Hello friends and family!

It’s been a couple of weeks here in Jamaica, and with only two weeks left, I’m beginning to see even more how the Lord is preparing my team and me for what’s next! There have been so many blessings along the way, but one of my greatest joys recently was this past week during ATL ministry, which stands for Ask the Lord. We had the opportunity to serve at a school, and it was such a beautiful experience!

One of the things that stood out to me most was how these kids, who had never met us before, trusted us so deeply and so quickly. All they wanted was to be loved and cared for. They constantly wanted to be held, hugged, and close to us, and some even gave us little kisses! They didn’t need to know everything about us or have a reason to trust us. They simply welcomed the love we were there to give.

Even in the moments when my patience was tested, these kids reminded me what it looks like to have childlike faith and the joy of the Lord. They came to us and were immediately met with love, and it reminded me of how we are met with love when we come to the Lord.

I’ll be honest, though, there have been times when it’s been hard for me to remember to come to the Lord and truly believe that He is a loving Father who cares deeply for me. Sometimes, in the middle of everything, I can forget that I am just as welcomed by Him as these kids were by us. But seeing their joy, their trust, and the way they so freely came to us reminded me of that truth. It shifted my perspective and brought me back to the heart of why we are here. We aren’t just here to do ministry or accomplish certain tasks; we are here to love people the way Jesus loves them. Sometimes, the greatest impact we can make isn’t through what we do, but simply through being present, showing up, and loving people well. These kids reminded me that love doesn’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes, we can reflect Jesus just by being there, holding a child, sharing a smile, or making someone feel seen and cared for.

In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me.” What a beautiful reminder that we are invited to approach Him just like these little kids did with us: openly, vulnerably, and wholeheartedly trusting. We don’t have to have everything figured out or earn His love before we come to Him. We can simply come as we are, knowing that we are welcomed by a Father who loves us deeply.

I hope this is a prayer for all of us: that we would learn to have a childlike faith, trusting the Lord without needing to understand every detail, running to Him with the same joy and eagerness these kids showed us. May we never grow too old or too comfortable to come to our Father with open hearts, fully trusting in His goodness and love.

Jamaica has continued to teach me so much, and I’m so grateful for the ways the Lord is using the people I meet and the experiences I have to shape my heart. With only two weeks left, I’m excited to see what else He has in store!

-Love, Ayslee