Hi everyone!
So this week we started our ministry work!
It’s been such a fulfilling week. Full of love and joy.
So one of my biggest fears is living without a purpose. Living without a purpose is just so scary to me. I want to make an impact in people’s lives and in God’s kingdom.
I also don’t want to come home and be like the normal American Christian who just goes to church on Sundays and Wednesdays and lives their life as if they weren’t excited to share Jesus. They claim to be a Christian but they live their lives just as everyone else around them. I don’t want my fire for the Lord to burn out, I want my fire for God to be burning at all times. I don’t want to grow numb to God’s goodness.
So it’s been great being here and being able to make a difference in these kids lives. Knowing I have a purpose here and seeing that I’m making an impact has been so encouraging to me.
Monday
We started our day at 7:15. We prayed over our group, our driver, and the children we would be ministering to. We went to our first village and taught the kids English, sang songs with them, and taught them about Samuel as their Bible story.
It was definitely intimidating especially since we couldn’t communicate with the kids at all. All we could do was give them high fives and smile at them. Which somewhat frustrated me. Because I wanted to tell the kids how much I love them and how much God loves them but I couldn’t due to the language barrier. So I loved on them in whatever way I could. I feel like the kids knew that we cared for them just by the way we hugged on them and the way we interacted with them.
Tuesday
We went to one village that a local pastor is trying to reach. We basically did the same stuff as the day before, but we were able to communicate with them a bit better. We’re trying to learn some basic words like “good job” and “that’s so awesome” just so we can say something to them. Later in the day we also walked through a rice field (and got very wet in the process) to reach one family in particular. We taught them the Ten Commandments and prayed healing over the family. The father of the family has been having some health issues so we just prayed over him and his health.
Wednesday
We went to another village and fed the children vegetable porridge. We played games with them and sang with them and taught them the same as we did the other villages. Later in the day we went to a building that the organization that were with owns. The organization that we are working with is called New Day New Life. The building is in the process of being built and they’re going to make it into a school. We pulled weeds and cleaned up the area which took a few hours.
Thursday
We went back to the building that we were at Wednesday evening. And we also fed the kids there, played with them, and taught them the same lesson as before. We later continued to pull weeds and finished up some yard work from the day before. Even the local kiddos came to help us out!
I got to hug and hold so many kiddos. And so many of them gave me kisses on the cheek and they told me that the loved me. They made me some headpieces, rings, and bracelets out of the vines around. One girl in particular came up to me and brought me a snack and a bottle of coke. Her simple act of kindness literally brought me to tears. Although she doesn’t have the luxuries that we have she still gave me all that she could give me. Just so she could show me love.
The kids excitement this week was so rejuvenating. It literally melted my heart seeing the smiles on their faces. I can’t even describe the amount of joy I have felt this week. So this week we went to a different village every day and ministered to so many kiddos. We observed and next week we will lead the English lessons and Bible story. I’m super excited to start working with the kids!
These verses have been on my heart and I figured I’d share them!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
We are God’s masterpieces, created in Christ Jesus for a divine purpose, which is to engage in good works and bring God glory and expand His Kingdom. We are to glorify our Creator. In all that you do, no matter what it is, do it for God’s glory.
beautifully written, alyssa. truly, such incredible experiences 🙂
I am so glad you had a great week! You are such an inspiration to everyone you come in contact with! We miss you so much, but are so thankful for this incredible experience for you! You are constantly in our prayers!!! Let your light shine for Jesus! Love you! xoxo
You make my heart so full of joy. We all need to take a lesson from you. Praying for you and your team. Aunt La Juan
I’m so proud of you and watching you on this journey gives me such joy. We’re always lifting you up in prayer. We miss you so much, but are so thankful you get to experience this. We love you!
Alyssa I know exactly how you are feeling about all the kids.I am so proud of you .Love you
Sounds like a great week. Love to hear as you are being used of the lord !
Having a wonderful testimony is such a great opportunity to spread the word and his mighty love for us
We love reading your Blogs and seeing the pictures !
Love you so much !
It sounds like you have had a very fulfilling week! You are so inspiring. ❤️
Oh I am just so proud of you, Alyssa! I look forward to reading each one of your posts. Your week sounded wonderful. Keep shining; you are doing great things. Miss you so much. As always, rooting for you and throwing invisible confetti your way! 💜💜💜
You missed practice again……j/k awesome job!
So glad your week was great! Those kids look adorable!! Love seeing the pictures and hearing all about it!
I’ve been waiting to read your blog, I look so forward to hearing about you and your journey. I know those “kiddos” must love you and the love you show them. Continue to let you light and love for God shine through to them. Prayers for you and your team.
Looks like a great start! Have you been eating noodle soup for breakfast? Do you have ability to use google translate with those you are working with to communicate to them your love for them? It’s great that you are already learning some phrases. Khmer language is not easy. Praying for you!!
Sounds like an awesome week!! I look forward to your blogs!! What an amazing experience! Love you!
You are just going above and beyond your smile says it all god bless🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
It sounds like you had a wonderful week of meeting new people and sharing the love of Christ. I love reading your blog and seeing the pictures! You and your team are in my prayers!
This is beautiful, Alyssa! You are truly touching the lives of so many people. I love you and I love what you’re doing!! <3
Alyssa, let your light keep shining. I am sure those kids love you as much as you love them!
So happy to hear all your stories! We’re so proud of you and praying daily! Those kiddos are going to love you so much
I’m soo proud of you Alyssa!! I’m so amazed at what you’re doing! You’re such a beautiful person! God is gonna do great things through and for you!
So proud of you! Sounds like you are loving Gods children the way he wants you to! Keep going beautiful! Praying for you always.🥰
What an amazing time for you and those precious kiddos!! Your presence will long be felt after you’ve left there. Thank you for the sacrifice you are making to serve our Lord🙏🙏
You are truly amazing! So exciting to see all the work that the Lord has given you! Miss you tons!
I’m so excited for you to be able to share your passion. No matter what, remember that love is a universal language. And you have so much to give! Love you!