Hello there,
It’s been a long time since you’ve seen or heard from me on this platform. But anyway, 11 months later, I’ve gotten to see and taste the different cultures of the countries I’ve been to. I went to 9 countries total for ministry. They’re Romania, Albania, Kosovo, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and India. Plus 2 more countries. We had a 20-hour layover in Dubai, and we got to quickly explore the city for a day. We also had the chance to pick a country that we would like to go to at the end of our trip, so a few of us chose Malaysia. So 11 months, 11 countries after all.
One of the reasons I signed up to do this trip was to grow closer to God through traveling to different countries and to be closer to seeing the needs of people around the world. Not physical needs but the spiritual needs of the hearts and souls that are far from the Kingdom of God. I learned that this year, and I will be continuing to learn that.
Another way that I grew closer to God is that I learned about areas of myself that needed healing. A.W. Tozer said in The Knowledge of the Holy;
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important the thing about us.”
That’s a mind-blowing statement! The times that I say and believe what Psalm 139 said;“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
I didn’t fully believe it or understand it because deep down in my heart I still have wounds and scars that I have not yet faced. The lies that I was abandoned, unwanted, and unloved still sneak up. How can I fully proclaim that God is loving, a comforter, and a close friend? When will I let Jesus receive His full suffering and receive His full reward in me? The power of blood washed away all the doubts and unbelief, and there will be no room for the enemy to try to take away what was spoken before I was born. I am His.
What I think about God needs to be what I also think of myself. Because I am loved by Him. I am seen by Him. Jesus lives in me. I don’t need to work to be approved, but to live knowing that I have already gotten the stamp of approval from Him. I believe in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ that set me free from the lies of the enemy because the devil will always try to attack my identity. Stay firm in Christ, and keep that armor of God on at all times.
Ephesians 6:11–20 ESV
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Thank you once again for supporting me throughout the year. In prayer or financially, know that it went towards blessing the people that we met along the way. As I transition into America, I have uncertainties about what’s next, the opportunities that I can pursue, and if that’s what God’s will is for me. But I desire to live a life that glorifies Him and I have peace that He will direct me even if I feel unsure or don’t understand the whole picture.
With Deep Love and Gratitude,
Alice S.
PSA: Stay tuned for a blog of short stories from each country. I would love to meet with anyone interested in hearing stories from the field. If you have a way to reach me(email, phone number, or Facebook Messenger) please do so. If we can’t meet in person, I will also be available for facetime or a phone call. Thank You:)
