M Squad made it to week 10!
Ministry was awesome on our normal Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule. Just more cute kids, learning, and games.
On Monday and Tuesday night the girls had dance practice for 3 1/2 hours each. I know that sounds so goofy that I just said dance practice. I would have never thought coming to Malaysia on a missions trip that I would say we had the opportunity to be featured in a music video that’s been in the works for 3 years. HUH. It definitely took a lot of patience during the practices, but it all came together in the end, and we’re so blessed to have this opportunity.
On Wednesday we had house church at a different house which was exciting! Carter gave a FIRE message and we had some really good worship. That night I got to talk with Pastor Matthew about my fast while remaining self-controlled at Texas Chicken.
We had some LIT team times this week getting to make gratitude hand turkeys at a coffee shop and doing Karaoke at the mall.
Friday we had a pastor’s appreciation church service. Our host PT has been the absolute BEST. My squad put on a 10 minute “performance” to honor and thank him, which included a Camp Rock entry, encouragement, a rap, and the Deadpool “Bye Bye Bye” dance.
Saturday I had my sabbath and Carter literally started evangelizing to a man at a coffee shop while I was writing this blog lolllll. That was low key the first time I’ve experienced evangelism for real, and it was really cool seeing how the Holy Spirit was speaking through him. On Saturday evening my friend Liv, who is Catholic, invited me to go to a Mass service with her. Although it wasn’t something I’m used to in terms of the church, I loved to see how God connects with different people in different ways. Plus Liv’s joy was so beautiful and seeing that part of her was so special.
(Okay finishing this on Monday!!) Yesterday on Sunday, the whole squad woke up at 4:00am, drove to a mining site, and filmed the music video in the 85 degree heat until 1:00pm. Wow to be honest it took alot especially for the 28 girls to dance in the heat, uncomfortable heals, and long dresses, but it was so worth it. I know God will use this music video for His glory, and in the middle of it all, I still had a lot of fun! I know it’ll be such a crazy memory to look back on from Malaysia. I WILL UPDATE WHEN THE VIDEO DROPS ON YOUTUBE.
Something that was a big part in my week was my fast from Monday to Thursday. Technically I ate a big meal at church on Sunday and that was the last thing I ate until Thursday morning on the phone with my parents, so for a total of 83 hours I was only consuming water. It was actually insane. Friends/family at home know when I’m hungry, I’m HUNGRY, and I don’t give a fret about letting everyone around me know that this girl needs some food. But wow, God sustained me so much. I stayed disciplined with spending time in the Bible every morning and at least listening to worship music during meal times. Without Him I would not have made it all three days. I was at ministry with the kids every day, did 3 1/2 hours of dance practice Monday and Tuesday, and house church on Wednesday. I tried my best to follow Matthew 6:16-18 by not showing that I was fasting by my weakness. Of course sometimes I had to take a break and get away just to spend time with Jesus, but it was so good. There was a point on Tuesday I was feeling so weak and shaky that I was considering breaking my fast that night, and I am so happy I didn’t. I not only proved to myself that I can do hard things and my mind is so much bigger than my body, but also Jesus is so much stronger than what my flesh wants. Though I didn’t have my “spiritual breakthrough” that I was wanting, God was always there for me when I was feeling too weak to be joyful.
Today, I feel a bit weird spiritually to be completely real. I feel like with all the time I’ve spent in the Word I should have more of a personal connection with the Lord, and it still feels one sided. There’s a lot I still have to grow in. PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE! It’s going to be so worth it when the relationship doesn’t feel one sided, so I will continue to press in, learn, and grow my “spirit man.”
This is the last week in Malaysia. It’s seriously wild how quickly the first country flew by, and now we’re off to Thailand next Sunday, the 17th. I’m going to work hard to enjoy every last moment these next few days with the other people outside of my team since I won’t be with them for a month and a half. I really am SO pumped though.
I’m 1/3 way through my race. WHATTTTTTT. Anyways I’m so blessed, so happy. Praise God.
Dear Alleah,
It is such a blessing reading your blogs. I LOVE hearing about what God is doing in and through you. And, to hear through your team members. God knows how much we need each other.
And, I am so proud of you for your fast! 3 days, wow!! As you experienced, sometimes God doesn’t give us what we thought we wanted, like a “spiritual breakthrough mountain top experience. ” But, as we go forward, we end up discovering that our heavenly Father did grow us a lot..like, learning to lean more on the Holy Spirit for His patience. God will continue to lean into Him.
Many blessings to you and your team (minus the Squad😔) as you head to Thailand.
Grace and much love to you,
Auntie Liz
Dear Alleah, what a JOY to see you tonight and talk to you live! Your countenance is shining the light and love of JESUS!!! HE is truly working through you and to you, it’s SO obvious!
This is such an incredible time for you. I wish I would have had the opportunity for something like this! All we had was Girl Scouts! So incredible you fasted for 83 hours! That’s so amazing!!! God is truly with you and is working in you, even though you may not see Him or feel Him. HE is truly with you and so very proud of you! So are Poppy and I, and so many others. You are growing more like HIM every day and we’re praying the Holy Spirit will show you more. Do not be discouraged, He is doing a mighty work in you Alleah.
As you head to Thailand on Sunday, our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your team. God is with you all,
Love you dearly, Nana and Poppy