Today was my last staff meeting...it feels quite surreal! Although I will still come to our worship services and be around some, it will definitely be sad and a huge transition to not be staff anymore. As I finish up my last weeks at Tierra Nueva, I wanted to share some of the recent happenings...
One of the women I've spent a lot of time with over the years, chose to get baptized a couple of weekends ago! She also wanted to dedicate her five children to God, which I got to do out in the Skagit River! This is a family I know well, having been present at the birth of her youngest girl, at hospitals with others, and taking others swimming at lakes, and sledding at Mt. Baker. It was a beautiful moment for all, a testimony she wanted to make in front of our faith community and her family and friends.
In the months prior, we've been going through the Genesis Process, a relapse prevention program. This Process helps us to identify our false beliefs that drive our emotions and behavior often without our awareness. By getting at the roots of our issues, inviting Jesus to speak truth to these lies we've believed, we are able to move out of the muck into greater freedom. It's been beautiful to see her pursue this with such conviction and determination.
As she stood in the water before this crowd of people, many who had never been to church, she shared how she wants to leave her past ways behind, letting her false beliefs and addictions go under the water of baptism, be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and filled by the Holy Spirit. Please continue to pray for her as she move towards Jesus and the freedom she is experiencing.
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Family Festival!
This weekend we had our 2nd Family Festival, put on by Bethany Presbyterian Church. It was a ton of fun and great to see families out enjoying themselves! Thanks for those who helped!
Last Jail Bible Study:
I did my last Bible Study on Sunday and was blown away, again, by God's goodness, love, and presence! Before we even started, one woman shared that she woke up this morning feeling happy, really joy-filled amidst the challenges she’s going through. She asked us: "Is this the Holy Spirit that you guys talk about? Ive wondered but not known. The first time I was here with you 4 months ago, I felt hope. Now I feel happy. In the past I've always woken up to take a hit of heroine. This is the first time Ive felt like this and it feels better than any hit! I can't explain it, cause my life isn't any better. So I'm wondering if its the Holy Spirit! Cause its amazing!”After all feeling quite moved by her testimony, we invited her to pray, and with shock, she exclaimed, ‘I cant pray professional prayers like you all’. We reminded her that its not about sounding professional, but praying from the heart. She started praying one of the most heartfelt and beautiful prayers I've ever heard, blessing and praying for the other women.
Being with these women in the jail, has been a beautiful and powerful experience for me. Like this past Sunday, I have often left in awe at who God is and his persistent love and mercy for us!
I am incredibly grateful to have been part of this community for over 6 years. I welcome your prayers, for myself, my friends, the people I've walked alongside, the community here at Tierra Nueva, and for Kenny and I as we get married and head into a much different season! Thank you all for your support and prayers.
One of the women I've spent a lot of time with over the years, chose to get baptized a couple of weekends ago! She also wanted to dedicate her five children to God, which I got to do out in the Skagit River! This is a family I know well, having been present at the birth of her youngest girl, at hospitals with others, and taking others swimming at lakes, and sledding at Mt. Baker. It was a beautiful moment for all, a testimony she wanted to make in front of our faith community and her family and friends.
In the months prior, we've been going through the Genesis Process, a relapse prevention program. This Process helps us to identify our false beliefs that drive our emotions and behavior often without our awareness. By getting at the roots of our issues, inviting Jesus to speak truth to these lies we've believed, we are able to move out of the muck into greater freedom. It's been beautiful to see her pursue this with such conviction and determination.
As she stood in the water before this crowd of people, many who had never been to church, she shared how she wants to leave her past ways behind, letting her false beliefs and addictions go under the water of baptism, be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and filled by the Holy Spirit. Please continue to pray for her as she move towards Jesus and the freedom she is experiencing.
Family Festival!This weekend we had our 2nd Family Festival, put on by Bethany Presbyterian Church. It was a ton of fun and great to see families out enjoying themselves! Thanks for those who helped!
Last Jail Bible Study:
I did my last Bible Study on Sunday and was blown away, again, by God's goodness, love, and presence! Before we even started, one woman shared that she woke up this morning feeling happy, really joy-filled amidst the challenges she’s going through. She asked us: "Is this the Holy Spirit that you guys talk about? Ive wondered but not known. The first time I was here with you 4 months ago, I felt hope. Now I feel happy. In the past I've always woken up to take a hit of heroine. This is the first time Ive felt like this and it feels better than any hit! I can't explain it, cause my life isn't any better. So I'm wondering if its the Holy Spirit! Cause its amazing!”After all feeling quite moved by her testimony, we invited her to pray, and with shock, she exclaimed, ‘I cant pray professional prayers like you all’. We reminded her that its not about sounding professional, but praying from the heart. She started praying one of the most heartfelt and beautiful prayers I've ever heard, blessing and praying for the other women.
Being with these women in the jail, has been a beautiful and powerful experience for me. Like this past Sunday, I have often left in awe at who God is and his persistent love and mercy for us!
