Look Up / Jan 2022 Newsletter |
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Greetings dear Livingsong Family, We are starting out our first 2022 newsletter with a heavy heart over what has recently unfolded in Ukraine. It's truly heartbreaking! While these words are easier said than done, this is a moment we can all be looking up to make sense of all of this, because God’s word does provide us answers. This subject could easily take several newsletters to just begin to unwrap, but in conclusion, Jesus is coming soon. No matter how dark the situation may be, wars, rumors of war, famine, or earthquakes, we must remember that God is in control and working among us. Our fervent prayers lifted up for His divine comfort and peace over the hearts of the people of Ukraine, and for divine guidance over our world leaders. We must remember that. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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. (Ephesians 6:12-13). Actually, that verse was at the forefront of a conversation we had at a recovery program early last month. This particular program is residential, meaning that the men in recovery live in this rehabilitation facility for the duration of their treatment. As usual, we arrived early to properly prepare our equipment for the service to be held in a multipurpose room. Everything went well, even one of the leaders of the program asked us to extend our service time with the men. It was a blessing to hear many voices in the room praying the invitation prayer with us out loud to receive Christ as Lord. At the end of the service, when the room was empty, one of the residents waited to speak to us privately. Initially, we noticed he seemed uncomfortable with what he was about to share. To make a long story short, this was our first time meeting a practicing satanist. It would have been uplifting to write here that our conversation ended with a miraculous breakthrough. Unfortunately, this was not what happened. It doesn’t sound like a fruitful story, but we want to encourage you by writing what happened because even though darkness may seem to cover an area of your life, the light of Christ will always guide you through it. This young man “Hunter”, who attended the service completely disengaged, thankfully sat down with us afterward to speak. He believes people are trying to help him, but because of what he has been through, he only feels “hatred and anger” in his heart. While he spoke, we could only see expression from his eyes since he was wearing a mask, and at the beginning of our conversation, his eyes only expressed anger loud and clear. Perhaps because we just listened instead of looking for the next opportunity to speak, and debate, he began to let his guard down. The conversation turned from opposition to questions about God, faith, and some of the passages covered during the service. At the end of our time with him, he actually accepted us to pray with him, for his heart to soften to receive and experience God’s forgiveness, mercy, love, and everlasting life through faith in Jesus Christ. We prayed for supernatural revelation because of the walls of unbelief he has built up against the truth. To say the least, it was an emotional moment for us both. The reality is that Hunter feels he is too far gone, but we all know that isn’t true amen? What appeared to be a dark situation, ended in hope, because we know God is working on him. While this may not be an amazing story of immediate victory over sin, in darkness we can still rejoice for the hope we have. Even when we don't see an immediate outcome, we can all still believe with hope when we look up to Christ. Dear family, in the midst of your darkness, however it may appear to be, the light of Christ will guide you through if you also look up. Right now the media would have you believe a man is behind the war taking place, but there are principalities, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places at work. For this reason, we must be fervent in our prayers and steadfast in our faith. God is on the throne, He is in control, and Jesus is coming soon. "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28) So what’s next? We hope you have been staying connected to our Instagram @ livingsongministry for the recent mission updates. To God be all the glory and praise for the doors He’s opened this year so far for us to volunteer in homeless shelters and recovery support programs. Here are some recent highlights from Fort Myers, Labelle, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami, FL. |
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As mentioned in the previous newsletter, we are excited about our upcoming visit to the Jacksonville Trinity Rescue Mission Homeless Shelter in April. We hope to bring donations for the men and women at the shelter as well and would love your help. Our website has a “Contact Us” page where you can message us if you’re interested in learning more about how you can participate. Volunteers in the Jacksonville area are greatly needed. If you are willing to join us that evening to show the love of Christ to the local homeless community, we would love to have you. Finally, as we continue in the Lord’s work in the days ahead, we cannot forget that none of this would be possible without the continued faithful prayers and support of each and every one of you. Your loyal partnership in our mission efforts does not go unnoticed and is crucial to sharing the love of Christ with the broken and hurting. Saying “thank you” isn’t enough for us to truly convey our gratitude! New dates for ministry are still being added for April and May, so if you, your church, or organization would like to consider inviting us, the button below will direct you to a google docs page where we can begin coordinating details. We love you all dearly and hope to hear from you with any prayer requests or praise reports. Abiding in Him, Manny & Erika Lynn Garcia Livingsong |
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Prayer Request - We would like to turn our hearts to solely focus on this main prayer request - the people of Ukraine. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer and want to intercede for them. Would you please pray with us for God to turn this extremely hard situation around by drawing many people to Himself. Let's also pray for every person experiencing the loss of loved ones, those who have lost their homes, those who are displaced or trying to flee to safety. Furthermore, pray missionaries and other Christ-followers will have opportunities to witness and share the reason for the hope within them, even in this time of trial and tribulation. Let’s also lift up our brothers and sisters serving in the military - for the Holy Spirit to guide them when their faith is tested and tried. Lastly, for the families of the soldiers - may they find His divine peace and rest knowing God is in control.
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Praise Reports - January was a tremendous month of God’s provision through the generosity of our new friends, New Hope Ministries from Naples, FL. We are beyond grateful for the invitation to share our passion for the mission God has called us to, and for their sweet hospitality, and incredible generosity.
- Coming to the Southwest FL area to serve last month gave us a wonderful opportunity to visit one of our dear ministry partners, Tree of Life Church! Special thanks to Pastor Andrew Delong and the TLC family for the love, support and genuine hearts for worship. 🙌 We will truly miss the fellowship, and hope to come back sooner than later.
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Testimony “Manny and Erika, thank you so much for the way you so beautifully led worship and served our church! We were all so blessed, edified, and encouraged by your ministry. I pray that God continues to richly bless you as you serve Him and others! Reminding the hearts of His people to ‘Be’ a living song! Hope to see you again soon.”
- Ariel Miller-Gonzalez (The Movement Church Homestead, FL) |
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