Decisions...Decisions

So, I am being very prayerful about this next set of decisions I must make. I have been thinking about how the Lord would have me move forward and I feel its been narrowed down to two avenues: join an organization that supports independent missionaries or partner with an exisiting NGO/NPO that is already working in Kenya. I have been thinking lately that the Lord might want me to go to Kenya for a length of time to shadow the directors and activities of one organization. This way I can find out the ins and outs of such an endeavor...with people who will be more willing to give me details because I won't be visiting different places but rather focusing on one. At the end of that time, I will be able to make a wise decision on whether I am suppose to do the NPO/NGO process myself or if the Lord is going to connect me with something already established (and not necessarily the same organization i shadow)...like a branch or satellite ministry. As the Lord unveils His plan, of course I might be led differently but as for now I am moving forward seeing if it will pan out with the Lord's help. If it doesn't, I am flexible because I don't want to do it MY way.

In the meantime, lately I have been hearing about different disabled ministries in the states through different media like television, magazines, word of mouth, etc. Since I figure it can't hurt to contact them, I've been sending e-mails out seeing if we can connect and encourage each other. I am inspired by the stories of these ministries...a summer camp for disabled children, a church for the mentally challenged, a group that reaches out to parents of disabled, a home for the disabled and abandoned...etc. It is almost unreal how much lately i've heard about different groups like this so I know the Lord has His hand in it.

In addition, there is an organization right in my hometown that works with special needs and disabled children that wants to chat with me and have me visit their place. God is amazing on how He connects people.

So join me in praying over what God has for The SKY Mission and what the next step is. Thanks and God Bless!!

Rejoice Always

Two words but so powerful....Rejoice Always. Its a wonder what implementing this into your everyday life can do for your soul and your attitude. Actually, Philippians 4 has been such an encouragement to me lately.... rejoicing, being gentle, not worrying, being prayerful, getting peace, fixing mind on Jesus, and being content with any situation (thats a quick summary of sorts). I am clinging to this chapter because it has really helped me to press on despite obstacles, discouragement, etc. All of the things mentioned in Phil. 4 cannot be done by Alysha (or you) alone...she needs Jesus to give her the strength and power because rejoicing, gentleness, not worrying, peace and contentment are not of this world...they are actually fruit of God's spirit.

We need to let the spirit invade our lives and other lives more. We need to let Him freely work as He'd like. And truth is that if we implement Phil. 4 into our lives...it will touch and change others lives as well. We will set an example of Jesus' character and it will be contagious. Wouldn't it be great if our Jesus-like character spread quicker than the swine flu?? Wish that could be the headline of the day... "Widespread Rejoicing and Prayer leading to Peace that passes Understanding happening all over the World."

Processing

Hello Everyone,
I am now home...i have been for two weeks. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I haven't thought of Kenya. I am trying to process my time there but find myself overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, my time there was wonderful and I received a lot of information. The trouble is that now is the time for big decisions. The decisions I make now will be pivotal in what happens from here on out. I know that I am not making these decisions alone but pray that He allows me to hear Him clearly.

So basically, I must decide what missions organization I am coming under. This is a hard task....they all seem to be different and have different advantages and disadvantages. Pray that I can find one that is a perfect fit. I also must plan another trip to pinpoint the province the Lord wants me to start in and then look for available land. I am trusting the Lord has set apart a location and He will lead me to it. In addition, right now I am in the process of making short-term and long-term plans. It is exciting that the Lord is revealing more and more but now I must package it in a way that I can present well to others. Lastly, a big thing is that I must make decisions here about the job i'm doing and how I am going to use my time. The ball is rolling and I do not what to stop the ball. Pray for endurance, boldness and for me to know God's timing.

A newsletter is forthcoming...i've been working on it but again the trouble is there is so much to say!!! I look forward to you all hearing about what happened and what's next. Also, the website will be updated.....this summer proved to be a time of guidance from the Lord and so I want the website to convey the new direction. Thanks all for your patience and continued prayer as I try to get over my reverse culture shock and move forward. God Bless!!!

Home Stretch

I guess I am now in the home stretch of my summer vision trip to Kenya. With less than 20 days left, I am starting to feel as if I'm not ready for this time to be over. It has been a wonderful time in the center of God's will. You know, when you are in the center of God's will...there is no safer place for one to be. Anyhow, the Lord has made me to dream bigger but focus more. I will write out the new vision or direction soon so I can share it with all. I haven't been the best blogger but I have really tried. My blogging won't stop when I get back and we will just all have to wait in anticipation to see what the Lord does next. Even if it does take me some time to report, I will report. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

Areas of Need

I've felt moved recently to share with you two areas of need that I've seen here. I am hoping to be a mouthpiece for these two situations and see what the Lord might do.

• Internally Displaced People

As a result of the post-election violence that occured the beginning of last year, there are many internally displaced people still living in IDP camps. Some of the larger camps are still receiving assistance from NGOs but there is smaller ones that are barely managing and ignored by the gov't etc. I had the privilege to visit one of these camps which caused my heart to break. These people are desperate but when you talk to many they are trusting the Lord and pressing forward. I was able to talk to one man who, even though he lost three of children and has to take care of his wife with post-traumatic stress disorder, still believes that God is faithful and good. He brought to my attention that many people in the camp don't even have bibles because most of their belongings were left or destroyed. It is my desire to be able to get bibles to hand out to these people so they can be encouraged by the word of Jesus.

• Relatives living with AIDS

Eva, my best friend in Kenya, found out that her brother had AIDS shortly after I arrived here this time. I have seen her struggle with knowing how to get her brother the proper care and food he needs. Her family looks to her because she is very responsible and has always been there when they needed her. She has unselfishly sent most of her monthly salary to her family and therefore barely makes it by on her own. Of course my heart goes out to her because she is my dear friend and I want to help where I can. It is hard to see her going through this but she encourages me by having a positive attitude and a peaceful assurance that her savior and mine knows what He is doing.

I don't know what the Lord plans to do, but I believe He is in control. If you are touched or moved about either of these areas and want to know more, please feel free to contact me. God Bless!!!

Quick Note

Thanks for your prayers!! I am feeling full of joy and confident in what the Lord is doing in me and through me. Last week was rough but because of God and God's people, I am feeling refreshed and renewed. I have less than a month here but my schedule is coming together nicely and I have much to see and do yet. I hope you are blessed this day and every day!! Thanks again for thinking me and lifting me before the throne.

Steal, Kill, and Destroy

I've realized that when things are going smoothly and you are making a lot of progress, Satan gets worried. That is why this past week or so, He has really tried to discourage and frustrate me. He wants to steal my joy, kill my efforts, and destroy my progress. There is no good in him and he therefore wants to try to ruin anything that is one the path to giving God glory.

It came to head yesterday when, oddly enough, I planned a trip for the youth I've been staying with to Hell's Gate. I won't go into detail but you could tell Satan was at work to bring confusion, division, and frustration. The Lord reigns supreme and used the challenges of the day to bring us together to share at night. He also provided someone whom I could talk which was a blessing for sure. He works all things out for good.

But today I can say that I am just trusting the Lord and moving forward in joy. I am not going to let satan win. I ask that you pray for my heart and my mind, you know they can be a battlefield. I want to continue to be focus on the Lord and my purpose here. Pray that I can look to all the good He has done and put aside one day that went from bad to worse. I appreciate all your love and support and I know the Lord will do big things in the last month I am here...even bigger than He has already done.