Video Info

Here is a link to a video that will give you some info about what God has laid on my heart for Latvia. :)

SCC - Alesha Latvia Promo Video from South Community Church on Vimeo.

Thanks for watching! :)

Words from an old teacher..

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace" Acts 20:24

I was continuing my study in the Book of Acts the other day and this verse stuck out like a sore thumb. I haven't been able to get it out of my head. As I was processing its meaning tonight, a particular voice rang in my mind. The voice of my middle school science teacher. I remember like it was yesterday. I was working on a specific science project, one about bacteria, and we couldn't go to lunch until we were done. However, I was not pleased with my drawing of what I was seeing in the microscope so I redrew it several times, cutting into my lunchtime and hers. She came up to me and said "Alesha, you are the most tenacious and persistent middle schooler I've ever met. I hope you never lose those qualities and they always remain a part of who you are. Those are good qualities to have." I had no idea what those words meant, but she prompted me to look them up.

te·na·cious/təˈnāSHəs/
Adjective: Not readily letting go of, giving up.

per·sist·ent
[per-sis-tuhnt]
- adjective 1. continuing, as with a task, esp. in spite of obstacles

These are the definitions I remember reading. Even at the time I thought my teacher was crazy for saying I was these things, but looking back, boy was she right.

So why do I tell you all this. To continue on from on earlier post of why I would willing give up everything. As I contemplated this verse tonight, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I consider my life worth nothing to me, my only aim is to finish the race, the task I have been given. I believe our Father has given me a task (along with each of you). I believe that God has given me the task of sharing the Truth and Freedom Christ offers to the broken in Latvia. Why Latvia and not somewhere else? I can't answer that. But I will go wherever He calls me. Here's where the tenacity and persistence comes in. I can't sit here and do nothing. I don't know how to not complete a task given to me. For as long as I can remember, if someone has told me or asked me to do something, I've always felt in my heart to complete it. Especially if I've ever respected or trusted someone, no matter what obstacles or my fears...somehow I've mustard up the courage to complete the task. Not saying I've never failed, I have, and greatly at times. Not saying I've never felt like giving up, I also have at times. But I can say that by God's grace and His strength, I've always tried my best. Why should this be any different? Why should I give in to the fear of the unknown when I know my God is in control? Yes, I know at times, there will be obstacles, big and small. Yes I know that I will at times probably have some fear. But I also know that God has placed certain qualities within me where He knows I will not give up. God knows because He designed me this way and created me perfect for the task He has placed before me.
All that being said, it's a daily reminder to myself. On my own strength, this 2 week trip to Latvia doesn't happen. On my own strength, I would have given up on this months ago. On my own, I would choose to satisfy my flesh and not take the road less traveled. But God continues to speak tenderly to my heart. He continues to promise to never leave my side. He continues to repeat to my heart the task He has for me. I pray that I stick true to what my middle school science teacher said, and always be tenacious and persistent!

Thanks for reading and being on this journey with me! :) I feel beyond blessed to live the life I have! Praying for you to feel the true Love Jesus offers!