"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
Galatians 4:4-7
God has placed the Spirit in my heart and my heart cries out.
What a beautiful thing to progress from a slave, to a son, to an heir. This is what we focused on during our staff devotions this morning. The discussion struck a different chord with me this morning as I thought about dear friends going through the adoption process. After many years of waiting and logistics, they brought home their little girl recently! While reading this scripture in Galatians, one of my co-workers commented on how we are adopted into the Father’s kingdom. Something I’ve heard before, yet this time, after following bits and pieces of a friend’s journey to adopt, was struck by the magnitude of it all. Just as my friends have persevered and faithfully sought their daughter, Jesus has faithfully sought me (and continues to do so!). A little child waiting adoption has done nothing to deserve to be picked by a family – they are simply naked and helpless. It is the same for me before the Lord. What a humbling and amazing thing.
Personally, this past month has been filled with big news! First of all, I have unpacked my suitcases for the first time since moving here!! I now have a dresser to hold my clothes in the apartment and it is definitely beginning to feel a little more like home here. Second of all, through prayer and God’s direction I am now the proud owner of a 1999 Mitsubishi Montero! I am excited to be able to pick up high schools kids to hang out, give rides to YL Club, transport YL sound equipment and supplies, etc. All of this was being done by one couple who were happy to do it, but definitely feeling the strain of being the only ones who own a car. My high school friend, Rebekah, and I broke in the new car by going for ice cream on Sunday afternoon. Finally, this month has brought my first visitors!! My parents were able to come for about a week and half and we had a great time! Mom and Dad experienced most of what Jarabacoa and the D.R. has to offer in their short time here, even hiking one of the most difficult waterfalls! Also, two good friends just finished up a visit here. Jill and Chrissy (both from Fredericksburg) were here for a week and it was so good to have them here. I miss my family and friends being here, but know that the Lord is growing me in different ways.
Doulos. Last week was Service Week at Doulos. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday each grade level served a different part of the community with various projects. It’s a week where kids get to experience service to the community around them. Some of the projects that took place were: 5th and 12th grade travelling to a batay and working with kids in the community, 4th grade built a road at a local camping site, 2nd and 3rd grade did activities with a local public school in the afternoon, high school art painted a mural in town, middle school kids served those adults that serve us on campus…. and the list goes on! At the center of all of this service is our love for Christ and His calling on our hearts. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 It was so great to have Jill and Chrissy to be a part of Service Week with me!
Young Life. We had Club last Tuesday and kids once again heard of God who loves them. Please continue to pray for relationships between high school folks and their leaders. Please continue to pray for our leaders as all of the stars are aligning right now to make this a busy time in our lives. We are approaching the mid-way point of the semester and it is the time that we all start to hit our valleys. We so appreciate your prayerful support of this ministry!
Thank you so much for your letters, emails, notes, packages, thoughts, conversations, and prayers. I think of you often and feel so blessed to have such an awesome support system. The Lord is using you here. Thank you.
