Missions Blog

Crossings Camps 2011

2010-12-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

An opportunity has come and I have accepted a job with Crossings Camps for the summer of 2011. I will be working, living, and serving in a camp for June and July this summer. Please pray for the students that will be at the camp this summer and for the leaders as we share the Gospel to the lost.

Love God. Love People. Serve Others.

Summer 2011

2010-11-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

Please pray with me as I decided whether I am going to go on a mission trip this coming summer. Also, that God will provide an opportunity.

"He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2

"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." -2 Chronicles 16:9

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" - Isaiah 6:8

Thank you for your prayers.

In Christ,

Laura N Hanson

The Potter's House

2010-07-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

As we landed in Guatemala, all I could feel was the pressure of expectation. A pressure that not only my peers put on me; but that I put on myself. For some reason I had the idea that since I was called to the ministry, I was expected to do great things and lead in a great way on this trip. It took me several days to realize that it wouldn't be ME ( or the group) that would make an impact on Guatemala but God.

By the grace and will of God, our group followed obediently into his perfect plan. As the Lord lead, our group went from house to house sharing the Gospel and our testimonies. Over 15 people were saved! It was eye opening to see the path God had made for us in Guatemala. As we went out to evangelize we came across 9 families who have been trying to start a home church close by. They usually have a 30 minute hike to the closes evangelical church. These families would even walk right past other churches that were about 15 minutes away just to attend this church.There love for God and truth was completely selfless.

In addition, our group got to experience the first steps in creating a home church in a foreign country. We helped by talking to members of the community to start the process of having the church body meet at the nearby school that we were doing construction on.

It is amazing how God works!

The title of this post is The Potter's House. It took me a couple days of truly seeking God to find that Guatemala was the potter's house for me. In Guatemala, God broke my pot, only to mold me to be moldable. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says that he has come here to finish his Father's work. I often forget that, this is the reason why I am here; for my Father. To work for him because I am truly his servant.

I went to Guatemala with several prayer request and although some of them are personal and a blog is not the best network to share them on; I have one that most pertains to this coming year. In Puerto Rico I felt God was leading me to international missions and he was. But instead of waiting one day at a time for his direction, I interpreted the calling to to international missions as God calling me to be a career missionary. And who knows someday I may be a career missionary but not yet. If it is God's will he will lead me there in His perfect timing. I have decided to study Church Studies with a concentration in Women's Ministry in college. Where God leads me after that I do not know. But I do know that wherever the Master is there I will also be.

"If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there My servant will also be. If anyone serves me, him My Father will honor." John 12:26

Please Pray For Us...

2010-05-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Location: Mixco, Guatemala
Dates: July 3-10, 2010
Purpose: Share Christ and minister to small villages outside of Guatemala City
Ministry Projects: Evangelism, VBS, Construction, Service, and Humanitarian Aid

Please Pray for the Team: Adam Amor, Caroline Case, Brie Ceto, Claire Dougherty, Alicia Fowski, Grant Forbis, Emer Fransico, Marissa Goodspeed, Laura Hanson, Megan Husted, Amelia Hiers, Mary Hellstrom, Danny Hone, Jessica Johnson, Stephan Kopriva, Katie Kramer, Christian Malagon, Collin McCloud, Nicole Micieli, Carmalita, Magana, Aniel Mesa, Sam Mandez, Maggie Sirk, Dakota Tomasi, Ican Terrero, and Tyler Woods. Adults: Jim Nicholas, Ginny Peiffer, Jeff Peiffer, Anna Winkle, Ashley Hiers, Lewis Howard, and Nate Dooley.

Please pray for the hearts of those we come in contact with.
Pray for our final preparation
Hearts of the students
those still in need of financial support
and logistics in Guatemala that everything will work out for God's glory.

Thank you for your support!

In Christ,
Laura N. Hanson

Mixco, Guatemala

2010-02-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

This summer I will travel with members from the high school youth group at First Baptist Church of Naples to Guatemala. In Guatemala we will help plant organic house churches, to evangelize through sports-driven VBS clubs, construction projects, street evangelism, and sharing the Gospel while providing humanitarian aid to kids and adults in a homeless community.
While in Guatemala we will be lodging at a Howard Johnson's hotel in Guatemala City across the street from the US Embassy.
The cost in total costs $1295.00 for 10 days. We will be overseas from July 3, 2010 - July 11,2010.

If you feel led to donate money for this trip you can make your checks payable to First Baptist Church of Naples and send the check to:

First Baptist Church of Naples
High School Ministry Office
Laura N. Hanson- Guatemala Trip
3000 Orange Blossom Drive
Naples, Florida 34109

My first priority for this trip is to establish a prayer support network. To many of you I sent a letter informing you of this trip and I have asked for prayer for the team, my self, and the people of Guatemala. John 15:5b states, "If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." My biggest desire for this trip is for God to get the glory in everything that we do. This mission trip will fail is it is not constantly placed in the hands of God. Prayer is the foundation of this ministry that we hope to build on. These prayer requests where listed on imb.net and I ask that you use this list to guide your prayers for this mission trip.

Pray for me:
Pray that God will glorify Himself through this ministry.
Pray that I may have opportunities to share my faith.
Pray for boldness as I witness to others.
Pray for God to prepare the hearts of the people we will encounter.
Pray that we will be sensitive to their culture.
Pray for team unity.
Pray for my relationships with the supervisors.
Pray for my relationships with the nationals.
Pray for safe travels and health on the Field.
Pray that God will help me keep humble and have a flexible spirit.
Pray for protection over loneliness.
Pray for peace of mind for my family that will be in the United States.

In Christ,
Laura N. Hanson

Boyce College!

2009-10-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I am glad to report that this past Friday I was notified of my acceptance to Boyce College. Woot Woot! I am so overjoyed for the opportunity to study at Boyce. I cannot wait. Today I sent in my housing fee. Now things aren't set in stone yet. My parents and I still have to discuss how to work this whole "living 16 hours away from home" thing. Although I know it will be difficult to live to far away from home; I am excited about getting a Christ centered education. I still have a while to go before I get to Boyce College; but still I wanted to share my excitement with my family and friends.

Thank you all for your support!

In Christ,
Laura

Applied

2009-08-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have applied for my dream school this past week as well as for the Brazil mission trip. God has really taught me a lot in this process. Besides that fact that I have minimal power and that things aren't always the way I pictured it, I have learned trust. Now trust is not an easy thing to learn but its an easy thing to lose. I have been a Christian for about 10 years, but this past year is when God first started challenging me with the issue of trust.

There are two sides of trusting God. Some people argue by saying how can you trust something/someone that you cant see or feel or hear. Some also say how can you not trust God, the big man, the boss.

My thoughts are, how could you be a Christian and not experience the voice, the touch, and the beauty of Christ. Its the moments when you lose everything and find Him holding your hand through it all. Its when your lost and the sound of his voice, reminds you that everything is going to be okay. Its when your in awe of his power and you close your eyes and you see His face. Christ is there, God is there always. He is never unseen, unheard, and intangible because He doesn't exist but because we have chosen not to trust.

I don't know where I will end up in 5 years or even tomorrow. I know what I want and that Christ has given me a passion to share about His Son Christ Jesus with the lost. Its like scripture says in "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." I have chosen my course. The complete surrender of my life for his will. Now the Lord will determine the steps to get there, even if its not what I initially wanted.

So don't worry, trust . . .

Update!

2009-06-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated in a while. Summer time has consumed all my energy! ha
Lately, I have been working on my application for the mission trip to Brazil for the summer of 2010. Its a very time consuming application, a lot of the question take a lot of prayer and thought to answer. I have also been working on preparing for this upcoming, crazy senior year. I have been working on my college essays and getting recommendations. College search update, is I am really looking at Boyce College, Wheaton College, and Samford University. It doesn't look like I will be able to visit them over them summer; but maybe during spring break before I graduate.

Prayer Request:
1) For direction in college choice
2) Brazil mission trip: that it is of God and not of my own doing, guidance through the whole application process, and just a continual calling in this direction

That's it for now!

Thanks for everything and all your prayers!
Laura

A Chance to Die

2009-05-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

A Chance to Die is a biography of an amazing strong woman (Amy Carmichael) who surrendered her life completely to God. The book goes through her life as a child, her calling, the struggles in leaving her family/friends, figuring out where God needs her, and the hardships and the blessing in the ministry she started in India. Awesome book and I highly suggest it; if you are in search of what it means to be a die hard, crazy in love Christian.
We all of different purposes in life, to which God created us. Are you willing to give up your dreams and your passion in order to bring riches to God's Kingdom?

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." - Acts 20: 24

Memorial Day Beach Blast!

2009-05-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

These past couple weeks my friend Kris Woods and I planned a beach party for Memorial Day for our student youth group. The turn out was amazing! God has truly blessed us with a great group of peers to hang out with and have some good clean fun. We had a barbeque, played volleyball, and put on a really exciting relay race. I will try to post pics soon!
I ask for your prayers that God continually works in the heart of our youth in Naples! :)
Love you all!

Confirmation!

2009-05-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have some exciting news! As I have told you guys earlier an opportunity has come up for a mission trip to Brazil for the summer of 2010. It will either be a 2 month mission trip or a 8- 11 day trip; but either way I wanted to know if this was an opportunity God wanted me to take. I didn't want this mission trip to be of myself; but a confirmed calling from Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5: 38,39

So this past Wednesday God has confirmed me taking the first steps in preparing for Brazil for the summer of 2010! I will let you know how everything is laid out. It is still not a sure thing, but I will be sure to let you all know as soon as I can!
Thanks for the prayers!

Holy Ambition

2009-05-17T07:54:00.001-07:00

Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram is one of my favorite books! The premise of this book was letting go of what makes you feel "safe" and "secure"; to follow God's plan and purpose for your life. It gives you guidelines. As well as talks about going beyond an idea. Awesome book, a most read! Do you have a holy ambition?!?

Shout out to my Dad (suggested I read this book)!

Crazy Love

2009-05-17T07:50:00.001-07:00

I have recently finished the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Amazing book and I want to recommend it to all of you. The book is about how our Christian walk has become so dry and routine and how the love and passion for God has grown faint. The book was eye opening and life changing. This book is an easy read and you wont regret reading it for any second.

Shout out to Sunny! (She suggested I read this book)

Summer 2010

2009-05-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I have some exciting news! God may have opened up a door for a two month mission trip over the summer after my high school graduation. It would be though the organization Project Amazon and I would hope to meet up with Claire, a missionary who works in Brazil. So I may be going to Brazil next summer, I ask for your prayers that God would confirm this open door. Also that the application process would not be too stressful.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support!!! I will keep you updated on how the application process is moving along.

Laura

Waiting for Gods timing

2009-04-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:6

Puerto Rico Call to Action

2009-04-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my journal and a scrape piece of paper fell out. It was one of my journal papers from when I was in Puerto Rico. I thought I would post it for you, cause it is still relevant in our everyday lives even when we are not away from home.

Its a hard fight; for what you want and what would make you happy versus
Gods purpose for you here. We are all having a good time here and all but God
put on my heart to put aside the relationships and the distractions that all of
us have and spend time with him. Not just 15 minutes but learn, read, pray. I
mean soon it gets hard to stop. When you put aside what you want reading Gods
word comes so much easier.I often feel like we forget out purpose here. We are
here to lead by example. To tell the world about Jesus. Today while we were out
evangelizing a man took 15 minutes of his time explaining his story of salvation
and thanking us for what we are doing. It was kind of a wake up call. That I am
here because God called me here to serve the people in this community and tell
them about Gods love and not for my own selfish purpose. In Acts 5:29 in states
"Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men!'." So
are you here for God or yourself. Because if you are here for God you will make
a big impact, they cant stop you.

Awana!

2009-04-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

..mmkay where to start.

My previous post I shared with your guys that I have had an opportunity to help in the children's department in First Baptist Church Naples Awana Program. Well last week was my first week there and I had the best time ever.
I am usually really closed and it takes a while for me to open up to people and act crazy and be myself. I was really worried about this character trait being evident in my life especially if I want to go over seas and work in the children's ministry. I was totally God cause I opened up, things came easy, and I LOVE being there.
This previous Wednesday I had the opportunity to give my testimony in front of all the kids. It was amazing. Oh, I wish I could put into words how much God is really doing in my life.

I love you all and thanks for the prayers!

2009-03-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Answer to Prayer: Thanks so much for all your prayers! This last week God has closed many doors in my lfe and opened a window. I have been asked to be an assisstant to the vacation bible school leader, and be her other half. Also I am helping out at Awana at my church on Wednesday. As well as helping with the drama club on Friday. God has really opened the "window" to the childrens ministry. I will keep you updated on how this answer to prayer is making an impact!

Also, I am currently reading an endless amount of biographies and doing research. I am so excited to walk through the lifes a people who took up there cross and made an impact for Christ.

Thanks for the prayers and God Bless!

Laura
Psalm 143: 10

My Prayer

2009-03-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Last night I felt very confused with were God was leading me. I was angry at him for giving my this open ended calling... An overwhelming feeling came over me to sit down stop everything and listen to him. I didnt know what to say, there was so much that i wanted him to know. I wanted him to know that this calling has given me unrest and I didnt know how he wanted me to act on it. As I sat their begging God "Send me! tell me where to go! where to move from here! what next! just tell me what to do and I will do it!"

As I opened the bible and stumbled upon Psalm 143: 7,8,10. These verses have become my prayer.

"Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143: 7,8,10

Holy Ambition

2009-03-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

This past week I finished reading the book Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram. If any of you havent read it you need to. It is a great book, ecspecially for the people who dont know what they want to do with their life.

Well after reading this book I felt Gods calling to work with children who dont have anything. God says that he is the father to the fatherless. I want to be out there bring kids in under my wing and show them Gods love. I have been considering starting an orphange on the mission feild or even just working with the childrens ministry during church planting or even be a school teacher. Basically there are alot of options. ha.

I am still waiting for Gods calling to a specific region, I ask that you all continue your prayers.

God is good all the time!

Just thoughts

2009-03-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Before this week my "ambition" for my calling to missions was to get the most experience i can and make it my number one priority. Meaning over the summer take a month long trip before i leave for college. In college I will major in childrens ministry. Then right after college I will go straight to the mission feild no questions asked. Earlier this week I asked myself is this wrong? I mean i want to give my everything to Christ. But is my plan, my ambition; from human origin or from God. In Acts 5: 38-39 it states:

"Therefore in the present caseI advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will only find yourself fighting against God."

So was this dream mine. Even in Gods word it said i would fail if it was.

So this week i reevaulated what God's calling was on my life. The call to missions has not changed at all. I am begining to look at Palm Beach Atlantic, looking into getting a elementary education degree and while i am at school go on mission trips through the school with fellow students and peers. Then go from their on.

I just ask that you pray for me in that Gods calling will be more clear. I know that I am called to the mission feild and to work with children. But from there on I am lost. There are so many school choices and options and i want to make the right one.

I also ask that you pray for me that I put more trust in God! I always have to be in control of things and its hard for me to trust him with my life. I know that he has a perfect plan, that he is all powerful and has written my story already. But i am really stuggleing.

Thanks for your prayers and support!
I have so much more to write but i need to get back to work.
God Bless!

Experience.... NBA (No Body Absent) weekend

2009-02-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

This saturday at my church, my bible and life group teacher pulled me aside and told me that i will be sharing the gospel with our group. As she was saying this all i could think of is what if i butcher this and people actually turn away from God. ha. Well God gave me peace and laid this on my heart "ye of little faith why are you so afraid." So it ended up to be this amazing experience to share the gospel with a group of people. I didnt mess up, and God was with us completely. I am happy to say that with this experience picked up on many little things that i can do, to make the gospel presentation better.

Later that night Mrs. Jackie encouraged me by saying I did a good job, and said that she really wanted me to get as much experience as i can in sharing the gospel. I am so thankful for her, and how God is using her in my life.

I cant wait for more experiences like this one!

Thanks for all your prayers and i will update soon!

......I got a couple mission trips I am looking at, and i will put those up soon. Right now I need prayer that God will guide me as I chose a destination for this summer! I am so excited! God is good, all the time! Thanks again.

Getting Started

2009-02-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

OK so Mrs. Moore and I met up the other day and talked about missions. I am looking at a couple programs through the International mission board and a camp that her son is apart of. I am also starting to look at colleges such as: Cedarville, Taylor, Samford, and Union. I hope to be taking a college tour this spring break and i will try to video blog after and during each college i visit. I ask for your prayers for this summer because i am planning on going on a short term mission trip by myself, meaning with no one that i really know. I am so excited and nervous. I ask for prayers not to let fear overpower my faith in God. I also ask for prayer as I search for colleges.

...i will update again soon
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!

The Ministry

2009-02-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

After the week of mission work in Puerto Rico; i felt Gods calling to the ministry. At first i was weary because like everybody i planned for the american dream life style. Soon God made the ministry my only desire. Right now i cant picture myself doing anything else but give my life completely over to God. As for now, I am planning on taking a mission trip after I graduate high school and I have asked Mrs. Shannon Moore to be my mentor and I ask you all to be my prayer partners......