this is my friend alyssa (rockin' an mrd of course)...and i know, she's gorgeous! she literally is one of the sweetest girls i know, which is why when i found out that she is raising money to go to Pemba, Mozambique this summer, i wanted to help spread the word! below is a little bit about what alyssa will be doing, in her words.
This summer begins my African adventure. I will be attending Heidi Baker’s Harvest School with Iris Ministries (irisglobal.org) from June 1-August 6. I am BEYOND excited to be going!! The Lord is so faithful with communicating His plans for our lives if we just say Yes to where He is taking us.
My initial reaction to going to Africa was, “Heck. No.” I hate bugs. Going to Africa is trendy. Everyone wants to go help orphans. TOMS shoes, Invisible Children, many other business and non-profs have popularized a country that is desperately in need of the aid of the world. But I was content to buy shoes, bracelets, and plan my life here in the US.
But when the Lord called me to apply for the school, He reminded me of when I was a brand-new 18 and told Him I would go anywhere He wanted me to go, He could send me anywhere and I would go. My ability to resist Him melted as I flash-backed to that tender moment between me and Jesus. I gave Him the only thing I ever have to give: my Yes.
And what so readily happens when Jesus has your heart, is that your affects turn to what He is asking of you. My heart has begun to long to be in Africa and see what He is doing there, to play with orphans who have been taken in by men and women who saw them in their pitiful, beaten, broken, diseased, lonely state and welcomed them into the healing family and presence of Jesus. I want to learn from the pastors they are raising up to be pillars in their communities. I want to go see love in action as we go into the bush and set up conferences to pray for the sick, the diseased, the deaf, the blind, and the mute, and to see them receive the healing that Jesus pours out on the hearts that are desperate for Him.
Most of all, I want Jesus. If He is calling me to be in Africa for a little over two months, I know He will meet me there and use the experience to change my life forever. I am so desperate for more of Jesus. We live in a country where it is so easy to satiate and silence the tender voice of our souls crying out for our Father Who loves us so much. I long to be in His presence with His children in whatever place He calls me to.
If you would like to help me get to Africa in any way possible, please shoot me an email at thrillofhope@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you, hear your story, and be encouraged by your prayers. Please visit Iris Ministries website and give them lots of money to help them love orphans, families, communities, and countries.
Jesus is worthy to receive the reward of His sufferings.
Saying Yes to Him is the most courageous and rewarding response I could ever utter. He has my life and I am so excited to see what else He does!!!
i'm so excited for alyssa to take this trip...this girl is going to do great things!! so in an effort to help raise money for her to attend this school, she is selling these tees for $20.
i mean who doesn't love a good graphic tee, right? so if you have any extra money and want to help, shoot her an email (thrillofhope@gmail.com) and order a tee or two;) and even if you don't want a tee, or don't have any extra to give, shoot her an email anyways and wish her well!
be pretty~melis
Alyssa is one inspiring lady!
ReplyDeleteAnd so beautiful!!!!
What an amazing thing to be apart of! And to do!!!!!!!