I am (once again) on a search for what God has planned for me. I am motivated because of the vision for India He continues to let burn in my heart. A vision I'm confident He alone put in me. As for college, I'm seeking whether or not I really "need" it to do what I feel called to do. And if I do, what major should one pursue.
This basically is a blog to share whats going on in my life, share with you all the vision God has put in me, and maybe for an opportunity for yall to share any advice you may have if you feel led. If not, your prayers alone are greatly appreciated :)
The Vision for India that God has placed in me and just doesn't want to let me forget is this:
To have a home, or place for girls that were born in the brothels. I obviously want to see prostitutes rescued and ministries there for them, but i'm inspired to work with their daughters. The beautiful baby girls that were/are born into prostitution, before they are pushed into that way of life themselves. To get them off those streets, to instill in them the Hope of Christ, to show them life outside of the red light district. All the while encouraging them in Jesus, showing them how good and faithful He is, and hopefully seeing them grow into women of Christ that are used by HIM to change their own nation.
While I was in India back in February God spoke to me multiple times about taking care of the flowers. Strange i know, but i soon realized it was the little girls in which He has calling flowers. If one doesn't water, tend, and take care of the beauty of a flower- the beauty fades, the flower withers, and soon dies away. Same as for these precious girls in India, God's flowers, My flowers...Someone must go and tend to their beauty, their inner beauty. Someone must go water them- with LIVING WATER. Some one must go and shed Light- The Light of the world.
I feel God has called me to be that someone. I was able to see a very dark, cold, and sinful sight when i stood on the street corner of the red light district- God opened my eyes to a truth I had never known existed. He did it 1) because He knew I could handle the truth (or at least try) and 2) because he wanted to use me as His vessel to change it.
Now that i have seen, I am responsible.
As i seek the Lord on what is the first, or next step in pursuing this vision and starting the ministry, i ask for your prayers for guidance and patience. But more than that, prayer for girls we will minister to, wherever they may be today, whether born or unborn yet. pray for their mothers. pray for their protection. Pray for God to hold them in His arms and keep them safe until we are there. For He is the ultimate sustainer, the ultimate flower keeper. The Living Water, The Light of the World.
Ashton, I came across your blog awhile back and am so encouraged by your heart for the Lord, your willingness to speak Truth, and your passion for the people of India. I just wanted to say a few quick things in response to this post ... I have contact with a group that does orphan care in India. I'm not sure if they would be of any help to you in making any connections as you start this ministry. If you'd like their contact info, please let me know! I'd be happy to pass it along.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I'm not sure if you've ever thought about writing beyond your blog. But this thought came to mind. A book could be an incredible tool in sharing both your heart for this and in spreading word about the ministry as it launches! I'm not sure if you have contacts in that field at all, but my parents are actually book publishers. Again, just let me know if you'd like to check out their website or get any info! And lastly, I just wanted to quickly encourage you in seeking the Lord about whether or not to go to college. When I graduated, I just didn't have peace about attending college. I planned on waiting a year, but the next summer, I still had no peace. I really prayed through my motives for going and found that the only reason I would go was the world's expectations. I ended up not going, and God placed me in a season of "here" ... in a small town with no clue what was next. He brought me to such a place of contentment over those few months. Shortly after, my pastor approached me about praying if God would have me in a season of "here." The same word I could find scattered on mamy journal pages. Now I'm working in the children's ministry at my church, and it's been SO incredible to see His faithfulness in placing me in this season! So I just wanted to encourage you in the waiting and the seeking. And know that if He doesn't call you to college, you aren't alone! :)
Ashton-
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a few months now after Carrie Bryant showed it to me. I'm amazed by your faith and boldness. As a senior in high school, I have been struggling through these questions of whether or not college is for me, also. There are so many things to weigh, and wanting to go into missions makes things so different in that decision. Anyway, I am writing to tell you about a major I have recently stumbled upon. Covenant College has a major called Community Development, and it is pretty unique to Covenant. Only a few other places have it. I would encourage you to look into it and see if that isn't what you're looking for. Basically, it is a degree in working with the poor while integrating the Gospel. It's really neat. As I read this I just had the urge to tell you about it, so it may be nothing, but maybe it is something you would enjoy. I know the Lord will use whatever you do!
I love your blog. You are so inspirational! You have such a beautiful heart and I pray God continues to bless you! :)
ReplyDeleteAshton, I love how real and open you are! You're an encouragement to many readers!
ReplyDeleteAshton Clapp. This makes my heart hurt. I miss you so much girl! I hope all is well with you! You should come to the base and visit sometime.
ReplyDeletePickachu misses you.
Love,
Sass
Ashton,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog a lot, and I just wanted to thank you. Reading it has really inspired me and made me realize what I've been called to do all of my life.
I also wanted to say that you're a really good writer. I really LOVE reading your posts. So never stop posting. :)
Karyn Payne
Oh, I forgot to tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you and and all God's flowers.
ReplyDelete--Karyn