I’m taking advantage of St. Patrick’s Day in a different way than most. Today I’m going back to the root of the occasion to celebrate in the fashion that the reported saint himself would have so many years ago…by sharing with you the amazing works of God in my life. It’s a different sort of post than normal, but I hope you’ll continue to read and rejoice with me!
I moved to Charlotte in January to begin a women’s ministry in the heart of the city.
This weekend marks two months since I arrived. The plan was for me to get established in the city, find employment, become an active part of Citylight and to branch out into the ministry as God opens the doors. So far, everything has gone according to plan. My heart rejoices every single day that I get to be here and be a part of what God is doing.
Within the first two weeks of moving, God provided many things including a place to stay while looking for a home, a job and a fantastic church family at Citylight. I have caught up with old friends and met knew friends and have become very well acquainted with my maps app as I make my way around town.
On Tuesday, February 12th, the Lord allowed the realization of a long-time dream of mine, the official release of my book, Forgetting the Fairy Tale. Already reports of how the book has been a help and encouragement have come back to me and my heart rejoices every single time that God allowed me to take part in sharing His love to young women, many of whom I will never meet in person. I pray that the message continues to spread over the months to come.
Many of you know that God has laid a special burden on my heart for human trafficking victims. At the end of February, I was privileged to meet Aimee Johnson, Founder of the Rise Up Anti-trafficking Ministry. Her ministry began a little over a year ago and God is blessing them in a mighty way. They have many needs for volunteers to work with their ministry to women in clubs and on the streets, befriending them, sharing Jesus with them, and helping them escape from the life when God opens the door. I am praying for a way to be able to learn from them and minister alongside these women in the coming days.
Later that same week, Citylight took part in the Charlotte Gallery Crawl. As a graphic design student, I was especially excited to take part in putting on the event to show love to several local artists. We were able to make new friends and introduce the ministry center to them. We were also able to provide goodies from Neet’s Sweets, a local bakery founded by a former trafficking victim that also assists victims. The night was great fun, and I believe a blessing to many as well.
God is moving and stirring in this city and I am thrilled that He would allow me to be a witness to and a vessel for His work. I eagerly look forward to the day when I can minister to the women of Charlotte in a full-time capacity. Speaking of…I am so excited that
Citylight’s Women’s Ministry has it’s first monthly supporter!
If only a few more donors would commit to giving $250 a month as well, I would be able to do commit to the ministry full-time. There is certainly enough to do to fill my time! If you would like more information on how to give, please click here.
Thank you for taking time out of your own St. Patrick’s Day celebration to read of how God is working in my life! I am working towards establishing a monthly prayer update which will go out via email. If you would like to be on the email list for those updates, be sure to subscribe using the field on the right! I covet your prayers.
Photo credit: katebartnik / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND