Since May, God has really been showing me that He is in control and that He cares for us. Even as rebellious and sinful as I am, His blessings do not cease and His grace never dries up. It's not that I've done anything to deserve anything, but God keeps His promises and looks not at our record, but at the righteousness of Christ. To that, I am most grateful and humbled.
Miracle #1
At the end of May, I had a mini-financial crisis where I had no money coming in and my savings were dwindling. I was never someone to ask my parents for money and it was difficult going through this time period because I also had to pay for my pharmacy exams (about $1,000) as well. I kept worrying and praying. I was so desperate that I applied for any kind of job (even as a janitor! no joke) and sent out over 20 emails to random pharmaceutical advertising/medical communications companies. Within 24 hours, God gave me a job that I didn't even have to interview for. What's even crazier is that it's a full time free lancing job where I can quit whenever I want (I told them I was going to Africa in September) It was so amazing, and showed that God was listening to my prayers and provided for me when I needed it most. I am a witness to that.
Miracle #2
To go to Zambia, it was recommended that I had to get a series of rabies vaccines since many of the animals there aren't vaccinated. I've called my insurance company multiple times to verify if it was covered (since it's very uncommon to use) and I got mixed answers. Finally, they responded that they didn't cover it and it would cost about $365 per shot in a 3 shot series. I was devastated since this is a lot of money that isn't fully covered by the amount that I have to raise. I started researching online and saw that pharmaceutical companies will give medications for free if they see that you need it and are unable to pay for it. I decided to apply for it and see if it would work. Amazingly, they processed my application in 3 days and I got my rabies shots for free!
All in all, it's been so crazy seeing God's hand in every single step of my preparation. It's so obvious, that I cannot deny it. I mean I could say that all these things were coincidences, but when there are 8 or 9 coincidences that happen, I could only say that they were miracles =)
I still have to finish taking my exams, so please continue to pray for me!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Repentance
This past month and a half may have been a new low point for me in my spiritual walk. It came like a thief in the night where I didn't even notice I was slipping until my prayer and devotional time became merely minutes. But God is good and was so merciful to discipline me through the Word and through sermons that I heard.
Thankfully, I can say with confidence now that I know that God will provide for me. He has shown me His faithfulness and has provided over $12,000 in a matter of 2 months. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be able to raise that much money. And it's true. God was the One who provided, while I did nothing to deserve it. It's been a struggle these past 4 months, learning how to trust in God, and it will probably be a continual life lesson. I just pray and hope that after every struggle that my faith increases even just a tiny bit.
God has also been humbling me these days. I'm learning to love God for who He is and not in the blessings that He provides. It's so hard to not let our circumstances dictate our praise for Him, but God has convicted me of this lesson. I'm just praying that I am reminded of it when I go through hardships in the near future.
For the next 4 months before I leave, I really want to work on building my character and my knowledge of the Word. Please pray for me!
Other than that, I just want to give thanks to all my supporters because your faithfulness and support has encouraged me so much these past few months. I pray that God challenges and spurs each one of you in your daily walk. Let's continue to run the good race with one mind and one love!
Thankfully, I can say with confidence now that I know that God will provide for me. He has shown me His faithfulness and has provided over $12,000 in a matter of 2 months. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be able to raise that much money. And it's true. God was the One who provided, while I did nothing to deserve it. It's been a struggle these past 4 months, learning how to trust in God, and it will probably be a continual life lesson. I just pray and hope that after every struggle that my faith increases even just a tiny bit.
God has also been humbling me these days. I'm learning to love God for who He is and not in the blessings that He provides. It's so hard to not let our circumstances dictate our praise for Him, but God has convicted me of this lesson. I'm just praying that I am reminded of it when I go through hardships in the near future.
For the next 4 months before I leave, I really want to work on building my character and my knowledge of the Word. Please pray for me!
1. Please pray that God will continue to build my character: humility, love, and compassion
2. Please pray that I will be a good steward of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me
3. Please pray that God will give me more opportunities to share the gospel with the people here in the States before I go to Africa.
2. Please pray that I will be a good steward of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me
3. Please pray that God will give me more opportunities to share the gospel with the people here in the States before I go to Africa.
Other than that, I just want to give thanks to all my supporters because your faithfulness and support has encouraged me so much these past few months. I pray that God challenges and spurs each one of you in your daily walk. Let's continue to run the good race with one mind and one love!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Daughter, Do Not Fear
Honestly speaking, preparing for this missions trip has not been easy.
I never saw myself as someone who worries a lot to the extent that I would become obsessive over it. But these past few months, especially January and February, have really tested my faith and my trust in the Lord. Starting in January, I started having fears that I never thought would come to me. Fear of getting sick. Fear of dying in Africa. Fear of not raising enough money. Fear of becoming lonely. Fear of the unknown.
But our God isn't someone who ignores the cries and prayers of His people. When I thought I was about to break, He began to speak.
Eliminating the Spirit of Fear
The last week of missions month, Pastor Sam came to visit our church where he, his wife, and some of his friends prayed over some people after service. His wife prayed over me and through that, my fears were ultimately eliminated when she was praying over me and said, "Daughter, do not fear"
It completely floored me since it was the exact words I needed to hear from God.
A little over 3 weeks ago, I had only raised about $800. Today, God has blessed me with over $8,000. Though I haven't gotten many responses as of yet, the small group of people who have responded have been most generous. What's most amazing is that many of these people haven't even gotten my prayer letter yet. God reminded me that it isn't my efforts or persuasion that will move people, but He will move hearts and His people will respond in obedience.
Shedding light on the Unknown
About 3 weeks ago, a lovely couple from Kentucky found my blog online randomly and was able to connect me with one of the doctors at Mukinge Hospital. Some may call it coincidence and luck, but I know that it was God's provision. I had been emailing my contact for a couple of months before, and there was no reply. But once I began praying for God to help me, I was connected and my questions were answered.
Ultimately, I want to give all the glory to God. These last 2 months have been trying, but I have witnessed how God has moved to answer every single of my prayers. He has proven that He is the Provider of all things. It's been an amazing journey and I am excited to see how God will continue to work and refine me through the next 6 months!
Only 4 more months left to fundraise!
I never saw myself as someone who worries a lot to the extent that I would become obsessive over it. But these past few months, especially January and February, have really tested my faith and my trust in the Lord. Starting in January, I started having fears that I never thought would come to me. Fear of getting sick. Fear of dying in Africa. Fear of not raising enough money. Fear of becoming lonely. Fear of the unknown.
But our God isn't someone who ignores the cries and prayers of His people. When I thought I was about to break, He began to speak.
Eliminating the Spirit of Fear
The last week of missions month, Pastor Sam came to visit our church where he, his wife, and some of his friends prayed over some people after service. His wife prayed over me and through that, my fears were ultimately eliminated when she was praying over me and said, "Daughter, do not fear"
It completely floored me since it was the exact words I needed to hear from God.
Opening the Store Houses
A little over 3 weeks ago, I had only raised about $800. Today, God has blessed me with over $8,000. Though I haven't gotten many responses as of yet, the small group of people who have responded have been most generous. What's most amazing is that many of these people haven't even gotten my prayer letter yet. God reminded me that it isn't my efforts or persuasion that will move people, but He will move hearts and His people will respond in obedience.
Shedding light on the Unknown
About 3 weeks ago, a lovely couple from Kentucky found my blog online randomly and was able to connect me with one of the doctors at Mukinge Hospital. Some may call it coincidence and luck, but I know that it was God's provision. I had been emailing my contact for a couple of months before, and there was no reply. But once I began praying for God to help me, I was connected and my questions were answered.
Ultimately, I want to give all the glory to God. These last 2 months have been trying, but I have witnessed how God has moved to answer every single of my prayers. He has proven that He is the Provider of all things. It's been an amazing journey and I am excited to see how God will continue to work and refine me through the next 6 months!
Friday, February 22, 2013
While I was Googling Mukinge Hospital I came across a photo blog of someone who visited the hospital in 2010. Here is her site: Picture Blog.
I do not own any rights for the following photos!
I do not own any rights for the following photos!
Entrance
Beds
Pharmacy
Missions Statement
Monday, January 21, 2013
Missions Letter
Dear Family and Friends,
God is good all the time. It is with great joy and excitement that I am writing you this letter because I am about to testify how God has been so faithful towards me, even though I fell short and am inadequate.
Missions had always held a special place in my heart because God had planted a seed ever since I was baptized in November 2004. I've been on several missions trips to Hungary, East Asia, and Costa Rica since my baptism, and after every time, God grows my heart for missions even more. I remember after going on my first missions trip in 2005, I started telling my mom that I was upset that I had a heart for missions because that would mean that God would whisk me away to Africa and leave me there forever. And I didn't want to go (haha!). She laughed at me and told me that it was a blessing and a privilege to have a heart for missions. Not many people are blessed with it at such a young age. After going to East Asia in 2007, I felt convicted to commit at least 1 year of my life to missions. But grades, school, and career ambitions began to fill up my life, and I began to forget about my commitment. At times, I had even tried to suppress and give up on the promise I had made because I was so focused on achieving the American dream. But God doesn't take commitments lightly.
December 2011. GCC College Retreat. On the last night of the retreat, Pastor Jae asked that if anyone felt convicted to commit their lives to missions for a year, to step out and be prayed for. At that moment, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I felt that it was time to fully commit to my 1 year missions trip publicly. I obeyed and stood up. That night I decided that I would go on missions right after I graduated pharmacy school.
Through the next year I began searching and praying for a missions site. One of my biggest hopes was that I would be able to use my pharmacy degree while serving abroad. After many failed attempts and inquiries for missions sites for months, God finally answered my prayers.
I am happy to announce that I will be serving through a Christian organization called Serving In Mission (SIM) as a pharmacist in Kasempa, Zambia starting in September 2013. I will be one of 3 pharmacists serving at Mukinge Hospital, while also participating in outreach and discipleship at the Evangelical Church in Zambia. I will be staying there for 11 months and will be coming back to the States in 2014. While I will be the one who is going, I will need all of you to partner up with me and pray for me while I am preparing and while I am away. Also, I will need to raise a total of $19,200 to cover all transportation, ministry, immunizations, visas, and living expenses while I'm there. So please support and partner up with me!
In Christ,
Saneta
God is good all the time. It is with great joy and excitement that I am writing you this letter because I am about to testify how God has been so faithful towards me, even though I fell short and am inadequate.
Missions had always held a special place in my heart because God had planted a seed ever since I was baptized in November 2004. I've been on several missions trips to Hungary, East Asia, and Costa Rica since my baptism, and after every time, God grows my heart for missions even more. I remember after going on my first missions trip in 2005, I started telling my mom that I was upset that I had a heart for missions because that would mean that God would whisk me away to Africa and leave me there forever. And I didn't want to go (haha!). She laughed at me and told me that it was a blessing and a privilege to have a heart for missions. Not many people are blessed with it at such a young age. After going to East Asia in 2007, I felt convicted to commit at least 1 year of my life to missions. But grades, school, and career ambitions began to fill up my life, and I began to forget about my commitment. At times, I had even tried to suppress and give up on the promise I had made because I was so focused on achieving the American dream. But God doesn't take commitments lightly.
December 2011. GCC College Retreat. On the last night of the retreat, Pastor Jae asked that if anyone felt convicted to commit their lives to missions for a year, to step out and be prayed for. At that moment, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I felt that it was time to fully commit to my 1 year missions trip publicly. I obeyed and stood up. That night I decided that I would go on missions right after I graduated pharmacy school.
Through the next year I began searching and praying for a missions site. One of my biggest hopes was that I would be able to use my pharmacy degree while serving abroad. After many failed attempts and inquiries for missions sites for months, God finally answered my prayers.
I am happy to announce that I will be serving through a Christian organization called Serving In Mission (SIM) as a pharmacist in Kasempa, Zambia starting in September 2013. I will be one of 3 pharmacists serving at Mukinge Hospital, while also participating in outreach and discipleship at the Evangelical Church in Zambia. I will be staying there for 11 months and will be coming back to the States in 2014. While I will be the one who is going, I will need all of you to partner up with me and pray for me while I am preparing and while I am away. Also, I will need to raise a total of $19,200 to cover all transportation, ministry, immunizations, visas, and living expenses while I'm there. So please support and partner up with me!
In Christ,
Saneta
To support me prayerfully and financially please visit the Prayer and Support tab!
Building An Altar to the Lord
I dedicate this blog to the purpose of the Lord. May His will be done.
"Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord."
Genesis 12:7-8
"Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord."
Genesis 12:7-8
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