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!!
