The First Shall be Last, The Last Shall be First

Do you ever experience seasons in your life when you are continually confronted by a common theme? When it seems that in multiple areas of your life God is emphasizing the same lesson? For me, this current season has been all about humility. Actually, this should probably be a central theme in every Christian's life. I've been spending a lot of time lately in Deuteronomy, Luke, the Psalms, Ephesians and in each one of these books the theme arises - we are nothing apart from the abundant and undeserved grace of God.

One of my favorite examples on this theme is from the book of Luke when Jesus is eating with a big group of "sinners". The religious folk are appalled that he would associate with such scum. And Jesus responds...
"Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent." Luke 5:31-32

I have the privilege of working among prostituted women, those that most people would consider "scum", "trash", "less than". But while my life may look a little different, I too am merely a sinner in need of repentance and the boundless grace of God. Unless I can recognize this reality and continually fall on my face before God, I have no place with Him and will have no influence in the painful realities of the friends we serve. My continual connection to the broken serves to remind me of my own brokenness and my desperate need for a Savior. In this way especially, I am so very blessed to do the work I do. Together we walk towards wholeness and new life. No matter your situation and how put together it may seem from the outside, I hope you can recognize your own brokenness today and fall on your knees before our good and merciful Father.

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:16-17

 

INTERNS

Since February I've had the privilege of sharing life with 3 great interns! While this is one of my favorite parts of my role here, it's also quite humbling as I try to encourage, teach, and challenge. I often feel so unprepared and insufficient, but the Lord is able to use my tiny offering and my own experiences for his glory as I walk with those considering a life of ministry among the poor.

Tabea is from Switzerland and is working exclusively with our kids program. She will be with us until December! She brings lots of joy to our community and daily lives up to her nickname, "sweet and sassy". Chris and Miranda are a married couple from Texas. They came to Bolivia last fall with their church and have felt a very strong call to drop everything and commit to ministry in Bolivia with Word Made Flesh. It is a pleasure to process with them as they figure out how to move towards a fruitful and sustainable life of ministry. Would you pray for them as they wrap up their internship in June and start the WMF staff application process?

Next week I have a small team of students arriving from Asbury University! This will be my first time to fully coordinate a team. They will spend 2 weeks with our community and their time will be very discipleship heavy as we observe and learn together about poverty, prostitution, cross-cultural ministry, liberation theology, etc. I am praying that it is a very challenging experience that leads to deep reflection and transformation in each of the students. Would you pray with me?

Help Me Close the Gap!

Please celebrate with me that I have had the rare blessing of being fully funded for nearly 3 years of ministry! I am so thankful for all of you that give and for all of you that pray for me so that I can continue to do what I do. :)

BUT... over the past year I have lost a handful of monthly donors and I have also had a slight increase in living expenses on the ground. Due to these realities, I am about 10% short of being fully funded. This is a TINY gap ($200/mo) and totally possible to make up with a few new donors or a few increased monthly donors. Would you pray about helping me close this gap? If you are unable to give at this time, would you share about the ministry with a friend and get us in touch? To donate, please visit my Pure Charity page!

THANK YOU so much for considering! I will provide a financial update in my next newsletter. Also, I am hoping to make a trip to Colorado in July to visit family and friends! If you are in the vicinity, let me know if you want to catch up and/or hear more about the ministry!
 You continue to be a vital part of this ministry! Thank you for praying and walking with me in this adventure!

Peace to you,
Ali Fraze

Word Made Flesh Bolivia
Volunteer Coordinator
alison.fraze@wordmadeflesh.com

Prayer Requests

* For light and hope to infiltrate the red-light district.
* For wisdom to support, challenge, and lead interns Chris, Miranda, and Tabea.
* For preparation and the overall experience of an Asbury University team arriving in mid-May.
* For patience, growth, and perseverance for Ramiro and my relationship.
* For favor with USA immigration as we apply at end of May for a visa so Ramiro can visit my family.
* For increased financial giving and/or new financial partners so that I can be 100% funded and continue in ministry with WMF.
* For the staff of WMF Bolivia – vision, unity, spiritual protection, & rest.