A look into the heart of an Island Castaway (Part 3)

Personal Journal Entry

I was the Samaritan woman at the well.  Living in my sin, dead in my religion.  But Christ said, "I must go and get him."  Jesus knew me before I knew Him, saw me in my sin and still said, "I must go and get my sheep." He drew me to Himself, even when I was running from him, He ran faster after me.  Praise God! Lord please forgive me of my sins and my pride.  Thank you for calling me Your son.

God says He set His heart on me before the foundation of the earth.

Take that in, and let it humble you.

A look into the heart of an Island Castaway (Part 2)

Personal Journal Entry

Dear Lord Almighty,

Please help me remember and continue to reveal to me how big and mighty you are.  Never let me forget that even though with your power and Spirit I could perform great and mighty feats in Your name, remind me that Your will may be something that seems simple and small to me.  Remind me that the walls are made up of single bricks, each one laid in its own specific place at its own specific time.  God remind me that You are the bricklayer and I am the trowel.  Let me help You lay Your bricks of truth one by one.  Let me be an instrument in Your mighty and glorious hand.

In Jesus Name. Amen

Physical Strength & Health

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Team of the Day: Island Castaway

Country of the Day: Philippines

Pray for physical strength and wellness of team members. Pray their rest times would be refreshing and rejuvenating so the Gospel continues to go forth.

A look into the Heart of an Island Castaway (Part 1)

Personal Journal Entry

Dear Me,
I know sometime you feel defeated and discouraged, like you are so far from the presence of God. I'm writing this to remind you that the Heavenly Father says He will never leave you or forsake you. He is closer to you than the air you breathe, and you are engraved into the palms of His hands.  

You are REDEEMED.  

God clothes you in the Righteousness of Jesus. "He became sin, who knew no sin, that we, through Him, might become the righteousness of God."  Not just SOME righteousness. GOD'S righteousness.  

So when you feel He is far away, remember He is right there hovering over you and living inside of you. When you are in the middle of the storm and trials of this life and they seem too much for you, realize they are too much for you on your own strength. And rejoice, because you don't rely on your own strength. You are strengthened by the infinite power of the Creator of the universe. Surrender it all to Him. I promise He can do a better job with it than you ever could. Stand in His peace and power and glory.  Rest in His presence.  Trust in Him.
-Me

Meet the Team: Island Castaways

After some wonderful plane rides, and some waiting, we finally made it to our port city!  We are scheduled to take our boat ride to the island God is calling us to tomorrow, weather permitting.  We are absorbing the culture and getting to know the way of life here.  As we get to know the people here, we want you to get to know us.

Evan, Hunter, Mac & Bryson

Bryson is 23 and serving in his first overseas mission trip.  He is planning on starting nursing school in the fall semester, Lord willing.  He is from Mississippi and has two younger siblings.  Pray that Bryson will lead with wisdom, grace, and a servant's heart.

Hunter is 19 and also serving in the Philippines for the first time.  He wants to continue his education at SMCC and then possibly attend Seminary.  He is also from Mississippi and has one younger sister.  Pray that Hunter will go into the field with courage and boldness.

Evan is also 19 and flew on a plane for the first time during this trip!   He wants to continue his education at SMCC and then possibly attend Seminary.  He is from Mississippi  and has one younger sibling.  Pray that Evan would seek God's will above all else and will have the courage and wisdom to follow it.

Mac is 20 and is serving in the Philippines for the first time on his first mission trip.  He plans on continuing his education at Purdue University and then Seminary or the Mission field full time.  Mac has four brothers and lives in Indiana.  Pray that God will give Mac the words to say and the heart to connect with the people here in the Philippines.