September 17th

A day I will never forget

On this day, my spiritual mother ended her life here on earth- one year ago. On the same day, I celebrate Pastor Paul’s day of birth!

To Pastor Paul: Thank you! Today I celebrate you. Thank you for saying “yes” to God. He made you a man of faith. Thank you for saying “yes” to God. He made you a spiritual father. 1 Corinthians 4:15, 16 “…there are not many fathers.” Now, because of your faith, I am living my dream and because of your love and compassion you have for the children I am being refreshed and reminded of the Father’s love for me. The Lord is softening my heart to His Father’s love for me through Pastor Paul’s love for the children.

This day I celebrate my spiritual mother’s life …she said “yes” to God's plan for my life here on earth! She told me, "The nations are calling your name, go and impart all that is in you!" To Pastor Janice, Thank you for saying “yes” to God—because of your faith in me, I am the woman I am today and I am becoming closer to God through your life and death.

Today, I also celebrate what God is doing now in India...wow! He is liberating a people to love and serve him. He is liberating me to love and serve Him! What a faithful God. I carry in my silver locket around my neck a mustard seed that Pastor Janice gave. It reminds me of the mark of her life: faith! I also carry the names of two countries that God placed in my heart as a dream to re-visit. One was my grandfather’s birthplace: Albania. The other is India! I am here which marks that: God is faithful. I was here in January ‘09 telling the people I wanted to return to stay as a missionary for longer..and God made a way! I only want to please Him by doing His perfect will.

Today I visited the church where the Pastors and Women Evangelist come to fast and pray and sing and share God’s word. I stepped in the back just to mix my prayers/ faith with theirs and it was a priceless moment. I felt God’s presence and began to think of Pastor Janice –she would be so proud and love for me to be here. Thinking of you today, Mom PJ…the legacy of faith you lived lives on in my heart and I am proud to have called you "Mom". (Today I celebrate my birth mother too...you are a wonderful spiritual mother who has birthed me both naturally and spiritually!!) I thank God for both of you! Mom's unconditional love for her sons and daughters…yielded lives that were forever changed. Today I, we, step into a new land of promise God has given to us. Amen?! (Can I hear an Amen?!)

“The Lord is Alexis’ chosen portion and her cup; The Lord holds her lot. The lines have fallen for Alexis in pleasant places, indeed she has a beautiful inheritance.” Ps. 16:5,6

To all those who feel they were discipled by Pastor Janice, the above scripture is for you…put your name in it and say it outloud! I love you Sound peeps!! Keep your head up today and remember where your help comes from..it comes’ from the Lord (Ps. 121) …I love you!

Lord, I have asked for the nations (Ps. 2:8), you have given that to me as my inheritance, and I continue to ask! Lord, give me, give us the nations! For Your glory… Amen.