One Word 2011

One Word 2011

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I don't know about you but New Year's resolutions have never worked for me so I don't even bother with them anymore. I recently learned of a new concept along those lines but where you take one word and focus on that for the coming year. (You can read more about it here: one word 2011 : Grit and Glory) And I thought it would be a good thing to try. The hard part was choosing what I wanted to focus on in 2011. Many different things came to mind and areas in my life where I know I could use improvement. After thinking about it for a few days I finally concluded that prayer was the most important thing for me to work on this year. I know I don't spend enough time in prayer and I also know how valuable it is in the Christian life. So, my one word for 2011 is "Pray." The Bible tells us to be fervent in prayer, to pray continuously, to ask, seek and knock and never give up asking. That kind of prayer does not characterize my life but I want it to. I would encourage you to join us in this idea and see what area the Lord might have you grow in especially this coming year. I can't wait to see what the Lord will do when we really seek to become more and more like Him!

Let the countdown begin!

Let the countdown begin!

Posted by Ashley Hoover

In just five days I'll be headed to Honduras for the first time! Now that Christmas is over I can start focusing more on the trip. The next few days will find me packing, studying for my lessons and demo's and of course waiting (probably a little impatiently :)) for the new year. I'm pretty excited but I'm not sure it will really sink in until I land in Honduras. My sister gets to go with me which will also be fun. Thank you for your prayers for this opportunity to minister to children in Honduras. I really couldn't do this without you!

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about the really amazing fact that God came and dwelt among man. Mostly I’ve only ever thought about that during Christmas time and how neat it was that day that God would take the form of man and literally be “with us.” This year however I’ve realized in a new way that it doesn’t end there. God is still “with us.” As incredible as it was that day when Jesus was born and was with us in human form, even more awesome is the fact that He is with us every day in the form of the Holy Spirit for the believer. Even more than “with us” He is in us, guiding us, teaching us and helping us as we strive to become more like Christ. I had never heard this verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel but it really expresses what this season is all about.

“Oh come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, oh Israel”

As believers we have a lot to rejoice about because of what God did when He chose to be with us, give His life for us and save us. The gift of salvation is better than anything this world can offer. His promise to always be with us also is a huge comfort in a world of so much uncertainty. Find comfort this year in the truth that God is still with us and will be forever.

“…they will call him Immanuel—which means, “God with us.” …And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 1:23b, 28:20b)

Have a very blessed Christmas!

Honduras Trip Update

Honduras Trip Update

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Well, I made it back home without any trouble and am thoroughly enjoying time with family and friends! Thank you for your prayers! I've missed all the hugs & kisses from little brothers for the last almost 7 months so there's lots of catching up to do. :)

The promised update:
The first week of January we'll be helping with Camp Good News. I've never been around a Camp Good News so I'm eager to see what that aspect of the ministry looks like and how it functions.

The second week I will be doing some teaching during CYIA or JCV as they call it in Spanish which I'm pretty excited about. It does also make me a little nervous since it's been a while since I've taught anything all in Spanish. A great challenge though and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be telling the missionary story demonstrations which this year is Ti-Fam. I'll also be teaching a class on how to teach songs during a 5-Day
Club. I would appreciate your prayers as I study and prepare for my time there. I can't wait to see how God will work not only in the campers and students but in my life as well.



My notes for the missionary story. Not bad right?

The title page looked easier...only ten pages of this though. :)

Travel

Travel

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Hi Everyone!
Just a quick note. I will be traveling home Sunday and would appreciate prayer for safe travel. I will have an update on Honduras trip plans early next week too. Thanks so much!

Latinoamerica

Latinoamerica

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I heard this song the other day and have had it in my head ever since. It will give you a chance to practice your Spanish but I also put the translation below. :) It just made me think of the great priviledge I have to share the Answer to the problems in Latin America. A place I love and I can't wait until the day when all the things in this song truely come to be! Please continue to pray for eyes and hearts to be opened to the Truth that Jesus alone saves and in Him is true peace.

"Latinoamerica" by Tercer Cielo

I had a dream last night

of Latin America

It was so beautiful

As if I was awake

I could see Mexico

There were no more deaths

I visited Colombia

There were no more kidnappings

I smiled when I saw Cuba

Breathing liberty

Bolivia and Nicaragua

Enjoyed prosperity

And in Puerto Rico

There was no more violence

Everyone celebrated

There was a big party

Latin America God loves you so much

And He has not forgotten your cry

Latin America God loves you so much

The time you’re waiting for has come

And in Venezuela

There was no more poverty

Peru and Guatemala

No more single mothers

And like in Ecuador

There were no orphans

In Paraguay and Panama

It felt so peaceful

In Argentina and Chile

The same in El Salvador

Abortion disappeared

Because life there triumphed

In the Dominican Republic

Drugs are not needed

In Uruguay, Costa Rica and Honduras

There isn’t need for anything

Latin America God loves you so much

And He has not forgotten your cry

Latin America God loves you so much

The moment you’re waiting for has come

Raise your hand and say NO to racism

Raise your hand and say NO to sexism

Raise your hand and say NO to extremism

Raise your hand and say NO to conformity

Let there be no more stray bullets

Let there be no people with low self-esteem

Let there be no fear to cross the street

Let there be no people who will take your life

Let there be no need to seek a visa

Let the borders be erased, forgive injuries

Let there be no race or color, no one is created superior

No matter where you were born, you and I are brothers

Latin America God loves you so much

And He has not forgotten your cry

Latin America God loves you so much

The moment you’re waiting for has come

State Staff Retreat

State Staff Retreat

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I know it's been a little quiet here lately, sorry about that. This past Sunday-Tuesday I was at a State Staff Retreat for all the CEF workers here. It was a good time to get away and enjoy fellowship with each other. It was neat to see several people I had met at my various trips to CEF Headquarters for CMI. I have a little over a week left before I go back home for Christmas and then my trip to Honduras.