the lost all around me.

Too many times I catch myself thinking that the lost are only overseas. I catch myself thinking that the only need is in a third world country or a lost community around the world...but definitely not down the street. Recently, I have been slapped in the face with the reality that people are lost all around me.

This week I met a group of 9-11 year old girls. It has been a while since I have interacted with girls that are not in Awana or Sunday School and I was stunned at their behavior and the reality of their world. As I was talking to these girls, I realized that their topic of conversation and their world revolved around cussing, fighting, kissing, relationships and friends. When I was their age, my biggest concern was what game we would play at recess or what we would eat for lunch. I couldn't believe that already at their young age, they had been exposed to lifestyles that I had no idea existed until I was much older. It breaks my heart for them that they are not exposed to the hope and peace that comes from a life in Christ. I want them to clearly see and know that God is good. I desire for them to have no doubt that they are LOVED and that they are beautiful daughters of the King!

I pray that the Lord will use me to show that to them. I pray that I will be a vessel that shares His love so clearly to the lost right down the road from me. I have to change my outlook on the lost. I have to stop living for the day that I can share His love with the lost around the world. I have to open my eyes to the need around me at this moment. I have to open my heart to the lost and hurting right outside my door. I have to pray for their hearts to be changed so that they may know the love of the Father!

This world is a dark place. People everyday are dying in darkness and despair without having seen the light of the Father. We as followers of God are called to be that light. We are called to be the salt of the earth and  a light in this world. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."- Matthew 5:16 We have been sent from the Father to share His love and light with this dark world. While we share our lives with others, it will not be easy. We are promised trials and tribulations. But through this, we have hope and we do not lose heart  because we know that our Father has OVERCOME this world. In the end, He will win. He will defeat this darkness and He will get all the glory.

That is the day I am living for. I cannot wait for the day that EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue confess that GOD is KING! I cannot wait for the day that children do not have to live in poverty and hunger. That girls are not bombarded with the darkness of the world at such a young age. I cannot wait for the day that was revealed to John in Revelations 21. "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God HIMSELF will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.' And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making ALL things new.'" 

Until that day comes, I need to do my best to be faithful in the situation that the Lord has given me. There is an incredible amount of need here in Indy. There are people walking around me everyday that are lost searching for an answer. I have that answer. I know the Savior personally. And I need to share that. This is life or death and I have to start treating it that way. To God be the GLORY forever and ever!!

2012.. a look back at God's goodness

I cannot get over how much the Lord worked in my heart and life this past year and then how that translated and showed itself in the lives of others close to me and around the world. Last year, I asked the Lord to give me clear opportunities to reach those around me and share His word with those that are lost; and He of course, did not disappoint. It was not until I opened my eyes and my heart to be used by the Lord that I was able to recognize the opportunities that He clearly placed right in front of me. Here is a small recap of what the Lord has done this year in my life and those around me...may He get ALL the GLORY!

January:

• Passion 2012 [challenged and encouraged to live for the Lord on my campus]
• Started thinking about my plans for the summer
• Had multiple conversations with my roommate about the Lord

February:

• Realized I didn't want to "waste" my last summer and started looking for opportunities to serve somewhere overseas
• Talked some more with my roommate about Christ

March:

• After so much prayer and through God's grace, my roommate accepted Christ as her Savior!! 
• Applied to go to Ghana through Pioneers for the summer and was accepted to go! 
• Began to work with Cru at starting a group on IUPUI's campus. 

April:

• Through God's grace and provision was able to raise over $5000 in less than 3 weeks for my summer in Ghana. 
• Able to disciple my roommate and help her understand how to live for the Lord. 
• Went on a roadtrip with my friends to celebrate the end of the school year 

May:

• Passed all my classes (by God's grace! ;) ) 
• Prepared to leave for Ghana
• Missed my Indy Family
• Watched as my roommate continued to grow in the Lord on her own without my constant nagging and "supervision"

June:

• Returned to the continent that holds such a place in my heart!
• Met baby Marybeth and prayed her into the arms of Jesus. 
• Shared the gospel with people who had never heard the name of Jesus 
• Met some incredible people and children that have completely changed my life
• Worked in the local clinic and experienced practicing medicine with limited resources firsthand

July:

• Met Gladys, my little girl that will never be mine but will always have my heart. 
• Shared the gospel with James and He accepted Christ and is being discipled by the missionaries
• Continued to work in the church in Ghana as well as go to villages and share the gospel
• Assisted with over 12 births and was able to pray over each of their new lives

August:

• Returned to America
• Found out I was going to be an AUNT in 2013
• Started another semester of nursing school 
• Began a bible study with Cru at IUPUI [started with 7 students]
• Moved into an apartment with my three friends turned sisters 
• Missed my new home in Africa 

September:

• Watched as our Cru Bible Study continued to grow right in front of our eyes [appx. 15 students]
• Continued to try to transition from life in Africa to life in America.
• Realized that OB nursing is what I really love
• Started to consider what the Lord might be calling me to after college
• Found out that my best friend is pregnant!

October:

• Watched as my closest friends were taking steps to actively pursue God and glorify Him with their lives
• Celebrated with my new brother in Christ over his repentance of sin and acceptance of salvation
• Went on a retreat with Cru that continued to strengthen and solidify the relationships in our new bible study of now >25 students

November:

• Reminded of the incredible need for the Lord around the world and answered the Lord's call to serve Him long term wherever He may take me. 
• Listened to two of my roommates tell our bible study the story of God's great work of redemption and restoration in their lives. 
• Finished our bible study with over 40 students having come to Cru events over the course of the semester!!

December:

• Passed my classes for the semester (again, only through God's power and strength)
• My best friend and her husband moved back to Lafayette! 
• Urbana 12 where I continued to pursue God's calling for my future

I cannot believe what the Lord will do when you open your hands to Him and let Him take control. As I look back on this year, I am amazed, stunned, even speechless at what the Lord has done. None of this had anything to do with me. It was ALL HIM. He allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through me and lead me. I am so thankful that I listened to His call. What a blessing it is to live in God's will and to follow Him to the ends of the earth. 

After this whirlwind of a year, I cannot wait to see what He has planned for me in 2013!! :) 

 my little Gladys :) 

 My roommate turned sister in Christ!!! 

The two that gave their testimonies of how the Lord has completely changed their lives! 

Cru Family 

[A lot of the family is missing from these pictures but you get the idea :)]