Missions Mart

   A couple weeks ago I had the honor to set up a booth at my church. They called it "missions mart" because a few people going on mission's trip were able to set up a booth to raise awareness and funds. I was surrounded by a good group: summer internship @ First Assembly, Project Rescue (India), Kenya, House of Hope(Gainesville) and Middle East. It was great to be next to them. When I got there to set up I was so nervous. I previously had been on crutches for over a week. I was told 2 more weeks on them until I was better. I did not want to be hindered by those things on this day. I was able to walk without them that day....and was done with them in fact. Praise God for that!  My oldest brother Aaron worked really hard to make my wonderful business cards. Aaron, Heather and the fam was going to help me out but Heather wasn't feeling well. My brother Austin helped keep me calm, as I tend to freak out a little when the focus is in any way on me. I was continually reminded it's not about me but God. So true! My wonderful microchurch leader Karina also showed up to help me with my bake sale. My wonderful microchurch also baked goods to help sell. I was ready to share about what God is calling me to do!
     After each service let out the people came. Some bought yummy treats but a lot just donated money. I loved having conversations with people who didn't want sweets but to hear my story. Each time I would share it was like God reminding me of his preparation and will for me. One of my favorite moments was when a mom walked up with her son. She gave him money to donate. She took the time to explain to him that he just helped other kids that don't have a mommy or daddy. What a discipleship moment and a glance into a true Kingdom moment. Overall people donated about $325.00!! Praise God!
       I had a lot of baked goods left and no idea what to do with them!! I didn't want to waste what people donated for the cause. I decided to ask my boss if I could sell the rest at the preschool where I work. They allowed it. What a wonderful place to work when they support you in your dreams. I brought the prices way down just to sell but I sold about all of it.

     I felt so encouraged to see the support of those who knew me and didn't know me. 
Thanks so much for all the prayers and encouragement. Please continue to pray for my spiritual walk as I prepare  for this trip.
       God is faithful and the Body of Christ is so beautiful when it works together!!


Ames on the way!

How to PRAY for me.

Thanks for all the support! I wanted to put a prayer list up and invite you to pray as I continue to prepare for my trip.

Please pray in the following ways plus however the Lord leads you.

• Pray for finances to come in to help cover my trip. (donations, babysitting jobs and other jobs too!)
• That my heart will be prepared to travel alone. ( I wont have a team lead like most missions trips.)
• That my heart will be prepared to see the orphans and how they live.
• That I will be sensitive and obedient to the Spirit wherever he leads.
• For boldness in using the authority God has given me.
• Pray against confusion, doubt, and lonliness.
• Pray that I will be equipped to do the work with the kids.
• Pray for my interaction with the staff.
• Pray for protection as I travel. Pray against fear of man.
• Pray that I will encounter God's love for this place.
• Pray for Confidence in who I am in Christ.
• Pray for good health.
• I also want to take toys and gifts for the kids..pray that those donations will come. This will be addressed more later.

Sunday April 17th First Assembly of God is having a missions mart after the 9AM and 11AM services. I have the opportunity to be apart of it. Please come and/or pray that people will come and have a heart for this cause. I will be selling baked goods. Pray they all sell! Pray that donations are made but also that I make contacts with people that are willing to have me do jobs. The jobs I mean are like babysitting, cleaning, running errands..anything really!

Also I sprained my knee playing volleyball. Pray its healed soon in Jesus name! I want to be able to do any work needed as soon as it comes up.

Thanks for all the support!!!
AMES : )

Thanks for all the support!!!

Ames On The Way...Why Now?

   In October of 2010 I had the honor of going to pickup my adopted cousin Jonathan Davis(on the left) from China. I visited for 2 weeks. I was able to see many adoptive families and hear there stories. I also was able to visit 2 orphanages. This apparently happened rarely when adopting in China. I never felt so close to God, and the calling he gave me, then when I was in China experiencing this adoption. On the LONG plane ride back I prayed about what to do next. My heart and prayers changed but my actions lacked the push.

     Then one afternoon I went out to lunch with 2 of my friends. I really respect what each of them have to say which made it hit home even harder. One of my friends joked about her future husband (which lots of girls do) to which my other friend replied how do you know you will get married? I flipped before I even heard his words. I honestly cant wait to start a family and didn't want to hear what he was about to say next. He went into explaining how he constantly checks his thinking. He said things like if we are so focused on getting married all the time then we are not focused on living our single life to the fullest to serve God. BAM! There was that push into action I needed. It was as if God told him to say it just for me...yup one of those moments. It reminded me of  1 Corinthians 7:32-35 "³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. " I knew I wasn't serving God with the undivided devotion that can come from singleness.


      I decided I would look into college courses for the Summer to start in that direction. I researched what I wanted to do to make sure I was going to steward my finances and time right in college. I didn't want to be in college, I wanted to be on the mission field! I emailed Monica Jarvis asking about what I should go for in college. We had never previously chatted or met. She replied asking about me and then next thing I know she is inviting me out to the Philippines. We met a couple of times and I make the decision to go on a short term trip in September to see where else God leads me. Now I am here. I am raising support and suiting up my spiritual armour to go love on these orphans.


     I can't even begin to explain how it feels to be ON THE WAY to what God has been telling you  he will send you to do for years! I have had so many people even prophesy(speak something God puts on their heart as encouragement for someone;sometimes very specific)  over me about it. It got to the point I was like Ok God I get it but WHEN? He has been preparing my heart and growing me. I have so much experience now and I can be used more adequately. He truly is faithful.


    Also,  come visit First Assembly of God @2925 NW39th Ave. Gainesville ,Fl on April 17th. There are two services: 9am and 11am. There will be a few missions booth, including mine, set up after church. Come ready to buy some baked goods, maybe get some babysitting coupons, donate and learn more about how you can support me or others that you may feel called to.


     Thanks for your support,

     Ames : )