One Heart & One Soul

The beginning of this month did not go as expected. As you all know- I have been praying for my visa to arrive towards the beginning of the month. However, the Lord had different plans- but we all know His ways are WAY better than ours.

As a state, it also has been an unexpected season of mourning and grief, due to the fires in the Palisades and Altadena areas. Watching people lose their houses, cars, belongings is one thing- but being there on the ground and physically seeing the devastation that it has caused in the lives of the people is truly heartbreaking. There are moments where it feels surreal- like a scene out of an apocalyptic movie. At times, it almost becomes numbing.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

Acts 4:32

By God’s grace, we were able to go and be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people in need. I have no idea what it is like to lose a house, however, I was able to be a listening ear, be present with them, and pray for them. As a result of sharing the hope that we have in Jesus, we got to witness a couple of first responders profess Jesus for the first time! We also got the opportunity to feed the people of the community and let me tell ya- I’m officially a professional burrito maker. 

I was also able to be a part of the Disaster Relief Training put on by the Southern Baptist Convention. Talk about coming together as a Church! It was a blessing to be around other like minded believers that want to share the love of Jesus to those in need. Together we truly are one heart and one soul. 

Through this delay, in the waiting, God has been faithful to show me that He has me here for a reason and a purpose. I would’ve never been able to grow and be a part of this had I leaned on my own understanding, been impatient, and left. I would’ve missed out on all that He has yet to prepare me before a full-time move. 

With that being said- I got my Visa! Praise the Lord! Thank you family for your prayers. As of right now, my one way flight is booked and I will be moving to Japan on March 17th, God willingly.

I have personally been extremely blessed and humbled by the support of my church family at Calvary South OC. From friends opening up their homes to me, to care and counseling support, to even consistent prayer for the Lord’s will. I’m eternally grateful for the love of Christ displayed through the Church. This journey would have been impossible without y’all.

-Mayra Alejandra