When I am weak…He is strong.

I wish I could say I am always confident that God is present and working in what ACE is doing in South Minneapolis…but I can’t. There have been many moments where I have doubted His presence here. There have been many moments where I have questioned if He was in all of this. There have been moments where I have wondered if this is what God wants from us. I sometimes doubt. I sometimes feel inadequate. I sometimes want to give up because I feel like nothing is changing…

But over and over again, in these moments of great doubt and deep feelings of inadequacies…

God has shown up.
He has shown up and reminded me that we are not alone.
He has solidified that we are supposed to be here.
He has confirmed that He can use us, weak and broken, to bring more glory to Himself.

Most recently and more beautiful than ever before, a couple days before Christmas, God showed up in the most incredible way…

As you probably already know, ACE started an After School program for 6 to 13 year olds at Powderhorn Park in South Minneapolis this past Fall and to finish out the year – we were going to have an ACE Family Christmas Party for entire families of kids who had been attending the program.

However, getting back from Juarez just a day before and having no clue how many people to expect – lets just say I was stressed, doubtful the event would even happen, and unsure that families would even want to come…I had completely forgotten that I serve an incredible God who had it all under control…
Not only did HE show up…but 58 kids, brothers and sisters, parents, and grandmas showed up to the party. Yes…58!

It was the most beautiful night together.

A spaghetti feast, ice cream dessert, Christmas cookie decorating, an opportunity to have their family photos taken, a gift giveaway for the kids…and an incredible moment where I was able to tell every family about the real reason we celebrate Christmas and about the God who sent His very own Son to save them…a God who loves them more than they could ever imagine.

It was a night I won’t forget. A night where I again was reminded that when I am weak…He is strong and He WILL show up.

Enjoy these photos of a beautiful night and some beautiful families that I feel beyond blessed to know…