So many things have happened this year, good and bad. It's been another faith-coaster that has had way too many ups and downs. I thank God that He truly helped me finish though and finish strong, blessing me beyond measure. Every area of my life has been stretched (once again), and I truly thank God for doing so. Every day that passes, I learn more about letting go and letting God. It's something I feel that everyone struggles with, but I've come to realize that it's something that I, as a missionary, need to do. I can't try to ever put this into my own hands. It's way too big of a job for me to do alone. I wouldn't even be doing this if it wasn't for God pulling me away from film school to get my eyes off of myself. Everything that I do is to bring glory and honor to Him, not to me. I need to let all of these people know that God is the one doing all of this:
- If it wasn't for Him, summer camp wouldn't have happened this year, and those 14 teens wouldn't have had that super-natural experience like they did.
- If it wasn't for Him, the 26 kids on the soccer team wouldn't have learned overall respect for others, responsibility, and teamwork, which they use on and off the field.
- If it wasn't for Him, 13 of those kids wouldn't come to the church regularly and also wouldn't be involved, like on the praise team or assistant team for the kids's program,
- If it wasn't for Him, 8 kids wouldn't have realized their true musical gifts that God has given them, and 1 of them wouldn't be starting to practice for the worship team at church.
- If it wasn't for Him, 2 kids wouldn't have had the opportunity to have one-on-one reading classes, and 1 of them wouldn't have finished the class!!
- If it wasn't for Him, there wouldn't have been 12 to 14 teens coming to the house for life group every Thursday during the summer, nor would we have have had the 5 to 9 who come now.
- If it wasn't for Him, so many kids wouldn't have seen His true love in many ways, one of those ways being through a small Christmas gift (45 in all!! Pictures to come)
God has moved so much this past year, not just in my life, but in the kids' and families' lives, as well. Through all of the hardship, every single moment was worth it, and God is preparing me to do it all again and more this upcoming year!! Please continue to pray for me, as I do it all again, plus with the two new areas that God has placed on my heart: more orphanage ministry and helping the kids that live in the garbage dump. Thank you all so much for your support, whether it had been through donations or prayers. It was all more than appreciated. I'll be sure to post more frequently, whether it be through something like this, a video on YouTube or my Facebook, or my newsletters as before.
May God continue to bless you all ever so abundantly this next year in all that you do,
Daniel Ratz
