From broken and abandoned, to loved and adopted.

The beauty that comes from a surrendered heart leaves me breathless. I saw this beauty for the first time this summer. That love that filled my days with so much joy, is indescribable. For years I fought God when He asked for my heart. I made excuse after excuse as to why I could not give it to Him. He led me to the unknown, into deep waters where I had to choose; Sink, or Surrender. That choice led me into a sea of forgiveness. I finally felt FREE. The chains that bound me were broken. I spent months living in that freedom. My fight became for the Kingdom not control. I begin to love like never before and find joy in the struggle. 

        

I viewed the broken hearts as beautiful jars of clay's awaiting their molding. God opened my eyes to see Love that truly surpasses all brokenness and all fight. My heart began to ache for the lost and beat for the abandoned. I fought to find a smile in midst of heartache. I strived to serve those who had been pushed aside with a Christ like attitude. Struggles came and conflict arose but one common goal surpassed it all. To see the lost get found. 

I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. -John 14:18

From broken and abandoned to loved and adopted. 

My heart is still broken for the testimonies I heard this summer. Girls raped by their fathers. Children left in hotel rooms. Eight years old's fighting to keep their younger siblings alive. These were common stories spoken by children who have yet to hit their teen years. I learned there is redemption. Yes struggles followed and lasting affects played a part in their lives, but God took them by the hand and led them to a Godly family who would and is fighting for them. Dave and Deborah are young, but so wise. They raise children up to be Godly men and women despite the hand life has dealt them. They give each of their children the opportunity to overcome their past and look foward to a rewarding future. They love so genuinely and give so freely. Their molding is Godly parents and loving servants. 

The smiles, the laughs, the I love you's, and the tears; these are all painted clearly on my heart. The many hugs that were freely given, and the hands that held tightly to mine impacted this once broken heart wondering from the grasp of God. Each time one of the children looked at me and said miss Heaven, I knew what came next would leave me in awe. They loved so purely and beautifully. Despite their past. The tears as I said goodbye have a place in my heart, until I get the hug from hello.Each I love you revealed more of Gods love and each laugh showed the beauty that shone on the cross. Who I once was before Guatemala is not who I am not.

To experience the depth of God's love in a foreign country where I left my heart, has changed me for the better. I learned this summer that God's love for me goes deeper than I ever imagined, and after that; it goes deeper still. This summer I saw God take the broken and abandoned and give them hope in love. 

Please join me in prayer for the Reichard's and their amazing ministry Manos De Compasion. Pray for boldness as the gospel is shared to each kids that they come in care of. Pray for hearts to be healed and love to be shown. 

Please Join me in prayer as I begin the process of returning to Guatemala in June as a permanent live in volunteer for the home. Pray for comfort and peace as the time approaches to leave. Pray for financial provision from God. Pray that I can serve boldly and whole heartily. 

 

 


Don't be afraid to surrender all to God. Nothing compares to the joy and comfort that He provides. He is loving, caring, gentle, and forgiving. He can fix the broken and heal the bruised. He is all powerful and all mighty. Allow Him in and He will send you out!

Here I am. Send me. 

God Bless <3

Heaven Slaughter