A week in the books, a week of training camp. Woah. The Lord has undoubtedly gone before all of this and us and is making something beautiful. I sit down at lunch everyday and look at the people around me and think “nine months.” For nine months I get the privilege of serving, growing and knowing this group of people, people ordained by God to be here in this community, and it is so obvious.
Today, at squad church we were encouraged by the joy that comes when you take up your own cross. The joy in suffering. (Hebrews 12:2-4 and Job 36:15-16) And it’s so true!! No matter to what extent, there is something joyful in following Christ and laying down your life, just as he did and just as we were made to. I have taken three bucket showers, hand washed my clothes, slept in a tent and started all over again and I can confidently and truthfully say that I am glad to do it. Yes, it has only been a week, but looking at the next nine months I am not fearful, angry or hesitant. This is where I am supposed to be and I will embrace it all.
Just feeling really really grateful to be here and to be learning from so many people. Thankful that the Lord led me to this place with him and this ministry. Thankful he gave me the courage to walk away from a good place to faithfully walk with him in a new one. Thankful for the cross and the freedom it gives. HERE’S TO THE NEXT NINE MONTHS, to the good, the bad, the hard and the easy. May we find joy in it all, because He is in it all!!!
I have a small group (Bible Study) at my home on Sunday evenings. Our present study is “If you want to Walk on Water, You’ve got to get out of the Boat” by John Ortberg, Your calling is what this book is all about, taking a step out of our comfort zone in faith. You have been our “Prayer Project” for several months now. May God bless you as you go to tell people in other countries about Jesus.
Alexa,
Love you and love hearing what God is doing in your heart and life! Praying that God continues to go before you to prepare the places and the hearts of the people you will encounter. Also for you, to keep on embracing the good, the bad, the hard and the easy, all with much joy! Love you so much, Mom
Aunt Rita,
Thank you for your support for Alexa. And so thankful for your small group taking her on as your “prayer project”! So encouraging to know people are praying for her and her squad even in Waco! Love you, Melanie
Very true! Praying for joy overflowing Alexa!
Alexa! I’m glad you are off to a great start with amazing perspective! Anticipate. It will be incredible!!! I love you and will pray for you!!!
Alexa- Ellen and I are so excited to be coaching your squad and enjoyed meeting you at training camp. Yes the journey will be difficult and joyful at the same time. We have seen the fruit these journeys produce. Press in and keep smiling!
Hey #3,
You and your family believe you are right where God wants you to be. I believe Sephanie had a great word, “Anticipate”. If you do that and believe, it will be so exciting to see where God takes you. Know that we are praying for you and your squad every day. Love you and miss you so much! Dad
Thank you so much for the prayers and support. It truly means more than you know and am so glad I get to bring more people into this mission trip and let people see what the Lord is doing around the world and my own heart. This past year the Lord showed me what it looks like to fully surrender to him and I have not felt anything more fulfilling, it really does take getting out of the boat!! Thank you so much again for all the prayer and support.
Love,
Alexa White