FUNDRAISING: I am currently in need $5.2K to be fully funded for the Race. I’ve seen God move in insane ways and provide over $3K in a month for myself, and over $10K in a month for squadmates. I am in full faith that God will provide and I will be fully funded by Christmas Day. I’m asking for you to partner with me in order that I can stay on the field and continue to be used as a character in other people’s stories by God. If you’re looking to invest your money in something bigger, I’m asking you to consider investing in the Kingdom by supporting me on the World Race! Thank you, Jesus, for already providing $18,200 in full by Christmas!
For the past few years, I began to see my life as a story. The people in my life, I see as characters in my story, and I see God and I co-writing my story. I haven’t shared much as far as ministry in Thailand, so I wanted to introduce you to some characters in my story during this short chapter in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
This is John. John stopped and talked to me at the coffee shop next to our hostel one morning. The spot I always sit to read and talk to Jesus faces the street and is outside, bar-height. He was walking by one morning and said, “Good morning.” I responded back and he stopped and asked if I was an Aussie. Apparently the way I said, “Good morning,” made it sound like I had an accent. He was born in England, quit school, and moved to Australia when he was 15. He talked a lot about American politics, and we talked a lot about the journey of life. We talked about faith and we talked about hope. John and I don’t believe the same things, but we talked for over an hour, and it was a very pleasant conversation. Though we don’t believe the same things, he encouraged me to continue believing and continue in my faith. He said it makes my life here better. That part in the conversation has stuck with me. He believes it will make my life here better, but he didn’t say anything about the part that happens after. We shook hands and he went on his way. I pray that God captures John’s heart and that he comes to know Him deeply. John was only a character in my story for a little over an hour, but I will not stop praying for him and I will not forget him.
This is Chris and Patrick. Chris is an Aussie, who has lived in Chiang Mai for about three years now. He said he won’t go back full time because his dog would have to be quarantined for six months when he gets back and he’d only be able to see it once a week or so while it’s in quarantine. Chris really loves his dog. Haha. Chris works at ActsCo, a Bible store here in Chiang Mai. He helped me pick out a Bible for a squadmate and was SUPER helpful. He loves Jesus a lot and is here to spread the love of Christ.
Patrick I didn’t get to talk to much. Patrick is Thai, and manages ActsCo. Chris thinks the world of Patrick and they love working together!
These are my new friends Jordan and Miranda. Meeting them was a total answer to prayer. They had just moved to Thailand about a week before we arrived. They both originally moved to teach English. Things have changed a bit, but they’re staying around Chiang Mai for a good bit. We got to take Jordan out for her birthday and just love on her and Miranda. They’re *hopefully* coming to hang out with us for the holidays in Malaysia. We got to just build friendship with one another and they’re such a gift! We got to pray for Jordan and a medical condition she has, and we are believing in Jesus’ name she IS healed!
The hard part of ministry for me personally was so many one-time interactions. I wish I could have had another conversation with John. I wish I could have had more dialogue with these characters. To tell them they’re loved. To show them they’re loved. But I’m trusting that God used these short interactions. I’m trusting He used our dialogue to plant some new chapters in their stories, that He used our dialogue to create a plot twist, To make the climax in their storylines when everything changes.
God is the author, and we are all co-writers with Him. When we hear and obey, it opens up opportunity for us to co-write with Him. And isn’t that such a wild adventure to be apart of. We are all co-writers with God, who is at the same time writing our stories. What an honor to be used in such a way. To be co-creating, to be co-writing, with God. He’s using you and me to make an impact. He uses His kids to chase His kids. To remind them they’re outrageously loved.
XOXO,
Victoria//Roaring Lion
Praise the Lord for those interwoven in our life much like tapestries! John, Chris, Patrick, Jordan, & Miranda, May they be blessed as they have been touched by Jesus through You as well! Continue to “Shine for Jesus!”
?? Love Ya,
Praise the Lord for those interwoven in our life much like tapestries! John, Chris, Patrick, Jordan, & Miranda, May they be blessed as they have been touched by Jesus through You as well! Continue to “Shine for Jesus!”
“Now, the one who plants and the one who waters are equally important and on the same team, but each will be rewarded for his own work. We are coworkers with God and you are God’s cultivated garden, the house he is building. God has given me unique gifts as a skilled master builder who lays a good foundation. Afterward another craftsman comes and builds on it. So builders beware! Let every builder do his work carefully, according to God’s standards. For no one is empowered to lay an alternative foundation other than the good foundation that exists, which is Jesus Christ!”
??1 Corinthians? ?3:8-11? ?
You never now who you will meet. Conversations with new friends about the kingdom is about as good as it gets.