March 2007
5935 New Peachtree Road, Doraville, GA, 30340
Hello Everyone! I had a lot of fun this past week! I spoke to a youth group at First United Methodist Church of Roswell. It was my first mission fair where I was the lead missionary for our team. My Dad was in West Africa during the conference and I told him I'd be glad to fill in. What an experience it was! I'd always thought that it would be really hard for me to talk to people my own age. I felt like they'd judge me or think I was a "goody two shoes." I had planned my whole speech thinking I would be talking to adults. I was going to ask questions about their kids and incorporate that into my lesson, but now what was I going to do?! These were my peers--not grown ups! As we sang the praise songs, I started getting nervous. I was about to go up in front with sixty pairs of eyes looking...judging. Sitting in the chair in the carpeted gym I prayed for God to help me relax and let His words come out from me and touch the lives of these young people.
They announced my name. I took a deep breath, stood up and calmness swept over me. I was full of energy and excited! I told them about my ministry and how I do what I do. I told them how satisfied I am now and how if they get involved they'll feel such a huge change wash over them. It's a feeling like nothing else. By the end of the presentation I felt so empowered. I truly felt God that day. This is so amazing to really feel that God's behind you. Please pray that God will continue to guide me and help me lead people to Jesus!
Yesterday as I was driving to work fire engines and cop cars raced past me. As I turned the corner, I saw a black cloud rising above the tree line. It made me think of the evil that is surrounding my little village: Spring Chase. I know we have made such a difference. My partner Mr. Marc told me that a Muslim lady who is home schooling her children came into the mission today. When Marc extended his hand to greet her she recoiled in disgust. "No!" she replied. "In my culture women do not touch the hands of the opposite sex!" she then turned to leave with her child. Mr. Marc then told me he hadn't meant to offend her it's just that the other Muslims mothers we work with will shake his hand! The mothers are really opening up to us and shedding some of their "rules". Keep up the great praying! More great things are going to happen!
Whirlwind Missions has made it even easier to support our work! Make checks payable to the North American Mission Board.designated to account 5993/ Ashley $_______.The total amount will be sent to Whirlwind Missions, but our treasurer will make a note of the portion designated for my ministry at Springchase.
Thank you so much! We can't do this without your help! Ashley