Hey friends,
T-minus 20 days until I leave! Wow, time truly has flown by since I sat down to write my blog post back in July. God’s work has been so evident throughout these past few months as things continue to come together and details are being worked out.
I wanted to start off this blog post with a huge thank YOU! Before I started fundraising for this venture, I could not have ever imagined the amazing outpouring of support and encouragement I’ve received from friends and family during the past few months. God is truly amazing! Thank you to everyone who either donated, bought a shirt, pledged to pray for me, or even anyone who took time to read my blog, encourage me or ask me about my upcoming trip.
Now onto some updates about my preparation and departure. As of today, I’ve sold more than 70 zeal shirts! This is more than I could’ve ever imagined and am so grateful for the organization fundthenations in which I partnered with, and everyone that encouraged me and supported me as this vision became a reality. I’ve even sold shirts in Kentucky and Tennessee! It is so cool to see this project spread to outside the Niagara region. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet with the missions board at my church (Bethany Community Church). They decided to support me and gave me the opportunity to have a kiosk at church this Sunday where I could share about this upcoming venture, hand out prayer cards, support letters and sell some t-shirts. Praise God! This past Saturday, I also had the opportunity to share at a World focus meeting at WEC (Worldwide evangelization for Christ) Hamilton. WEC is a multicultural, interdenominational missions agency that is spreading the Gospel all around the world. It was amazing hearing and meeting missionaries that are working globally. Their dedication to serving the Lord and their selflessness are truly inspiring. I also was so grateful to meet other amazing people that attended this meeting, who were either WEC employees, retired missionaries or associates. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by people who are truly on fire for God. Their zeal, passion and support were so energizing. This meeting was truly special as my Papa was a long-term missionary with WEC, and, along with other family members, are still involved in this organization.
A few weeks ago, I had a phone call with a correspondent from my base in New Zealand. This call was super helpful and reassuring as I was able to ask for clarification and advice on packing and logistics. She also told me that there are 54 students at my school! I am so excited to form deep and meaningful friendships with my new peers. She also informed me that there was only one other person in my school that chose to do the program (the justice movement stream). Therefore, after much thought and prayer, they had decided to cancel this program and enroll us in another program of our choice. I have decided to join the medical compassion DTS. This school teaches primary healthcare skills in medical missions and then gives the opportunity to reach out in compassion to bring healing to those hurting both spiritually and medically. I chose this program, as they often serve in Vanuatu at the family care centre, which is where my previous program also serves at. Working in the medical field gives me the opportunity to bring justice to the forgotten and hurt people of this county, similar to my previous program. God has given me so much peace surrounding this change and decision as I do not feel disappointed at all. I have a heart for Vanuatu and am so excited to learn applicable skills that I will be able to apply during my outreach time, as well as in the future as I continue my studies in biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph in the fall of 2020. This summer I’ve been reading Ephesians and have found so many amazing nuggets of truth and wisdom that have helped me in this time of preparation. Ephesians 3:20 says:
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
God will use me and in fact do more than I can ever imagine, whenever and wherever I am. What a great promise.
I am counting down the days until my departure date (October 19th) and am so excited to start this new chapter of my life. This summer has been trying, as I’ve felt a lot of opposition and testing from the enemy, but has also been filled with so much faith and joy. I am confident in my amazing creator and am so ready to learn and to be stretched. To stay updated, keep checking this website as I plan on doing regular blog posts here.
Blessings,
Kiara
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