WOW! It has been so long since I have posted. I know this is really long so I am going to apologize ahead of time, I really hope you keep reading. So much has happened since the last post! We had our first conference call, which was such a blessing to be able to hear everyone's excitement about this summer. I already feel that much closer to our team. It has really made everything feel so much more real. So many people on our team have been experiencing spiritual warfare, where the devil is attacking their faith. We have all been praying that the situations bring them even closer to God. Hearing the passion in the voices of Gina and Jason Root, our leaders, is incredible. They love Jesus so much and have moved beyond the point of excitement of all Jesus saved us from, to the point where they are completely and utterly in LOVE with Him and Passionate about not only what He saved us From but what He saved us FOR. I want to learn all how to become that passionate! Marc Baugh (Our Co-Youth Minister Person) talked about that a few Sundays ago. When we figure out our place in this world, figure out our purpose, that's when we become passionate.
A week or so after our first conference call we got an Urgent Email that we need to have an Emergency Conference Call that night! Me and Annsley where so curious about what was so urgent. Once we got on the phone we realized the dates had to change. For "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of
those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them". (Romans 8:28) and “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). The thing is these verses hold true because the dates worked even better for everyone!
The Lord has blessed me with so many people who have a servants heart and have been able to serve God by giving to my trip. There have been many opportunities that have rose to earn/raise money such as a Restaurant Night that will be held May 14th, and babysitting opportunities. Its amazing! I have about 2/3 of the funds and praying God to provide the rest. This has been the place I have struggled the most with being "rich in faith". Even though I know in my head that God will provide, in my heart sometimes I just don't feel it. He is really stretching my faith so much! I can see the Lord has been working in so many ways including bringing me two new friends and providing for me in so many more ways than I can ever fathom!
Praise God!
Madison Aulner
