Not by accident

You ever wonder if an event was a coincidence or if it all came together because God made it happen, I mean are there really moments in our lives which have been divinely put together by God? I've been thinking about that lately and how God knows even the smallest details of our lives and what we need each day. We came to Ukraine do work in a few ministries and it seems that our youth camp would have been an amazing ministry opportunity and it was cancelled due to the weather.

If God sent us here, then is a day sitting in a house waiting for the power to come on and water to be delivered a day truly planned by God? I have to believe it is, if coming on this trip was what each of us feel was His will for us, then a day of not doing a whole lot for Him has to be a day planned by Him as well. I wonder how often I think of work that I can do for Him without asking Him what it is He wants me to do?

If we are to show Christ's love then sometimes sitting with a friend and just listening to their problems is all God requires of us. Maybe we don't feel like we did much, but to God it was, because we showed love. I truly believe God places good and bad events in our lives, as well as change our plans so that we can do what is His plan for the day.

It's not for me to figure out what God's reasons are for why things change, it's only for me to accept the change and go about showing Christ's love in hope of winning another soul to His Kingdom. Sometimes we make it more difficult than we need too, sometimes we need to sit back, grab a cup of tea and just have an open ear and an open heart!

From the village to the mountains

I've had a lot of time to reflect about my life the past few weeks and the one thing that I've come to understand is how amazing God is! Looking back over the last few years I see how He has taken a little girl from the village of New Miami and used her in the mountains of Ukraine. Although I may never get to see the outcome of this experience here on Earth, one day I'll get to know how this trip has affected those we have ministered to.

I'm pretty sure growing up in the village I didn't even know places such as this existed, let alone that I would be working for the Lord in the country. Giving my life to God has helped me to not only see the world, but to see it through His eyes.

I'm sure I have a long way to go and many things I need to work on and get right. Walking with him one day at a time brings my life and what's important into perspective. What I have in the Lord no man, job or material thing will ever replace. Peace that passes all understanding and a heavenly home that awaits when my earthly duties are done.

Blessings,
Monica

God provides

It's hard to believe in less than 3 days I'll be starting on my mission trip. I'm looking forward to going to Ukraine to work with the children there. We will be doing a Vacation Bible School in one part of the country and then traveling to the other side of the country and doing a Youth Camp. Apparently, the Youth Camp is where my military training will come in handy. We will truly be camping sleeping in tents, bathing in the river and yes even digging our own bathrooms :)

Life is an adventure for sure, I was making one of my many drives moving my things this week and had a lot of alone time to think. While I was preparing to move to Belize I remember testifying in church that I was not afraid to move and I would do whatever God wanted me to, even dig ditches if that's what He wanted. Who knew that He would hold me to that statement years later:) I need to remember never to say something I don't mean because God might test me on it down the road.

A friend asked me the other day if I was afraid. I'm looking at it as God's will and if He is in it He will take care of all of us, so that being said, I'm not afraid in the least. He has given me peace about the trip from the beginning and has provided in every way for me to go.

I was short $350 for the final balance of the trip (plane ticket). I had been praying about it and told the Lord I was not asking anyone for the money. If the trip was of Him, He alone would provide it. I also know I had friends and family praying about it for me as well. I received a call a couple days later from my aunt she said, "I have the rest of your money, someone dropped it off this morning." She told me the person didn't want to be acknowledged for giving but felt God laid it on their heart to give it. What a blessing and answer to prayers! So if that person who gave the money happens to be reading this, "Thank You" and know you are an answer to prayer. Thanks to everyone who gave towards my trip....it's amazing how God uses people in all ways to increase His Kingdom!

Now that Montessa's wedding is over, I've moved my things from my apartment to storage and the plane ticket is bought.....another chapter is about to begin. I have no idea what is ahead of us, however I know who goes before us and will prepare the way!! May we glorify Him and help to build His Kingdom!!

If you remember please pray for my team as we are away. I'll try to update my blog, but not sure how much time or internet access I'll have.

Blessings!