Voices in the Clouds

This speaks to my heart... I hope it does yours... :)

Huge thanks to Ben, who wrote it :) 

My Latest Newsletter!

I wanted to repost my newsletter in my blog for those of you who are not on my mailing or emailing list. :) I hope you enjoy! 

The Farm 

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

It has been almost a year since I came to Canada and started my Discipleship Training School (DTS), but it feels like a lifetime ago that I was living in Minnesota, a lifetime ago that I was driving down Highway 94, or meeting with friends at Caribou. Over the last few months I have been learning how to live life post-DTS, and it has been challenging to transition into the rea lworld and what God wants for me now. It has also been some of the best growing months thatI have ever had, more and more I feel that God is working in my life, stretching me, causing me to grow, and healing me. He makes all things bright and beautiful, and it is in the face of death to self that I have begun to taste life in full. And I am even learning how to love farm life…  

Maureen, Callum and I

This past month has been one of God reminding me of how far I have come. Of how far He has taken me. And of how much I have to give to those around me. One of my greatest blessings in serving in Canada is spending time with the many guests of Greenhaven Charity, spending time with the local youths, and working with women who live at the local shelter. More often than not, I feel as though I have nothing to give to the street-wise guests or the hardened youth, but then, I am reminded that God does have something to give. And, He has chosen to use me as an instrument for His purposes. I am learning more and more that this life and what I do is not about me; it is about what God does and who He is that is important. I feel so fortunate that I can watch Him work through me and see the fruits of leaning on my Heavenly Father. 

Mini DTS Reunion :)

In addition to working with the people in my area, I have also had the opportunity to serve in more practical ways, such as cleaning and gardening. Often, these small tasks remind me of how God works in all of our lives clearing away the grit and grime, or weeds, and giving us a fresh start. Sometimes, this process needs to be repeated, but He so patiently goes back to the start if that is what we need.

Working hard, making Cookies!

In the last month or so, we have started a new YWAM iniative to reach out to the local Christian youth.  We  hope to later do ministry amongst local non-Christian youth as well. We are seeing God’s formation of a young team of individuals who we would like to first train and get to know, then allow them to decide how best to reach their peers. As they tell their stories, I realize that none of us are immune to pain and hurt, and in many ways, my heart breaks for the truths that they share because they are so young. At the same time, I feel honored that they would speak so freely with me and with my teammates. I only hope that I can give them just a piece of what the Lord has given me, hope and knowledge that God can heal all our wounds. 

Pray for us, for the youth, and for our work! 

In staffing with YWAM I.Net, I do continue to need financial and prayer support, which is why I am so grateful for all of you. Please also know that I am praying for each one of you, and I hope that you all have received my letters. And feel free to write, facebook, or email me back. I love hearing from you! I am thankful that I know each and every one of you. Thank you for reading my newsletter and for encouraging me so much over the last few months. I could not do any of this without you!

         

Day at the Beach

Thank you!!
Natalie 

Please also feel free to email me if you want my address or anything :)