Woah! it has been officially two weeks! the time has flown by incredibly fast, yet it feels like I’ve been here and known this people for a very long time. it is such a beautiful life here, learning how to keep up with a busy schedule, yet learn the importance of sabbath and rest.
This week has looked a little different than last week. we have still had a lot of sessions, but we also had the opportunity to serve and minister to people!
There have definitely been hard moments this week, but God has been so faithful to provide strength. I have been struggling from lack of sleep (I sleep fine once I fall asleep, but I’m struggling from a lack of hours), lots of rain here, and growing and stretching in ways that are very painful sometimes (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). These are all ways you can keep me and my squad in prayer!
On Wednesday, I was able to get baptized a second time. This was not done as a symbolism of salvation, but as a way to say, “God, help me die to myself everyday, so I can serve you better. I want more of You.” After baptisms and learning about evangelism, all the groups had the chance to go out to the store and do “street” evangelism.
We split up into groups of three and went to a few places (Walmart, Panera, and Chick-fil-a) talking to people and praying over them. We didn’t have the opportunity to bring anyone to Jesus, but we did have the opportunity to encourage people and pray for them and their needs. We also had the opportunity to go to a church service afterwards, which was a fun opportunity to get off of the base for awhile.
Thursday, all the World Race participants signed a waver officially committing to the race, but even more so committing to being willing to grow and keep each other accountable through out the entirety of the race. During this commitment time, our leaders washed our feet and prayed over us, symbolizing the example they are setting for us to love others just like Jesus. it was such an amazing experience, and I ended up having the opportunity to wash all of my leaders also.
Friday was my birthday! It was so hard being away from family, but my squad literally made me feel more special than I could have ever imagined. That morning God had spoke to my heart and reminded me that my birthday was NOT about me. It is about Him, about how He had given me breath, how He had given me eighteen years of life! It was such a beautiful revelation. it was not a day to celebrate me, but a day to celebrate the Lord!
We also had a super fun activity called squad wars, where all the different groups competed in different competitions (a sponge relay, dodge ball, and a dance competition). My squad got last place, but we had the best time ever, and ended the night with a hype worship night.
Also, each squad member is assigned a position in the group (worship team, prayer team, storytellers, church coordinators, health & safety, etc…) I was given the position of church coordinator with two other girls. (This means we plan out church for the squad every Sunday). Prayers that God gives us the right scriptures to bring to the group for church on Sundays would be amazing.
Today we had the opportunity to do ministry at a nursing home and hang out and pray with the residents there. It was so fun to go and bless the residents there!
Ways I have grown this week and am continuing to grow in is communication. This is one of my BIGGEST struggles. God has been teaching me so much in this area, and He is teaching me how to communicate better. He is so good. I have also been growing in contentment in who I am and my worth. These are two things are also two very big struggles. Not having a mirror to look into actually helps a lot with contentment in appearance, but even more than that I am growing more content with my personality and who God made me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Your love, support, and encouragement means the world to me! May God send His blessings over you this upcoming week!
Our squad memorization verse for the week:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 (This is my prayer for you all this week, may you hunger and thirst for the Lord so deeply, and I pray you are filled).
Also, this is a verse that has really impacted me this week and reminded me of why I am here:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19
This week my eyes were opened to the EXTREME importance of spreading the gospel to those around us (not jut on the mission field, but also in the grocery store and daily life, and everywhere we go). I am so excited to share with you all next week! LOVE YOU ALL!
Love, Mandie 🙂
Hi Mandie,
Sounds like you’re in just the right spot ‘for such a time as this.’ God will do His perfect work in you through this experience.
I liked your mention of no mirror. I’ve been thinking a lot lately of the idea of putting on the armor of God and that reminds me of how God equips me when I use what He has given me.
Thank you for taking the time to read! 🙂
Great to hear how God is working and how much you’re growing!
Very proud of you Mandie continue in your work and faith in Christ as he will always lead you. This is a great calling May God bless you and give you wisdom in all you do
Maddie
Happy happy belated birthday! So happy to hear what you guys have been learning about while growing in the knowledge of who God is and how much he loves us.
Much love
Stephen and Teri Jernigan
Prayers for lots of rest, strength and peace over you! Happy belated bday to you and your sis!
I am so excited for you and this experience! You have an amazing attitude and are embracing all that you are learning! We continue to pray for you! God has some amazing things in store and I’m so excited to hear about how your experience them!!
So great to get these updates! keep them coming. Love and prayers!
Oh Mandie
Happy birthday to you!
How I have enjoyed the privilege to pray for you all these years and watch you grow in the Lord. I am so thankful for you heart to serve and obey Him. You are so beautiful, kind, and brave. Praying for you tonight to have a restful night sleep. You are precious! Thanks for the update!
It’s so good to hear how you’re doing. You’re such a blessing. Happy belated birthday! I’m praying for you.
Happy Birthday beautiful woman of God! Yes, what a gift of life He gave when He created you. I’m celebrating you from afar. Congratulations on your baptism and commitment to die to self to live for Jesus. I pray that He will give you not just rest in Him but sleep while you are there. He has given you the strength to do hard things.
Reading this, I think I want to give a great big praise for the way you’ve allowed God to stretch you! There’s just so much new stuff going on over there it’s just hard to express in writing, but it brings me joy to see you celebrate it all. Even through the hard moments you use words like growing, stretching, amazing, opportunity, celebrate, best time, blessings, contentment and excited. May scripture keep reminding you why you’re there!!
Thank you Ms. Rita!! Thank you so much for your support and taking the time to keep up with me!
Thank you Claudia! So blessed to have people like you and your family behind me and supporting me through prayer!
Thank you so much Stephen and Teri! Thank you for all you’ve invested into me and squad L and for all your prayers!!
Thank you so much Mrs. Jenny!! You’re prayers are a huge blessing!!
Thank you so much Katie! Thank you so much for the prayers love and support! Always praying for you and your family!
Thank you so much Mrs. Taliaha! So blessed by the prayers and support!! Looking forward to continue keeping everyone updated on all that God is doing!
Thank you Mrs. Ali! This touches me!! Thank you so much for always praying for me and continuing to pray for me now!! I am so beyond blessed!
Thank you so much Mrs. Carol! I am continually blessed by your commitment to pray for me! Thank you for all the love and support!
Thank you so much Kendra! Thank you for the encouragement and all the prayers and all you’ve invested into me and squad L!
Thank you so much Matt for the encouragement. So blessed by you and all your prayers and investment for squad L!
I have been praying for you and reading your post I believe our Heavenly Father is answering my prayers. As Christians we can not remain silent about our faith in Christ and what He has done for us. He has given us the greatest gift of salvation what more could we ever ask for. Proclaim the good news it is the answer to our messed up world. Continue to let God work thru you and He will bless you in all you do