Heading into month four strong, but the honeymoon phase of the race is starting to die down. This journey is obviously a lot of change, and it continues to prove heavy spiritually, in ways I likely wouldn’t have imagined. As I struggle with sleep, and learn to face attacks head on, I practice living out Ephesians 5:8. “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible — and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” I continue to receive my strength and hope from Him in places that feel dark and full of despair. As I experience these things on the field, I feel an unceasing tug in prioritizing interceding for people back home. At times I feel the weight of what’s happening here and back home, and then I’m reminded that it’s not my weight to carry, it’s simply my job to live in obedience.
Something that was said to me in El Salvador was “God is not worried…” for some reason this was PROFOUND to me. God isn’t a God of worry…it clearly says this all over scripture, but I’ve lived in worry for most of my life. I’ve repetitively reminded myself that my God isn’t up there worrying, and have found so much peace and freedom in it. I’m constantly in a rush to see His promises fulfilled that I’m not quieting myself enough to enjoy the process He is using for His glory as I await the fulfillment of these promises. Patience has never been my strong suit, so in the learning of patience I’m simultaneously learning I need to lean on His strength and not my own.
I assure you, in the heaviness of it all, I am finding peace. He literally replenishes my energy when I have a restless night, and I’m finding a whole lot of joy in the midst of these heavy days. I’m growing in seeking more hopefulness and an unshakeable faith.
As far as ministry goes, Nicaragua FLEW by. It was such a sweet time where I feel we were so so loved on and left feeling recharged. Leaving wasn’t fun, and I don’t think that part will get any easier in the next 7 months. Our host was so tender and always wanted us to feel well rested and taken care of. We did a little bit of everything while we were there: painting, working in the school (taking over English and Bible classes), played lots of fun games with the kiddos in the afternoon, as well as fun little excursions like volcano sunsets and kayaking between volcanoes!
We are currently in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. I’m living a couple miles away from a beach town that has become largely populated since covid happened, as people are seeking something new. There are quite literally people from all over the world gathering in this town. I’ve already witnessed a bit of witchcraft and nearly any store I walk into dables in some form of it. The spirits here have made it their home; they’re comfortable here as people keep coming to them in their search for fulfillment. As one person stated, it’s a “playground” for those seeking out something to fill their souls. As I’ve walked the streets and stepped into these stores and spaces, when I look into the eyes of some people, it seems there’s no life left…as though these strongholds have literally enslaved them.
For ministry the next few weeks we will be doing some manual labor, we get to hangout with some men that have recently come out of jail and given their lives to Christ, and it sounds like there will be lots of other potential possibilities, whether it’s projects or going on little journeys to meet people from different communities!
My prayer request going into the next couple of weeks in Costa is for wisdom and clear discernment of spirits. Prayer that I wouldn’t feel the weight of the world on my shoulders but rather, I could be exactly what maybe one single person here needs, whether it’s a caring conversation about how there day is, or a simple prayer of healing. I also know my God is capable of big things, and I’ve witnessed the way revival is filling churches around the world. So I’m prayerful and expectant that whether it’s now or in the future, this town will experience revival and new life. They will finally find true freedom in their search. Pray BIG!
Thank you all for your constant love support, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!
A few fun pictures from Nicaragua:
Hey Madison! You never cease to amaze me, the Lord is doing such a mighty work in your life. Your heart is so pure and you’ve spoken so plainly. There always seems to be an ample supply of darkness and people in despair around us, but you always talk about the Light and are full of hope. I know that our Papa God is so proud of you. With the love that I see in you for all the people around you, you will be able to move mountains! I even see that in one of your pictures! Love you so much Madison. I’m continuing to pray for your “sweet sleep” and good rest. You’re right you can’t do it in your own strength….give everything to HIM and see what He can do!
You are missed, Madison! And it’s so encouraging to see that you’re still choosing to lean in even as you feel the wear of long travel. Keep listening to the voice of freedom and justice and love.
Thank you for sharing where you find yourself on this journey. I appreciate your vulnerability and I see your beautiful heart in these words. Thinking of you often, and praying you continue to feel God’s embrace, all around you, and that those seeking peace will find hope, grace and love through their encounters with you. Love you Madison.
Another insightful and beautiful post, Madison. God is doing great things and will receive the glory! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Love reading your experiences, continue prayers for you. God goes before you and prepares the way, Holy Spirit lives in you and will continue to lead you into all truth. ??
Wow! im still amazed how dedicated you’ve become with all of this, the whole honeymoon phase sounds so believable, a complete different atmosphere from your daily life at home, and definitely the will of faith is brought to you with all of this. but you can say you overcame all the trials in front of you and saw it through! and the views are amazing, deeply jealous of the sunsets you see there, and hope your trust in him doesn’t go away, he always provides and is always there. i’ve recently tried getting closer and building a relationship with God, and really feel the difference. it’s hard at times, but i can’t complain because you’re doing the next level so no excuses
Thank you for what you shared. This post is absolutely powerful and you wrote so much that I know I will come back to this and read it over and over. Enslavement that you see, waiting on God and not being anxious during the wait but remembering to “enjoy the process He is using for His glory as you wait,” and so many other nuggets of truth. What you are allowing the Lord to do in your heart and life is such an encouragement. You are loved, missed and prayed for and you are growing before our very eyes(como una mariposa – like a butterfly) Thanks also for the beautiful pictures.
I love you so much and will be praying for you. I know God will use you in big ways as you yield yourself to him. Keep trusting in Him. You are both blessed and a blessing!