Christmas Reflections

Merry Christmas!

 I’m sure that all your decorations have been hung, all your gifts purchased, and all your travel plans made!  I am READY for Christmas.  I love to give gifts! I love making a list of all my friends and family. I enjoy thinking about each individual – their likes, dislikes, and needs. I relish the idea of finding just the right present, no matter how much searching it takes. And I savor the moment when they unwrap the shiny paper to reveal the wonderful item inside! It brings me joy!

I’ve been reflecting on Christmas and gifts a lot this year.  This is my last Christmas with my family for a while. My last church Christmas program. My last youth group Christmas gathering. My last Christmas with all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Next year, I’ll be spending Christmas in Welkom, South Africa at Restoring Hope Village. I will see children who have nothing receive Christmas gifts for the first time ever. What will that be like? Will I miss my family and friends? Probably. Will I miss all the presents under my Christmas tree?  I don’t think so.

Though I thoroughly enjoy giving gifts, I know that they do not last. Eventually, all the toys break and the clothes tear.

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”     2 Corinthians 4:18

The only lasting gift is the one God gave through His Son, Jesus Christ, many years ago. And my purpose in going to South Africa is to share THAT gift of love with others.  

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”                     1 John 4:9-10

I’m thankful someone loved me enough to share that gift with me, and I know sharing it with others will bring more joy than giving any physical gift could.

DEPARTURE DATE!

Friends -
I've been absent for too long!  There have been many ups and downs over the past couple months.  Trusting God for His perfect plan and timing has been HARD.  But the wait is over! I will be heading to South Africa on Monday, April 8!  

With the monthly support I have raised, I will be staying in South Africa for one year.  Should additional support come in the next few months, I'll be able to stay longer. Again, another opportunity to put my total trust in Him!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.  

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Goooood Morning!
Life has been so busy lately -- in a GREAT way!  Thanks for praying for the garage sale - it was AMAZING!! God has been providing lots of opportunities to speak and meet people interested in Restoring Hope Village.  Below is my newest update with some info about the garage sale and some pics.   Please take note of the new goal & prayer request. I'm trusting God to provide in His time! Thanks!

Good evening, friends!

I'm asking for your prayers for this weekend.

On Saturday, my home town is having its city-wide garage sale.  Slater Baptist church is having a big sale, and all the proceeds go toward my ministry!

On Sunday morning, I will be at Bethel Baptist Church in Carroll, IA.  Sunday evening, I will be at First Baptist Church in Guthrie Center, IA.  Please pray for these event!  My desire is to be a blessing to these congregations.  Pray that God will bring prayer and financial supporters out of both churches.

Can't wait to share how it goes!  :)
-Abby

May 2012 Update!

May 2012 Update!  :)  Please contact me if you'd like to be added to the e-mail update list!

Update

Good Morning! 
Because I ended up having today and tomorrow off work, I have plenty of time to give you an update! :)

The benefit concert went amazingly well! Huge thanks to Higher Power for their willingness to use their time & talents to benefit Restoring Hope and my ministry.  I now have over 50% of my outfit & passage funds -- Praise the Lord! Still praying for more monthly supporters -- will you pray with me, too?

I speak at the All Girls Retreat at Village Creek Bible Camp April 13-15.  I'll be giving a short intro during the Friday night session, and I will do a missions workshop on Saturday.  Pray that God will help me share my ministry and challenge the girls to be involved in missions now. Who knows how God might use them in the future?  :)  Also pray that I'll meet people who are interested in Restoring Hope!

Last night at youth group, our speaker challenged the teens with this:  When Jesus chose to save me, He chose death for himself.  I have the BEST news in the world - the gospel - what am I doing with it?  It's not about my fear, my pride, my schedule, my time - it's about HIM, and His sacrifice on the cross. If I really loved people like Christ loved me, I would be shouting the good news from the rooftops! If I ask for opportunities to share, He WILL give them. But, I need to be in tune with the Spirit's leading and willing to forgo my ____ (needs, schedule, pride, etc) to share the Truth. I'm asking for opportunities this week. Will you pray with me, too?

BENEFIT CONCERT!

What: Higher Power benefit concert for Restoring Hope
When: Friday, March 9 @ 7PM
            Campus Baptist Church, Ames, IA
Cost: FREE

FREE-WILL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN.  ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARD MY OUTFIT & PASSAGE.

New Supporting Church!

What an amazing day! I met with the missions committee of Faith Lutheran Church in Palmer, IA, and they decided to support my ministry to South Africa! I am now have 24% of my monthly support! PRAISE THE LORD! :)

Meeting Tomorrow!

Tomorrow morning, I'll be attending the morning service at Faith Lutheran Church in Palmer, Iowa. After the service, I'll meet with the missions committee to discuss the possibility of them supporting me. Please pray that I can effectively share the burden God has given me for South Africa, and the amazing ministry of Restoring Hope Village!

Benefit Concert

Good evening!
Just wanted to send a quick announcement: On March 9, Higher Power will be performing a benefit concert at Campus Baptist Church in Ames, IA. All proceeds will go toward my outfit and passage. Praise the Lord! Please pray for many people to attend and learn about Restoring Hope. I'll fill you in on more details as I have them!

Village Creek Bible Camp

Just got news that I've officially been invited to speak at the All Girls Retreat at Village Creek Bible Camp on April 13-15! Excited to share what God has called me to do in South Africa and How he brought me to this point. Please pray that I'll speak HIS words and give Him the glory for His work in my heart.
Would LOVE to see you there! :)