"Mission exists because worship does not"- John Piper

I first saw this video in January of 2010 at a leadership conference for leaders who were leading teams to go overseas this summer. I was fortunate to be able to go and help the staff out! At the commissioning ceremony of these leaders, they played this video... it broke my heart... and reminds me why I do what I do. I hope your heart will break for the things that break God's heart!

A Heart for the World

I was once playing a game and you had to name one of the best gifts you've ever received. Can you guess what mine was? It was the gift of a travelers spirit! I received this when I went overseas for the first time to Hong Kong with my Dad. That trip has forever changed my life. As a result of that trip ( thanks Dad!) ... it turned into a heart for people all over the world to know our true Father! That was a true gift from God! I am so blessed to have known and experienced places all over this world like south africa, brazil... and china, just to name a few.

This video has a special place in my heart. Last summer when the Lord "released" me to pursue going overseas, this was the catalyst. It was like the Lord had chosen this video strictly for my heart! I hope this video helps your heart grow for the world! ( it's a little silly... but super fun!!)

Bittersweet symphony...

It truly was bittersweet having to leave northern california. I'm excited about the upcoming adventures the Lord has for me, but sad to leave a great community that the Lord blessed me with this past year! I am so thankful for the community at Veritas Church in roseville. You all made it a great year! Thank you for your companionship, your prayers, your love, and your intentionality with me!

To the awesome Phalen CG: Loved every wednesday with you all! Thank you for your joy, laughter, and of course FOOD! I'll miss you guys!

To our sunday night hang out crew... thank you for welcoming me in to your awesome community... even though I was an outsider! I soon became part of your lives! I truly enjoyed your friendship, your vulnerability, and your hospitality! I will miss you guys so much!
SKYPE DATES!

The Ladies

all of us (minus Corey and Emily... miss you guys!)

and Why do I need to be in Paris? .... I had a few tears...

It's super easy to ask the question... "Why Paris?" "Are you sure this is not just a vacation?" "What will you actually be doing there?" These are all valid questions... but I truly am going to share the gospel and thats the reason the Lord has called me to this very dark place. Many people think that europe is a "Christian" nation... but in fact it is not. Some of you might think... but France is where John Calvin ( the famous and respectable theologian... my favorite) was born... yes... and if John calvin were alive today... i'm sure he'd take the attitude of Nehemiah and want to rebuild his home! France is an extremely dark place where there is less than 1% that actually called themselves evangelical christians. 35% would call themselves agnostic. France Needs Jesus. Paris Needs Jesus. Here are a few quotes from the summer project that was just in Paris meeting with french students. Here are things that the french students told the american students... if this doesn't make you shed a tear... think about your neighbor who might be thinking some of these same things...

-“It’s sad to me that you live for something other than yourself.”

Non-believing French student.

-“You talk about God like He’s a boyfriend or a friend; I’ve never heard someone talk about God that way.”

 Non-believing French student.

-“It isn’t proud to be sure of your salvation.”

Non-believing French student.

-“The day before I met you, I had prayed God would send me Christians to hang out with.”

Victor, a young French believer. More on him in the future. Just came to faith 6 months ago!!!! ( our team will have the privilege of walking alongside of him as he grows in His faith!)

-“Your work is much needed here. It isn’t about me, it isn’t about you… it is about God.”

Victor, a young French believer said to the American summer project on the eve of their departure

-“Are you passionate about anything other than God?”

Non-believing French student said to Ruth, an American staff on project

-“So you’re not afraid to die.”

Non-believing French student.

-“If I’m honest, I’m jealous of people with faith because they’re living for something bigger than themselves.”

Patrick, non-believing French student.

-“I’ll read it [the Bible] because I promised you I would.”

Non-believing French student said to an American student on project after receiving a Bible as a gift

-“I’m really surprised you could find someone else to talk to about the Bible.”

French student to an American student on project after seeing him talking to another French student in the Resto.

Jarring quotes. Please partner with me in bringing the gospel to the students of France!

Persevering under trial...

I have been reading through Philippians lately due to the fact that 1. paul was a missionary 2. he also raised support and 3. Philippians is an overall encouraging and joyful book... so I think it's just what I need about now. As I walk through this time of support raising... times can be tough. It's been hard to walk alongside my team members as they feel the discouragement of the lack of financial support. Like any team, we have our ups and our downs, but studying Philippians, I am in awe of his character and his attitude about his situation. Paul's in prison and yet he has such joy and excitement about the furthering of the gospel. I gotta be honest... thats not immediately where my heart would go if I were in jail. Paul is a great example of how I can point my team mates and myself towards Jesus in the discouraging times.
Why do we make the phone calls? So we can tell people about the opportunity the Lord has for us to share the gospel with people who have never heard about him!

Why do we send out letters? 
So we can invite people to partner with us in spreading the gospel.
Why do we do what we do? 
Because Jesus died for me and I don't deserve any of what i've been given... and all he asks of me is to share with others in return. 

I must keep Jesus at the center of mind so that I can not only point myself to Jesus when i'm discouraged but I can point my teammates to Him as well! Please pray that we would continue to be reminded of why we do what we do and to trust that He will provide!

Philippians 1: 3-11
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more,with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Thank you for partnership with me in the gospel! 

La maison est où le coeur est…

Or for those who can't read french... Home is where the heart is... We have been so blessed by the Lord by providing us one home already! The 3 other ladies and myself have been provided a home when we live in Paris! We are so excited and know that this is a huge part of our entire year! This home will be a place of prayer, of ministry, time with Jesus and a place to practice our hospitality.. which i'm obviously super excited about!!! Anyways... we are living in the latin quarter, in a 2 bedroom flat. Please join me in praying for our apartment and for us as we live there next year! Please all join me in praying for one more apartment for the men to live! Pray also that they find a place close to us! Here are a few pictures to enjoy of our apartment...      

The Kitchen

The Left side of the living room

right side of the living room

bedroom number 1

bedroom number 2

and our bathroom!

Hope you enjoy our new apartment! 

One of my favorite things to do is entertain! I am so looking forward to walking down to the local meat guy and getting a cut of meet and pairing it with a great wine and then heading to the fresh street market for some veggies and fruit and then to the local patisserie for some fresh bread. Voila.... dinner is served! Cannot wait to invite our new french friends over for dinner! Here is a sampling of fun meals i've prepared for my roommates birthday party!

Crostini's made with cheese, sun-dried tomato, and basil

Quinoa with bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, tomato and lots more!