Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! I hope you all have had a blessed, joyful time with your families and loved ones and you're experiencing the wonderful presence of God. I'm so grateful for the perfect gift of JESUS in our lives… GOD IS SO GOOD!

So, I have some big news that I'd like to share. The past few months have been a whirlwind filled with some of my greatest moments of joy, life, and abundance. I am continually in awe of God's goodness, faithfulness, and provision. It just blows me away. To make a long story short, God has brought the man of my dreams into my life and has united our hearts, passions, dreams, and visions for the future. We are head over heels in love and we want to spend the rest of our lives together, bringing glory to God and spreading His kingdom around the world. PRAISE the LORD!! So on Christmas day, Jesse Newton (yup, that's him!) got down on one knee and told me how much he loved me, that the Lord has made us for one another, that I'm his best friend and the love of his life, and that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. He asked me to be his wife and through a waterfall of tears I responded, “OF COURSE!” It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. It's clear that the Lord has led us together and that we truly are made for each other. We've both gotten profound words and confirmation from God about our relationship and there's a deep sense of peace that this is exactly where we're supposed to be. So yup… I'M ENGAGED!!! And I couldn't be happier! GOD IS SO SO GOOD!!! :)

I realize that this may come as quite a shock to some of you and potentially leaves a lot of questions up in the air. I'm going to try my best to clarify some of that now, but please know that if you'd like to hear more or if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and I'd LOVE to talk to you more!

Let me first give you a little background on this whole situation. As you all know, I have a heart for missions, serving the Lord, bringing His kingdom to the nations, ushering in His divine freedom, redemption, and love, and more specifically serving in Thailand for this next season of my life. Jesse feels the same. SO SWEET!! We met at a World Race training camp about a week after I finished the race (this past May 2011). We only talked a few times but each time it felt like we had gone to a totally different realm because we connected on such a deep level so quickly. I've never talked to someone who mirrored my heart and passions to such an insane degree; at times I thought I was talking as the words were coming out of his mouth. It was wild. Jesse has led Real Life trips with AIM (for college-aged youth) for the past three years and one of his most recent trips was to Thailand. God literally broke his heart for the people there (especially the young girls caught in or at risk for entering the sex industry) and the Lord called him to return long-term to work for change. As we talked at training camp, I realized how similar our hearts and passions were and it blew me away. We kept in touch a bit over the summer and once I moved down to Georgia, we began hanging out… a lot. Soon after that we were dating, completely in love, and we knew we were meant to be together forever. It all happened pretty quickly, but I am more sure than ever that this is the man that is made to be by my side.

Jesse was originally on the Thailand Initiative as well, but wasn't able to start working with the team at the end of October because his fundraising wasn't where it needed to be. So I began with the team and have been working with them for the past few months on planning, fundraising ideas, strategic development, and focused prayer and worship for what the Lord has. The Thailand Initiative team has been undergoing some changes itself as new members are joining in January and the Initiatives have recently been moved under a different department and different leadership. All across the board it's clear that we are in the process of change, movement and transition. But it's good. GOD IS DOING SOMETHING NEW.

Early on in our relationship, Jesse and I began seeking mentorship and counsel from the leadership in this community. We knew this wasn't just another relationship - the Lord had made it clear to both of us that this is it, but we weren't sure what other changes that entailed. After speaking to some of our spiritual father figures (Michael Hindes and Mike Paschall), it was recommended that we focus on our relationship and that neither of us launch on this Initiative. It made total sense and was something that we had both been considering as well, seeing as how sometimes who we're called to be with is more important than what we're actually called to do. (Jesus first called the disciples to Himself, and from there they worked together to spread the gospel around the world.) I believe I am first called to Jesse, and from there we will spread His kingdom together to the nations. I AM SO EXCITED!!

So basically, this is where the change comes in. I am no longer a part of the Thailand Initiative team; I am still supporting and encouraging them in the work they're doing, but beginning January 3^rd I will be working in a new department in the AIM office. I'm taking on a new position as the Project Coordinator for the Marketing Team, managing the projects and work flow that come from the brand managers and go to the creativity team. It's a completely new position and something I don't have much experience in doing, but I'm excited about this new opportunity to grow and serve a team of people passionate about the Lord who seek to share testimonies of His goodness with the world. So prayer for favor in that new role would be awesome. :)

Jesse and I are still called to Thailand. We are still called to work with Ray and Candace Ward and Outpour Movement in Chiang Mai. We are still called to work with Burmese refugees, victims of trafficking, set up sustainable developments, and bring Christ's love, hope, freedom, and redemption to that nation. This passion still burns in both of our hearts and we can't wait to get back there and serve with these beautiful people. However, it's just going to be a little postponed. It was recommended that once we're married, we remain in this community for at least nine months to continue seeking discipleship, counsel, and support from others before we launch out into long-term missions. Too many life changes right after each other (marriage, launching to the mission field) doesn't set us up for success and we want to make sure we're not rushing into anything the Lord has. So our tentative plan as of now is to get married at the end of April or beginning of May 2012, and then launch out to Thailand in February or March of 2013. We both could potentially see ourselves working in Thailand for life (with visits back home to see family of course), but our initial stint will probably be around five years. We're SO EXCITED to be working in a ministry the Lord has so clearly called us both to and to be doing it together. It feels like the greatest gift in the world. GOD IS SO GOOD!

The cool thing is that we'll still be doing what we were originally planning on doing with the Thailand Initiative, but now we'll just be doing it together and with the community there. The Thailand Initiative team will still be there once we launch out in 2013, so we'll be able to work alongside them and partner with the groundwork they've already begun to lay, along with serving Ray and Candace's vision for the people there. I'm SO EXCITED!!

I am still considered an apprentice with AIM and will continue working with them until the end of April (when my commitment is done). I may stay on longer than that depending on their need and my fundraising situation (my position working at the AIM office is completely support-raised as well), so we shall see where the Lord leads. Jesse is currently working as a boat mechanic at a local marina and will most likely continue doing that until we launch out to Thailand.

I want to now take this opportunity to apologize for any confusion or misunderstanding any of this may have caused. I am completely aware that this is not what you originally signed up for in terms of support. The Lord is constantly on the move and is definitely doing a new thing in my life and the lives of those around me. But I'm so grateful that I have said YES to the Lord's plans for my life instead of trying to take control and make my own come to fruition. I seriously feel like Jesus is fulfilling the deepest desires of my heart and that I'm smack dab in the center of His will. It has always been my dream to do long-term missions with my husband, but that was always something that I had to surrender to the Lord and I never knew if it would actually happen. Well, it's happening… and it's beautiful. God has me in a season of ridiculous abundance, provision, and blessing, and all I can do is worship Him. HE IS SO SO GOOD!!

Therefore, I just want to say I'm sorry this looks different than I originally thought it would. Trust me, it looks different for me too! I'm no longer doing the Thailand Initiative, but I will still be working with the same ministry in Thailand… just a little delayed. The end goal is the same, but the journey to get there and who I will be doing it with looks different. THANK YOU for partnering with me on this journey through all the twists and turns in the road. I am so grateful for you!

Jesse and I are continuing to fundraise for our time in Thailand and we still do need your support if you're interested in standing with us in this adventure. God is definitely doing something and we're so blessed by the community of people who have decided to join us on the journey. THANK YOU so much!!

I'd love to have more conversations with those of you who have committed to giving to me monthly. Your support is still pivotal in this time, but I understand if you're no longer able to give because this looks different. Please know that I am so grateful for your support, encouragement, and love. God is using you in powerful ways and I'm blessed to know you all!

THANK YOU again for your hearts, for understanding, for your continued encouragement, love, support and grace. I am so uplifted by each one of you. THANK YOU!

Please let me know if you'd like to talk more… I would love to chat! I love you all and I'll talk to you soon! ABUNDANT BLESSINGS to you!!

Our first Christmas picture/ card :)

There are some things about Jesus that I don't understand… and I probably never will. If you know me, you've probably realized that I have some big questions about faith that in the past have thrown me into a whirlwind of questioning and at times doubt. But God has been carefully redeeming those questions and using them for good as He guides me to speak into the lives of others and meet them where they're at. I have lots of stories about all of this and could go on for a while about how sweet God's redemption is, but I'm gonna keep it simple for now.

Basically, the Lord is bringing me to places of peace - places where I can simply rest in Him and not have all the answers figured out. After all, I'm His precious daughter and He wants nothing but good things for me. All I have to do is rest in that knowledge, trust in Him, and realize how much He loves me. I don't have to know everything (and my finite mind wouldn't even be able to fully comprehend it); I just have to know that He loves me… and everything else will flow from that place of intimacy. So in essence, I'm learning to embrace the beautiful mystery of God and simply trust in Him.

It's not always easy for those of us who like to have a plan, have it figured out, and at times would rather take control of the situation in order to somewhat predict the end. But knowing the end is boring. Seeing all the steps before they happen is anti-climactic. I like adventure. I want to be on a wild ride with Jesus - fully dependent on Him and trusting that His plans are better and His ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). It's hard… but it's good. Resting in the Lord, releasing control, taking God out of the box we've placed Him in - it's good. I always say without challenges there'd be no growth… so I might regret this later on, but bring on the challenges, Jesus. J

One of the questions I've had for a while is the whole issue of healing. I could go on for a long time about this and quote lots of scripture and tell lots of stories. However, I'm going to again attempt to keep this simple. I fully, 100% believe in divine healing. I've seen it happen… time and time again. Jesus heals people. Jesus uses us to heal people, for the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive and active within us. “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Romans 8:11). That's pretty legit. Jesus also said we will do greater things than Him on this earth. "‘I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father'” (John 14:12). Wow. Our bodies are healed and restored in heaven, so all we're doing is calling that down. Bringing heaven to earth. Bringing kingdom. “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).

So… what did Jesus do? He healed people. Lots of them. Everywhere He went, healings broke out. If we are called to be Jesus in this world, if we have the Spirit of God living inside of us, if we are sons and daughters of the Most High and have power and authority on earth… then we should be doing the same things He did. And greater. That's crazy. That's something I don't fully understand… but again, I'm learning to embrace the mystery.

So if we're called to heal people - let's do the darn thing. Let's step out in faith and trust and start praying for healing. That's what Jesus did. Let's follow suit.

Here's where my human mind comes in. What happens when we pray and we don't see anything happen. What happens when we pray and someone is not healed. Let's be honest - that happens. Well, that's something that I am continually taking to the Lord. Maybe the healing will come later. Maybe there are strongholds or barriers in that person's life. Maybe my physical eyes can't see what's actually happening in the spiritual. Maybe I just have to suck it up, humble myself, and say, “Jesus - I don't understand. Seriously - I don't get it. But I am going to choose to say yes. I'm going to continue stepping out in faith and trust and praying for healing. Whether I understand it or not, whether I see a change or not, I will not be deterred. You are faithful. You are good. You are full of love. Heck, you ARE love. You don't want to see your children in pain. You are the ultimate Healer, the great Physician. I trust in you. So regardless of my flesh, I will continue praying with the same faith and fervency each and every time. Because I trust in you, and I love you. And I know you love me and the people I'm praying for way more than I could ever comprehend.” So yea - it's been a battle. It's hard to continue stepping out each time when my human eyes can't see the effects. But it's been growing me in faith. Growing me in trust. Allowing me to release control, release understanding, and lay it all before my Father. “Have your way, Jesus. I am yours. Use me.”

The funny thing about healing is that even though I don't get it, and I've had many questions about it for years, God has been relentlessly prompting me to pray for healing for people almost daily. Seriously - if someone says they're sick or in pain or struggling with something, the Spirit instantly convicts me to pray for them. Right there, in that moment, on the spot. I can't get away from it. And honestly, I wouldn't want to. Sometimes praying over people in the moment can be weird. Sometimes it's awkward. Sometimes my flesh tells me I shouldn't do it. I would rather just tell them I'll pray for them later. What will they think? How will they react? What if nothing happens? They seem busy - I don't want to take up their time. Honestly, I'm busy. All of these thoughts, all of these excuses, all of these lies flood into me. But the Spirit has continued prompting me to step out and to pray. Regardless of anything else that could happen - just pray. In all honestly, it doesn't matter what people think. It's worth the risk to step out and see God move rather than not stepping out at all. It's so worth it. And it's so good.

I'll admit, I don't listen to God every time He prompts me to do this. Yup, I'm a disobedient daughter at times. But I'm learning. I'm learning to fight the urge to run and instead trust in my Daddy. Trust that He has GOOD things in store - both for the person I'm praying for and for me. It is such a blessing to be a tool for Jesus. I have found no other joy as pure or as complete as being smack dab in the middle of God's will and being used for His purposes in this world. Seriously - it's incredible. So why miss out on an opportunity to bless others, show them God's love and power in a tangible way, and be blessed abundantly in the process? I don't know, I ask myself that often as well. I'm learning.

So all of this thought, theory, and revelation, aside - I want to share a story. A testimony. A beautiful picture of the Father's love poured out to one of His daughters. All we're called to be are willing vessels for the Spirit to flow through and move from. Yes. This is the way it was meant to be. This is kingdom on earth.

Just the other day I was in my apartment and getting ready to head out. I was in a rush (as always) and trying to grab a bite to eat before I left. One of my roommates was sitting at the table looking pretty down. I asked her if she was ok and she told me that she was sick - she'd been struggling with a headache, fatigue, and nausea most of the day. She'd left work early and had been trying to rest up in order to feel better. Instantly, my heart broke and yearned for her to be well. “Pray for her,” the Spirit said to me. “Pray right now.” Of course, my mind started its whirlwind of excuses of why I shouldn't pray. I'll pray for her later. She'll probably feel better soon. What if nothing happens. I don't have time. Lies, all lies! Thankfully, Jesus persisted and I relented. Thank you, Lord! I went over and asked if I could pray for her. She gratefully accepted and I laid hands on her and prayed. It was a simple prayer, but I felt the Spirit's presence. I finished and she thanked me, we talked a little more about life, and then we both headed out. Nothing physically changed. Nothing looked any different. But I had prayed. And she had been blessed.

Fast-forward a few days. It's now Monday and I haven't seen her all weekend (she was out of town for a wedding.) The first thing she told me this morning made me want to cry and leap for joy. “Jenny, guess what happened. Remember when you prayed for me on Thursday? Well about an hour after you prayed, I was completely better.”

What?! I thought to myself. Seriously? God, YOU ARE SO GOOD!! “Wait, so you haven't had any other symptoms since then? You're not sick anymore? You're totally better?” I asked in amazement.

“Yea, I'm totally fine now!” came her response.

Holy goodness, Jesus. YOU ROCK!! I was completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude and just began praising God. HE IS SO GOOD!! He is the great Healer. He wants to see His children made well. And He wants to use us in the process. What if I had ignored that promoting? What if I had listened to the lies? I would have missed out on witnessing a beautiful miracle, and my roommate would have as well. When we step out in faith and trust, I believe God will abundantly bless us with faithfulness and provision. It doesn't look the same every time, and sometimes we may never see the fruit of what happens when we pour out. But this was just God's little way of saying, “Good job baby. I'm proud of you. Look what I can do when you say yes to me.” AH, I LOVE JESUS!!

So, be encouraged. Jesus is alive and at work. And He wants to use us to bless people. Ultimately, it's gonna bless our socks off as well when He moves. Even if we don't see the practical fruit… it's there. God is always working. He is always moving. He is always restoring, renewing, and redeeming. Let's jump on this train and see where the Lord takes us. I may not know where it's going but I can promise you, it's gonna be good.

"‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give'” (JESUS in Matthew 10:8).

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I've written but I just wanted to give you an update of where I'm at. :) After a mini road trip down south (making stops in Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina), I made it to Gainesville, GA… which has become my new home. I'm living with six other people who are all associated with Adventures in Missions in an apartment complex overlooking Lake Lanier… gorgeous! The community here is amazing. I feel so grateful to be in a place where we can continually speak life, encouragement, and the word of God into one another's lives. God is good and I've truly been loving my time here so far!

Last week the Thailand Initiative officially began. Woo! We're in the initial planning stages and have been working in the office with all the other crazy kingdom-minded AIM people (love it) trying to get some things nailed down. We're soaking this whole process in prayer and attempting to fully seek the Lord and His will for this whole endeavor. We need His wisdom, His insight, His divine strategies. We desire His freedom, His hope, His redemption, and His KINGDOM to come. We cannot do this without Him… and we don't want to.

I'm working with a team of three other guys at this point and there's another woman joining the team in January. We've been getting to know one another and seeing how divinely the Lord has placed this team together, as we all have different passions and giftings that fit together beautifully. Thank you Jesus!

Along with prayer and team building, we've been diving into a variety of different things to make this Initiative a reality. We've been looking at some strategic development ideas, brainstorming about fundraising for the ministry (which could be anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 for the time we're there… crazy!), budgeting, marketing, donor relations, logistics, our online presence, researching the situation in Thailand and Burma more in depth, talking to a variety of different people to gain wisdom and insight, and basically trying to figure out what the Lord wants us to do and how we're gonna partner with Him to do it. It's been a pretty intense process so far and to some degree I feel like we've been thrown into something way beyond ourselves. We have a limited idea about what we're doing or how we're gonna do it… but I believe the Lord is going to lead us, guide us, and make a way (Isaiah 43:19). We are disciples living by faith, stepping out and saying YES to the Lord and His purposes in the world and trusting that He will bring about the skills, insight, favor, and provision that we need. I've always loved the quote, “God doesn't call the qualified… He qualifies the called,” and that's exactly how I feel right now. We're in a process of being shaped and molded into tools for the Lord and trusting that He will be the one to make it all happen. Yea… God is good. :)

As a brief fundraising update… I am fully funded for the first six months of the Initiative here in Georgia! YAY!! God has seriously BLOWN me away with His faithfulness and provision and I feel like He has placed me right in the center of His will in a season of abundance and blessing. Gosh, it amazes me. He is such a good Father! So THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support and for partnering with me in this! I am deeply touched and honored by you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am continuing to raise funds for my time in Thailand as well as ministry funds for the work we'll be doing there, so please let me know if you're interested in donating and I'd love to talk to you further. :)

I hope you're all doing well and you know how loved and treasured you are. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and for being a part of my life. I am deeply blessed. :)

These are my fabulous roommates! From left to right in a clockwise circle we have: Melina, Heather, Bill, Paul, me, Tim, and Sami. Love them :)

This is where I live. Thank you, Jesus! :)

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36:5).

“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not THROW OPEN the FLOODGATES of HEAVEN and pour out SO MUCH BLESSING that you will NOT HAVE ROOM ENOUGH for it'” (Malachi 3:10).

“Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5).