An Important Announcement...

Hello faithful readers

I have some very exciting news to share with you all!

After much prayer and council God has directed me to stay for another year in Life Action Ministries. This decision was not easy or based off of just my personal desire to stay. In the past some have said that I am “running away” from growing up, getting a job, or going to school. Please understand it’s much more than that.

  

If you did not know, when I was a Junior in High School I was fervently praying the Lord would clearly guide me in the direction I should go after graduation. I had all the same desires as my classmates. Go to college, have a roommate, the time of my life and so on. However, God had a different plan in mind for me. One night, after I had read my bible, I was praying once again about my future decisions. I asked God, “Do you want me to go to Life Action or college?”

And to my surprise I audibly heard God say, “You know you’re going to Life Action, Right?” I smiled and said, “Yes”.

(This picture was taken just a week after God and I had that conversation)

He wanted me to travel, teach kids, live with people I didn’t know, and basically have zero independence all over again. Not exactly what I had in mind. I always knew Life Action was an option. My mom started traveling as soon as she graduated high school and stayed for four years!

  

Now I’m here, with some incredible people that have grown to be life long friends of mine. As I'm preparing for year three, I’m not going to be just a teacher in Happy Heart City. I have accepted the position as leader for my kids club (ages 4 through first grade)! After being in charge a couple of churches ago I know that it’s not an easy job or something to be taken lightly. So I am mentally preparing for August and what it will be like. I can’t wait for another great year of teaching the little ones.

 I have a great peace about staying and I’m so grateful for everyone’s love, prayers, and encouragement. Yet, when you are a full time missionary you have to raise support. I haven’t been told what the cost is for next year. However, last year we had to raise $3,500 for just the yearly fee. After I’ve raised that much, any additional money given will be given once a month as a stipend to help me pay for what I need. Such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, razors, etc. This is my main source of income to pay for these things and therefore it is quit important I raise enough to pay for what I will need.

If you feel called to give then you can go HERE and put in my name (Conrad, Marina). Every donation helps no matter how small!

Thank you all again, I look forward to another year of serving in children’s ministry!

The Latest and Greatest of My Travels…

So a quick fill in on what's been happening!

We had a summit in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Phenomenal. Loved the church, all the people were amazing including my host family! We felt so incredibly loved as a team, and more importantly the testimonies where incredible. To say, "God moved in Temple Baptist Church" is an understatement. 

A short favorite testimony of mine would be from a dad of one of the Happy Heart City kids. He said the Lord had showed him his love for hunting had grown so much, he placed it above his family. Since then, he's barely touched any of his hunting gear. Not to mention he gave some of his stuff to a team member of ours, which happens to include a giant spear. It's actually really cool I held it.  However, that is just a short to the point testimony I heard out of several given during the services.

We had the opportunity to ride horses at one of the host homes! It was a blast and at the end of the night we watched Thor 2 on a huge screen outside under the stars. 

On Sunday mornings we had an average of 80 kids! This is a picture of me sharing the love of our Savior and how he died on the cross for all our sins. 

If you didn't know, because I didn't, during Mardi Gras season in the king cake they put these baby dolls inside the pastry. According to tradition whoever finds it has to buy the king cake for the next year. Yup, I found it!

My close friends Trysta and Hunter got engaged on our last weekend in Mississippi! They've also asked me to be a bridesmaid in the wedding! So beyond excited for them!

After our summit in Mississippi ended, I had the privilege of going home! I was only there for a short 5 days so please don't be upset if I didn't contact you. I've come back on the road refreshed and fueled with love from my family! We went bowling, mini-golfing, out to dinners, and shared a lot of laughter together. 

I got to spend special time with my dad, and it was so nice! I love and miss him very much. He's an enormous example to me of being generous to those who are in need and placing all my trust in Christ.

This is Samson. My brothers' dog whom I love dearly! We had a great time playing outside in the gorgeous Phoenix weather.

However, I had to say goodbye to 72 degrees of sunshine and am now reunited with my team in Bartlett, Tennessee (right next to Memphis). I'm also incredibly excited because I get to sit through all of the services! I've never sat through the whole summit before! Last year when I was sitting through, I had to run home for a couple of emergencies with my best friends wedding and I missed the second week. I'm so very ecstatic for this much needed time. I'll be listening intently to see how God wants to change my heart.
Please be in prayer for me that God would speak clearly, and that I would listen and obey his voice.

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support!

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