True Beauty

God is amazing!

Being a believer in Christ is not a life meant to be lived on our own. Seeing people who have faith in God and make bold declarations in the name of Jesus is more than just encouraging, it's beautiful to see. Day to day, there are so many difficulties to face, it's even harder to face them alone. We need others around to be a support and hold us up when we no longer have the strength. God places the lonely in family (Psalm 68:6). It's a truth not only in the bible but also for life in general. I am baffled at this truth. My life is far more exceptional when I am connected with other believers, apart from him I can do nothing, I am nothing.

Today I was impacted by the beauty of two young people's faith. Their commitment to God and choice to follow Christ encouraged me so much. They confirmed in my heart that I made the right choice and I don't want to ever go back to a life without Christ.

Thank you, Emmanuel and Tabita

Combats le bon combat de la foi; saisis la vie éternelle, car Dieu t'a appelé à la connaître quand tu as prononcé ta belle déclaration de foi en présence de nombreux témoins. 1 Timothée 6:12

Que belle prière avec Jacob, Emmanuel, Tabita, Thomas, William (What a beautiful prayer)

Les témoins (the witnesses)

Oh quel joie! (What a joy!)

Update letter

I recently wrote a friend an update letter. It gave me a moment to reflect on my life more recently so I want to share. No worries more to come!

I am still going strong here in Nantes, it's my home. I may have chosen to come here randomly but there is nothing random with God. He was the one who brought me here and it's clear that this is where he wants me to stay for the moment. I am engaged in so many projects here that I feel like it's giving me a firm foot on the ground. I have moved around so much in the last 7 years and it's nice to feel planted. I see that there is a need for my gifts and I am finding more ways to use them. In my church, I get to serve using my social skills and artistic talents. I am apart of the GBU (Groupe biblique universitaire), which a student bible study I snuck into. I am praying and hoping that I can host a GBU bible study in home next semester. It's all in God's hand's because I don't have place, I am staying with a friend. I just have so many desires to serve and open my home to students. I am also on a team that organizes youth nights every couple months. It's called PULSE (Prière Unité Louange Service Édification) or (Prayer Unity Worship Service Edification). Our vision is basically to do all these five acts in our walk in Christ and encourage the youth in their faith. God is sneaky because he is making me a missionary in my local church and to students without me even realizing it. ;) I love it! What's really amazing is I love what I am doing and I am using my gifts. So for me this is all very natural. God is so faithful. I just sent in my paperwork for my long-stay visa. I am praying that it will be accepted and I won't have to get extensions anymore. Not having a visa and only extensions makes me feel not-quite-settled. I know this is where I should be so I have faith that God will finalize all the details.

I would like to add this image as a dedication to my friend Anne. You will be truly missed. Love you!

Holly, Anne, Ji, me