(Quick update- we are in country and completely excited about ministry this month! El Salvador is beautiful and warm and full of kind and welcoming people. We are staying in a house with Pastor Oscar and his wife and we are right across from the church. We have running water and indoor showers (praise God!) and fantastic food! Ministry is going to look different from day to day, but we’ll post updates so you guys know what’s going on! Internet is scarce here, but we’ll make sure you here from us at least once a week)
That has been the overall message since I arrived at leader training just over a week ago. “Come as you are.” No baggage. No insecurities. No fears. Just me, Alaina. They way God made me with all my flaws exposed. It’s a tough concept to grasp, but so freeing once you get there.
You see, I will never be able to lead, never be able to teach, never be able to be an example to ANYONE if I pad the reality of who I am with fluff and lies and worries of incompetence. It just wouldn’t happen. But if I learn to just simply remain in the truth of God and depend on His grace to remove my sin, then I am complete. I lack in nothing with Him.
I’m just starting to grasp this seemingly simple idea and just starting to understand how much my team needs this reality in their life. These awesome students that Jamie and I have the honor of leading are hungry for more. They want deeper intimacy with Christ. They want to be broken before Him. They want to serve His children and see His kingdom come to earth. And God hears their prayers and He wants to use them. Just as they are.
Sweet Madison with her perception
Beautiful Moriah with her joy
Awesome Mike with his wisdom
Adventurous Liz with her passion
Wonderful Laura with her desire to know God
Brave Kaitlyn with her love
The great Andy with his insight
And my dear Jamie, with her zeal and passion for these people
God is so ready to use them all right now. Without all the baggage and junk that has been spoken over them. He sees them as they truly are, and even just barely getting a glimpse of that has been so beautiful and rewarding.
We are ready for these next four months. To see how God is going to show up and how He is going to use us just as we are.
“Give us courage to love like You love”
-Moriah
