Planting Wales... Summer Update

It’s been a while since I’ve given you an update so I want to fill you in on what’s happened over the summer.

The Elliott’s made it safely to Wales in late June and have been adjusting well. Of course there are always issues and frustrations that come with moving to another country, but God has been continually providing for them! They managed to get a great rental house with a lot of room, especially for the U.K.

In the middle of June I got to attend pre-field orientation at the AGWM headquarters in Springfield. It was a week filled with making new friends in the ministry, learning a lot about AG missions, and gaining practical skills to get me ready for the mission field. God has really gotten me excited about going to Wales and I can’t wait! Recently I’ve been looking at some flats to rent in Cardiff, and I think I’ll manage to find a nice place to stay that’s in my budget range.

Finances have progressed a lot since I last updated you. I’m now at 48% of my budget! God has been faithful, as always, to provide at just the right time. When I get to a point where I start to wonder if anyone will send in some financial support God puts it on the heart of the right person to send it in… As always, I ask that you would continue to prayerfully consider supporting me on a monthly basis… I’d like to have all of my finances by the end of November so I can start the visa process.

I’ve talked about the need for Christ in Europe, but I’d like you check out this video to help you better understand the need that is there.

Thank you so much for your partnership in sharing the gospel to the people of Wales. Simply saying thank you never seems like enough! …Please remember to keep Wales and our ministry in your prayers.

Prayer Needs:

• Quick adjustments to a new culture for the Elliott’s.
• The Church as a whole in Wales.
• Open hearts to the Gospel.
• The anointing of the Holy Spirit on our lives as we minister.
• Finances to come in by November so I can get to the mission field by January.

Love, Joy, Grace, & Cucumbers...

I realized that it's been about a month since I've made a post, not cool... I believe it is very beneficial for me to use this blog for its intended purposes, one of which was sharing what God has been showing me... This may be a bit scatterbrained and not have a central theme, but this is what God has been telling me lately.

Joy.

One of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians; however, I feel like this is one of the fruits of the Spirit that doesn't get much attention.... A few weeks ago I was skyping with a friend, talking about life and things that I've been struggling with lately. One of the thing I mentioned that I lacked greatly in my life was joy. If my life on it's own is to be a witness, living without joy isn't really an option. Why would anyone want to be a Christian if there's not joy, excitement, or passion in it? The very next day at Chi Alpha Brett was speaking and guess what he talked about? That's right, joy! I love it when God does that :) We are called to live that life of passion and joy. One of the things he said was that as Christians we are really required to have fun. Your first reaction to that may be...uh, what? But it makes sense. God loves us and wants our life to be abundant! Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, it's a promise for me, and for you. We need to ask God for that joy in life. Discover the things in life that bring you joy, may it be photography, reading, video games, hiking...anything. Whatever it is, live in passion first to God and then to that joy in your life, but don't just hoard that joy. Use the passions in life that God has given you to be a ministry. May we all use the giftings and passions He's given us to reach those around us. May our hearts be in alinement with His so that we can love, and live a life of passion!

Love & Grace.

Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so.... I think we all know this one, but do we? Do we know that this love isn't earned or based off of works? I thought I did, but I realized the other day that I really didn't!..... I've been actively pursuing Jesus for about 5 years now; in that time, reading my bible has been a key part of that pursuit. While I was in Africa I started reading my bible a lot more, I got through the whole bible, and probably the new testament twice, in 9 months. 10 chapters a day was normal for me then. After being back in the States the amount of my reading has decreased a lot. I'm usually disappointed in myself that I can't make myself read more.... Then I realized something. I was equating more chapters a day to mean that God loved me more. I was trying to earn His love, something I can never do! I think I understand in a better way that God has a base love for me that will never ever ever change! I don't totally get it, but it's true! I also have to learn to accept His grace for me. It's by grace through faith that we are saved, not by works.... He loves me, He really does love me! It has nothing to do with how much I do for Him, He just loves me.

Vegetables Are Important Because It's Not About Them.

What?!.... This is the conclusion my campus pastor, Wes, and I came to the other day..... God has called me to missions, and to love people. I don't always feel that to be honest, but I know it's what He has for me... Living back in Manhattan working a summer job at Westside market (a small plant and produce shop) making not much over minimum wage is difficult when you have that calling on your life!... I am thankful for my job and that I can pay my bills with ease, but it's not what brings my heart joy. It's been a daily struggle for me to keep a good attitude at work, little alone be a witness to my co-workers. I found myself being very frustrated in general and lashing out in anger at people and at stupid things. I got completely outraged making a sandwich one day! I realized that I needed to address this issue... It came down to the fact that I really wasn't trusting God and waiting for His timing. I want to be in the mission field full time NOW... But, God doesn't want me there right now. I have to give that right over to Him and realize that in all things I am serving Him... Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters." The job of stocking vegetables and watering plants isn't exactly exciting, but if I do it as serving God and with the mentality of helping/loving people then I can do it in joy! My attitude at work has definitely gotten better the past few weeks. It still needs work, trust me, but God is working on me.


That's a few of the major things God has been showing me the past month. As always, my relationship with God is filled with ups and downs. I struggle a lot and I question, but I know that I was made to love God and that He loves me, regardless of what I do or don't do!

I hope that God is continually speaking to you in new ways and that you are seeking after Him! May we all be listening to His loving voice.