From the Heart of Sarah Martin

Spring 2013

Mission Field Update

Happy Spring, friends! I pray each of you is enjoying this new year and finding hope and peace in this season! Every new season brings fresh opportunities; to me, none do it better than Spring. Its a season to shake off the dead wintery brown and usher in blossoms and new growth. My life often needs blossoming and new growth, doesnt yours? I believe our Father knows what Hes doing dont you? My life is definitely filled with new growth and lots of opportunity to revel in the glory of Gods provision. I am now in month 9 of this missionary journey and loving it! I officially began Phase 3 of counselor training in February; the Lord and I lead the sessions while Christine, our seasoned counselor, observes. Just last week He began speaking with my client about how He wants a relationship (loving, two way communication) with my young friend. I am confident that building a strong foundation with our heavenly Father can only help this young mans journey through life. Pray with me friends; I will also begin seeing clients without an observer later this Spring. I am eager to see who He will bring me into relationship with next. In January I began facilitating a Weight of Grace group. Eight new friends gather each Monday evening and the Lord never fails to pepper our time with great conversation, laughter and His divine revelation. He wants each of us to find freedom from the many weights we carry and He is faithful to show us something new each week. One of the participants had this to say already.
I have learned so much already in this study. Each of us know that God cares and loves us however to realize to the extent is amazing. I have learned to see myself as being special, just as God sees me. It has been so enlightening and beneficial to learn of the emotions involved in my eating. Sarah is an excellent leader in this study. She is real and demonstrates her love for God and her love for each of us in the class.

The ministry is working on two fundraisers - Project Hope, a fundraiser for a ministry team member with major medical bills, and our 2nd Annual Grace Life Friends and Family Picnic. Again, I get to put my project management skills into full effect! Ill be sharing details with you on both of these great projects via email soon!

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Growing Family
Our family is definitely blossoming! Between work, Ida and family visits we are spring bumble bees and are enjoying every minute of life right now. Every day is filled with new challenges and our dependence on God is growing deeper and deeper. Mike has just completed his first seminary course, Introduction to the Old Testament. He made an A in the course and will be starting his next one in June.

Also, we are very blessed that he has the opportunity to work so close to home. It allows him time to spend with Ida and I and time to pursue the desires of his heart with school. Im so proud of him for taking this faithful step in pursuing Gods plan for his life. Ida is almost 8 months old. Wow, wow, wow! Shes a very determined little girl already. Every day she pushes herself to talk, crawl and stand sometimes all at the same time! We definitely have a physical go-getter on our hands. Shes also very observant, always taking in the people places and things around her. I love her contemplative spirit and look forward to seeing how Gods going to use her in His kingdom. Shes already an immense blessing to our family.

Is the Lord Calling You To Join My Team?

The Lord birthed this dream of being a missionary in His ministry years ago. Daily my spirit bends deeper into His plan for my life as a whole and specifically for His desires during my time with Grace Life. Would you consider being a part of this journey? I am in desperate need of financial partners as well as prayer warriors. In order to continue to pursue the Lords calling through 2013 I need to raise an additional $400 a month in financial contributions. To meet my monthly salary I am seeking faithful friends like you to give to my mission. I am asking God for: 4 monthly gifts of $50 3 monthly gifts of $25 4 monthly gifts of $15 5 monthly gifts of $10 I covet your prayers about supporting my ministry in a financial capacity. Is the Lord calling you to give? Any monetary gift large or small is greatly appreciated and all gifts are tax deductible. One time gifts are also a blessing. If you would like to give now , click here and follow the directions on the GLI donation page. The opportunity to Share the Gospel with Christians through counseling and facilitating small groups in our community is nothing short of amazing. In Ephesians 2:9-11, Paul tells us that For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This verse brings great encouragement and joy to my life I AM His handiwork! I am living out the life He prepared in advance for me and what a great one it is! Come, be a part of this journey with me. I eagerly anticipate the many blessings your generosity bestows on our partnership in sharing Christ as Life! Blessings to you Sarah Martin

It is a joy to watch Him transform lives through this study. Currently I am trying to determine details for the next session of this material.