build.

As I'm sitting here reflecting back on this trip, I can't help but to thank God for His presence. For His Faithfulness and guidance.
I am overwhelmed with Love.
Too many people that I got attached to. This is going to be a hard transition.
More to come.

Death could not.

We worshipped to this song on Sunday at the Brook Tab.

The same words over and over.

Absolutely beautiful.

This is how I celebrate freedom.

100% set free by my Savior Jesus.

halfway point.

We have reached a week into this trip! Wahoo, my legs are getting pretty tired but I am trucking through!
So much walking.
It feels like we've been busy finding people here but after a conversation I had with my team today, it felt like we just started because we still haven't found that man of peace which can be very discouraging at times and the work seems overwhelming.
But, this is not about me, my team or even the ministry here, it's about God: who He is, His Glory and His Kingdom. My heart has never been so broken for a people group more than it has for the people here in the city. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I have never prayed so much in my life than I have this past week. Everywhere we go, we are consistently praying.
What a beautiful display of Christ's love affecting our hearts.
And that leads into God's call for us to plant seeds. Being bold. Sharing Jesus. Sharing the testimonies that He has given us. Serving Him with pure and gentle hearts.
As much as we think we're planting, there's a warfare that is beyond our comprehension. But, I'm understanding more of those barriers thanks to this trip. And I'm realizing how much works needs to be done which starts through prayer.

This verse keeps coming up:

And He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Luke 10:2

blessed days.

My days seemed to be longer than usual. Each day feels equivalent to three days. Although, we walk blocks and blocks, it seems like the people we are searching for aren't coming out. Sometimes, that can be disappointing but more disappointing to me is the number of screaming teen mothers yelling at their children. But, more so the number of teen mothers carrying around babies in strollers. Sometimes I wonder where the hope is but then I see a glimpse of that through a man who was sitting in the subway with a sleeping baby on his chest. I couldn't help but stare at the baby because he was precious. The man smiled and said that the baby was his grandson. He started rubbing the baby's head and it just instantly reminded me of God's love for us.

So to sum this all up: Even when it seems like there is nothing good in the world, there is a hope that comes from the love of Christ. And lastly, God likes the little things.

Mural in the subways. You don't find those things very often. 

Thank you for reminding that to me, Lord. 

in the mist of all this brokenness.

And He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Luke 10:2

We went to the Bronx today to meet some friends. I was in for an unexpected reality check. The bronx is one of the roughest parts of town. It was composed of mainly hispanic and african american people. Besides the consistent smell of sewer, there were cars honking obnoxiously, people cursing and yelling at each other, teen moms strolling their babies around.  Even using the restroom was impossible. There was one bathroom in the whole community that was available and that was in the Wendy's near the subway station. You would have to purchase food in order to use their facility. I didn't realize how hard it was to use the bathroom, especially growing up in the suburbs where public restrooms are pretty sanitized and frequently in use for everyone. That was something I definitely take for granted at home.

Obviously, the neighborhood was very broken. The safety factor of this place wasn't even a factor. It was the immense feeling of a lost hope that is in bondage and held captive by societal standards. I felt as if I was standing in a dark room with one candle representing that tiny ounce of hope and new beginnings. I believe that the Lord does that for the goodness of who He is. To reel His people back to Himself.

I never prayed so much in my life.

That is definitely something I have gained through this experience.

Praise God.

Reliance on Him. Growing with Him.

Thank you for showing me the brokenness in this world so that I can rely on Your Spirit to bring light into this world. 


I love You, Jesus. 


There is hope.
We met our friend named Constancio and He is a believer and devout Christian. Born and raised in Mexico, he recently became a Christian along with his wife and kids about 4 years ago. When I first saw him standing behind the counter in his luggage store, I noticed this huge, sweet smile that painted across his face. It was humbling knowing that he lives in this tiny apartment with his wife and kids barely making it through. But his contentment with where he was filled by the joy that He had through the cross. When he began to speak about Jesus and how much God was doing in his life, I couldn't help but rejoice with him. His English is wonderful for somebody who didn't know a lick beforehand. I was impressed by what the Lord is doing and how He is using Constancio for the Kingdom and the depths of the people in that community that God has placed him in.

Quiet the inspiring story huh?

Totes.

Going to an african party late tomorrow afternoon.

M.