Y’all I’ve officially been gone for TWO weeks!!
These past two weeks have been full of laughter, love, fun, and so much growth.
On Wednesday, we had squad wars—five different challenges: slip ’n slide, dodgeball, a bucket challenge, a puzzle, and a squad dance. We had an absolute blast! The dance and song were amazing, and we even won that part of the competition. We ended up coming in second overall, but honestly, the fun and bonding were what mattered most.
That same night, we had Revival Night—and wow. There really aren’t words to fully describe it. The Lord moved so powerfully through worship, tears, surrender, and repentance. Lives were changed and hearts were healed, mine included.
For a little background my story has been marked by insecurity and people-pleasing. I’ve spent much of my life putting others first, often in toxic ways, to the point where I really didn’t like anything about myself. I was believing the enemy’s lies instead of living in the joy and freedom of the Father’s love. But Wednesday night, I told the Lord I was done with those lies. I surrendered my insecurities to Him and felt Him calling me to be baptized again. I left the lies and chains in the water and came up walking in freedom and new life.
Now, that doesn’t mean it all disappears instantly, it takes daily surrender: being in the Word, speaking truth over yourself, and using scripture against the enemy. But thank you, Jesus, for your Agape love and your blood that makes us new.
On Thursday, we went out into Gainesville to evangelize. My partners and I asked the Lord where to go, and He led us to walk by Brenau University. There, we met a woman who only spoke Spanish. It turned out it was her birthday, but no one not even her kids had called her. She told us, “The Lord said something good was coming, and then He sent His angels to wish me a happy birthday.” We got to sit with her for over an hour, listening to her story, praying for her, and just being present. For me, it was especially meaningful because I got to use my Spanish to share about Jesus and connect with her. That moment reminded me that God truly puts people in our paths for a reason. Sometimes all someone needs is to be heard, so be the person that listens. That can be healing in itself, I want to encourage you go out of your way to make someone smile, listen to their story, and love them the way the Lord calls us to. There are so many broken people around us, and YOU have a role to play in their lives.
Friday was my friend Bridger’s 19th birthday, so we celebrated him all day! Later, I had a one-on-one with my small group leader, Abby, and then we went into town. At the laundromat, we met the sweetest older woman, prayed with her, and just listened to her heart. At Kroger (with a Starbucks inside, of course), I treated myself to a pumpkin spice latte and grabbed some snacks for camp.
Today, we had squad church where our worship team led us, and my friend Marissa preached an incredible sermon on Newness leading into Authority. Afterward, I spent time with family on the phone and my WR family here. Later, some friends and I took an Uber to Gainesville Square for coffee and a little Sabbath rest. We ended the night watching the Georgia game, eating pizza, and celebrating a Dawgs win with some of my favorite people.
These past two weeks have been unforgettable, and I can’t wait to see what else the Lord has in store on this journey. I’m currently 62% funded if you feel led to support me in any way, I’d be so grateful. Thank you all for following along. Love y’all, and I’ll talk to you again next week!
We love you Naomi and are so excited about this journey God has for you!
Love you
Mom
This is so unfiltered and transparent. Hod is clearly in the midst of your life and squad. What is so exciting is the clarity of His voice in your life. This is just the beginning and I’m so proud of you. Love you agape style!
Dad
Naomi, you’re a brave young woman. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:13-20
Naomi,
I am enjoying watching you grow. Its inspiring to see you helping others. I cant wait to see what God has in store for you.
Love,
Dawn
Naomi,
You are a blessing. God is using you in a beautiful way. BTW, your writing abilities are way beyond your years. You have a gift. Keep everything you have ever written or will write for the future. I see some literary opportunities down the road. God be with you every moment. 🙏🙏
I love reading your blog and experiencing this journey with you. You are learning and living new adventures and making lifelong friends. God is working through you . You are making a difference in others lives and I am so proud of you. I love you lots!
Love your heart for the Lord and eagerness to serve. Our granddaughter did a 3 month Adventire in Mission back in 2018. It changed her and grew her and enlarged her heart. You will be amazing at the many different things that happen. Praying for you and the team. May doors open and the Lord shared.
I love you so much Naomi! And it is so inspiring hearing all about camp! I love reading these! I’m so incredibly proud to be your sister!
Wonderful blog Naomi and so encouraging to see and hear! God has already put people in your path sounds like and is already using you to share the Good News!! Psalms 139:23-24- “search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts, See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
We pray that God will continue to put people in your path and know that he will because you are asking him too!! Keep making a difference for the Kingdom!! Encouragement to you from Angie and Steve!
We had little Walker with us today and had a great time with him!! We keep him for Brittany on Tuesdays while she goes to her job at the church. I am fairly certain that we sent your info to them so they could be keeping up with you but I will check and make sure!!
There are many exciting things going on here in Greenville with our FCA chapters in several of our high schools! So you can be praying for that ministry here in Greenville and that many kids will continue to hear the gospel from our staff folks at those schools!! I would send you a couple of picks but not sure how to on here!! I will ask one of the young people!!😂😂
We love ❤️ you Naomi and will continue to pray for you all the time!!
Steve Angie