson that He is going to teach me. He is renewing me everyday, so that I can glorify Him.
Thank God for His patience and unending grace.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2
This is a day of renewal.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Long Days and Fun Nights
There is so much that has been going on since I last updated. I could never tell you all every single moment from the past month. From studying and classes to chapter meetings, engineering kick off, and barn dances, my schedule is jam packed.
Thank you all for the prayers and support that you are lifting up and have for me as I have embarked on this new journey. They are needed, and very much appreciated.
Another day to study, and another night to have fun.
-Alex Kate
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