Joanna <3
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Here I am, 3 days away from leaving on outreach! I can't believe how the time flies! These past 2.5 months have been life changing. I learned so much each week and I have made lifetime friends. God has blessed me with so much here.
The past two weeks have especially gone by quick. My ammmaazing family came to visit! I loved having Dad, Mom, Kyle, and Grandma here :) We got to spend a lot of time together sight seeing around the island, 4-wheeling where Pearl Harbor, Lost, Jurassic Park, 50 first dates, and so many other movies were filmed, had great dinners, (rare for me since being here) hiking, and time to just be together. They were here for a total of ten days and they got to sit in on some lectures too! Dr. Ron Carlson who wrote Fast Facts on False Teachings came and shared with us on each religion and we all learned a lot.
I also wanted to let you all know that I will not have my laptop or anything while I am gone. I will try and get on and update as often as possible. In Bangladesh they turn off electricity sometimes to save money and we are not sure if there are internet cafe's there or not. I would also appreciate your prayers. There are issues happening in India and Thailand that are making it iffy if we can actually get into Bangladesh. We know that God is good and we are trusting that He will get us where we need to be safely. All of my team is excited about the unknown. God has everything planned out and He is waiting for us to follow in His footsteps.
As much as I have learned these past months I am so much more excited to now apply what I have learned and see the ways God will work. I pray that I will touch lives and bring Gods love to the broken hurting people there. We have had numerous times of prayer as a team and I have been praying for a heart for Bangladesh. One night I just felt like God was speaking to me and saying "Just tell them I love them." Its easy to force my own opinions on people but I want my actions to show love. I will be pushed and stretched but God will be holding me together. This adventure will be an exciting one. I can not wait to share all the stories. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I will keep you all in my prayers too!
<3
The past two weeks have especially gone by quick. My ammmaazing family came to visit! I loved having Dad, Mom, Kyle, and Grandma here :) We got to spend a lot of time together sight seeing around the island, 4-wheeling where Pearl Harbor, Lost, Jurassic Park, 50 first dates, and so many other movies were filmed, had great dinners, (rare for me since being here) hiking, and time to just be together. They were here for a total of ten days and they got to sit in on some lectures too! Dr. Ron Carlson who wrote Fast Facts on False Teachings came and shared with us on each religion and we all learned a lot.
I also wanted to let you all know that I will not have my laptop or anything while I am gone. I will try and get on and update as often as possible. In Bangladesh they turn off electricity sometimes to save money and we are not sure if there are internet cafe's there or not. I would also appreciate your prayers. There are issues happening in India and Thailand that are making it iffy if we can actually get into Bangladesh. We know that God is good and we are trusting that He will get us where we need to be safely. All of my team is excited about the unknown. God has everything planned out and He is waiting for us to follow in His footsteps.
As much as I have learned these past months I am so much more excited to now apply what I have learned and see the ways God will work. I pray that I will touch lives and bring Gods love to the broken hurting people there. We have had numerous times of prayer as a team and I have been praying for a heart for Bangladesh. One night I just felt like God was speaking to me and saying "Just tell them I love them." Its easy to force my own opinions on people but I want my actions to show love. I will be pushed and stretched but God will be holding me together. This adventure will be an exciting one. I can not wait to share all the stories. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I will keep you all in my prayers too!
<3
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Servants Heart
Well I am already beginning week 9 which means I only have 3 weeks until I leave for Bangladesh! Time is really flying here. It seems like I just got here but at the same time it seems like this is where I have always been. Its a weird feeling to explain!
I have had a blessed couple of weeks since my last "blogging session." :)
Last week was all about the character of God. Obviously I did not learn everything about His character within one week. That will last my whole life and even then it will not be enough time.
If you have not seen Louis Giglio's video called, How Great is Our God, I encourage you to go watch it! It will blow you away. It speaks of the stars and galaxies God spoke into existence as well as the human body and how complex it is. I thoroughly enjoyed my week of new revelations!
This week our speaker is Art Collins who is speaking on servanthood. What a great topic we all need to hear! We have only had 4 out of the 12 hours he will be speaking but I have already learned so much.
Have you realized the hands that molded the earth are the same hands that washed the feet of the disciples? The greatest servant to walk the earth was Jesus himself. He constantly blessed others not once asking, "now what do I get?" He gave in rich abundance and we hesitate to even give something as small as a part of our lunch away. If we treat each person like it is Jesus, could you imagine the kind of impact Christians would have? The words we speak can only go so far but if we have the love of Jesus pouring out, then we can truly make a difference.
My challenge to you would be to reach out to those around you. It may take a few moments but those few moments will echo in eternity. Matthew 25:40 says, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Its time to stop thinking life is all about ourselves. Put the eyes of our Heavenly Father on and see what is actually going on. People are hurting and people need the love of Jesus. This is not a time for selfishness. Be bold and step out in His love.
I have had a blessed couple of weeks since my last "blogging session." :)
Last week was all about the character of God. Obviously I did not learn everything about His character within one week. That will last my whole life and even then it will not be enough time.
If you have not seen Louis Giglio's video called, How Great is Our God, I encourage you to go watch it! It will blow you away. It speaks of the stars and galaxies God spoke into existence as well as the human body and how complex it is. I thoroughly enjoyed my week of new revelations!
This week our speaker is Art Collins who is speaking on servanthood. What a great topic we all need to hear! We have only had 4 out of the 12 hours he will be speaking but I have already learned so much.
Have you realized the hands that molded the earth are the same hands that washed the feet of the disciples? The greatest servant to walk the earth was Jesus himself. He constantly blessed others not once asking, "now what do I get?" He gave in rich abundance and we hesitate to even give something as small as a part of our lunch away. If we treat each person like it is Jesus, could you imagine the kind of impact Christians would have? The words we speak can only go so far but if we have the love of Jesus pouring out, then we can truly make a difference.
My challenge to you would be to reach out to those around you. It may take a few moments but those few moments will echo in eternity. Matthew 25:40 says, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Its time to stop thinking life is all about ourselves. Put the eyes of our Heavenly Father on and see what is actually going on. People are hurting and people need the love of Jesus. This is not a time for selfishness. Be bold and step out in His love.
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