“For from You are all things, to You are all things, You deserve the glory.”
Well, friends, I have been back in the states for a couple days now. An array of emotions I am feeling. Six countries, countless stories, life-long friendships, serving alongside people and ministries founded on such faith, encountering the Father’s relentless love poured out, experiencing God fiercely pursuing the one, realizing Him shifting and changing my own heart, on and on I could go. The simple truth the Lord reminds me is: Above it all, was Him.
Isaiah 26:3 ”You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is fixed on You, because he trusts in You.”
My heart is forever grateful and continues to anticipate God. The same God that led me the last 11-months still has me by the hand leading me into tomorrow. However, I find this a lot easier to write, than it is to live. Just this morning I was feeling angsty, yet then I turned in my bible to, 1 Samuel 7:12 “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
I get frustrated with myself at times for being so quick to forget our Father’s Faithfulness. Since reading The Circle Maker, I have been enthralled by this word Ebenezer. This word in Hebrew means “stone of help.” Samuel takes a stone at Mizpeh as a physical reminder that the Lord stood with them; the Lord delivered them; the Lord answered and fought for them; it was the Lord who helped the Israelites gain victory over the Philistines. Oh, how many stones there are to lay today with everyday even—stone after stone—reminders of Who has carried us and Who we owe our lives too.
What now?
I have been praying since we were in Albania asking the Lord that very question. I would love to continue writing. As, Mark Batterson said, writing is praying for me. The Lord has burdened my heart to go back to school to further my studies in theology; I am still praying and listening to the Lord’s direction with that. Apart from these things the Lord has laid on my heart to pursue, nothing else has. Yes, my circumstances have changed, but not the gospel. Jesus gave us marching orders; “Go and Proclaim the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Luke 14:23; Matthew 28:19-20).”
The same Lord that led me to proclaim His truth by the shores of Costa Rica, gave me strength to abide in His Presence alone in Guatemala, camped out on a mountain with me in Honduras, led me through the streets of Romania evangelizing, revealed more of His heart to me through the little ones of Albania, showed me how faith truly moves mountains in South Africa, and has been with me all the days of my life.. is no different today.
Luke 10:19-20 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by nay means hurt you. Do not rejoice that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
I love what Jesus says here in Luke 10. He reminds the disciples not to rejoice in the power and authority they have been given by Him, but to rejoice over the amazing grace that their names are written in heaven. So, yes this year is full of stories, encounters, healings, redemption, and testimonies that I would love to share; yet above it all, Jesus, I rejoice in the sweet Name of my Savior.
Thank you.
Thank you to, H-Squad. Thank you for your hearts passionately pursuing our Father; thank you for your ‘yes’. thank you for being a body as Acts 2:42 calls the church; thank you for being family to me.
Thank you to the many hosts who welcomed us into your homes, your churches, your ministries; thank you for allowing us to partner alongside with the work already being done for the kingdom.
Thank you to those you gave and prayed over this past year; thank you for your actions that are a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness; thank you for your giving and prayers that have changed lives for eternity.
Thank you Faithful God, for from You are all things, to You are all things, You deserve the glory.
Jesus, I pray we lay our Ebenezers and continue to march on.
Your Beloved, Kel
Jaco, Costa Rica.
Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
The Mountain, Honduras.
Craiova, Romania.
The villages, Albania.
South Africa.
The end- Cape Town, South Africa.
We will miss this letters, welcome home. In Christ Judy and Gary.
Thanks, Kelsey, for “taking me on your trip.” I enjoyed your writings and your adventures. Thankful you are home safely and continuing to pray God’s blessings on you. Love ya!
I too will miss your writing. You blessed us immensely. We are glad you are home and awaiting your next God assignment. May you clearly hear His voice and know where He is calling you next. God bless you Kelsey!
Thank you so much, Gary! Thank you for your support throughout this whole past year. I hope to see you at some point. I am living in the Asheville area now, but will be visiting Charlotte at some point within the next few weeks.
Thank you, Mrs Dove, for coming and supporting! Cannot thank you enough! Blessings and Prayers over you today.
OH! ANGELA.. a consistent blessing from the Lord you have been to me, as well. I look forward to catching up with you soon and will be in contact! Blessings and Prayers. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
You are the best, Kati! It has been a privilege !
Endlessly proud of you and how you have stewarded the gifts of writing, creativity, and photography through this season! 🙂