There are so many things I could write in this blog! There is one statement that can just about sum up this entire blog.
God's hand on our life takes us on the most incredible journey we could ever go on!
So, to start out I guess I'll give you a quick update. I sent in my request for my visa this week. So prayer wise, just keep praying that the Chinese government will issue me a visa. =) Also, my dad and I are looking at plane tickets this weekend since I have almost raised enough support to purchase my plane ticket! =) Currently I am about 43% funded! =) Praise God! It's really exciting to see God's confirmation in this whole process. Please continue to pray that the rest of the money comes in to meet my need of $3700.
I had a really cool thought today.......2 months exactly from today......I'll be in China!!!!!!!!!! =)
So today I was talking to someone I had just met and they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer, of course, was to be a missionary. I have known I wanted to be a full time missionary since I was 12. Her response, "I knew you were going to say that." This was really cool confirmation because I had just met her and 5 minutes before she was a complete stranger. Then I proceeded to tell her how I was going to China for the summer and she told me she went to China for a month about a year ago. She said that the Chinese hearts are so open and hungry for God; someone just needs to tell them the good news of Jesus Christ! My heart leaps within me, excitedly knowing that I will get a chance to partake in that this summer!
I am so excited that God has opened up this door for me to be able to minister this summer in China. The more I think about it, the more excited I get. It is also really fun because the face of IHOP is turning Asian with so many International interns and students. So everywhere I go, there's a group of Asians. My heart leaps with excitement knowing I'll be in their land, ministering to their people, sharing the good news of Jesus. Also I have been seeing lots of students reading Heavenly Man, one of my favorite books and one I highly recommend, in the prayer room. I'm assuming it must be for one of their classes. That too has sparked something in me to read that book again and re-kindle the flame I have been given for the Asian people groups.
I cannot wait for the adventures God is going to take me on this summer! He truly does have good plans in store for us! Thank you again for praying for me and for blessing me financially! You are such a key part of this journey!
~Ashton
