life on this island...

So, I know I promised to update my blog often but sometimes things are just so hectic that promise is easier made than kept.

Life in Maui has been amazing. I've talked about how awsome the lectures are and how incredible the people are as well, but to neglect to note the absolute beauty of the nature and scenery here would be a discredit to God's creation. I am awed everyday. Whether its the rocky shores with waves crashing against them, the spray twenty-five feet above me or the green mountain vallies hanging with rain clouds, there is just no end to the spectacal of it all. I am going to miss the rain we get almost daily [I love the rain] and I'm also going to miss the wind. It is always blowing, and not just a breeze but in gusts. I love it! God speaks to me in the wind. When I feel it on my face, in my hair, rushing through my hands I feel him surrounding me with his presence. I feel free.

I will miss waking up to the sound of the rain outside the open window above my bed.

It is unbelievable to me that we are already leaving for outreach in ten days! I feel like I just got here few days ago and here it's already been three months! I am so excited for outreach. We will be spending the first ten days in Thailand and then the next two months in Nepal. The last three weeks of outreach we will be in Bangladesh. It is going to be an amazing life changing experience, I'm sure.

When I start to think about outreach I have found myself just burning inside to share the gospel. I want to be found worthy of the high calling I have recieved through Christ Jesus. I look at the apostle Paul. His letters give me new fire to run the race and to finish the course [if I may quote]. I want to be one who is willing to keep the faith even unto death. I don't want to keep my life for my own sake. If I try to keep my life, even in simply the sense of direction and purpose, I will lose it. I have been learning a lot lately about dying to myself daily. That was a phrase I grew up hearing constantly from my dad, "die to yourself, Chelsey." I hated it sometimes, my flesh would get the better of me, but I see that in trying to be an effective missionary, placing yourself as a priority is absolute poison. It is all about Christ, everything, everyday. Without his redemptive work I am just lost and wondering and speaking words. But through his work I can walk in confidence knowing that I have recieved salvation and in that salvation, the power of the Holy Spirit. By Him, we have all authority over every power and scheme of the enemy! It's so awesome!

I know I will never be able to repay him for what he's done, but I just want to give him everything because of it. He's so worthy.

I've also had the burden of the importance of prayer before we leave, layed heavy on my heart. If we are not in prayer, asking God to prepare appointments and the hearts of the people for the gospel to be shared, we will hinder our own ministry efforts. Without the revelation and preparation by the Holy Spirit we cannot effectively minister to the nations.

I came across the passage in Collosians last night and it just struck me so profoundly on this topic:
Collosians 4: 2-4 -
"Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."

It is so important that we pray for our ministry. Here Paul is in chains for preaching the gospel and he is praying for doors to be opened and to preach clearly. My first thought was, 'well obviously you're preaching clearly if you got arrested for what you were saying." But then I realized what this passage was saying. Regardless of what you face, or the punishment you endure, Christ must still be preached and we should pray for open doors in every circumstance and situation! Dang, I love Paul's devotion. I have to admit he's kind of my 'bible hero', [haha]!

Well, it's getting late and I am absolutely exhausted. I'll probably add another blog tomorrow with more details about the upcoming events!

PLEASE PRAY FOR TEAM NEPAL/BANGLADESH! thanks and God Bless you!

ps-All of my outreach funds have been provided for by our wonderful, faithful, loving Heavenly Father! PRAISE THE LORD!