The weather in March can be very unpredictable. There are moments where the sun is shining, and there is hope that it will get above 50 degrees. There are even signs of flowers trying to break through the recently thawed soil. The very next day there is three inches of snow on the ground, with no signs of spring on the horizon. Ministry can often feel like this tension or battle for winter to come to an end and new life to emerge.

In December we met Aya, a student in the local high school. She was filled with questions and seemed hungry to know Jesus. Yet after two months, it was as though she decided to move further away from us relationally, and it became apparent we might not see her again. Then surprisingly, she sent a message that she wanted to go to church. She is in a battle to believe something she knows will cause tension with relatives and friends. Last week she had so much anxiety and trouble breathing she went to the hospital. My roommate prayed for her, and Aya continued to pray to Jesus that week. Then one night, Jesus came to her in a dream. She said she felt so loved. In the dream, Jesus put his hand out and touched her forehead, healing her. She woke up healed of her anxiety and even days later she was rejoicing. Aya will move in with us soon to take some pressure off and to have space to get her questions answered while she is finishing school. Please pray for Aya.

We never know when spring will come, but we are promised it will come. I have been learning how to remain in joy during winter, knowing that I have a Living Hope that does not disappoint.