Healthy Teaming: Julia

Ministering with longterm workers in my country has been such a blessing. I've been able to observe the aspects of everyday living while working as a team. Each family & individual is unique & essential. This team seems to be a healthy team & is a framework of what healthy teaming look like. They have become like family to me and for one another, pointing each other to Christ & loving the Kingdom work they are involved in.

-Julia

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim

Never a waste: Julia (NEEDS PICTURE)

For the past couple weeks, I have been attending English corners almost everyday. I am constantly sharing my story & who Jesus is. I have connected with many students about struggles I have experienced. The students can relate to my story, often feeling caught up right in the middle of their struggles. Through this, God has been showing me that the years of pain, loneliness and depression I experience were not a waste. The days where I felt like I couldn't live anymore, now are being used as a purpose in my life. For His glory!! I am able to point students to Christ and speak into their lives in a unique way. Sharing that God has a purpose for their lives and that He loves them so, so much! God doesn't waste anything. I am living in His grace in this present moment. 

-Julia

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim

Blessing to serve: Emma

I am so thankful for our longterm team we have the blessing to serve with. They truly live out Ephesians 4:2-3: "with all humility & gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."

These families really do bear all things together in love: when someone is sick, they are taken care of. When someone is struggling in parenting, family issues, personal situations, everyone else on the team immediately jumps at the opportunity to pray for them & help them.

It's also taught me the importance of a healthy team & team unity. Each family has their unique gifting & ministry. That's what makes the work they're doing as the body fo Christ so fruitful. I am grateful to know them & learn from each of them!

-Emma

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim

His Mercy & His Word: Jessica

Over the last couple weeks God has been teaching me more about His mercy & His word. I am in awe of how gracious God is. He has completely redeemed me though I do not deserve it. His mercy abounds deeper than I know & it is not dependent on me, but rather on His unchanging character. 

I have also been reminded that His word is not only trustworthy but also everlasting. In my quiet times I have been thinking a lot about how the things of this world are temporary. It is a blessing from God to have the relationships & possessions, but they do fade away. It is a comfort to me that the greatest thing I have will never fade away, because my God is everlasting & His word endures forever. (Isaiah 40:6-8)

-Jessica

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim

Part of the work: Adrielle

A passage that has stood out to me recently was Isaiah 42:5-8. It's incredible that the God who created everything and has dominion over all of it, allows me to be a a part of His work in spreading the Good News to the ends of the earth. He could definitely do it all on His own if He wanted, but He chooses to let us be a part of it so that He gets all the glory. 

I love the image of Him holding my hand. I know that He is always with me and will never leave or forsake me. He doesn't just send us out and say, "Good luck!" He sticks with us & guides us though every step. that is so encouraging!

-Adrielle

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim

Utilizing the gifts

During my current semester deployment, I have been able to see & experience many aspects of the organization we are serving with. One really cool thing I've noticed is how they find a way to use everyone's gifts & talents. Anyone who has a heart to serve & obey our Father can be used in a way that utilizes the gifts they have been given.

Please pray for my field supervisors to continue to abide deeply in their relationship with the Lord.

Pray for spiritual fruit in their lives as they walk in obedience with the Father.

-Grace

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim

Changes in normal life: Camille

Ministry has looked quite different during Ramadan. During the day, hardly anyone will be in the restaurants or shops. As you walk along the street, many places are closed. It's hard to do life as normal during the day.

Part of our ministry is following up with people that we've met, continuing to develop relationships. But that is so much harder during this time. The colleges are out of session & its just harder to spend time with people. No one is looking to hang out in the local coffee shop.

Where we live has more of a "night culture" anyway... and this is on another level during Ramadan as that's when they are "breaking their fast"... it's almost a party atmosphere. 

Pray for missionaries in our city. 

Pray for divine conversations during this days of Ramadan as many seem more open to spitirual things.

-Camille

NT365 participant, Asia Pacific Rim