A Woman running after God

Today in honor of a dear woman's birthday I have decided to write about her and what she is doing in the world. This young lady is, Malaina. Malaina is a bright and joyful friend to be around! She is always up for an adventure and is so very talented! She  attended Bethany Global University (BGU) where she completed her BA with a double Major in Biblical Studies and Intercultural Sciences. Life following Christ doesn't always pan out like you plan. There are curves and hills, bumps and twists, but it is always worth it! Malaina's story has a couple of these about which we are speaking, but we will get to that. Buckle up as I introduce you to a fascinating woman running after Christ. 

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain."
​Philippians 2:14-16

Is it not all of our desires to run the race with endurance? Do we not all long to follow Christ with joyful hearts void of any grumbling? I know I long to. I know that Malaina does also. God called her to BGU, and she answered. Obediently she packed her life up and moved to the chilly city of Bloomington in Minnesota. Joyfully she flourished in her new environment absorbing and gleaning from the believers around her. 

Time went by and her Associates was completed. She stayed on as staff where she grew and developed her talents in communication; but she also developed and honed in on her musical talents with the piano and her voice. Working in Minnesota at BGU had its ups and downs, but none the less she shined her light holding fast to the Word.
​Often we grow weary waiting on the Lord, especially when we know there is something that He has put on our heart. We cannot let ourselves grow weary, we must hold to the promises of God. Sometimes it takes years to see these promises come to pass other times they come and we don't recognize them because they are packaged differently than the way we think they should look; but once more we must hold fast the to the Word of Life!

​After time the Lord put Malaina back on track to complete her BA, she continued in faith, raising support, praying for the Internship team, interceding for the country where she would end up. Constantly moving forward in faith.
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At BGU, part of the Bachelors program is completing a 16 month internship at one of the various sites located world wide. Malaina chose France. On internship you study language, culture, history, and local religions under the guidance and supervision of long-time missionaries with gobs of helpful tips and tricks. Some of Malaina's leaders were Grayling and Sandra, but we'll get to know them more in a future post. With humility and grace she dove into the French language soaking up as much as she could process, asking others for tips on how to better learn the language, continually walking in humility the whole way. 
​Her team saw miracles, signs and wonders. They also saw struggle, hardship, and the ugly tracks of the enemy. In faith and with perseverance they toiled and grew constantly in prayer for the people the were among. The enemy has had a field day in France, but I believe that is coming to a close. I believe with the labor of those serving Christ there, the prayers of the saints, and obedience to Christ, we are going to see God begin to move in new ways among the French. In ways that we have only heard rumors, in prophetic ways and in holiness, in touch with the love of the Father. 
Her time in France has come to a close for the time being, we wait patiently to see where the Father will send her next. 

​Somethings I want you to take away from this:

• ​​Continue in the love of Christ
• ​Walk in Joy with your eyes on the Way of Life
• Don't grow weary when things aren't unfolding as you think they ought to
• Allow Christ to use you where you are
• Strengthen yourself (Isaiah 35 and Hebrews 12)

​Somethings to pray for:

• ​Pray for Malaina and her next steps
• Pray for France and the coming revival
• Pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest

​If this post spoke to you and you would like to get to know Malaina or encourage her in someway, let us know by leaving a comment below. :)