Hot-lanta

We just returned from a week long mission trip in Atlanta. We served in the Doraville area where we served last spring and summer. I didn't realize how much God had impacted me there last year. It felt like I was home when we drove down Buford Hwy and all the signs for shops and restaurants turned to Spanish, or Korean, or Vietnamese. I remembered all of the apartment complexes I spent time in last year. I remembered the sweet people at the restaurants who served us authentic international meals. I remembered the presence of the Lord.
Before leaving for the trip last Sunday, I prayed whether or not I should even go. I was supposed to be leading the trip. Monica and I were to show the new Trek-Xers how the Atlanta trips take place. But I had been sick. I have school work. I have a wedding to plan. And I just didn't want to do it. But the Lord reminded me He wouldn't give me more than I could handle. He would see me through. And He changed the desires of my heart. So all of us but Josh (he had to work) packed up and headed to Atlanta.
We led a team from Crosspoint Baptist Church in Starkville, MS. Go Dawgs! Sweet blessings flowed from the Lord from the moment they arrived. I knew most of the kids from last year on one of the ATL trips and from their DNow in January. It felt like family had come to serve with us when they were all getting off of the bus. I was so excited to see familiar faces. The trip went so smoothly. We went on tours of different cultural experiences, such as a Hispanic meat market, international farmer's market, Hindu temple, Muslim grocery store, and Chinese pharmacy. It's always beneficial to learn about what most of the world believes and experience their culture. We heard from Ruthie North about Refugee Beads- check it out if you haven't. We also served in a few apartment complexes, helped out some school teachers, painted a ministry site, and shared the Gospel in the midst of it all.
As for me, the Lord really provided some time each morning where I could get alone with Him. I hadn't realized how much I had been neglecting my relationship with Him lately and exchanging it for acts of religion. I felt as if I had fallen in love with my Savior again. I am so thankful the Lord urged me to go on the trip. I am so thankful for the time He allowed me to spend with Him. I am so thankful for the children we were able to love on. And I'm so thankful for the missionaries who are there full-time and will continue to teach them about Jesus.

Pray for the children and their parents in Atlanta. Many of the are stuck in religions from which are hard to break free. Many of them face challenges as immigrants to the U.S. Most of them are lost.

Pray for the students from Crosspoint. Pray their hearts would be awakened to God's call to make disciples. It's not about a one week mission trip. It's about giving our lives away to the only One worthy. Pray they will minister to the lost people in Starkville.

Pray for Trek-Xers. We have this week off as Chris and Rob travel to the Philippines to check everything out before our big move. Pray for their safety. Pray for us here not to waste our free time, but also that we would rest and enjoy the Lord.

Pray for Josh and Steven as they lead a team in Puerto Rico this week! They left yesterday and will return next Saturday. Pray for salvation in those who don't know Him. Pray for safety and for God to move.

Thanks for reading! God bless you all...