My trip to New Hampshire was simply the best! From the time we walked into our host’s house, I felt so comfortable and like I was at home! Our hosts are a couple that coach World Race squads, and they also run a non-profit called Roca Kidz Club. The whole week they were so intentional in spending time with us and loving us well! While in New Hampshire, we did several things. We hosted two Beauty for Ashes events, which is Adventures in Missions’ women’s ministry. We also helped with Roca Kidz Club, and some of us helped with a foster care event.
One of my top highlights from the trip was being able to do so much teaching! During the Beauty for Ashes events, I taught the story of Esther and the deeper meaning that we all have a unique purpose from the Lord. I led two activations, one about the lies we believe about ourselves and one about the new names God has given us. We first wrote down lies we have been believing about ourselves, and then I gave the opportunity for each person to come to the front and rip the paper up and throw it (and the lies) away. We then took time to ask the Lord what new name or names He has given us, and we designed crowns with the new name written on the front! I loved being able to teach this particular part of the program because it is something I have personally walked through many times as God has shown me my true identity and secured my foundation!
I also had the opportunity to teach the message at Roca Kidz Club. I had originally planned to talk about what our true identity is and isn’t, using my testimony as the basis for it. But, instead of it being middle and high schoolers, the group was actually mostly elementary-aged kids. I had to change how I presented the message while at the event, and it ended up working out really well! I told the story of David and Goliath, using two helpers to play the parts. I still shared about identity, but in a completely different way! Even though it didn’t go the way I planned at all, I loved being able to speak truth to those kids and have them speak it over themselves (literally, because I had them yell out that they are valuable and loved and a child of God!).
A passion and gift for teaching is something that the Lord gave me while on the World Race, and I have grown so much in that gift during CGA! If you knew me growing up, you can attest to the fact that this is most definitely from the Lord, because I absolutely HATED public speaking and I avoided it if at all possible. Even at the beginning of the Race I didn’t really enjoy it. But it’s amazing that as my confidence has increased and become more rooted in the Lord, my love for teaching has increased as well! What I love about teaching is that it isn’t about me and my performance; it is about the message the Lord has given me to speak and the people that He is reaching through me! It is a beautiful and powerful way for me to use my testimony and God’s truth to love others well!
Fundraising update:
I am SO CLOSE to being fully funded for CGA! I only have $745 left to raise! You can give a donation on this blog (using the orange “Donate” button at the top), or you can buy a t-shirt (link below)!!!
