Messages from Ashley...

1. Why did you decide to go on this mission trip?
It has been a few years since I've been on a missions trip.  I believe they are so important for a Christian's life - being challenged, heart broken, and empowered to do God's work.  I believe God wanted me to go on this trip and I'm excited to see the new ways He is going to grow me!

2. What do you personally expect to get out of this trip?
I hope to continue to learn what it means to rely on God in everything that I do.  Plus, when everything you are doing is focused on the eternal lifes of the people you come in contact with, your focus in your own life changes - I need that right now.

3. What is your prayer for God to do for each team member on this trip?
I pray that each team member is able to experience the power of God in their individual lives.  That they can see how much God is at work in our lives and that they take Him more seriously every day after the trip.  Most of us know what it's like to serve at the church, but many times that work becomes robotic and we lose sight of the reasons why we do the work.  I also pray that we allow the people around us to help carry us through the trip.  God places people in our lives to be the voice of encouragement and the embrace God is giving us.  Yes, we need to rely on God, but part of that is relying on our team members.