Pray for Growth (July/Aug 2022 Update)

Usually, when we use the word growth, we think of numbers. Usually when a ministry mentions growth, they're talking about expanding or receiving more attendees. In this letter, my prayer request isn't about any of those. It's about spiritual growth.

We did so many events this past summer (7 to be exact), and tons of seeds were planted and watered. We just need God to do the growing.

We had our 6th Annual Kids Camp this year, and what a blessing it was!! We invited another church with us this year, and we had 45 kids and 20 staff attend camp this time around. Between all the games and competitions, we taught them about the magnificent gift of the Holy Spirit and how if we make the decision to walk with Jesus and give our lives to Him, then He in turn will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). A lot of the kids responded to the alter calls, saying that they wanted to follow Jesus no matter the circumstances, and they also wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Some kids gave testimony that they felt the presence of God with them, but there were also many kids who were unsure if they had felt God's presence or not. My prayer request is for God to grow the seeds that were planted in them so that they can understand more about His Holy Spirit and truly be filled with the Holy Spirit.

And a special thank you again to all who donated to camp this year and made it happen! We couldn't have done it without your generous support!

This year, we were able to bring back Teens United! We had a blast with all of the crazy stuff we did this year. The most important thing, though, is what they were taught. We talked about really understanding who we are in Jesus and that it's a decision that we have to make if we're going to truly follow Him or not. It's a decision that everyone individually has to make, and we have to do our best to stick with it if we decide to. God has been doing some progress in these kids' hearts, but there's still more areas that these teens need for God to move in. Please lift these teens up in your prayers: that God continues to reveal to them who they truly are in Him, and that He draws them closer to Him every day that comes.

We also had our 2nd Annual Kids' Discipleship Spiritual Retreat! The kids were able to enjoy time in fellowship, relaxation, and fun with one another, and we were able to dig deep into John 14:15, "If you love me, obey my commands." God placed it on my heart to show them 1) the reasons why we can and should want to love God, and 2) why it's so important to obey what He asks of us without caring what others say or do. A few of the kids had trouble comprehending these things and definitely need prayer. Please pray that they come to a true understanding and realization of God's love for them and that their hearts truly yearn for more of Him and His ways.

August 28 marked 10 years of me serving here in Tijuana, Mexico. I can't believe that it's really been 10 years already. Every time I think about how the Lord has provided all of the kids' and my needs time and time again, I'm left speechless and in tears. And if it wasn't for all of you amazing, selfless, and compassionate people, Operation Worth wouldn't be able to exist. So from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you so so incredibly much for such an amazing 10 years of serving, miracles, and testimonies that would have never happened without your wonderful support. Because of your help, so many lives have been impacted and changed, and there's not enough words in the world to express how grateful I am for every single one fo you. I have a favorite photo from each of the ten years I've been serving in Mexico. Here's to the first decade of many! God is faithful, and He always will be! Love you all so much, and God loves you even more, and don't you ever forget that!