It's absolutely amazing to admit that 2012 is coming to a close. I'm not sure where the year has gone. So many things have happened...both good and bad...but in all, lessons were learned. I can even say that I feel more prepared for this coming year and all the adventures that are in store. Once again my time in Mexico is coming to an end; I'll soon be heading home for Homeland Ministry Assignment. Though my heart breaks at leaving Mexico, I am looking forward to visiting with some awesome individuals who share my burden for God's ministry and the people of Mexico. Thank you for all the support you've been in the past several years.
I just realized 2013 will mark my 15th anniversary with World Gospel Mission! Can it really be that long ago that I headed out to my first church meeting, scared out of my mind and cried myself to sleep ready to resign in the morning? Oh, how God worked that following morning and showed me that through Him all things are possible. Praise God I didn't give in to the fear. It's been a joy and blessing to serve Him these last 15 years.
God took me around the US, protecting me each and every moment. He was with me at Rio Grande Bible Institute while I studied Spanish. He led me to Saltillo (northern Mexico), to Irapuato (central Mexico) and back to Saltillo again. These last three years, while living in Saltillo, there have been shootings abundant, people terrified by the drug lords fighting over territories...and yet, God has taken care of me in every moment. Just blocks from incidents or minutes separating me from danger. Thank you, Lord, for your hand of protection!!
During these 15 years I've seen many come to know Jesus, others begin to look for Him, and sadly some reject Him without even searching for understanding. I've been involved with several churches beginning and have participated in many ministries throughout Mexico. One great joy I had was taking a small group of 5 youth to Stockton, California for a short term missions trip. What a blessing to see my dear "disciples" learning and going forth to share the Good News!
I think that if I was to sit down and actually write out a list of all the great things I've seen God do over these years, I would never be able to finish!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can not sing your praises enough.
This morning I read Psalm 149. Here are the first 4 verses:
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
"The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation." I pray, Father God, that you have taken pleasure in me this past year...these past 15 years! I praise you and thank you for your salvation! May 2013 be a time of deeper "beautify-ing" and "taking pleasure". This new year belongs to You!!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)