Walking as He Walked...

The past weeks back here in Ethiopia have been so busy for our EvaSUE team.  Five regions hosted events and our team scattered and traveled to support staff all over the country.  I was excited to be part of the events in two regions- our Central Region and our South 1 Region. What would God do? What would I see? What would I learn... as we walked as Jesus walked?

The Central region is Addis- and the surrounding area. I was given a plenary teaching to do on "Discipleship and Mission" with the over 200 students.  I was also given some of the staff training during the Staff Retreat time that would follow. I decided to fully engage in this region's events- having never really seen what all of that looked like.  I moved to the other side of Addis- and largely just was there- and what I saw and experienced really did move me to the core.  

I think when you are not just hearing the teachings of Jesus but "doing as He did" - something tends to wake up in you.  As I tried my best to just serve under our amazing EvaSUE staff team, I felt "zinged" by the Holy Spirit (a good zing). I felt fire ignite in me.  I felt like shouting for joy and weeping in lament at the same time- at the goodness and power of God. I saw Jesus in how staff and students served each other.  I saw students authentically worshipping and jumping for Jesus and I felt my legs start to jump and my arms start to lift up as I also celebrated the Supremacy of Christ and that our King and our Savior is Lord of All! I was reminded of so many things during the Central Region events.  Through the teachings of Jeremiah and studying God's Word and in fellowship with others, I felt connected to why God has us here and what we are supposed to be doing. I also felt shepherded and sharpened and challenged and cared for by my brothers and sisters. That also had a touching effect on me.  I think sometimes we can feel isolated and lost and that no one really cares or sees us.  God reminded me again of the importance of staying connected to Him and each other! I came out of that region's events very spiritually encouraged! Praise God for this time together! I really believe God is positioning youth all over the country for an outpouring of His Spirit and a movement out of here to get the gospel to the ends of the earth!!!  I'm ready to see it and be part of it! Let it be your will and your timing God! Make us ready!

If you are to be my followers, you must take up your cross daily and follow me ... Matthew 16:24-25

Don't just be hearers of the Word, but doers ... James 1:22

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you to be my witnesses to the end of the earth ... Acts 1:8

My work permit and residence ID also were processing during these Central Regional event days. My laptop crashed during the week and my papers got stuck for almost a month in the second of four offices. And through an 11th hour move, which I have seen so many times of how God seems to like to move in the 11th hour, I watched in amazement as God Himself pushed my papers through at the last minute, right before the deadline, AGAIN!!! He is good!!!

Is my arm too short? Isaiah 59:1

God is mighty to save ... Zephaniah 3:17

Nothing is too hard for me ... Jeremiah 32:27

PRAISE GOD!!!!

This past week, I had the privilege of traveling to be part of another region's events in the South 1 Region- Hawassa. This time away also would deeply impact my life.  I was humbled on the shores of this lake area- by seeing again hundreds of students together before God seeking Him! I marveled again at the shepherding of our staff team and the heart of the students I met.  They are hungry for God. Seeking revival. Ready to go and do and be all God has called them to be and do.  I again felt zinged by walking as Jesus walked and doing as He did.  I was blessed to see my brothers and sisters in Christ- choosing to love and serve and follow Jesus faithfully.  One prayer time we had in a circle- with our arms around each other- lit me up for days after.  God's Spirit made us one and I felt Him. It must have been some of what the disciples had felt when they prayed together.  

Visiting staff in their homes, what a blessing

Be one, as I and the Father are one ... John 17

Don't grow weary in doing good, for your labor for the Lord is not in vain... Galatians 6: 9-12

Having arrived back in Addis in the middle of last week ... I've felt physically tired but so spiritually encouraged and challenged.

I also feel a good deal of shock that it's Palm Sunday and one week away from Easter already for most people in the world. Our Easter here is in early May and for that ... I'm thankful.  For now after a huge ministry push out, I feel like I need to retreat a bit ... to get some solitude with God and a LENT time.  I'm ready to do as Jesus did and seek some solitude, even a bit of wilderness time, when God can speak to me and check my heart and life.  It's so easy to get out of balance or lose your way.  I need to be quiet before God and let Him speak to me.  Put me in the fire if needed to get rid of what shouldn't be there, so I can come more like Him and ready to do more "walking as He walked." 

Maybe many of you have already done or are finishing a time of Lent in preparation for Easter, or maybe like me- you've been busy.  I think God wants us to have many LENT seasons where we quietly slip away and have time with Him.  

God is telling me to ...

"Return to me with all your heart...with fasting and weeping and mourning, rend your heart... return...for I am gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love." Joel 2: 12-13

"Rend your heart"- what does that even mean? I think it's a ripping out of it ... maybe?  He can give us a new heart. I think that's what I need. An undivided, sold-out heart for Jesus. Let it be God!

Around this time, over two thousand years ago, Jesus set His face towards Jerusalem...and entered the city.  Many welcomed Him ... with the waving of palm branches and shouts of joy. But Jesus knew what was coming and He still walked that direction...

I'm so humbled that Jesus gave His life for mine. He gave his life for my sin and to give me life. He did for us all!

May we remember Him this week as He finished it!!!

May we with courage also walk where He tells us to walk and finish what He's called us to do.

He's with us to the end! Nothing is greater than following in His footsteps!

Praises

-My sister (Noel) and her husband (Mike), both have new jobs - back in the Troy-Tipp City area of Ohio. Praise God for this provision!

-Please join me in wishing my amazing Dad and Mom- Jim and Rosie- another Happy Anniversary on Tuesday, March 26- I love how they love each other! I praise God for the best parents God gave to our family!!!

-Praise God again for the five regions who hosted big events with EvaSUE the past month- for safety, provision and a powerful work in the lives of students and staff! May God water these seeds!

-Praise God again for my new work permit and residence ID processing successfully just before the deadline. I'm always amazed at God and His ways!

-Praise God for another birthday (a big one- 30th) for my dear sister, neighbor and friend- Hilina Hailu; also for her sister Tihut's graduation from Dilla Univ with a 5 year Architecture Degree. (this one- not easy because of the past five years and all Ethiopia has passed through). So thankful for these amazing sisters! They bless me!

Hilina!

Tihut! Congratulations ...new Architect!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for EvaSUE as we host some events in the far west in the coming weeks; also as we have new staff training and Regional Coordinator consultation; then begin national events- that God will guide us

-Please pray for our new incoming EvaSUE General Secretary (Eyosiyas) and outgoing General Secretary (Robel)- as EvaSUE transitions leadership on July 1. Praise God for these humble and courageous leaders and their families!

Robel - Outgoing EvaSUE General Secretary

Welcome to Eyosiyas- incoming new EvaSUE General Secretary

-Please pray for Ethiopia overall- some regions are still not okay

If you'd like to make a special Easter donation to the work here or join my monthly support team, the work is vast and the need big. Thank you for prayerfully considering partnering and giving:

 https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Thank you for being with me here and for your support and prayers!

Blessed Palm Sunday and Easter Week to all celebrating! 

Thank you Jesus again for your great sacrifice and your call to walk as you walked! May we follow you with courage!

Throwing Net and Sharing Light ... Thoughts for Another Year "in the Fields"

Last week, I arrived back in Ethiopia. As I stepped into the morning sun, I couldn't help but feel so much gratitude for another return to live and work in this land and with people I love. I'm so grateful for the chance to serve here and to share with people in word and action about a Savior they can know.

God taught me and showed me so much during my two months in the US for the holidays. I took an extra month at this time for rest and connection with current supporters, friends and prayer partners, and new people as well. Despite all of the negative news we see and hear about the US, I actually heard the good news and was encouraged. I saw it on TV. I heard it in music. A children's choir sang: Go Tell it on the Mountain. And I said "eshi" (okay) with a smile. I heard the "good news" preached, thank God! I saw Jesus in peoples' actions and lives.  I saw the "Church"- God's people.  What a blessing!

I was very blessed to also spend added time with my family. I'm so grateful for the Garretts-Martins. I enjoyed shopping and gym times with my Mom. Coffee at McDonalds and watching football with my Dad. I enjoyed the shock of seeing it snow. I enjoyed playing with little Lucy, whose has grown but is still so cute. I loved walking with my sister and talks with her and Mike. We had a great Christmas Day! We got to celebrate together my sister's new job and to celebrate my Dad's birthday. So many great memories. 

There were times of big laughs too. I realized how much I have become like my Ethiopian family. I told my Mom we needed to "flip" her living room. She said "what?" I sketched out a new design and helped her re-arrange furniture. I helped her shop for a new rug and pillows and art. So funny, that is not like the Holly Garrett of before. I'm not an art type person. I also found myself thinking about stage design at church services and focusing on music in the car and at cafes. Ha ha. That is like my E family. They are into design and music. That brought a chuckle from my side. I hope their younger ages and style can rub off on me as well. :-) 

My living room design

The final art piece I added 

I had many meetings while at home with friends and current supporters and new ones. I connected with many I hadn't talked to or seen in years. These times were blessings. We shared tears. We shared struggles. We shared lives. And in those meetings, what kept coming to my mind was how we are able in each other's lives to "throw nets" and "share light" with each other. In being together, we can help throw net under each other. Words of encouragement, reminders of truth, can help catch us from falling. We can also light each other up. So many meetings, I felt spiritually zinged by. God reminds us throughout His word the importance of being together. 

Encourage one another and build each other up. Don't forsake the meeting together of each other, do it all the more as you see the day approaching ... Hebrews 10: 24-25 

Bear one another's burdens ... Galatians 6:2 

Confess your sins one to another and pray for each other that you may be healed ... James 5:16 

Walk in the light as He is in the light then you will have fellowship with each other... 1 John 1:7 

Let your light shine ... Matthew 5: 14-16 

Fan into flame your gifts ... 2 Timothy 1:6 

Two are better than one ... Ecclesiastes 4

The Ethiopian Fellowship from Christian Life Center in Dayton
 hosted my Mom and I for lunch, what a blessing!

Many people globally are disconnected and fragmented for many reasons. War, struggles, politics, and the impact of Covid have caused us to be more isolated. Many haven't connected back to a local church. Isolation is so dangerous for us. We are supposed to stick together. Together we can be resilient. When we fall, we have those around us to lift us up. We can light each other up.

 As people encouraged me while I was home, I felt net underneath me. I was reminded I have a team and they have my back. I felt lit up as they gave me space to testify and as they encouraged me to keep fighting the good fight. May we remember the power of being together. How we can throw nets under each other and give light to each other as we journey through life. What a blessing that is! 

Do you feel low on resilience? Are you isolated?  Do you feel like you need net under you, community around you? Does your light for Jesus feel dim or is trying to get snuffed out?  If so, get together or reconnect with the family of God. When you do, your life will start to blaze.  As you're connected to and encouraged, your life will light back up and help give light to others as well.

 

May we stick together in the new year!  

Here are some prayer requests for the way ahead here in Ethiopia:

 -Please pray for the coming days as I settle back in. 

 -As I start the process to renew my work permit and residence ID that all will go smooth. 

 -Please pray for regional events coming up in February and March. That we will ignite a movement here of young people that will take the good news to the ends of earth. I'm so humbled to get to get to serve with EvaSUE, an amazing team! 

Some of our EvaSUE staff

-Pray for Ethiopia, that in the midst of struggle, we will hold up light and throw nets and be all God has made us to be as His people! 

May we all do the same where He has us! 

Thank you again for partnering with me and for your prayers! 

I'm excited for 2024 and for all God has ahead for us.  May we keep together and serve God faithfully and with courage!  

On a Silent Night ...

In Ethiopia, it's often hard to find a place where there is silence. 

Streets are busy. Cafes are often loud. Roads are full of people talking and walking and buying things. Kids are running and shouting and playing. Dogs are barking.  Cattle are "lowing." 

A little over one week ago, I traveled to the US, arriving early this year for the Christmas, New Year- holiday season.  

One of the biggest things I noticed pretty quickly here were places of quiet.  

This past week, I enjoyed walks with my family, and I marveled at the silence. 

The quiet neighborhoods. The stillness.  The Christmas decorations. It was peaceful.  Almost holy.  As if things were holding their breath.

Many times in life, things can get busy and we can become overwhelmed. Even in quiet places, your mind can feel busy and disturbed. There can noise and stress.  Demands can be great.

We see when Jesus walked here, He was often VERY crowded and mobbed wherever He went. People always wanted Him for something. 

We see Him often going off alone to a quiet place to pray. He sought silence and stillness before His Father. He seemed to be refueled and refreshed in these times.  He gave us an example to follow.

God can do alot when we close the door and sit at His feet and just be in His presence. "Doing" for Him is not the same as "being" with Him.  In His presence, we can be real. We can be ourselves. We can cry. We can rage. He's ready and can take it. He knows us and loves us. He knows our struggles already. He can wipe every tear. Mend every broken place. Heal every wound. There is much God can do in us and through us if we're still and silent and with Him. 

Have you stilled yourself recently in His presence?  Have I? Or has the busyness of the holiday season already overwhelmed you? Have you sat in a silent night or a quiet place in a day to see what God might say and what God might do? Have I?

I believe God is there. Waiting in our day and in our night to be with us. To know us. To help us. To lead us. To comfort us. To speak to us. And not just during Christmas when we remember His birth, but He's there in every season of life. On every mountain, in every valley. In every waiting room. In every workplace. In every unemployment line. By every grave side. In every long line or long drive.  In every jail cell or church pew. He's there, waiting to say something to us. Many times, we just don't seek Him or see Him. We're not looking for Him or listening for Him. I think we often miss Him and don't even realize it.

God says...

Be still and know that I am God ...

Psalm 46:10

If you seek Me, you will find Me...

Deuteronomy 4:29

Be still and I will fight for you

Exodus 14:14

Cease striving and know that I am God 

Psalm 46:10

You will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it ...

Isaiah 30:21

In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!

John 16:33

I am close to the broken-hearted...

Psalm 34:18

Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world

1 John 4:4

In my presence is fullness of joy

Psalm 16:11

I can supply all your needs

Philippians 4:19

Don't worry...

Philippians 4: 6-7

I am with you, even to the end...

Matthew 28:20

May we let God speak to us. May we be silent and still so we can hear Him.

A big prayer for me this holiday season is to try to power down all engines and to sit before God to see what He has to say. What has He taught me in the years behind? What do I still have to learn? What does He want me to know and do for the time ahead?  

What can God do on a silent night?  On a silent night over 2000 years ago, He changed everything. He came and most people missed Him.  He gave the greatest gift ever given and the greatest gift still being offered to humanity. He gave His Son as a Savior for our sin and He gave us a King and Shepherd we can trust to lead us home. Praise God!

And there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is the Messiah, the Lord..."

Luck 2: 8-11

The impact of one night, one encounter with God, 

can change the course of your life, your family, your story and history!

Please pray for me this holiday season, that I will take time to rest and be still before God. To see Him, to know Him more. To hear from Him. To be filled with Him and rest in Him. Please pray He gives me opportunities to testify and to connect with friends, family and new and current supporters. I'm so grateful for ministry partners and global family!

I'm grateful for Jesus and this holiday time and this finale to 2023 so much.

Please pray for EvaSUE in the coming days and for the New Year ahead- as we seek together God's direction and His message for students and the nation.  May we represent Him well and make Him known in Ethiopia and beyond.  Please keep our staff and our newly launched staff in prayer. Also for two regions still not open because of instability and fighting. May we lift up Jesus in all the dark places!

EvaSUE...New Staff, Dec 2023

Please pray for the world! That light will shine in darkness. And that more will come into the family of God through Jesus!

Here are a few pictures from here in Ohio so far. I'm so grateful for my family (Dad, Mom, Noel-Mike, Lucy)

Best parents- Jim and Rosie 

Best sis- Noel Martin 

OHIO

If you'd like to meet for coffee and to catch up in person or by phone this holiday... please let me know by email or facebook or by my Mom's phone. I'd love to meet with you and tell you what I've been up to and my plans back in Ethiopia on my return in January.

If you'd like to make a special Christmas or Year End gift for what I do in Ethiopia, there is a need for one-time gifts for airfare and for supplies. There are other big financial giving opportunities as well. You can message me to talk to me in person on those. I also need more monthly supporters. You can also sign up for that through the link below and can make a donation that way too:

 https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Thank you again so much for partnering with me and praying for me. I'm so humbled and grateful!

Blessings to You All This Holiday Season!

With Gratitude- Holly

A Reflection of Gratitude ... Thoughts on Field Assignments and Seed

The fall season in the USA was always a favorite for me growing up. I loved seeing the temperatures drop and the leaves change color. Pumpkin and spices - different candle scents and latte flavors ... jeans and jackets and scarves... a time of harvest. I have always loved this time of year!

Also of course- the month of November brings Thanksgiving- also a favorite holiday. A time for reflection and giving thanks for all you have. I remember turkey, stuffing, candlelight church services on the eve of Thanksgiving. So many good memories.  This time of year has always been a time to reflect with gratitude of all God has done and who He is for us.

Here in Ethiopia, things have gotten busy with annual plans and the return to school for most campuses and universities.  We have had trainings with new and returning staff. I'm so thankful to be part of the amazing EvaSUE team and work!

In reflection of this past year, I feel grateful. For my twelve years here in Ethiopia overall, I feel humbled and so thankful that God has kept me and has never given up on me.  The years have held so much.  Though many seasons were not easy, I'm so thankful that God gave me continued chances to work in these fields and throw seed here for His kingdom!  It has been my greatest joy!

Recently, I gave a training to our staff about "Stewardship" and it has had me thinking about the incredible trust God gives us in life.  

Stewardship is "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to our care." 

God has given us many things in life to "steward." He's given us the earth; finances and resources; family and relationships; our bodies, our minds, our hearts; talents and abilities; spiritual gifts; time in general ... so many things. God trusts us to care for and take care of many things and do something with those. How have you "stewarded" what He's given you?

Over 2300 verses in the Bible talk about stewardship. God expects us to take care of what He's given us.

Stewardship involves remembering that:

God is the owner.  We are not.  We are stewards only. We work for God. All we do is for Him!  

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it ... Psalm 24:1

He gives us responsibility. God trusts to be responsible with what He's given us.  

Do you best to present yourself to God as one approved ... 2 Timothy 2:15

There is accountability. One day we will have to give an account of our lives and what we did with what He gave us.  

Each one of us will have to give an account to God ... Romans 14:12

There is reward.  We are also promised reward for the work we do.  Most of that reward will be in heaven. Here on earth, we may get to see some fruit of our work and lives changed or impacted. But mostly here on earth, our reward is more of God Himself.  We get to know Him more as we partner with Him in the work. He shows us more of Himself. He becomes our portion. There is no greater reward than to know Him more!

There will be reward for the work ... 1 Corinthians 3:8

The Lord is my portion ... Psalm 16:5

Despite just life overall to manage and steward, God also gives us ministry to do... "field assignments." Some times we think that a job or an education chance might just be random, but I believe God places us in certain areas for His purpose. God gives us a "field assignment" for the Kingdom and He has seed for you to toss there for Him. You might not realize this at the time, but looking back at my life....there seems to be so many of these times ... when it didn't make sense why God had me where He had me and why He had me doing what I was doing .... only to realize later ... it had a kingdom purpose!  God was trying to grow me and also throw seed to others at that place.

The good news about the field assignments God gives us is that God knows us uniquely. He knows the load we have already. And He knows our unique design. So, if He gives us a field assignment, He also knows with Him WE CAN DO IT.  We are chosen by Him for what He assigns us to do! 

He doesn't send us to a field or give us an assignment without help.  Three key things I see that He sends with us and gives us are these:

He gives us ...

1. His Word

God gives us His Word. His Word is living and active. It's the main way He speaks to us today. His Word gives us guidance.  He is speaking there!  It's also our sword.  The truth is there and this truth can slice through any lie or deception that Satan throws at us! Every day, we should be in His Word, spending time not just talking to God but listening for Him.

His Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword ... Hebrews 4:12

2. His People

God also gives His people. There are brothers and sisters in God's family globally that are also doing "field assignments." We are not alone! Satan wants to trick you into thinking you're alone, He isolates you so He can attack you.  We must stay in community as God places us in different assignments. Together we can encourage each other, pray for each other, and keep each other accountable.

Don't forsake the meeting together of each other ... Hebrews 10:25

3. His Spirit

God also gives us His Spirit.  God's Spirit is in us and with us.  He's the One who teaches us and prays for us. He gives us guidance. He gives us discernment and wisdom. He gives us power to be witnesses and to speak with boldness. He's the One who does the "spiritual part" of our work. He's the convictor of sin and truth. When you do your field assignment with Him, He's the "right hook" - the One who brings impact and life change. We can't be successful in "field assignments" without God's Spirit. It's spiritual work we are in and we need Him!

The Spirit is with us ... (John 16: 7-15; Romans 8:26; Acts 1:8; Zechariah 4:6)

With these key things, we can toss seed and we can be effective in the harvest fields of the world!

My prayer in this new school year for EvaSUE and for the global church overall is that we steward well the work. That we do something with the seed He's given us to throw. That we remember that if He's given us a field assignment, we should do it well in honor of Him ...  for the fields indeed are ripe for harvest!  

Remembering...

Those who sow generously will reap generously ... 2 Corinthians 2:9

Those who sow in tears, will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves (the harvest) with them ... Psalm 126: 5-6

As we reflect on life this coming week and give thanks, may we think about our stewardship. 

How are we doing with what God has given us? 

May we think about field assignments and seed. 

Are we seeing life in this way or are we complaining with where God has us and not realizing it may be for a bigger purpose? 

May we honor God in the coming days wherever He places us!

Please pray for EvaSUE this month and next as we continue to train and launch more staff into the regions, that God will help them do much with the seed they're given.

Please pray for our two northern regions that have not opened back up yet- for staff having to be relocated until schools open back up...that God will give peace and that staff will stay encouraged. 

If you'd like to give to the work here, the need is great.  You can make a donation through this link:

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Thank you again for your generous prayers and support!

I'm so thankful for all of you who partner with me here!  

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

With love from Ethiopia!

I thank God every time I remember you... Philippians 1:3

ON OUR WATCH ...

With much of the rest of the world, my eyes this past week have been on the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Though work has felt busy here, each night I have found myself going home to look at the news or have checked it on my phone.  To see the loss of life and devastation has been overwhelming and heart-breaking.  And I've been in deep prayer for the people there and those affected- so many experiencing grief, loss, fear, and so much.

It's also had me thinking about the role of the "Church" at this time.  This is happening "on our watch." 

What we supposed to be doing as the people of God at this time in history, when so many globally are under "occupation," when evil and sin and darkness have gotten into minds and hearts and families and communities? Tunnels have been built in our lives, under us possibly, without awareness. And there is terror from the outside and the inside.  What are we called to do and be as the "Church?" Where are we?

For me, God has been reminding me of some of the key roles we have as His people.

One responsibility we all have and can't forget is we are to be:

MESSENGERS of the GOSPEL (the Good News)

We are to be sharing about the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are to be showing people and introducing people to the Savior.  There is Good News still in increasing darkness. Heaven's champion came to give us victory over sin and death and to give us peace with God and eternal life with Him! This is good news for all! 

Are we sharing this, speaking this, living this? Across cultures? In pain and loss, in sorrow and persecution, is this still the identity we wear and the work we are most doing?  Or have we gotten distracted? 

Go into all the world and preach the good news... Mark 16:15

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord...

Romans 6:23

Preach the Good News, be ready at all times...  2 Timothy 4:2

You shall be my witnesses ... Acts 1:8

We are ambassadors of Christ ... 2 Corinthians 5:20

We are also told to...

KEEP WATCH / GUARD

We are to be like "watchman" on the walls. We are to give warning to people of danger and to help people know what to do, where to go, what dangers are there.  We have the ability to hear from God and make His ways known! 

Are we even aware of the danger around us? Things trying to make us live under "occupation?" Are we aware of sin, Satan, evil...trying to get into our minds, hearts, families, churches, nations? Are we giving warning? Are we guarding what God has entrusted to us? Do we even see danger approaching? Or have we gotten off the walls? Have we become distracted by things don't matter? Are we fighting against the wrong things? 

I have made you, Son of Man, as a watchman of Israel, you shall give them warning from me ...    Ezekiel 33:7

On your walls, oh Jerusalem, I have set watchmen...all the day and all the night, they shall not be silent...

Isaiah 62:6

I will take my stand at my post and station myself on the tower and will look to see what He will say  ...

Habakkuk 2:1

Instead of speaking what God tells us to and giving news to people of what God says, are we, as the people of God, doing this responsibility? Are we visible so people can hear and see us? Are we listening to Him? Are we saying the wrong things? Are we silent? Do we have our headphones on? Oblivious to danger? Unaware of what God wants us to say to the people around us? Have we abandoned our posts?  Are the walls unguarded?

God tells us we will have to give an account.  

We may be watching, but could feel indifference. We may feel sadness, but think it's not my responsibility to do anything. What can I do? We may say ... "it's not my issue."

The reality is though- 2 million people under persecution with the possibility of losing their lives and standing before God without knowledge of Jesus Christ, IS OUR ISSUE.  People matter to God.  His heart is for people.  The least, the lost. The refugee. Those hurting and injured are in God's heart.  What we can do? How can we respond?   

In crisis, people can react in rage. They can react in defense. They can become blinded by grief. They can be misled.  We, as the Church, can guide, can shepherd.

They need to know where to go and who to listen to. 

On the wall, as watchmen, I believe we are to speak and give guidance.

We are also called to:

GIVE LIGHT

The church has the light and truth of Jesus Christ.  We know the way to God. We know how to have peace, joy, hope that's not dependent on circumstances!  Jesus can light up the dark and release those in bondage!

The Church is NOT to take its light and go into a closed bunker.  We are NOT to stay inside and enjoy the light when darkness is all around and advancing.  We are to go OUT and push back darkness and share the light!

those living in the darkness have seen a great light... Matthew 4:16

I am the light of the world, whoever followers me will not walk in darkness ... John 8:12

You are the light of the world. Let your light shine... Matthew 5: 14-16

The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church ... Matthew 16:18

Are we doing that as the Church? Can people see light?

This past week, our power was OFF, more than it was ON in my area.  Many of my neighbors sat in darkness waiting for electricity to be turned back on. Darkness is scary. It makes you feel insecure. It makes things unclear. It can make you depressed. You can miss danger around you.  

Are people around you without light? Are you sharing yours?  

We also sit with "darkness" around us and even attacking us as people of God. We even live under a kind of "occupation" ... as we continue on earth until home with God. Sin is here, death is here, Satan has some rule... Yet, those in the Church... have Jesus. We know the end. We have been given hope, light, peace, joy.  People can also have this and need Jesus now! This truth and light and life needs shared! 

We are to be rescuing the perishing. Binding up the wounds of people.  Jesus didn't isolate Himself from the sinner, the lame, the demon-possessed, the terrorist. He didn't stay in easy areas or build walls around His life and ministry. He went right into the darkness and touched the brokenness and led people out. He allowed Himself to be broken for the brokenness of us all. He showed us what we are to do and how we are to be in the world. Are we following His example?

it's not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick ... Mark 2:17

I have come to seek and save the lost ... Luke 19:10

We, as the church, also need to:

PRAY 

We need to pray without ceasing. To keep connected to God and His Spirit. To pray for our families, our neighbors, our churches, our nations. We are in a spiritual war! God's Spirit is with us. We need Him to give us protection. Wisdom. Courage. We are on the winning side. And we know how it ends.  But we are told to pray! And to keep praying! We have to pray for each other. Even pray for our enemies. For they too ... need light.

Pray without ceasing ... 1Thessalonians 5:7

Pray for each other... James 5:16

What will be said of us when we stand before God one day? What happened "on our watch?"

May we ...

BE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD NEWS

WATCH AND GUARD

GIVE LIGHT

PRAY

Thank for your prayers for us here. As we've been meeting the past month or so in strategic planning, there seems to be MUCH spiritual warfare going on.   May God keep us and help us to lead well the thousands of students trying to follow Jesus and serve Him well and lift Him up on college and university campuses around the country. 

Please pray for all the work.

I'm also still trying to raise ministry funds to help with the work here. The cost of living here has skyrocketed.  If you'd like to give a one time donation or join my monthly support team, you can through this link:

https://globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Thank you for your continued prayers and support! They mean so much!

Despite all the hard things going on in the world, we still have things to be thankful for. 

Next week is a big birthday week for our family in the US. 

Please help me wish my Mom a very happy birthday next Friday October 27. I'm so thankful my beautiful Mom and the care and love she gives to us all.    I'm also so thankful for Noel, my sister, her life is such a blessing to us all. Her long obedience to God and all she has done for Him and still does for Him has had huge impact.  Please wish her a happy birthday to her as well next weekend!

Thank you for being on the journey with me!  Let me know how I can pray for you as well!

We are in it together!

Blessings from here!