Life has been very intentional and fast paced, but so sweet and good! I have seen the Lord move in so many ways with the girls here at this foundation. We have been able to connect with them on a deeper level and have gotten to see more of their hearts.
Our team has been battling some sickness these past two weeks, but we have finally all come out of it and we are all well! I was given a first hand opportunity to trust God with my health when, two weeks ago I became very sick and was hospitalized with a fever of 105.4 degrees, although the doctors were not completely sure what I had contracted, we are pretty sure I had contracted the Dengue virus ( from infected mosquitoes). Luckily my fever was only for a few hours and was actually feeling really good despite having such a dangerous fever. Nobody really was comprehending how “okay” I was. While fear crept into my teammates, I just remember feeling totally calm and peaceful. Nothing could break the divine comfort I felt from my father, it was as if the lord was holding me throughout the entire day. I was given a beautiful chance to live out trusting my life in God’s hands, and I just knew from the very beginning I was going to be okay! It was as if he had verbally told me. I was not scared or worried throughout any of the hospital experience, in fact I was enjoying the culture experience and the opportunity to share Jesus in the emergency room. Even the workers were wondering how I was so positive and alert while having such severe symptoms. Miraculously, 4 hours after arriving to the hospital my fever had broken and I was discharged! My God held me and guided me throughout that entire day. This was a day where my faith was strengthened and i got the privilege to rely on my father in a new way. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”, Isaiah 41:10.
Despite the medical scare, ministry with the girls has been so sweet. Some of my favorite moments with the girls has been our worship nights, devotional time, and getting the chance to wash their feet and pray over each girl. It is so amazing to get to encourage and teach them more about our savior and see their eagerness to deepen their faith. Strongholds are breaking and these girls are stepping out in freedom. Freedom from their previous lives, dangerous habits, and old attachments. They have been liberated from the darkness that once encompassed them. Praise God!
When our team is not doing ministry with the girls, we have been busy with the building of the stone wall, taking care of the animals around the foundation, and working in the green house pulling weeds. This foundation is working with the United States, In order to start trading an Ecuadorian fruit called Golden berries. In order for this to be successful, they need their green houses to be weeded and properly cared for so the berries will grow successfully! Our team is working diligently to help the foundation set this program up for further sustainability for Dunamis!
Be praying for some of the girls who are new to the foundation as they are in a season of adjustment. Leaving their old life and coming here is a blessing but also very hard, as everything is new. These girls now have to let go of the past and start embarking on their future. Also be praying that the girls will trust the process and yearn for a deeper understanding of who God is to them.
Keep our team in your prayers as we wrap up this last week. Goodbyes are very hard, and some of the girls here have already begun to be emotional about us leaving this Saturday. Pray for closure for the girls here at the foundation, our team, and that we give 100% on this last week and don’t “give up” or become lazy in our work here. Pray for a renewed strength for all of us, as ministry days can be physically demanding for our squad. Our group has grown to love and adore this ministry and leaving will be heartbreaking so keep us all in your prayers!
You can also be praying for me as I am looking into what my next steps will be once I return to the United States. At the moment I am praying into the possibility of being a squad leader for a semester group this spring. I am also praying into the process of starting an application to launch with the IMB this fall to North Africa for 2 years. Please pray for guidance as the Lord has been putting long term missions, the 10/40 window, and college ministry on my heart!
Thank you for your prayers and your support; It is so appreciated!
Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Con Amor, Sarah Holler:)
Sarah, that is a beautiful & remarkable testimony! So glad I was able to read it. I’m so excited for you & praying for your safe return & wisdom & guidance for you on your journey of following Jesus. Your “yes” to Him is producing eternal consequences. Much love to you!
So proud of you Sarah! I am so impressed with all you and your group have done. I know that the girls will be so sad to have your group leave. Glad I didn’t know you were so sick and so thankful you survived. You have become such a fine Christian and I know the Lord is pleased with you. I wish I could see you when you get home. Love you, Grandma Pat