Jesus is the Rescuer

We have to share our testimonies while in India, and this coming Sunday, we will be picked at random to share it with our team. However, I thought I would share it here as well for my dear readers:

As a young girl, I was not familiar with how important it was to be rescued, but something happened in my heart that I knew it was time to make that decision. Standing up amidst the crowd of other kids at VBS to accept Jesus created a 180 degree turn in my life. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”. I was born in a Christian home with godly parents, and have been blessed with what people would think I pretty good life. However, when putting it in perspective¸ life is only wonderful when you know the hope of Jesus Christ. There were times when I struggled with wondering if I was really rescued from my past, and my family and friends would say I am. There were actually times that I struggled if there was really a God, and His love for me. It has only been the last year that I took my faith more seriously. This past year I struggled a lot with fear and anxiety, and it made me realize how much I truly need God and His help. A dear friend of my family’s as well as a mentor helped me to see that I need to step away from fear and into faith meaning to take God’s Word more seriously and use it as a guide in fighting fear. I would be so fearful that even leaving home I would be quite anxious, and it would be quite a relief when I would not shake or tremble. God’s Word is powerful! In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says this: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline”. Whenever I would sense that fear or anxiety, I would remember what my heavenly Father has said. I will not go into details, but there were other times when my thought life was strangely affected, and God has rescued me from that. Praise Him! Oh, and if you are wondering about whether there is really a God, there is. I know, because by faith, He rescued me from the control of darkness and who can do that, but God. One of my favorite passages (I have many favorites by the way!) is from the book of Ephesians chapter 3 verses 16-19 which talks about the love of God: “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love¸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God”. God’s love is tangible through walking by faith. I cannot imagine life without knowing Jesus as Lord. He is life as it says in John 3:16. Overall, my life now--knowing Jesus more deeply and understanding His Word—is more at peace and reminding myself to rest in His everlasting love for me. Jesus is the Rescuer and I thank Him as 2,000 years ago, He died to set me free.

Training Time!

I had my first training for the trip to India earlier today! (I need to remember to bring more snacks next time...) anyway, we ended up receiving a folder of the important information we will need (so helpful!!) which includes information on immunizations, visa applications, how to fund raise and write a support letter, etc. It was SO helpful to have all the information we need in a packet!

We were able to listen to the various categories of what we can help in: drama, worship, speaking, and VBS. We wrote down our top three choices on a note card, and I chose: VBS, speaking, and drama (greatest to least). In VBS, you help come up with ideas of crafts for the children, and prepare them. We will see where God leads; however, we are not limited to just those categories, but the Core team is wanting to see where our gifts are (mine being children!) and help decide where we can be placed in a wider role.

This training was filled with listening to important information to write down, including having to get to LAX (or was it leaving LAX?) at 4 am in the morning... :)

Thank you all so much for your prayers and love during this time of God growing me for a greater and significant purpose for my life--filled with His protection and grace.

In Christ who strengthens,
Rachel