I haven't written in a while because I haven't known what to say that would be uplifting to the reader. These past three weeks have been incredibly challenging, but now looking back at them positively, I'm ready to write! We're just starting our 7th week on the road. As you can imagine, true colors are beginning to show and hurtful words are being said to those loved the most resulting in distance being placed between team members. Often times I find myself being the mediator, peace-maker, or just the "Hey, think about what you're saying." person. I hate conflict and confrontation, but I'm learning that it is necessary in order to grow as a person and as a team. About two weeks into this tour year the verse 1 Corinthians 10:13 caught my attention; it talks about God never letting you be tempted more than you are able and in a moment of temptation He will always provide an escape. That same weekend I was asked to share my testimony on three different occasions. It's a sheltered story protected by the prayers and warfare of my parents. In sharing this story with my team leader he expressed that he had never heard of spiritual warfare. To my surprise, neither had about half of my team. In studying this topic more in depth so that I could explain it clearly, I noticed discouragement all around me. I was being attacked and so was my team, heavily. This can be seen positively! God has plans to use us in an extraordinary way and our enemy is trying to make us ineffective. Learning how to stand strong (1 Peter 5:8-10), put on the Armor of God, and use the incredible power we have within us through the Holy Spirit to avoid temptation (Luke 10:19), has helped me daily...sometimes, hourly. Ministry on the road is an awesome privilege! It's also an awesome responsibility.

Two weeks ago, Jerrod, one of the boys on my team, was asked to return to the theater leaving our team with only seven people for about a week. Everyone has certain tasks and assignments that they're responsible for on the team so this left everyone else having to make up for his loss. This was very draining. For our team though, Jerrod leaving was a blessing in disguise. Last week my new team member arrived. His name is Steven and he's from Dayton, Ohio. He has the joy of the Lord and an excitement to serve which is a breath of fresh air for our team! It's almost like a new start! This week has been full of rehearsals trying to get Steven plugged into the assembly and gospel concerts. He's truly a blessing.

God is making many changes in my life and showing me great things. I'm learning to "walk worthy of the calling I have received, with all lowliness and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Eph.4:1-3). Also, to "do nothing out of selfish ambition but esteem others better than myself" (Phil. 2:3). In Galations it says "let us not grow weary in doing good for in due time we shall reap if we faint not". I'm also encouraged in James 1:22 when it says for us to "be doers of the Word, and not hearers only". I serve a powerful God and I'm honored to be called by Him. Please keep myself and my team in your prayers.

God calls us to glance in the direction of others who are in need of a blessing. - We're here to encourage and spread His love.