Read Your Bible Pray Everyday

"A child of God never prays to be made aware of the fact that God answers prayer, because he is so restfully certain that God always answers prayer."- August 20, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. 

When I read this quote in my devotions this morning I understood exactly what Chambers was saying. Children are trusting to fault, they will believe anything you tell them. They trust in almost anything. That's why parents have teach them at a young age not to talk to strangers etc. Jesus also uses children as an example,“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) 

I was convicted this morning at my lack of child-like faith. When I used to pray, I always tacked on a "If it be your will Lord." Now it isn't that I don't want the Lord's will in my life, but I feel I put that "If it be your will Lord" on the end as a buffer, a backup for if God failed me. I struggle a lot with vulnerability in my prayer life, so becoming like a little child is hard for me. But I don't think that is how God wants anyone to be when they pray to him. I would never want my little brother Zem to be afraid to ask me for something because he thought I would get mad or turn him down. I am not perfect towards Zem, but we have a perfect God! Who loves us! He loves more than we can ever imagine so shouldn't Christ's love compel us to enter into the throne room of God and ask him for requests? Jesus says in Luke, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

So in light of all this prayer stuff, can I ask for prayer? 

• The biggest thing on my heart now are two girls we met at the park yesterday at Zone Kids, one of the staff in our group said she saw their dad come pick them up and he was abusing them physically and verbally, pushing them and yelling. The picture of this makes me feel like I am going to throw up. We are at a loss as to what to do. Its hard to receive justice for this type of thing even in the States, I don't even know how to go about this in Mexico. Can you pray for these girls? That someone will intervene who has power to remove them from their situation? And that in this moment they can be protected somehow? I am glad because school started today in their area so they can be safe at school. 
• Another thing is my Spanish. I need to be very diligent in my speaking and practicing. It is starting to become difficult.  
• Tomorrow we are going to the Juvenile Hall and meeting with about 8 or 9 girls between the ages of 15-18. Pray that they can be made whole again and can have relationship with their Heavenly Father. I am going to be sharing about prayer, my hope and prayer is that they too can become like little children and trust in their God to help them. 

I can't believe I am already half way done with my time here! God has done amazing things and I know he isn't done yet! Thank you all for praying and supporting me, I have about 300 viewers on my blog, that is so encouraging! Thank you all! May God bless you! 

Some of you have asked for my address, although I am in Mexico, all of the mail gets sent to the office in the States. Here is the address: 

YWAM San Diego/Baja c/o Ellie Swenson 

P.O. Box 5417

Chula Vista, CA 91912

View of the Pacific from the Base! Lovely! 

My first Homes of Hope build. We built the house in 2 days! This the before picture. 

Antonio Jr. painting the trim for his brand new home! 

Here it is! It has three rooms inside. Praying for the family who enjoys this home!
Antonio and Victoria have 3 little children.  

Relaxing in the "shade" after finishing up the house. 

Cool wall art in Playas.