Update from Julia Schatz - Feb '22

Dear Pastor Mike,     

    Don't worry!  .... that's NOT my car! 
That's not me.  I found the image on the internet and it seemed like a good photo to use to help me express what I want you to know in this newsletter and prayer update. I was just out and about picking up a few gifts for those who I will minister God's love and healing to in the Middle East. I'm departing soon, God willing!  Yes, we are having a SNOW STORM right now where I live  near Cleveland, Ohio. And yes, I did get stuck in the snow today!  It wasn't fun. Thank God it wasn't nearly as bad as what you see in this photo!  Whew.... I do pray for those who are on the roads now because it doesn't seem like it's getting better anytime soon.  My flight for the Middle East was scheduled to leave today but I was notified yesterday that it was cancelled due to the forecasted snow storm. I was rerouted and before the end of the day that flight was also canceled. Now I'm on a 24 hour delay. However, I do anticipate wings up by this time tomorrow, God willing!  

   So what will this picture of a car buried in deep snow help me say to you? I will begin by asking you a question. (I love asking questions because Jesus did that!  He was always asking questions when interacting with people.) Did you ever feel like this picture?  I mean emotionally. Did you ever feel this way emotionally? Stuck? Not well? I know I have. It's not a good experience. Really, it just feels like a mess!  Just not sure what to do,  ...... wait? .....fight?.... hide? ..... run? .....give up?........   OR, ask for help!?  And trust the presence of the Lord will provide the comfort, hope, strength and rest that is needed for healing.   
     I am going to the Middle East with 5 others and we will be training and facilitating a group of people from the US who are based there. We are training in something called "New Hope". New Hope is 7 Bible Story sessions used for the purpose of Trauma Healing.  The help God provides for healing and strength.  It is powerfully effective and a beautiful way to deeply know God and press into the heart of God for healing, strength, restoration and purpose. After being equipped they will then share and facilitate the same with those God has in their lives in that corner of the world.  And it doesn't end there.  The training will help them to know how to share with their family and circle of influence.  So multiplication happens!  You gotta love how God multiplies, for His glory! More than fish and bread!  Does it end there?  No!  Because when we have healing we are healthy trees that bear fruit! Those who have been together learning and receiving God's love and healing continue to meet together as the Body of Christ and to spur one another on:

• MINISTRY OF COMFORT: 2 Cor 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  AND, 
• AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST IN THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION:  2 Cor  5:20  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God is making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

Community, faith and purpose is the healing platform! 
 
     Thank you for your support and prayers that make it possible for me to be a light in a dark place in the world; a place where hurting people need the hope that Jesus gives!  Please pray God uses us as in Ephesians 4:12 - to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.   

Thank you, friend!  Blessings!!
Julia