Ministry Update July 23, 2009
John 16:33
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This morning in my quiet time with Jesus, I was thinking about the word peace. My heart felt troubled about some circumstances and I needed peace. I began to look up verses in John that mention peace. Jesus first mentions peace in John 14:27 when he says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you … do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” Why is it hard to feel peace in the midst of trouble? How does one experience mental calm and tranquility in the midst of troubling circumstances? Why is it that we even think we should be exempt from trouble?
As I pondered the above verses I was reminded the Christ came into this world and died for my sins so that I could know eternal peace here and now as well for all eternity. I may have troubles here on this earth but I have hope! The apostle Paul got it right when he spoke these words in Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus is our peace, joy and hope in the midst of our troubles. Praise his Name!!!
I can’t believe it’s been two months since I sent my last update but I decided to give myself a little break over the summer. None the less JoyShop Ministries is still bearing fruit over these summer months and I am going to share some of the encouraging responses we recently received.
Through Facebook:
"Hello! I don’t know if you remember me, but you came to my school in the fall last year, 2008. I just wanted to let you know that you really inspired me with the 21 day challenge!
Since the retreat in the fall, I decided that I would read my Bible, cover to cover. I have been reading two chapters from the Bible each day. I really appreciate you for helping me realize that I needed more time with God. Thank you so very much!
From the Pocket Testament League:
“I love the gospel of John, it is my favorite book in the whole Bible … Your 21 day challenge gave me new insights to think about. Thank you.”
“I ACHIEVED THE 21 DAY CHALLENGE. I MEDITATED ON THE VERSES AND USED THEM IN MY DAILY WORKING HOURS AND HARDSHIP TIMES. I ENJOYED THE 21 DAY CHALLENGE. IT GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY TO OTHERS ABOUT DOING SOMETHING FOR 21 DAYS FOR CHRIST”
“As a Pastor it has been a great tool that I can now ad to my other teachings. I have a very similar one that I prepared years ago. But now It’s time for a change and I will be using your 21 Day Challenge on the next months Bible class with the new converts. I Pastor a Spanish Church, therefore my task now is to translate the challenge into Spanish so that I could be able to use it to prepare the new converts.”
Women’s Retreat participant:
“Way back on April of this year you came to speak at our Women's Retreat. It was a spiritual life-changing experience. God had me in a place of desiring more and searching for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. Your testimony and sharing the principles of seeking God, being consistent, and getting up early to meet with Him catapulted my spiritual walk. I am passionate about rising early (even on Sundays) and meeting with my Savior. Digging into God's love letter to me is transforming my relationship with Him. I have a new mission field…the grocery store…and everywhere I go. I find myself unable to restrain the joy of the Lord and share your key principles that I learned.”
This young woman and her friend ended up hosting an event at their church to share what the Lord has taught them as a result of Seeking God First and doing the 21 Day Challenge. Over 100 women attended! Praise the Lord for spreading the message through these women.
From my time at Lydia Center
“I just wanted you to know that one of our ladies received Christ the weekend you visited us. She said your presentation really touched her and moved her towards Christ.”
The past two Wednesday evenings I have spoken to the teen girls that were attending Black Rock Retreat. One response I received through Facebook:
"Hi, I just wanted to say that I was at Black Rock last week and I loved to hear about your story! And there were some things that really hit me and I loved your analogy about talking to God everyday to get to know him. Thanks!!"
I continue to thank the Lord for opening the doors where He has prepared hearts to hear the message.
Please keep me in your prayers as I take JoyShop to Roxbury Holiness Campmeeting the week of August 1-9. I will be holding four daily sessions from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. They will be doing an audio taping of each session. Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through me in such a way that those who listen by audio will be inspired to Seek God First!
Thursday night, July 30, 7:00 p.m. JoyShop Ministries will be hosting a praise, prayer, and soft serve ice-cream event at my home. I will be sharing a brief update of the ministry with a focus on prayer for future speaking events. Hope to see ya!
In His service,
Anita
