Bread&Wine

Hello friends!

Here's a little update on the last few weeks.

Man...it's been a crazy whirlwind. I'm learning so much about myself and others. My views have been stretched in every direction and God is more and more real everyday. It's a busy schedule and I'm learning to press into what God has daily. Laying down everything before him in the morning and just focusing on the day.

little sand at the beach

The theme of my life lately has been vulnerability. I used to think I was vulnerable...but I realized I was just open to talking about my life. Vulnerability means to be yourself without caring how you will be received. It is putting yourself in a place where you may get rejected. With God it is coming to him as you are, no more and no less. Broken, joyful, depressed, thankful...wherever you are at. And then giving you heart as it is to Him and letting him work to restore it. With people it is showing your true self even though you may get rejected. Speaking out what is on your heart without fear of what others think. Sharing what you are struggling with. There is something about us speaking out on the things that we struggle with that allows for others to open up with each other to bring light to the dark things. God uses fellowship and community to further us closer to him. And I'm learning it is okay to want community. God has created us this way!


The school:
It's evident that most students came here to either go big or go home. They want to know that God is real. They crave a relationship, but were adamant at first. Over the last 6 weeks, Jesus has been making himself known to them. Walls that have lasted for years have been crumbling at the revelation of God as their Father. As they start to see God in everything, they see their identities as sons & daughters who can come and rest at His feet.
You can see that they are getting it. They hunger and thirst to know Jesus more! This fire is being lit in their hearts and passion is flowing from a real relationship. The biggest this has been fully surrendering our lives to the Lord, in faith that he will bring us into true life. It's amazing to be fully alive. He is so faithful to keep his Word. It's incredible!
Everyday, I tangibly see God moving in a student and it reminds me that is why I am here. I'm here to be used by God to bring freedom, restoration, and awakening to His children that he so longs for a relationship with. 

Team Brazil: (September 23-December 9)

our team after the staff costume hunt

 Still in awe of the team I get to lead into Brazil. Vulnerability has also been a theme in the team in getting closer as we prepare to spend 3 months with each other in the Amazon. What I love is how joyful and fun we are. We can just do nothing together and have a great time. We are constantly finding joy in the little things and we love being together. It already feels like a family.
At the same time, we have been able to encourage and uplift each other. Able to be real about what we are going through and spend time praying for each other and seeking what God wants to do. We are all super excited for what will be happening in Brazil.

Please check out this video about a ministry we will be working with!!!

Awaken Magazine:
At this time during lecture phase, I haven't been spending as much time as I want to on this. Calvin has been doing so much in getting this to become reality! The website domain name we were trying to buy has been given to us for free because of mutual friends...absolutely incredible! We have also been able to connect with many ministries and people outside of Awaken to contribute and it is going to be full of so much goodness.
We have continued training some of the students in writing, photography, blogging, and video in order to get stories from them while in Kona and on outreach. Coming up with be training reporters from each of the 11 outreach teams on how to collect stories in these media outlets while traveling.
Much of the magazine will be put together in December when we come back from outreach! There is also a documentary in the works which I am super excited to tell about but need to wait :)
I am so excited about this publication. It is going to bring the news about how God is working throughout the whole world. And I'm even more excited to share it with all of you!!

Finances:
Friends, I am in need of financial support! As you know, being able to lead this team into Brazil and being a full-time missionary with YWAM all depends on supporters and donations. With the trust the God is going to supply all our needs, I ask you all to pray about how you can get involved...whether with $10 or more! It all helps. Thank you all SO MUCH for how you have already given!!
I am currently in need of $2500 by August 30th!
For those who give $40 or more: Will be sending out a gift to you in December! :)

For more information on financially supporting or questions about it, please feel free to contact me at:
luzaichalyssa@gmail.com
(707) 292-9427
Or go to "How to Support" page on here!

Prayer Requests:
-Continued health: Sickness has been going around. I was recently fighting off a cold and luckily it didn't get worse. Can't afford to be sick!!!
-Finances for our team! We still have 4 or 5 students in need of their outreach money.
-More breakthrough in the students during these last 4 weeks!
-Wisdom for the people working on the magazine with what to include, how to incorporate it into our schedule, creative ideas, and release of finances to print!

I love you all! 

Leave comments back if you would like, I would love to hear from you!

Alyssa