Called & Equipped // March 2016 Update

Hola, amigos!

I just got back home to Columbus after spending almost two weeks in my hometown of Toledo, Ohio. This was an incredible time of connecting with people to share my story and asking them to join my team. I was also able to spend some much needed time with loved ones and in prayer as I continue to pursue God’s calling in El Salvador. I was also in Toledo during the Easter holiday. Although it came earlier than usual this year, it came at a perfect time in reminding me of the greatest sacrifice ever made. Even though God has constantly been asking me to go past my comfort zone while raising support, this pales in comparison to the ways Jesus loved and served, becoming a perfect and holy example for us all!

Praise God! I have recently passed the 40% mark in my overall support-raising goal. I have been blown away by the generosity I have experienced this month. This means I am getting closer and closer to being in El Salvador working on the missions field full-time! I am praying for God to continue to place the right people in my path to hear about the work we are doing in El Salvador.

Some really exciting things happened at the Children’s Development Centers in San Salvador this month! The Centers were visited by two missions teams, one from my home church in Columbus, Ohio called Rock City, and another from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. For the third year in a row, Rock City provided a new pair of shoes for each of the children in our program. The team that visited this month represented all of Rock City by throwing a party for the children at both of our Centers and helping them try on their new kicks! Although I would have loved to be serving alongside these teams in San Salvador, it was amazing hearing stories of ways that God worked through these teams as they served together with our local team in El Salvador.

As you can probably imagine, this process is an emotional and spiritual rollercoaster, but God has been more than faithful every step of the way. I constantly try to remind myself that when God calls you, He also equips you (Ephesians 2:10). I have clearly seen God’s faithfulness in action in the way He is providing for me during this process. I know that God has hand-picked each person who has joined my team (you!) and those I have yet to connect with, and that is both comforting and exciting! THANK YOU for your continued prayers and support — God is using you to make this ministry possible!

Please consider giving. You can visit reliant.org/ali.howard and select “Give Now” to set up your monthly gift. Every bit helps!

Thankful to know you,
Ali

Prayer Requests:

• That I will be able to jump back into raising support without skipping a beat in Columbus after being gone in Toledo.
• For the 25 children that are part of our program at the Centers in El Salvador that are currently in need of a sponsor.
• That I will be able to pass 50% of my overall support goal by May 1st.
• For my mind to be at peace with God’s timing and more focused on God’s mission this month than ever before!