Getting Close

11 weeks!

Getting ready for Wales has been a long process, and it's not over yet! I'm getting down to the fine details of preparing to leave the country again. It's exciting and daunting at the same time, but more on the exciting side!

God's really provided a lot of my budget in the last few weeks. It's gone from 63% to 90% since I last posted!.. Really, I need to be at 110% to cover any unexpected costs that may come up, but I know that God will provide every bit of it!

I'm starting to work on my visa application, which I'm sure will be an adventure in and of itself! Prayer for a quick approval would be appreciated!

I'm looking forward to being on the mission field again! God's really blessed my life this year, but I'm ready to fulfill the call God's laid on my heart! He continually places that calling on my life again and again. Recently I've learned the stories of some of the kids I've been working with. It breaks my heart to know the pain they have to go through and the troubled home-life they have to deal with. I just want to let them know that God loves them and has a plan for their life! I'm limited as to what I can say, but I pray for them. I trust in God that even if I'm not able to speak into their life that they will see Christ's love in me, and that He will place other people in their life that will also share God's love with them.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope you all understand how much God loves you!

Planting Wales Update!

Four months and counting!.. I can’t believe that in just a few short months I’ll be in Wales!

Not too much has happened since I last posted an update... My budget is progressing well though! I’m now at 63%

My goal is to have my budget raised by the end of November. That’s about 10 weeks from now… In order to be at my full budget I need 20 people at $25 a month from now until the end of next year. Very doable!

God has been teaching me to trust in Him the past few weeks… The reality of going to Wales and how quickly it is approaching has set in. At times I wonder if I’ll get the support I need, or if I’m really the right person to do this… But God continues to provide in His timing and always confirms the call to a life of missions in my heart!

I made a short video to express the need for Christ in Cardiff… The simple truth comes down to this: People in Wales need Jesus and I need your help through prayers and finances to be there…. That’s why I send out newsletters and post blogs. I need your help. I can’t do this without you… Please be a part of what God is doing in Wales.

Thank you and God bless!

Please Die

1. Jesus

2. Jesus

3. Jesus

What's your purpose in this life? What are your priorities in life? What are you living or dying for?

The simple and full answer is Jesus! We are made to love Him, to be with Him.

God has been revealing Himself to me in totally awesome ways lately, it's hard to even describe. My times of reading/prayer/worship have been infused with new life and joy!

A few nights ago God really showed me something, I've been seeking after God's "movement" or "revival" more than I've been seeking after Him... It's so easy to have the best of intentions, but at the same time forget the reason for it all. It's about Jesus first, second, and third. Always about Him. How am I to bring the Gospel and love of Christ to people if I'm not in a passionate love relationship with Jesus?.... I'm reminded of a post I wrote in my old blog at the end of last year titled "Love Me First". That's what God showed me right after I got back from Africa, and I'm realizing that He is still, and probably will be for the rest of this life, teaching me this lesson. I can honestly say I am so thankful for this year of being back in Kansas. God's been teaching me how to love Him, and more importantly that He loves me! For much of this year I've just been frustrated that I can't be out there sharing God with people, but I need this time with Him in preparation for what lies ahead. Had I gone back to the mission field not long after my return from Africa I fear that I would have lost perspective.

My purpose is not to be a great missionary, be a good public speaker, or even the best witness with my actions. My purpose is simply to love Jesus. The reason He is calling me to Wales for the next year is not so I can get as many people saved as I can or help the Elliott's, the real reason is He wants to go on an adventure with me and draw me closer to Him. My purpose is Him... Granted, He does have other plans and reasons for sending me to Wales and I will be serving the Elliott's and desperately trying to share God's love with everyone, but it's about Him first!

In order for Jesus to be first, something must happen. I must die. I must die to my wants, my pride, and my selfish ambitions. I must die and lose my life so I can truly live! "Jesus replied, 'Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.'"

We spoke about this verse last night at Chi Alpha. The fact is that something is always dying. It's either your relationship with God and others, or it's your own petty "life"... I know that my so called "life" is nothing without God. I don't want it. I want God. I want to die for Him. I want to die to my flesh and even this physical life if it's in God's plan. Death is nothing to be feared. For when we die we live!

I pray that you will soon die to your "life" and begin to experience the LIFE God has planned for you. May we not fear dying to self and living for God. For He knows so much better and He has great plans for us. "Great plans I have for you!" That's what He is saying to us, but we must die before we can live.

God, may we all please die so we can LIVE with you!

Shout It Out!

God is so incredible! I can't help but want to shout it out from the mountain tops!!! He is love, He is our ever-present strength! He is LIFE! He's everything... My heart is filled with JOY :)

God's been showing up in my life is awesome ways lately. I think since I came to the realization that God loves me regardless, literally regardless of what I do, that I've just come to see and FEEL that love in a whole new way. I can't help but smile and I want to scream it out. God loves us!

So often I'm really not that joyful, but I've been straight up asking God to continue to bring me that joy in my life, and He's been bringing it!... It's funny that after I realized that God doesn't care how much of the bible I read in a day that I've actually been reading more. I started reading it online daily here. I've always read the New International Version, but reading it in the New Living Translation has been great. I enjoy the wording; it's easier for me to follow and it reads more like a story. Also, I've been reading in the morning, which has been very beneficial. I've wanted to do that for a long time now but just never ending up doing it. Starting out my day with Jesus is the only way to go!

I'm seeing God using this year in Kansas to prepare me for what's next. This last Sunday my pastor preached about desert places and how God can speak to us in those times in a whole new way. Being in the desert gets rid of distractions, makes us rely on Him, confirms our calling, it's a place of revelation, and a place of discipline. God really spoke to me through that message. It's something I was aware of, but He just confirmed it and made me realize again why I'm where I'm at.

I think I'm also starting to realize my spiritual gifts... I've felt for a while that one of my gifts may be encouragement. When someone is in need or crisis, spending time talking with them and trying to share God's love and peace with them brings my heart joy. I just love it... The latest book I read for my bible classes was about Acts. It talked some about Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas' name means "Son of encouragement" He wasn't some amazing preacher or evangelist, but he was always there to help and encourage Paul. He was aware of his gifts and limitations. When he wasn't able to do a certain aspect of ministry, he called on Paul... Even though my name is Paul, I'm finding that I'm really more of a Barnabas. I don't consider myself to be some amazing teacher, or a super out-going evangelist, but I love people and I love to encourage. That's a big reason I write these posts. I want to encourage others and share what God has been showing me. This is just one outlet for sharing that... I'm hoping to cultivate this gift more, and intentionally try to encourage those around me as much as I can.

I pray that when you read this God would bring you joy and encouragement. My God fill your life with an abundance of Himself.

Psalm 62:5-8 "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge."

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.

The Letter

Can you imagine receiving a letter saying that your college loans or mortgage was forgiven! Your debt has been paid for... I personally think that would be wonderful! However, if you never got the letter saying that your debt was forgiven, then you would never know, and you'd continue to be in bondage to that debt. Always working to pay it off... That letter, getting the message is vitally important.

This actually happened to my parents about 10 years ago. We had built a new house outside of town, but kept our old house in town and rented it. My parents still owed a few thousand dollars on the house. One day they got a letter from the bank saying that their loan was forgiven! How incredible... The funny thing is that it actually happened a few years before, and all the payments that had been sent in for the past few years they got back as well!... But, if they had never received the letter letting them know their debt was forgiven, they would have continued paying on it for years.

As I was in church today worshiping the lyrics to a song struck my heart. It basically said that my debt of sin was paid for. How awesome is that! Jesus paid it all, and thankfully I've been privy to this news since I can remember. I got the letter saying that my debt was forgiven... Then it hit me. There are millions of people who have their debt forgiven, but they haven't got the letter yet. Why not?... Because we as Christians, who are the messengers, haven't handed them that letter containing life changing news. The Letter, of course, is God's Word.

If you know me at all, you know that God has laid a burden on my heart for missions. At times it breaks my heart and brings me to tears, but at other times I can be so apathetic. Apathy is one of my biggest struggles in life. It's so easy to become complacent, just going through the motions... Recently I've been asking God to awaken my heart, give me back that passion!... Today, He answered that prayer. I felt the Holy Spirit move in a great way, and I thank God for the vision He gave me about The Letter... I've felt that conviction before about the urgency to share the Good News, but God showed it to me in a new way today. It's so cool how He chooses to reveal Himself to us in new and exciting ways. He follows no pattern, which I personally like :)

May we, as Christians, feel that urgency to get The Letter out to those who haven't received it yet! We don't have to write the letter, we don't have to forgive the debt, it's already been done. All we have to do is deliver it!... May we have the willingness to die to ourselves and let God take control of our life. I try to do this (I'm not saying I'm always the best at it because I'm not!), and the path God has taken me on is awesome! A year in South Africa, and soon a year (or more) in Wales! I never could have imagined that would happen to me.

God has given us the mighty honor of delivering His letter of forgiveness to those that don't know. Let us take this seriously, and live a life of abandoment and passion for Christ! It's the only way to live, the only way to be serious follower of Christ.

You have The Letter.

What will you do with it?