The plan is revealed!

So, it has been a while since I blogged so I want to give you a very thorough update. If you look back, in May, I was really concerned about my ability to stay in Kenya once I got there. The Lord revealed to me that He would take care of the details of the visa and that I could not let that hold me back from going. The Lord is bigger than any visa problem and if He told me to go there, He would make it so I could stay there.

I went to serve at Camp Hope again this summer; this time as Head Female Counselor. I was extremely blessed working with a tremendous staff and being able to spend 2 1/2 months working non-stop within my passion of ministering to those with special needs and disabilities. If you want to learn more about Camp Hope you can visit www.cbfny.org. Although, it has been different not going to Kenya the past two summers, I would change my experience for the world. My life has been touched by those at Camp Hope, both staff and campers.

It was during camp this summer that I was asked to consider going to Guatemala for a visit. My organization, CTEN, has a number of missionaries there doing disability ministry. I reluctantly agreed because I felt the Lord was saying that I needed to go. I was reluctant because I was unfamiliar with Guatemala and I feared that if I went for two weeks, the Lord would tell me to go for longer. When I arrived, however, my fear subsided. I was able to visit so many wonderful ministries (a school for special needs, a large home for people with disabilities, village outreach, wheel chair distribution) and missionaries. The most important thing I learned from going to Guatemala was this: my passion for the special needs and disabled population is so great and strong that it does not matter which country I am in. The Lord gave me a great love for the Guatemalans I met and spent time along side. I believe that the Lord wanted me to go to show me that I can serve Him within my calling anywhere. This way, if He does call me to another country at some point, I can move forward without hesitation.

 

 



The Lord spoke to my heart and told me that He would make it clear to me where I was to go. After returning from Guatemala, I still did not see an open door for ministry in Kenya. This was a point where I needed to surrender all preconceived plans and hopes and say "Lord, where am I to go?" Honestly, I thought it was going to be Guatemala. But one night as I was driving to church, singing obnoxiously to a song from a musical, I felt like the Lord said "This is my plan, walk in it." In the next few moments, He revealed a plan that I did not even consider (which was confirmation it was from Him).

So, God willing in January, I will serve with two established ministries for a period of time. The one ministry is called His Cherished Ones and they run a baby home called Haven of Hope (a women's ministry and a ministry to teenage boys as well). This home was started and is directed by an American missionary. The purpose of serving here is to be mentored by the missionary as to how to direct and maintain a ministry but also to love on and care for the babies there. Haven of Hope has several babies with special needs as well, so I will be able to give them even more one on one attention and help than they are already getting from the wonderful staff. To learn more about this ministry, you can visit www.hischerishedones.org.

The second ministry is a Kenyan Government school and a boarding home for the mentally and physically challenged. The school is called Gilgil Special School and they have about 80 students ranging from age 6-30+. The boarding home is run by an organization called Kivuli Trust and they house and care for about 35 students when school is in session. I have visited this school before and I feel in love almost immediately. I am excited to share my gifts and abilities with them....the gifts and abilities the Lord has given me since He woke up this passion within me. I was so touched by the staff's love for the students, in a country where the stigma against those with disabilities is so strong. I am excited to come along side them and assist in all aspects of their school and home life.

I have also been communicating with another ministry and we will see what the Lord tells me in regards to my service with them. The plan is to serve with established ministries for at least two years and then, if the Lord allows, start my own ministry in Kenya or where ever the Lord leads.

I have been so blessed my missions organization, Commission to Every Nation. There is no doubt the hand of the Lord has been upon everything that happened this years. This year has had its share of struggles but I believe that, in part, Satan is super scared of what God is doing and so he is bringing on the attack. But if God is for me, than who can be against me?

I finished my job at the preschool :( so the next 1 1/2 -2 months will be used to prepare and continue to support raising. I know my Jehovah Jireh will provide for all my needs accordingly to His riches in glory.

If you would like to, you can visit www.cten.org and swing by www.cten.org/alyshaoswald.

Many blessings to you all!!

Close to Kenya, but can I stay?

Almost 6 months into the year and 6 more to go. My sights are set on the mission field with a perspective leave date of January 2013. Of course, all is not going to go smoothly along the way; I know this. Right now the struggle I face is acquiring a visa that allows me to stay in the country longer than 6 months. If i only get a tourist visa when I arrive in country, then at the end of six months I will need to leave the country and return. I know many missionaries face these issues in the countries they serve in. It is no easy task sometimes and often not a cheap task. I ask you all to pray for me as I am gathering information and moving forward. Pray for revelation about the Lord's leading and about where and how long I am to serve at a given ministry as well. Thanks :) 

(If you are a missionary in Kenya reading this blog and have any suggestions, I welcome your input! God Bless!!)

Commission to Every Nation

We are commissioned to preach the Gospel here and around the world. We are to spread the love of Jesus world-wide! Everyone's purpose is to love God and love others...this is very apparent in God's word. However, He assigns as different tasks as we walk through this life that enable us to reach others with Truth. Two tasks that I feel that were specifically assigned to me from Him are to be a missionary and to work with special needs/disabled people. About 3 1/2 years ago, when the Lord confirmed these two areas of focus, He also told me that He would provide me with an organization that would help me to be a full-time missionary. The waiting was becoming hard and I had seasons of doubt. But lo and behold, the Lord again showed me that He is faithful and keeps His promises. The things He speaks to are hearts, He will make come to pass.

I happened to find Commission to Every Nation (CTEN) on the internet one afternoon as I was doing a search. It seemed at the time an accidental find, but it would turn out to be a gem..a treasure from the Lord. I e-mailed them and then spent time on the phone with the director of pastoral. I liked what I heard but I wanted to find out more. So, I e-mailed about 15 CTEN missionaries and heard very positive feedback about the organization. Also, at the same time, I had a couple close friends and my pastor check out the organization to see if they saw any red flags. It seemed to me, after all this, that this was the promised organization so I took the next step of faith, I applied.

I sent in my application and two weeks later I heard I was approved. Two more weeks later I attended an orientation in Texas with CTEN and I was so pleased with all the staff there and with the orientation in general. I had moments where I was like "Is this for real?" and "I can't believe this is happening." It was all coming together and it was totally by the Lord's hand.

The organization asks that I serve with an established ministry in the country I am going to first. I am prayerfully considering my options and know that the Lord will give me a peace about what special needs/disabilities ministry I am to serve with. Join me in praying for clarity as I move forward.

So The SKY Mission will come under Commission to Every Nation and will accomplish the calling I have received. CTEN's motto is "Helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary." This is a true representation on how I feel: I am (and we are) ordinary but with Christ in me (in us), I (we) can accomplish extraordinary things. And to Him be the glory and honor forever!