Israel, New Job, and Change

Phew! It's been a looong time since I've written on this! Honestly, I'm not very good at keeping up with it, but will try:) This picture is of my family in Israel. We were blessed to serve with e3 Partners ministry this past August. I would love to tell you more!

Well, a lot has changed in my life this past year. I ended with EDGE Corps this summer, and am thankful for everything God taught me. He is SO faithful, and I learned what it is to disciple others and long to continue to have opportunities to disciple students. I began as the 7-12 Choral Director at Des Moines Christian School in the fall. This has been a whirlwind! I am teaching 7-8 choir, 9-12 choir, Victory (a select a cappella ensemble), JH & HS Showchoir. It's also a musical year, so we are doing The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in a couple weeks. This is the first year that I have honestly felt out of control, in over my head, and that I have had to fully rely on His strength! He alone has been my strength through the flurry of activities, concerts, and rehearsals. I firmly believe through much prayer and seeking Him that He has called me to be at DMCS and I am thankful for His provision of a job in my field. God is faithful.

This has been a tough year for my family overall. A lot of transition and personal struggles, but I am clinging to the following verse:

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Even though things may be hard and difficult in my family right now, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good. I pray to continue to love Him and be faithful to Him. If you think of it, please pray for us. If you want to know more details, I would love to speak with you personally:) I pray God blesses you, and that you know the fullness of His love for you this day!

In Christ,

Sarah Ann

Springtime Happenings

Pray For ISU Team Ethiopia

Greetings! I hope this message finds you all well. This semester, as the first, has just flown by. I can't believe it's almost May! Next week is finals for students, and then I head to Colorado for my last EDGE Summit May 10th-16th. After that, Amanda, Hunter, Samantha, Ben and myself (pictured above) will head to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 19th-June 23rd. While there, we will work with current Navigator Staff, Mark and Israel. We will help and serve them on the campus, work with students, lead Bible studies, do discipleship and evangelism. Please pray for our time as we continue to fundraise and pray for our hearts as well as the hearts of the Ethiopians we will work with. Above all else, pray that God would be glorified in our time there and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be boldly proclaimed. Please pray for Luke 17:10 and Mark 10:45 hearts of servanthood. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!

Also, next year I will be teaching 7th-12th Choir at Des Moines Christian School. Praise the Lord!! He has clearly opened the door for me to go back into teaching, and actually provided two job possibilities. I had to choose! Pray for preparation for the students and myself in this transition. I know August will come quickly! Thank you for your prayers as I made this decision whether to continue on with EDGE Corps or go back into teaching. God is good, and He has made His way for my life very clear. He is the Great Provider, Sustainer, Our Rock and Our Redeemer! To Him be the glory alone!

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me. When you seek Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Love in Christ,

Sarah Ann

Love is in the Air...

Hello Everyone! It's been a little while since I've updated you on the ministry and happenings at Iowa State. Classes resumed mid-January, and I cannot believe it is almost March already! We had a Women's Retreat Event to kick off the semester. We spent the night in Grand Ave. Baptist's youth room, played games, did some crafts, and then attended the E Free Church's Simply Saturday Retreat for women. The main speaker was Elaine Cox who spoke biblically on the topic of Contentment, a good reminder to all of us to be content in whatever situation God has placed us. I was reminded of Phil. 4:11-13: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

In lieu of Valentine's Day, we had an event called Java Love. Al & Elaine Cox spoke about their relationship, having standards in dating, and seeking God and His will above all else. It was a good reminder in this world what a Godly and Biblical relationship should look like. The men decorated, did most of the food and escorted us all in. What a treat! Everyone dressed up, and we had a dance afterwards.

Please continue to be in prayer for...

1. Laborer's Conference this weekend in Maryville, MO: What does it look like to labor and live for Christ for a lifetime?

2. Bible Study: Alicia, Amber, Lindsay & Katie to continue to want to grow in their relationships with each other and Christ

3. Ethiopia: Amanda, Samantha, Hunter, Ben & I will be traveling to minister in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in June. Pray for the existing ministry, us to unify as a team and preparations.

4. Iowa State Campus, Staff & Students: To Know Christ and Make Him Known

May God richly bless each and every one of you! Grace and peace to you in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Him,

Sarah Ann

January Thoughts...

Lately, I have been encouraged by the prophets, Isaiah & Jeremiah. These texts in particular impacted me:

"Now the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying,

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."

But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 1:4-8

[Isaiah speaking in the presence of the Lord] "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

Isaiah 6:5-8

Although at times I feel so inadequate, I am thankful that God continues and chooses to use us. Despite our failures, despite our shortcomings, He continues to strengthen and equip us to do the work of His Kingdom. I am so thankful for all of your prayers and partnership in the advancing of the Gospel at Iowa State! God is moving in the hearts and lives of students, and it is a privilege to be involved.

Please specifically pray for:

1. Women's Event-Overnight and Women's Conference at a local church in Ames. Pray for women to desire to come, grow in community and faith with one another.

2. Larch Women's Bible Study-I have 4 faithful women that I am meeting with weekly to study 1 Thessalonians. Pray that lives would be touched by the Word of God!

3. Ethiopia-We will be taking ISU students on a missions trip to Ethiopia this summer. Pray for God to raise up laborers at Iowa State who desire to advance His Kingdom in the lives of others overseas.

Thank you again for your prayers, and I pray the Scriptures would encourage you to have the heart of Isaiah as well in saying, "Here am I Lord, send me!" May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, and may you be faithful and obedient to His call on your life. God bless!

In Christ,

Sarah Ann

Merry Christmas!

We read Isaiah 9 in preparation for Christmas. The cards are the women's prayer requests & reflections.

Total Number of Cookies Made: 150+ Looks on Students/Neighbors Faces: Priceless :)

Amber, Lindsey, Myself & Katie Doing the Silly Shot

These Larch Ladies are Wonderful

Is it almost Christmas?? Really?!? This semester has just flown by. Our Larch Ladies Bible study has wrapped up with its study on "The Unseen Kingdom." We dove into the parables to see what the Kingdom of God actually looks like and what it means to live in it. We ended our semester with a Larch Ladies Christmas Party at my duplex. (See pictures above.) We read Isaiah 9, reflecting on the prophecy of the coming Messiah. I then had the girls write down what they had learned this past semester, prayer requests over break, and how they would like to grow this next semester in Bible study. Then, we made sugar cookies for the elderly at Bickford Cottage and watched "Elf.":) It was a wonderful bonding time for the girls and a great service project in the Ames community. Lindsey and I were able to bring the cookies to Bickford the next day and talk with the residents. They were blessed as we were by their company and stories. On December 11th, we had our Navigator Ugly Sweater Christmas Party out at the Martens home. We had a devotional, games, food, cookie decorating, and craft making. Many students came out and had a great time fellowshipping together.

Well, now I am home in Indianola spending time with family and catching up with friends. I am traveling to St. Louis for Urbana with ISU students Dec. 27th-31st. Please pray for safe travels and teachable hearts as we go to this conference. The spring semester starts up Jan. 11th! We will be studying 1 Thessalonians as a Bible Study together. Please pray for Lindsey, Alicia, Katie, and Amber as we dive into this book.

God bless you all, and I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas! In the hustle and bustle of the season, I pray you are able to reflect upon the Reason for the Season, Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Sarah Ann

"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." Isaiah 9:6-7

November News

Hello Everyone!

Well, here we are already halfway through another month. Here are some brief highlights about what has happened since my last post in October:

First off, we had a Barn Dance! This was a great outreach and opportunity to connect with students. Around 100 people attended this event. Thank you for your prayers!

Secondly, our staff has been to and from SanDestin, FL for our National Collegiate Conference. Jerry Bridges was our main speaker and he challenged from the Word on the topics of the Sovereignty, Holiness, and Love of God. I also got the opportunity to help with worship during the week, and learned more practical tips in how to intentionally disciple women. Thank you for your prayers, we all returned safely! :)

The photos above are me with Amber and Alicia. These are two girls that are in my Bible study that I also meet with weekly in a discipleship relationship. These women have a strong desire to grow in their relationships with the Lord! They desire to know how to have a quiet time and walk with God daily. It is a privilege to walk through their freshman year of college with them!

**Three of Alicia's family members just accepted God's free gift of salvation this past weekend!! Praise God!**

Please continue to pray for the following:

1) The Navigator Staff & ISU Students desire to know Christ and make Him known on campus.

2) The Larch Ladies Bible Study-for women to come to know Christ and desire to grow in their relationship with Him.

3) Thanksgiving Break-for the staff & ISU students to have a true heart of gratefulness towards the Lord for His many blessings.

I have been reading in Romans lately and was encouraged by the following verses. I pray you are encouraged by them as well!

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:5-7

In Christ,

Sarah Ann

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2

EDGEer Alyssa & I on the Beach in SanDestin, FL

The Fall Has Flown By!

Hello Everyone!

Do you know how many times I have meant to update this thing!? It has just been so busy!! That's why this post is entitled "The Fall Has Flown By!" It literally has, and now we find ourselves in mid-October with snow already falling in some areas. Crazy! I pray as you are reading this that "the joy of the Lord truly is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10) That verse seems to be the theme of this blog and life currently! He is our Joy, our Strength, our Rock and our Redeemer. Here are a few highlights of the happenings here at ISU!

Sweets & Feets: The pictures above are from our women's event entitled "Sweets & Feets." This was an outreach opportunity with the purpose of building community and enjoying fellowship together as women. A Mary Kay consultant graciously volunteered to do facials, while others painted nails. We also baked apple crisp & monkey bread and enjoyed many other yummy desserts! It was a true blessing to connect with women from other Bible studies, hear testimonies, and just hang out.

Main Event: We took 28 ISU students down to Kansas City this past weekend for our regional conference entitled, "Main Event." Our speaker was Eddie Broussard, and his talks centered on the "Reality of the Eternal God, Eternal Word, Eternal Son, and Eternal Soul." It has been wonderful to dialogue with students afterwards and hear about what God taught them at the conference. They are discovering what it is to completely surrender their lives over to the King. Praise the Lord for the work He did in Kansas City and what He is continuing to do in the hearts and minds of our students! Below is a picture of part of our crew.

Next Steps...this Friday we have a Barn Dance outreach, so please pray as we are recruiting students to come to this event! It will be a great time to meet and connect with students who may not feel comfortable coming to a Bible study or NavNight. Pray for conversations and connections with students. Also, October 26-November 3 I will be in San Destin, FL for our National Conference. Please pray for all of the Navigator staff as they travel for training, encouragement, refreshment, and fellowship. Thank you for your continued prayer and support!

In Christ,

Sarah Ann

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10