Repost: "Rerouting: The Road Siri Will Never Find"

This is a repost of a blog I did for Ashley Lagunas when I was in a hard season. It is so funny how many months later, this is still applicable. 

This weeks Article on La Entrada I am featuring someone who inspires me! Writer Alaina Henderson shares Part 1 of a Part 2 Article on re-routing your life. Her life is an inspiration to me. Her words bring life and encouragement to my season, that I am on the right road, as bumpy and hard at times it can be, its the only road for me. Enjoy!

Alaina Henderson writes...

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” -Robert Frost

The well-known poem “The Road not Taken” speaks of the dilemma so many of us face not just once in our life, but regularly. One road seems perfectly paved for us, beckoning us forward. The other, looks as if it should have a giant "BRIDGE OUT" sign in front of it. Sometimes, we don't really have a choice. Circumstances out of our control have placed us on one or the other. Keep in mind, I am not using this metaphor in regards to salvation. This is about life, the hard decisions we must make as believers, and the difficult seasons we may go through.

Many of us tend to hang tightly on to the idea of the heroic Jesus, trusting that He will pull us out of the thorns and overgrowth of life and place us on a clear path. After all, being a Christian is supposed to make life easier, right? In reality, however, Jesus doesn't always pull us out. Sometimes the most heroic and loving thing He does is let us struggle through it. What we can be confident in, is that we aren't alone. He pulls us along through the overgrowth for His Glory. I have to fix my eyes not on my circumstances, but Him who endured it all. The best road to take is seldom the easiest. We see this time and time again in the life of the prophet, Elijah. Here we go:

The stage is set in 1 Kings chapter 16. King Ahab has been leading the people of Israel into more heinous acts than any of the kings before him. Baal worship, human sacrifice, Asherah poles. You name it, he did it. In chapter 17, Elijah enters the picture saying, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” And so, Elijah brought Gods discipline down even at the cost of his own well-being. 

God, being super awesome, then led Elijah to a hidden brook where he would be dependent upon the Lord and a few ravens to bring him food. This story is so rich! Honestly, God could have ordered the ravens to feed Elijah anywhere. He specifically chose a location that would keep Elijah hidden away, resting, and dependent upon Him. There are so many times in our life when we are in the midst of a drought and we refuse to realize how much we actually need God. We push through the desert and go about living our lives as we wish, never giving Him a second thought until we are completely empty, broken, and dry.

Side note: As I did some research on the subject, I thought it was interesting that God used ravens, an animal considered unclean, to feed Elijah. God can honestly use anything, even things we perceive as inferior, to bring encouragement and nourishment. Even we, in our broken state, can be used for some good. Spurgeon said it best, "But see, too, how possible it is for us to carry bread and meat to God’s servants, and do, some good things for his church, and yet be ravens still!" 

Elijah rested there for some time, drinking from the brook and eating out of God’s hand. It wasn’t until the brook was completely dried up that God told him to move on. Can you imagine drinking from a drying brook? I wonder if there was conflict in Elijah’s heart. Do I take things into my own hands and look for somewhere else that will quench my thirst or do I trust that God will care for me? In my own life, I am an addict to change. I’m always itching for the future, eager to move on to something else. The moment I sense difficulty and my “brook drying up,” I seek out a new brook. If we were to embrace the painful waiting period, what qualities would that bring out in us? Long-suffering, patience, trust, faith, perseverance, endurance, and of course, a greater dependence on God. So often we ask God for these qualities and yet refuse to experience discomfort to gain them.

After Elijah’s beloved brook dried up, God led him to be cared for by a starving widow and her dying son. This guy can never catch a break! How will the Ravens feed him, the drying brook nourish him, and a starving widow care for him? Through an act of faith on her part, God provided for all of them for somewhere around three years. With the ravens, Elijah was alone with God. Now, God specifically brought Elijah into a place of fellowship where he would rest, be encouraged, and yet still be fully dependent on Him. Is it possible that God was preparing Elijah these three years for the infamous mountain top incident in the following chapters? (I'm not going to spoil the story, go look it up ;) )

When you find yourselves on the overgrown path or in a drought, God may be asking you to be dependent upon Him. Which to be honest, is extremely uncomfortable. Yet, with time, we realize there is nothing more comfortable or beautiful. He may be letting us go through this season to prepare us for our mountain top. Personally, I've been encouraged tremendously by Elijah's story and by focusing on the reality of Jesus' sacrifice, His strength to endure it for me, and His willingness to take the hardest road so I wouldn't have to walk through this life alone. As for Elijah, things are about to get really good, then awful, then really good again (I’d say fantastic actually). 

For now, this is where I leave you. If you are currently on the overgrown path wondering what you got yourself into, be encouraged. You are not alone and the Father is going to bring about great things in you and use you for even mightier things, if you lean on Him. If you are standing at the crossroads, be warned. The life of a Christian is not what most make it out to be. It was not designed to give you a free ticket to heaven and a white picket fence. It is full of pain and suffering. But it offers comfort, joy, peace, and the most adventurous, abundant life you could ever ask for. As William Wallace puts it, “Every man dies, but not every man really lives.” Are you part of the living?

Selah.

Breathe. Rest. Pause.

"What people need to realize is that life comes in seasons. It can't be springtime year-round. We need to expect the coming season and be ready for it."

So, I'm getting ready. Again. Sometimes I feel as if God pushes the reset button on my life. Ouch, try again. Everytime he has to push it (usually because of mistakes made), I am renewed. That exhilirating feeling of a fresh start is quickly followed by knots in my stomach because frankly, I have no idea what i'm doing. I feel as though I am wandering around with my eyes shut making decisions as if I know what step to take next. How am I supposed to know the next step when I can't even see an inch in front of me?

Thank God He knows what He's doing.

"God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:8

I'm going back to Indonesia!! Praise the Lord!

"Unless the Lord had given me help, I would have soon dwelt in the silence of death." -Psalm 94:17

Seven months later, and the lesson finally sinks in. How quickly can one get pulled into the depths by something (or someone) disguised in sheep's clothing. I am so grateful that I am no longer in the position to wear that yoke, and I pray for the one who fills it. Although it may have destroyed me, I am so thankful for what the Lord did. He loves me enough to pull me out of the pit. Only when one experiences true brokenness can one be rebuilt into His image. Praise the Lord for restoration!

Oh Fyodor...

"A man who lies to himself, and believes his own lies, becomes unable to recognize truth, either in himself or in anyone else, and he ends up losing respect for himself and for others. When he has no respect for anyone, he can no longer love, and in him, he yields to his impulses, indulges in the lowest form of pleasure, and behaves in the end like an animal in satisfying his vices. And it all comes from lying--to others and to yourself." -Mr. Dostoevsky

Link to our Indonesia Blog

Oh Hello.

This time I have an excuse for the neglect, dear blog. I recently ventured on a trip to Indonesia, once again, through S.E.N.D. Ministries. Being one of the team leaders (shout out to Mark Thompson), I was responsible for the team blog. You can read about our trip here. Or, if you rather watch our update video, please enjoy it here.

"Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly and be at rest."

Hello again my dear friends. I don't know where to begin. Welcome to the chaos my own inconsistency has caused in this world of "blogging." In this past month and a half, God has rocked my world to say the very least. I have been standing on an unstable cliff side, terrified of falling, with closed eyes,wishing I was anywhere but on that edge. Or perhaps I've stepped out of my boat and began my walk on the changing waters. I prayed for the cliff side to be turned into a plain, for the water to become solid ground. Yet I chose that cliff, the cliff was just not ready to support me. I stood in a position that took faith to reach, yet my faith was too weak to sustain me. Fear rose up from the depths, the cliff side crumbled, and I began to sink. But being as faithful and gracious as our Lord is, He caught me in his wind. He reached out in compassion and pulled me to meet His face. And in that encounter, is where you meet me now. Staring boldly into the eyes of my Creator, seeing everything He sees for me.

At that, I would like to share with you what that next step is going to be. As you know, I am leading a team to Indonesia this summer for approx. three weeks. The Lord has been pouring out vision and divine appointments, now all we need is a team and the finances to go! But that is not the main reason I am writing you. I am writing to announce that upon my return to the states, I will begin the process of moving out to Decatur,Texas indefinitely alongside my sister Ashley and her husband Beto to serve the community,the church, and my family. My home church, Central Fellowship, has graciously offered my the position as their "in house missionary" and will continue to support me financially. There, I will be filling various needs as the Lords leads. As of now, I will be conducting all of the short-term missions under the covering of S.E.N.D. ministries, assisting in directing the Children's ministry, aiding the birth of a Christian coffee shop, organizing music events for said coffee shop, assisting in worship, and lifting up the arms of those involved in the youth ministry. God has equipped me in the last few seasons in so many different ways. I have been in a sponge-like state, soaking in all the experience and lessons put in front of me. Now, I am entering into a season of out pour. The Lord has asked me to take on the role of Joshua as he stood on the front lines, laying his life down first for the people around him. Not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual one.

So that is where you meet me, what His eyes have shown me. I am terrified and ecstatic simultaneously. Praise the Lord for finally reuniting my family! Pray that I may walk boldly in my calling and not begin to sink once again.

Indonesia Developments

A week or so ago, my friend Matt was telling me and my boyfriend about a couple of fellas he met at a coffee shop that he wanted us to meet. He spoke of their love for Christ, surrendered lifestyles, and their passion. We then ventured to a nearby coffee shop to read and study the word when lo and behold, the objects of our previous ( positive:) ) gossip were also there. One of them in particular, Joseph explained how he had completed the YWAM program in Australia and recently returned from a mission to Indonesia, specifically, Bali. Immediately, my ears perked up. S.E.N.D. ministries has been praying about going to Indonesia and recently made a solid contact at an orphanage there. I had been seeking clear confirmation My questions began spilling out. Turns out, he was serving at that VERY SAME orphanage and was best friends with not only the contact out there, but with the boyfriend of the girl that let my last trip to Central America. What a small world! Or rather, what a big God! I've been seeing more and more confirmation from God on the trip to Indonesia. I've been in contact with the missionary there and should be setting dates for this summer sometime around next week! Thanks for the prayers! If anyone is interested in going, let me know!

From the Rooftops

Can I just say that we serve an incredible God? Sometimes we may get caught up in the monotony of life and forget how vast, high, and deep his unconditional love really is. No shadow lurks in him, no blemish, no malice. Being part of an imperfect world tends to hinder my mind from wrapping around the concept of a perfect God. But oh how perfect he is. How gracious he is to gently remind us of his love. How in moments of doubt, he will place our hand in his side to see and know of his goodness. I just wanted to shout it from the rooftops. And considering my rooftop could cave in if I set foot on it, or the fact that I could get arrested for such an act, I'll settle for proclaiming it on my much-neglected blog.

"The LORD liveth, and blessed be the Rock, let the God of my salvation be
exalted!"

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig.

Well Folks, I have returned to the United States.

After fitting us and all our bags on two chicken buses, spending the night in the airport, almost missing our connecting flight, and losing our cajon, we made it! However, our mission is anything but finished. Upon arrival, we were blessed with four glorious days of rest until we were sent out yet again for a promotional trip. Which is why I am now writing you from a living room in Decatur,TX with only three of my teammates surrounding me. The other portion of my team is promoting S.E.N.D. in the San Diego area and sharing the great things the Lord has done in Central America with the homies out there. Although attempting to fit 9 people in our little Civic would have been a difficult task, I feel a little lonely without the rest of the gang. I am looking forward to our sweet reunion in 13 days!

However, the reason I am writing is not to share about the travels home or about our promotional trip (which, by the way, has been awesome!). I am writing to make, yet again, an "official announcement." I think I like doing such things here on my blog because it gives off the whole "press release" feel, making me feel important. Anyway, my announcement it this: I am selling everything and donating my kidney to S.E.N.D. ministries. No, No, its a terrible joke. S.E.N.D. wouldn't know what to do with a kidney. In all seriousness, my commitment to S.E.N.D. has taken a new, exciting, turn. This next year I have been given the privilege of creating vision, and laying the foundation for a new short-term missions program. I am so excited to create a pathway for those who wish to get their feet wet in missions. I have come to discover that most life-long missionaries felt the initial tug to long term missions on their very first short-term trip. It just proves that those who get a taste of the abundant life are always left thirsting for more! Just the thought of God using me to create such an opportunity, one that can create ripples for years to come, overwhelms me with excitement! We are looking to send out two 2-week teams and Lord willing, I would love to send a 1 month team. Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but I will update you as God's vision comes to fruition.

With such a big task left in my hands, comes a big need for prayer.

Please pray for:

-Vision for the program

-God's favor

-That we may be attentive to God's voice and desires

-Wisdom

-Team members!

-Financial provision (three trips can definitely add up!)

Thank you so much for walking alongside me in my adventures thus far, cheering me on. You have followed me through Mexico, Ecuador, Israel, Turkey, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Now, I press on to new and exciting things and I hope that you will press on with me.

Ciao

It was nice knowing you Central America, I'm sure we will see each other again.

A Lesson in Compassion

Hello all,

I’m so sorry for my lack of contact in the last month. We have been in areas with very limited internet access so in order to not overwhelm you with an extensive update on every nation, I will focus on the ministries in Guatemala and Honduras for today. The ministries in both countries were completely different and brought about different challenges for me personally as well as the team.

Guatemala:

Stepping into Guatemala, we had no idea what to really expect in terms of culture and the language barrier. Although the Pastor there did not speak English, through God’s Grace, we were able to communicate in some way or another. My favorite time of ministry took place in a little village on the outskirts of Guatemala City called Santa Lucia. Each time we drove from the bustling, loud streets of Guatemala city into the dirt roads filled with barefoot children and women carrying baskets on their heads, I was amazed at how dramatically the level of poverty changed. Most of the children, although they are only a 20 minute drive from the city, have never left their village. Yet despite their lack of basic necessities, their faces are filled with joy and laughter. Our mission there was to cook and serve food to 50+ children ranging from 1-10 years old who otherwise, wouldn’t have a hot meal. As we pulled up to the woman’s house where it was taking place, we heard the welcoming calls of children yelling, “gringos!” Meaning, “the white people!” While the girls helped cook, the men were assisting the pastor in building the future school house, clinic, soup kitchen, and church for the children. There is nothing like experiencing God’s heart and being a part of the provision for His children. The Guatemalan people are welcoming, warm, and almost generous to a fault. Communicating may have been difficult, but there was a mutual bond through Christ’s love that was undeniable. It was a blessing to stand along side the believers there and encourage them in their pioneering work.

Honduras:

I never expected in my life to be doing ministry somewhere as beautiful and Roatan Island off the coast of Honduras. Its hard to feel like you’re doing mission work when you are living in what appears to be paradise. We quickly saw the broken down side of this so called “paradise” through our various ministries. Drug and alcohol abuse consume the island and hopelessness fills the eyes of the people. There is a huge conflict between the latin and black community that make up the locals on the island. In one of the communities, we were able to build a house for a single mother named Esmerelda and minister to the people in the surrounding houses. Esmerelda’s story is one of a broken childhood in which her mother would leave her and her sisters locked in a room with nothing but a bag of sugar and a jug of water while she disappeared for weeks. However, when she tells her story, she does not focus on the hard times she had growing up, but on God’s saving grace and how thankful she is for saving her and her son. She has dedicated her life to His ministry by translating for the church and putting her hands to any work that is needed. It was such an encouragement to see her evangelical heart and willingness to serve. Building her a home was the least we could do for her and her son. Our time there was filled with beautiful adventures and incredible ministry opportunities. In summation, through God’s grace, we helped build two houses, evangelized the streets, ran four church services, prayed over a new church, and even saw four people come to faith! God is so good!

It is incredible how much God can do in just two weeks in a nation. We serve a great God. If there’s one thing I gleaned about God’s character from Guatemala and Honduras, it is his abundant compassion for His children. When they cry out to Him, He is faithful to answer.

As we press in to our last leg of the trip, we ask for prayer. Pray for the people we have left in countries behind us that God may continue to work in their lives and that they may draw ever nearer to Him. Pray for the people here in Costa Rica, that they may experience God through us and come to a deeper understanding of His greatness. Pray for those ahead of us that their hearts may be softened so they may receive our message of God’s Grace. If there is any impression we wish to leave these countries with, it is that of a team covered in prayer and led by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Requests for the Team:

-Continued unity

-Boldness to proclaim God’s message

-A continued leading of the Holy Spirit

-Finances: we are still in need of money to enter into Panama and for our promotional trip back in the states when we return. If you would like to donate, you may do so via pay-pal at www.sendministries.com or you may send checks to Send Ministries at 885 Vista Way Vista, Ca 92084.

Thank you so much for your continued support! I am excited to see you again soon. May God bless you even more abundantly!

In Him,

Alaina Henderson

Belize in Summary

As my time in Belize has come to an end, my time for processing the work has begun. I can't even begin to tell you all the things the Lord did in me and those around me. My heart broke when I heard the common thread of abuse, neglect, and violence that ran through the peoples lives. Many felt they were past forgiveness, that they were forgotten, and that God could never father them. Our times of ministry were difficult because in order to let God uproot them from their lifestyle, we had to penetrate past the walls they have built up around themselves.

The first and second week, we spent our time cleaning,painting, and serving at Calvary Chapel Port Loyola. We focused most of our attention on the children and young adults that made up the congregation. Games like "duck-duck- goose", "red light-green light", soccer, basketball, volleyball and any other type of game they could tease us unskilled Americans about became a common occurrence. We also spent a lot of our time walking the streets evangelizing, praying, and inviting people to church. Everyone was very receptive of the message we presented, however, most of them already claimed to be Christians (although their lifestyle didn't reflect it).

The last week, we spent our time out in the "bush" which is another word for the jungle or wilderness for a bible boot camp. The ages ranged between 14-21 and most were kids who were hungry to learn more about the Word. We all attended an Inductive Bible study class and a course through Judges. At the end of each night we split off into devotional groups in which each one of us on our team lead a discussion on the lessons learned throughout the day. My group consisted of four girls named Sheena, Melissa, Ilka, and Ruth. Each young woman possessed a gentle spirit that is quite unusual to come across in Belize. They were all passionate about the lessons learned and had a fervent desire to keep growing.

The goodbyes said were ones full of tears and wishes exchanged to see each other again. I left a little of my heart with them there. Pieces of my heart are spread out in so many different nations, I thank God that he keeps giving me more to leave.

In a Glance.

Hello once again. I think it would be an understatement to say that i need to be more self-disciplined in this whole "blogging" thing. Life just happens so quickly, and in order for me to present all the glorious details to you, i need sufficient time and a speedy internet connection. Excuses aside, I am glad to finally be writing you from the mission field once again. This time last year I was sweating in Israel, and now, I am sweating in Belize. Why the Lord keeps sending me to sweaty places, i'll never know.

The last week or so has been jam-packed with testing of faith, beautiful scenery, smiling children, crowded vans, and plenty of mosquito bites. As a team, we have been serving along side Pastor Joel at Calvary Chapel Port Loyola here in Belize city. Upon arriving, Joel welcomed us warmly by letting us know we will be serving at his church which is located on the worst street, in the worst area, of the worst city, with the highest murder rate per capita in the world. Pretty comforting, right? Although statistics state this gruesome truth, we haven't felt fearful living here at all. In fact, we even did some "door-to-door" evangelism in the area. As we walked the streets with our bibles in hand, we saw a glimpse of what sin has done to the lives of the people here. Mothers are living in tin shacks with eight children from six different fathers, children are being forced out of their innocence, incest and rape are common occurrences, and drug abuse is a leisurely activity. What's worse, is that most of the people here claim to be Christians. The enemy has full control of their minds and the people see no way out because they believe this is what life has to offer. Confusion has fallen thickly on the land, and the people cant find their way out. Where are the mighty men of valor? Where are the women of Proverbs 31? Where is the meaning in child-like faith if there are no innocent children to observe? How do you minister to people who claim to already believe? These are just some of the questions echoing in my mind as I live each day here. Satan has torn down any stability and rebuilt the family structure weak and contorted. It hasn't gone unseen by the Lord. His heart breaks for this place, or else he wouldn't send people to be light in the darkness. He is wanting to pick them up and wash the filth of their fathers off of them. So pray. Pray that the people may see their worth and not settle any longer. Pray that the mighty men may be awakened. Pray that the women would give themselves to the Lord before any man. The climate may be hot, but the peoples walk has grown cold. Pray for revival, that we may be the kindling for Gods fire to spread throughout Belize. All is not lost, God is moving.

The church is continuing to grow and discipleship has begun to take root. Every one in the community knows of the church and Pastor Joel by name. They are like the women at the well, trying to drink water but never feeling satisfied in the worlds water. They are beginning to thirst for living water. The people are desperate for prayer and for someone to teach them what love is. I thank God that we may play a small part in that. You can too by standing in the gap in prayer for the nation. All is not lost.

“Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart”

Hurray!

We are finally getting the ball rolling for our upcoming trip into Mexico and Central America! Which means, I finally finished my support letter! If you would like to get a copy of it you can download one Here : Alaina's Support Letter

After clicking on the above link, it will open a new page. Once on that page, just click the words that say "click here to start download" and it should start automatically. Thank you all so much! I am getting more and more excited for this everyday. Thank you for all your support.

Official Announcement!

If I haven't already informed you, there are some pretty big events that are going to be taking place in my life in the next year or so. I figured I would take this opportunity to let everyone know officially. As you all know, this past year I went to Israel on a five month outreach with S.E.N.D. ministries to Israel. After my return I was invited to become a part of a completely new re-vamped leadership program through the same ministry. The program is called "RHYTHM" and is focused on raising servant leaders to lead a called generation from the very Heart Beat of God.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."

2 Corinthians 16:9

It is a two year commitment to S.E.N.D. The program starts March 1 with a four month in-depth leadership coaching in the classroom followed by a four month outreach to a foreign nation for training on the field. The outreach will be from July 10th to Oct. 30th. Our team with consist of only leaders-in-training and the team leaders of the team leaders :) After we return to the States we will be going on a promo/recruiting road trip across the states from Nov. 2nd- Dec. 14th sharing what the Lord is doing through the ministry in the nations and the need for more workers! After the official training (because we should always be training in something) is completed, one of a few things may happen under the umbrella of S.E.N.D.. 1. I could lead a team for five months to a foreign nation 2. I could go out on my own for a long term solo mission 3. I could become part of the Admin/Promo team here in the the states 4. I could scout out new nations for future S.E.N.D. trips. It is such an exciting time to be a part of this new vision! The RYTHYM program is going to be such an amazing tool in equipping people to be servant leaders. I am so blessed to be able to be a member of the first "class".

“We will lead generations but first lead a life in tune to the exact rhythm of our Father.”

The logistical details are as follows:

Calendar:

Lecture: March 1st- June 19th

Rest: Oct. 30th- Nov. 2nd

Outreach: July 10th- Oct. 30th

Promo: Nov. 2nd- Dec. 14th

Debrief: Dec. 14th- Dec. 17th

BUDGET:

Lecture: $1000

Housing & Food: (while in country- not a part of Rhythm budget): $2100

Outreach: $5000

Promo: $1400

Total: $9,500

Monthly payment: $750

Prayer is much needed for this entire process! By standing with me in Prayer you are standing on the front lines with me. Please pray that when I make the transition to San Diego for classes I may find a job to help provide the funds for this whole thing. If you would like to support me financially there is a "donate" button located on the right hand side of my blog page in which you can donate through paypal. Thank you so much for everything you all do for me and for sending me out to the nations! God is doing great things among his people!

No Strings Attached...

Well, I made it! I can’t even begin to describe how radically God changed my heart in Israel. I have fallen in love with his people and his land. I pray that one day I can return. My outlook on this thing we call “Christianity” will never be the same. God has revealed things to me about myself that I had no idea even existed. Weaknesses strengths, fears, gifts, etc. I am blown away by the God that I serve, and even more blown away that he sees me worthy enough to be his servant! I know that the world will never fully understand the clarity that He offers unless someone tells them. Thats one thing I have learned about the character of God. He offers clarity. My brother recently was told he needed glasses desperately. The optometrist couldn’t believe he had functioned through life so far without them. My brother on the other hand, had no idea his eyes were bad until someone told him. He just figured thats how everyone saw things. He didn’t realize how hazy things were until he was given a pair of glasses. Now he can’t even believe how clear and beautiful everything has become. He can actually read, see peoples faces, and drive without being a danger to the general public haha. I’ve realized that when I draw closer to God I have more clarity about the desires He has for my life. Sometimes people say I am too impulsive and don’t think things through enough but why do I need to? If I am confident in the way the Lord is pulling me He will smooth everything out. That is what is so beautiful about not having any attachments here. If I feel called to go, I can just do it.

Me and Carissa playing in the snow on Christmas Eve in Texas!

financial update

Hello friends! I just wanted to throw out a quick financial update. There have been some mixed up numbers on our financial status and it turns out we currently have 1/3 less than we had originally thought. Since we were already in a tough spot, the recent developments put us in a much more urgent situation. In all reality, the numbers say that we will be coming home early because we do not have enough for rent and food. Although the reality says otherwise, we all are standing firm in faith that God will provide the money to finish the outreach strong. Testing of faith develops perseverance, and we are learning to persevere through our financial issues. God is moving in radical ways here and I am confident he will keep us here until our work is completed. However, it is important to convey to our supporters the reality of the situation. On a personal level, I owe $1,608. Praise God that He has already provided $4,000 for me! Please pray that he continues to provide the remaining amount.

If you feel led to donate you can send all tax-deductible donations made out to S.E.N.D. Ministries 4052 Alto Street Oceanside, Ca 92056 with Alaina Henderson on the memo line. Or, you may donate online at http://sendministries.com.s52753.gridserver.com.com/

Please continue praying for us! You all are standing in the gap on our part. Thank you so much for all your support so far. We are confident that God is going to show himself to His people in miraculous ways during this last stretch. I love you all, and I will see you around Christmas and hopefully no sooner! (not because I don’t miss you all, but because there is so much to do here!) I have put together a short video to give you all a glimpse into what has been going on here so you can see God moving first hand. I apologize for the video quality. Internet connections haven’t been too friendly. The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyQzXB3w0Zw

God Bless you all! Baruch Hashem.

In our Rescuer,

Alaina

Half way!

So, another month down! I am so terrible at posting these things. It is just hard when I have so much to say that I can’t even begin to relay it all to you. It is a beautiful thing though, that I get to share some of my journey with you. When I look back at the moment I decided to come on this trip, I realize how the Lord has begun to change me. I’ll be honest, I had some good motives and bad motives to come. Knowing that the Lord was calling me to go, it fueled my desire to “get away.” But God has really been moving me in ways I didn’t even expect and it’s so awesome to be able to share it with people I care about.

The ministry here is taking on a completely different face than any of us had imagined. Tuesdays and Thursdays are routine. We help at an Iraqi children’s hospital (Shevet.org) on Tuesdays and serve at a soup kitchen/coffee shop on Thursdays. But our toughest ministry has taken place right in our own apartment. God has been bringing us drug addicts, prostitutes, runaways, and surprisingly, even a couple Orthodox Jews that don’t exactly fit the pattern listed. It feels like the size of our team has been growing by the week. We came with seven, and recently there has been twelve sleeping in our tiny apartment. It seems we are running a soup kitchen, church, and homeless shelter right out of our own home. It’s challenging, but awesome. Let me tell you about some of our friends.

Jennifer: A twenty-one year old girl from Louisiana who has found herself to be, in her words, “stuck here” for the last several years. While we have been here she has ran away from her abusive muslim boyfriend, quit heroin, relapsed, went back into prostitution, went back to her boyfriend, and most recently, ran away from him again. It is so hard to see the hard life she lives. She so badly desires to finally be free from everything but says she just can’t do it. Jennifer always talks about her mom and two little sisters and how one day she’ll fly back to the states to be with them again.

Alex: her story is really hard, and she really needs some prayer. For a number of reasons I can’t tell you about her. If you would like to know, just skype me.

Aviv: A twenty-three year old who believes in Yeshua (Jesus) but his walk with the Lord is really fickle. He is homeless, an alcoholic, and might be facing 3 years in prison for shooting a cop. Yah, he’s pretty intense. We all love him and he is a riot to be around.

Arron: A strong believer who grew up in Guatemala and upon discovering he was Jewish, moved to Israel. I admire him so much for what he has been doing here in Israel. He has been homeless for nearly 3 years and his faith now is stronger than ever. When we first met him, he had an eye patch and was all cut up. It wasnt until recently he finally told the story of what happened to him. He was walking one day when two of his former friends came up and offered him drugs. When he declined he told them about how Yeshua saved his life and that he loves them and wants to save theirs too. They instantly became furious and began beating him. Not swinging back he got of on his feet and said “Yeshua loves you” and they beat him again. And again he rose and said “Yeshua loves you” and this repeated for several more times and the final time he rose and said, “Yeshua loves you, and God is my Justice.” The next day his “friends” ran up to him weeping and apologizing saying they wanted to know more about this Yeshua.

Goel: A 19 year old Orthodox Jew who has come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah only a month or so ago. He ran away from home because he was tired of being in a controlling religious household and he wanted to know what the truth was. He is still struggling daily with the line between following the Law and following Jesus.

Pastor Matthew: A 7-foot tall Sudanese Pastor in Tel Aviv who led 2,500 refugees BY FOOT into Israel. They were fleeing from all the war that has overcome that area in Africa. People are still dying in the hands of the L.R.A. and radical muslims now are holding Christian’s at gunpoint forcing them to convert or die. When this modern day Moses and his people reached Egypt on their journey, the Egyptian government opened fire on them because they did not want them in their country. Many of them died that day, but they marched on with the land of milk and honey as their destination. Here they have found refuge until this last year the Israeli government has been forcing them to go home to their war-torn country. My heart has always been in Sudan and Uganda. After talking to him and hearing his incredible story, God has added even more fuel to my fire. I look forward to the day in which I can finally go.

I am learning more and more about dying to myself and sacrificing all of my energy to this cause. Our team is making it a point to be known: We are not here to force anyone to come to our faith. But we have all been changed radically by the way Jesus has worked in us, how he has given us peace and joy that we cannot produce ourselves. It would be selfish of us to keep that gift to ourselves. I praise God because as He uses me to try and bring His healing love to His people, he has been healing me as well. Its hard to believe our trip is almost halfway over and I feel we are just getting started! For those of you who have been praying for us, I thank you so much. Prayer is our first weapon and you all are on the front lines for us. Please continue to pray! Here are some prayer requests/needs:

For Our Team:

-God will strengthen us through persecution

-We become even more united as God adds to our number

-We all keep focused on the task at hand

-To give us and especially our leaders wisdom and discernment.

For the Nation:

-For open hearts and eyes

-To receive what we have without offense

-For Arab-Jewish conflict to cease in Jerusalem

For me:

-focus

-a sacrificial servanthood

-boldness in the face of persecution

-Finances! (I only have enough money to stay until the end of October)

Thank you all so much for showing interest in the work that is being done here. God is moving! If you would like to donate you can send it to 4052 Alto Street Oceanside, Ca 92056. If check, it is tax-deductable and can be made out to Send Ministries with Alaina Henderson on the memo line. If cash, attach a note with my name :) Also, you can donate online at http://sendministries.com.s52753.gridserver.com/ I can never thank you all enough for the support you have already given me. Through prayer, encouragment, or finances, you have all sent me! Shalom and Shana tova!

I'm Cheating.

So, I was sitting wondering about what I was going to say to you all next. As I contemplated this, Ashley read me her update and I decided to steal it. I could never describe the people we have met nearly as eloquent as she has. So, without further ado, here is Ashley's update titled: Meet the Nation of Israel.

One of the amazing things of life on the field, is the extraordinary people I have met. Sometimes I think, wow i need to write a book one day about all of these people. I thought I'd start with an email:). These people your about to read about aren't Big pastors, or have big ministries. But i tell you the truth, there are men and women out there in the " Highways and Bi-ways" living a life of sacrifice, a place on the road side of the "Big Highway" where life becomes really simple...becoming one with the people. Be inspired and encouraged by our "Today Hebrews chapter 11 people"

Meet Degin... from Ethiopia

A small man in stature... with a courageous heart. Originally from Ethiopia, he came to Israel 12 years ago by foot. In fact he is responsible for leading 30,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel by foot. A real modern day Moses. He now pastors a church in Ashkelon, a city that in continually caught in Arab and Jewish tension. Yet this week i met this Hero standing outside the Madonna concert as he passed out "New Testaments" to the crowds plowing into the streets. People ridiculed Him and Insulted him, but his soft eyes and His bright smile continued. I am humbled by this man who after he has done so much does not think it is beneath him to pass out New Testaments and reach out the nation of Israel.

Meet Erick... from Holland

A tall lengthy man with big blue eyes and a tender smile. He recently came to know the Lord this last year, and now has given his life over to cooking for the poor at the soup kitchen. He never sees or really talks to the 150 people he cooks for, you usually find him in the kitchen, washing the endless line of dishes, or this last week he cooked a secret recipe that has been in his family for 6 generations. His Joy is inspiring, he feels so honored to cook a meal for the Lord.

Meet Dia... from Iraq

A 4 year old girl with longing eyes and a big imagination. A ministry here in Israel has made a way for her to come to Israel for a life saving heart surgery. Her heart has a defect the is life threatening, yet the surgery she will have next week is also very life threatening, the doctors took months to even decide to do it.Her family is muslim but the are very open to the gospel and there hearts are very open to Israel, since Israeli doctors are the ones who are attempting to save her life.

This week we visited her and played with her she loves to dance and give hugs at one point she climbed up into my arms and i held her tight, i could feel her heart beating on my chest, the very heart that is hanging on for life. My heart melted. O Lord may her physical and spiritual heart be healed.

Meet Sadi... from Ethia

I saw her from across the soup kitchen, timidly sitting at a table with her eyes on the ground. Her pregnant Belly looked full term, and she looked about my age. Most people at the soup kitchen are elderly or people with rough lives off the streets, she looked different, she looked like she had been on a long journey. As i sat and talked with her i find out that her and her husband fled from Ethia (a small country near Ethiopia) 2 years ago because people were persecuting them for their christian faith. They fled by foot, yes that right they walked most the way and when the could take a bus they would also. Now here in Israel they find refuge, but still hardships continue. They are about to have their first baby, she came to the soup kitchen to get a meal, maybe get some baby clothes. The whole time i talked with her she never complained about her life, in fact life was bursting out of her eyes and her smile as she shared.

Meet Nina...from Brazil

Since weve been serving at the soup kitchen every week we get to see a lot of the same people, one lady in particular is Nina. she is a bubbly woman from Brazil, and between her Spanish and broken English we have great conversations. She recently received the Lord into her life she keeps saying "jesus saved my life!" Jesus saved my life!" This last thursday she didn't come to the soup kitchen for her weekly meal i wondered where she was, but about 4 pm after everything had been cleaned up we heard a knock at the door it was Nina, she had come to bring an offering, she said God had blessed her with 20 shekels and she wanted to give it back to Him. what a sweet smelling sacrifice her heart is, giving out of her abundance!

Meet Alaina, David, and Nick...from California

Some of our team members this week have faced and experienced some of the most precious scriptures of our faith. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs in the kingdom of heaven" Matt. 5:10. This week we stood outside the Madonna concert and passed out new testaments. Did you know that there is no where in israel you can go and buy a new testament? Even if an Israeli wanted to read one they wouldn't be able to find it. It was a great experience of growing in our boldness. A lot of people where thankful to have a free book and gladly took it, while with some it roused up anger; spitting in faces, ripping up bibles, burning bibles, and even standing around in a circle creating a wall so that people could not get any new testaments. But people especially secular Jews when they would see the anger of the religious ones, it made them want a new testament even more. God even used their anger for HIs Glory!

Time would not permit for me to tell you of Bob, an elderly man who lives on a concrete slab in the country side, uses pine cones for fire to cook meals and has devoted his life to the gospel. Or Mary the elderly woman who moved here to retire, to serve at the Iraqi children's hospital. Her job? She washes their sheets. Or arron the young kid from guatemala who has suffered beating after beating for believing in Yeshua.

Here are just a few of the men and women who are fighting the fight of faith...today.

The Lord has been moving in supernatural ways, beginning to see people coming to faith! Pray that as God gives us people he would show us how to disciple and love each person.

Walking in His Grace,

Beto and Ashley