Hello my loved ones!
It is hard to believe it is almost October, my favorite month in Michigan when all the leaves change colors and the earth smells sweet.
This month at El Refugio, we had a few retreats cancel so I decided to have some fun with the facilitators. We practiced tying knots and setting up for the high rope elements. Then climbed Jacob's ladder and practiced on the new static course. We invited a few extra people to give the facilitators a chance to practice their belaying skills.
This weekend we will do the same with another group of facilitators and invited guests.Recently we have had a few facilitators that have needed to leave the program for responsibilities of high school extra requirements (teaching adults how to read and write, service projects, military duty) and one who is teaching full time and going to seminary. Please pray that God would give me wisdom in choosing leaders who will be committed to our program and growth. We spend many hours investing in their training that we want to make sure that we are being effective in whom we invest.
God used a female facilitator to encourage me this month. Sometimes, I feel alone and have feelings of guilt. Neither is from God. She spoke words of truth and life reminding me that I am not alone, God is always with me! Also that guilt does not come from God. He wants us to be victorious and successful in the work we do for Him. The next day I shared what I was going through with two other facilitators who also encouraged me. They asked me if we could pray together informally with walks around El Refugio asking God to bless the property and the ministry. What a praise and a blessing they are to me. I thank God for them.
Father God, please help me to keep in mind that my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12). My faithful Father, whether I turn to the right or the left, cause my ears to hear a voice behind me saying, "This is the way, walk in it" (Isa. 30:21).
My God is faithful! I am so thankful for Him and for the people He puts in my journey like you. Thank you for being an encouragement to me and a blessing to our ministry. God is working and growing me and our ministry and the devil doesn't like that!
Please pray for wisdom in improving the Facilitator Training program and in knowing the leaders who are truly interested in the helping people have a deeper relationship with Jesus through nature and outdoor adventure.
We have started a new bible study program and meet twice a month with the facilitators (once in a small group and once with all of them). Please pray that God would speak through me or the person giving the devotional or bible study method and for open hearts to fall deeper in love with Him.
May God bless you abundantly and fill you up with His love!
Love, Lorena
