A New Vision

To make disciples of students so that they might grow closer to the Lord and thus spread the gospel to the world.

That was my vision when I came to Faith Academy eight months ago. It still is my vision today, but God has surprised me by giving me a new vision that I am now passionate about.

As most of you know, my first few months here I greatly struggled with finding my group of friends. I spent time with many different people but just didn’t find my “go-to” crowd. This is a problem I’ve never faced before. I also realized that as part of my transition, I was trying to figure out who I needed to be to fit in instead of just truly being myself.

However, God has brought me a group of friends I lovingly call my “Condo family” (see the top photo). We all live in the same condo building, and we have spent many nights eating pizza, watching movies, playing games, and just talking together. A couple of months ago, we started having prayer night every week, and that is what has truly bonded us together. I’m so thankful for a family here, since all of my family is so far away.

Over the past few weeks, God has shown me that He has given me the gift of hospitality, and that now that I am comfortable here, I need to be more intentional about using that gift. He has given me a passion and a vision to help others who are new here to feel welcomed and included when they arrive. I have a strong desire to make friends with those who are struggling to find their place. I know what it is like to move to this country alone, and I want to do what I can to encourage them and help them find their group of friends.

I plan to be a part of the new staff orientation that will be happening in July so that I can get to know the new staff. I also will be partnered with one of them as a “buddy,” a system that Faith has to help new staff with questions they need answering.

Please pray with me that God would use me to encourage other single missionaries who are finding their way at Faith Academy. Pray that God would give me discernment to see who needs a friend and how I can best serve them. Pray that I would do that even now with those who are struggling to find their group.

I’m SO excited to have this new vision. I realize now that God brought me here for more than just to pour my life into my students. I’m excited to see what God will do and how He will move through this passion He has given me. I also look forward to meeting so many new people! :)

Thank you for your prayers and constant support! You may never know how much they make a difference!

Amanda

Praise Items:

I had a very restful and enjoyable spring break. I was able to visit some friends on another island and see what work they are doing down there. I also came back ready to finish this school year!

That God has brought me friends to speak truth into my life and encourage me as I live here.

I have a new friend who is wanting to find a Tagalog speaking church with me! Pray that God would lead us where He wants us to serve.

Prayer Requests:

We are in desperate need of more staff for the next school year, especially in the middle school. Please pray that God will bring the right people in His timing, and let me know if there is anyone you know who might be interested!

I am in the pit orchestra for our school musical this year, "Seussical the Musical." The play is April 14-16. Please be praying for our long hours of rehearsals between now and then!

Pray that the students and staff finish this school year strong. For some of them, they are in a period of transition, since they will be leaving Faith or going on home service next year. We also have a lot of testing going on.