Often, I walk into friend meetings and wonder what I have to offer and how I can share God with my friends. However, this isn’t about me and what I can do. When I simply try to be a friend, I give God the room to do all the work. And, He never fails. My friend Catherine became a believer last year and is continuing to grow in her walk with God. Catherine is one of the girls that I strongly feel like I am suppose to pour a lot of my time and effort into, to spur her on in her faith and to see God continue to transform her heart. We meet once a week and spend one-on-one time together. Last night we spent three hours together; talking about life, our pasts, our visions for the future, everything. It was incredible! Until yesterday, I have never shared so deeply about myself and my life with one of my Asian friends. As we met together, I felt like we were growing closer and closer in friendship. When we gave each other a hug goodnight, it was like I was hugging one of my closest friends. I have the best job in the world, I have no doubt.
Personally, I feel like God is continuing to draw me closer to Him. I’m growing more into the daughter that He has called me to be. He is setting me free from lies from my past and He is giving me His vision for my life. About a month ago, I started a new painting (I have yet to finish it). It is of a woman throwing a pair of handcuffs behind her as she runs to the cross. I saw this image as I looked at my own life, of where I was, and of where God wants to take me. Along with the painting came a verse from the Bible, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:1). He has given me freedom, and it feels great.
Christmas is less than two weeks away! With the holiday season quickly approaching, we have all been very busy preparing for different events, activities, and parties. I’m so excited, I absolutely love Christmas. From buying a tree to putting up decorations, making paper snowflakes and sugar cookies, everything seems so absolutely perfect to me. It is easy to find distractions and get pulled away from the meaning behind Christmas. But this year, I want it to be all about Jesus. I don’t simply want it to last for this season, but I want it to be my prayer each morning as I wake up. It is all about Him!
Our friends are very open to hear about what Christmas is like in America. They have many questions about traditions, culture, and secular vs. religious activities. God surely is opening the doors to share His gospel. Hearts are transforming before my eyes, I have never seen anything like this before. And, I know that this is just the beginning. This will be a season of the lost turning to Him. Salvations are near. Please continue to join with me in prayer for my Asian friends, my campus, this city, and this country.
Much love,
Amilah
Please Pray for:
- The Christmas season – to give God all the glory!
- The gift of salvation for my lost friends
- Bible Studies – Friday and Sunday nights
- Open hearts and open doors to share
- That God would continue to provide financial support
- My Asian exam next Thursday, haha