Here and Now

Youth Conference in France - Where I ran into Powell from Surf Church, Hossegor!

Hello everyone! It has been a little over a month since we returned to Belgium.

We began with a 10-day break that included one presentation, one evening visit to family friends, two random strangers we evangelized, three movies of evangelism testimonies, and four mornings where I may have slept past noon. During this time, everyone else went home, so I expected to feel a bit lonely at the base. Instead, I couldn’t stop overflowing with joy!

I feel I am doing the will of God – or at the very least, my body is in the country He wants me to be in – and that reality never stops making me love my life.

I did miss my sister’s 10th birthday, my brother’s baptism/confirmation, and my other brother’s first sermon – not to mention a trip to Busch Gardens and the blooming of the pink dogwoods at my grandmother’s house – yet, I wouldn’t trade the cold floors of my dorm room for anything. I am where God wants me. It is worth it to see people inspired, to know lives are being changed, and to truly be God’s hands, feet, and mouth where His perfect plan has orchestrated my presence to be.

I have two more months of European missions work before I return to the USA and start at SC Honors College at the University of South Carolina. I know God is listening and will guide me as I go into this next season of life, and I appreciate your continued prayers as I navigate all the upcoming transitions.

Here is a quick overview of what we have been doing since the break ended:

·      Staffed a booth at a youth conference in France with over 8,000 attendees. We taught youth how to share their testimonies, then posted their presentations on Instagram.

·      Invited people to a Bethel concert, shared the gospel in the streets, and prayed for people afterwards.

·      Led the youth service for the Assemblies of God Pentecost Festival in Belgium.

·      Traveled to Eupen to pray over the city and the church plant there.

·      Helped prepare and construct the basement of Claudiu’s church so they can build a place for children’s Sunday school.

·      Shared at both Francesco and Estevan’s churches. It was so good to be able to bless the people close to my friends with knowledge, prayer, and good stories!

·      And received the final music video from our time in India! You can view it here: https://youtu.be/iYYgmCFgs8c?si=F8E-jna9id_F3Ezr

One of the most touching moments for me occurred at Claudiu’s church. I was speaking with and praying for a woman who was experiencing pain in her foot. After I prayed for her, the pain decreased significantly. She shared that she could feel the presence of God throughout her limbs.

This moment reminded me that God offers us His Life – His eternal presence - to dwell within us. This eternal life is not something reserved for a distance future; it is available for us to experience right now!

I am praying for all of you – that you may truly know Him, experience His eternal presence, and learn to listen to and do His will. May His purpose, joy, and peace be yours, now and forever. Amen. 

Blessings,

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