Broken Pieces

     Did you know that when a potter wants to create something new, beautiful, and with a purpose he has to use broken pieces from old, tattered pottery in order to make it strong?

     The same goes for us. Our brokenness is not what defines us. Instead, it is what God uses to make us strong and beautiful and with a purpose. He mends those broken pieces and makes us beautiful.

     Some of you reading this right now may have recently been broken. Or perhaps you have old scars you have been hiding. Maybe your circumstances are such that the tears will not stop and the wounds will not heal. What is it in your life that you think God could not possibly reconcile? Can I make you a promise? There is nothing... and I mean nothing that God cannot rebuild, redeem, or restore... But we have to trust Him to do so... And then we actually have to let Him work. (Romans 8:28)

     God has invited us to come as we are. Circumstances, situations, and the things that have been done to you... are not who you are. Truth is, God, the Creator of the universe and the maker of all things, has fearfully and wonderfully made you. (Psalm 139:14) You have been created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) You are chosen, redeemed, and called by name. (Isaiah 43:1) He has a plan and a purpose for your life - to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) 

     I want to encourage you to make the choice to trust God today with your broken pieces, so that He can make you whole. It is not easy to let go and it may be a choice you make daily. But I promise you will be glad you did.

     "You Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, and You are the potter. All of us are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8 

Let God be the potter. I hope you will be the clay. You are a work of art!

Called to Kenya

     In 2012, going into my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to serve, teach, and love in Kenya, Africa. One of my favorite memories was walking through the towns and villages, admiring the children. When they saw a ‘mzungu’ (white person) they giggled and shouted. Some would run toward me with excitement, and others would hide from the sight of a foreigner. Those who weren’t afraid would grab my hands so eagerly, as though we had been friends forever. It was easy for me to fall in love with them and their country. My heart had found its joy, as I served the beautiful people the world calls “poor” but who seemed so rich in love to me.

     It is now 2016, and my heart is more than happy to share with you the opportunity I have to return to Kenya, November 11-21. I will be sharing this journey with a team from Harborside Christian Church, and partnering with the Christian Ministry, “Maasai Threads of Hope.” The key focus of our trip is to share the love of God, while teaching useful skills and helping people to become self-sustainable. Another part of our mission will be planting vegetables and natural medicine gardens among the compound. We are also planning a Vacation Bible School, as well as a program for teen girls to learn about purity, and their significance and worth. It is not only important for them to know their worth as young women, but to see themselves through the eyes of their Maker. We are not expecting to change their culture, rid of diseases, or eliminate poverty. We have been called to go and to love, knowing that there is no limit to what God can do!

     While God has opened up a door for me to develop a greater heart of compassion for His people around the world, the exciting part is that you can share in this compassion too. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God’s leading to minister in Kenya. Pray for us as we prepare, travel, and serve. As you can imagine, a trip like this also requires financial support. I need to raise $2,500.00 by September 1, 2016. If you would like to be a financial sponsor for my trip, you can make a check out to Harborside Christian Church – then please include my name and “Kenya” on the memo line of the check. You may also sponsor me financially online (debit or credit) at www.harborsidechurch.org/kenya in a few easy steps. Please pray about being a part of this opportunity, for I know you too will be blessed!

From a heart that is simply too big for just one city,

Kaitlyn