Leaving Home
The last we wrote was mid-July, and we’re excited to share our next update with you as we count down the days until our September 17th move to Thailand—it’s coming up so soon!
Since July, we have seen God’s providence and experienced His love for us as we prepare to leave. Alek and I have talked quite a bit about John, the disciple, and how often he shares that he is the disciple whom Jesus loves. For a long time, that phrase struck me as almost self-centered, as if John was claiming to be more loved than the other disciples. But, in the past few months of being sent by God, by friends, and by family, we have understood more of the meaning behind what he said. It wasn’t selfishness but rather insane confidence in God’s love for John that drove him to share that. And what is so beautiful about it is that it doesn’t exclusively apply to John - it is God’s love for everyone. He just knew it and cherished it. Like John, we’re learning to rest in the confidence and treasure the truth that we are God’s beloved.
It is such a blessing to go and do this work with IJM. The team in Bangkok is truly amazing, the entire organization is full of people that understand God’s heart for justice and inspire us endlessly, and we look forward to being a part of the work. We want to share some updates of our time in the last few months!
Reality San Francisco: In August, we hosted IJM at our global partner fair and later that week hosted a unique presentation where we discussed the intersection of human trafficking and technology. This was especially relevant to those in the Bay Area as so many of our congregants are working in the tech sector. You can watch the recording of the whole event below- we got some amazing interest and questions in the Q & A section!
Calvary San Jose: We were encouraged to share at the church Alek grew up in. We were able to speak a bit there about IJM’s mission, and be prayed over and sent out by the church- we felt so supported and blessed.
IJM Race to Restore: The Bay Area Volunteer Team hosted a successful fundraiser run in Golden Gate Park, and it was so much fun to spend time with our incredible friends in the IJM volunteer community.
IJM Orientation in DC: The first week of September, we went to Washington DC to participate in an orientation with the other IJM Fellows who are being deployed this year. Our time consisted of spiritual preparation, cultural awareness training, and security briefing. It was encouraging, impactful, and informative.
Goodbye California: Lastly, we had to say goodbye to our beloved California, with all the many people we love so much in it. We said goodbye with family trips, sweet time with friends, and a beautiful send-off from our community group. We also celebrated my brother and his wife’s pregnancy. It is such a great season of goodbyes and new beginnings.
Prayer Requests and Prayers Answered
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We are 92% funded, which is absolutely amazing. We are so grateful for your prayers, support, and generosity. It gives us so much peace and reinforces our call to go to be so far along in our fundraising.
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Last time we wrote, we were praying for discernment in the selection of our renters. We decided to move forward with an amazing couple, and they seem so great - honestly, we could easily imagine being friends with them when we return. We put a lot of work into the house to get it renter ready and we just really cherish our home, so it is awesome that they also appreciate and love our home too.
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Easy entry and settling in Thailand
Connection with staff in the office upon arrival
Wisdom and effectiveness in our work as we learn and serve
For the other fellows who are in Peru and the Philippines as they settle in as well.
Protection over our house and renters while we are away
For a healthy and happy pregnancy for my brother and sister in law!
We are so grateful for your prayers and partnership. Knowing that you are praying for us gives us so much strength!
Thank you all!
-Alek and Alyssa
