New things happening!

Sorry I haven't written on here in a while...

Here's what's going on!!

Praise the Lord that I have reached 50% towards my monthly giving goal! This is wonderful that God is providing! I was hoping to make it to 80% by April 1st so I could go to my final training in July, but that does not look like it's going to happen. Please keep praying that I find the remaining members of my support team so that I can get to Bulgaria asap! My next goal and plan of attack is to reach 100% by November of this year, go to my final training in January (which is the next time they have it) and then leave for the field immediately after in February. 

This is doable!!! Please keep praying!! There are such amazing things happening in Bulgaria right now...my team has partnered with an organization called, "Servants Anonymous" and it will be a rehabilitation program in Sofia helping these women to get the counseling and help they need to regain their identities and overcome the trauma they have endured. It can happen!! We have a girl right now in communications with our team about starting her own jewelry making business. So exciting!

One other thing that has me super excited right now is that while I wait to get to the field in Bulgaria, I will be doing His work here in Gainesville working with an organization called Created doing outreach with women/girls who are trafficked right here in my backyard. I will be going on my first outreach this coming Saturday, April 3rd. Please keep the girls we talk to, me and the team in your prayers.You can read more about Created on their website.  

Thank you Christ Community Church!

This past Sunday, August 24th, I was given the opportunity to give my testimony and speak about the work I will be doing in Bulgaria. Rob prayed for me after I spoke which was really special because he will be leaving next week to move to Mississippi.

I also found out that the children decided to give myself and my friend Rachel (who is traveling around the world right now doing mission work) their summer offering towards our missions. So awesome! Thanks kids!

Daughters of Bulgaria Christmas

The team in Bulgaria went out to the streets and brought gifts to the girls. I received the following email and picture:

DofB gathered together to wrap the presents and pray over them and over the night. 

For our Daughters we had scarves and hats (thanks to Abby), calendars (thanks to Hertsmerk in Vienna) and cosmetic bags (thanks to the ladies from the vision trip a few months ago! they were beautiful and so full!)

For the children we had sets of hats, scarves and gloves as well as toys, school supplies, toiletries and some candy! 

"Dirty whores"

Now that I have your attention...if the title of my blog post offended you...please keep reading.

Two Saturdays ago I did something that I rarely do...I went to Starbucks to have coffee (sorry Dunkin Donuts) and use their wifi to complete my homework. I was having a terrible time concentrating on my homework at home because all my dog wanted to do was play and he kept hitting keys on my laptop and it was annoying me to no end...thus began my adventure at Starbucks...

 As I was sitting outside enjoying the beautiful weather we were having, a well-dressed man around his mid to late 40s sat down at the table next to me and began reading the newspaper; we exchanged pleasantries and than went about our business. Time went by, and I noticed that the man was staring at me and my computer quite frequently, but I did my best to just ignore him, even though I was growing uncomfortable. I smiled apprehensively at him and asked if he was having a good day, which supposedly served as an invitation for him to join me at my table. Now, being the "good missionary" I am (LOL) I should have just welcomed him and thought about how this is a great opportunity to meet someone new; however, I was actually thinking, "dang it! I should have stayed home with my dog."

I looked at this man closer, he was definitely at least in his 40s, he had wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. I thought this could be a good sign that he laughed a lot; I came to this conclusion as well because he was not saying a word to me, only smiling at me strangely. I politely asked his name to which he responded, "doesn't matter", so I, in turn, did not offer mine. He then cut to the chase and asked me why I was wearing a Bulgaria shirt. I looked down and indeed, I had put on my Sofia shirt that morning, not even really paying much attention. I shared with him that I had friends that lived there, and that I planned on moving there within the year. He became a bit more friendly at this point, telling me he was from Turkey and that he knew Bulgaria very well. He then asked me what my "fascination" was with that country and why I would want to move there. I explained that I was in school for psychology and Christian counseling and that I was also a missionary that was going to be joining an established team in Bulgaria. He probed for more info on the specifics of what I would be doing there, and as cautious as I was trying to be (he gave off a very sinister vibe) I ended up just telling him that I was going there to offer counseling to women in general. I did not feel comfortable disclosing too much info to him.

He felt the push back I was giving him and ended up turning belligerent towards me; he told me I was a "stupid American" and that I had no place being in "his part of the world" as a "crazy Christian." He also said to "stay away from the dirty whores on the streets" because they were right where they belonged. This was interesting because I hadn't mentioned at all about working and dealing with prostitutes. He said he knew women "like me" and told me that if I did go there and try to talk to the "dirty whores" that I would have "another thing coming" to me. He was literally yelling at me and making a spectacle. People were staring and one guy (rather than step in) was taking video. I was in COMPLETE shock and basically just politely stood up, told him that I would pray for him and then walked to my car and went home.

I'm not sure if I should have said more to him, or if I did the right thing, but either way, I have been praying for this man and the rest of the men who either don't care about, or abuse these women.

Have you been Spiritually Harrassed

I really liked this today from my daily devotional...

In the spiritual realm we deal with spiritual harassment from Satan and his legions. The Bible says "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph.6:12). It is important to recognize when we are coming against these forces. Satan attempts to distract us from our calling and destiny in life. We often trivialize the reality of the spirit realm of evil.

Paul tells us we must set our minds to deal with the spiritual realm of evil when it impacts our lives. "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Eph 6:13).

The next time you feel obstacles have been placed in your life designed to distract you from your God-ordained mission, remember Paul's words and stand firm in Christ.

Share your faith

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ" (Philemon 6-7).

There is a strong correlation between those who publicly share their faith with others and an increase in spiritual growth for that individual. In my own journey I've discovered that when I stop sharing my faith with non-believers I begin to see a dryness in my walk with God.

Sometimes we justify our lack of verbal witness by saying we don't have the spiritual gift of evangelism. Or we conclude that because we have an introvert personality we leave witnessing to others who we deem as more qualified. As a well-qualified introvert myself, I've often wanted to use that excuse. 

Then, the Holy Spirit reminds me of a few instructions Jesus said to EVERYONE:

"But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matt 10:33). "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15-16). There is not much confusion about what Jesus is saying in these verses. And it relates to all of us.

When we share Christ with others God allows us to gain a deeper and greater understanding of every good thing in Christ. Do you see the direct correlation between sharing your faith and your own spiritual growth? Paul says it's actually a prerequisite to spiritual growth.

One of the great ways to turn a conversation to faith is by asking someone if there is anything you can pray for them about. You will be surprised how easily this will transition you into a conversation about their faith lives.

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

People are always asking me "How are you?" Most of the time, it is just a greeting. They really don't want to know how I am. I admit that in a rush, I'll pass by someone and greet him or her with a "Hi. How are you doing?" Even though I care, I don't really expect to spend a long time in conversation to get all the details of how that person really is doing. That's sad. Please help me to be willing to sacrifice a little of my time and to take a few moments to offer a sincere and caring response. Maybe I should just say, "Fine...and how can I help you today?" or "Been a little under the weather, but doing great today. May I help you... or May I pray for you..." or whatever you lay upon my heart to say and do. I want to give a more personal touch...to be a blessing to others and show your love in my response.

In Jesus' name I thank you.