Praying with Confidence

Last New Year’s Eve I started a new tradition. I watched the Prince of Egypt and decided it would be my movie to start off each year. Why? The end of the year is often a time of reflection of the past. In the New Testament, Moses is mentioned over 70 times. Throughout the Bible, God tells his people to remember the marvelous works that God has done, such as when He rescued His people from Egypt. I find that story fascinating. I love how Phil Wickham writes about it in his book, On Our Knees:

“God hears His people, and Moses leads the ragtag band of slaves toward freedom from a brutal empire. The drama of this biblical scene is epic. The Egyptians are coming after Moses and his people with six hundred chariots and the best soldiers Pharaoh’s army has available. The escaping slaves are about to be cornered against the sea. Will they be killed by this well-trained army and drowned? Again, we see the impossible made possible by God in dramatic fashion, just as He does throughout all of Scripture. It is a story full of hope – one that shows us God will make a way where we don’t see one. Yet it seems that whenever I’m faced with my own Red Sea moments, I often get down and resort to being discouraged. Sometimes I catch myself responding just like God’s people in this story when they ask Him in disbelief, ‘You brought us all the way here for this?”

During my first term in Togo, there were moments that I thought, “Lord, you brought me all the way here for this? I’m only one person! It’s too much!” Yes, I am only one person, but I saw repeatedly that I serve a big God who has no limits. When I had first started going to a local school for the deaf, I noticed that the language level was very low. Most of the students didn't know how to read or write their name. They struggled to communicate their own needs and desires. If they can't understand their own name or simple conversations, how can they understand who Jesus is? My desire was to help them grow in language development so they can understand who they are, who Jesus is, and their need for a Savior. I have seen so much growth over this last year! The students now know and can write their names proudly. During one of my final visits at the school last month, I brought a canvas bag with me. On the bag was sewn the outline of Africa with scraps from skirts that I had worn in Togo. I asked each student to write their name on the bag. It was a special time watching them proudly write their name. I brought the bag with me to the States. It is powerful reminder to me of how God is working in Togo and encourages me to pray for my 31 students.

A prayer request that has been on each of my letters for several years now is to pray for someone(s) to join me in ministry. I often feel the weight of being the only person in deaf ministry in Togo with ABWE. It’s overwhelming at times. I then am reminded to look back to the Exodus story. “The Red Sea is the place where we all can be reminded that nothing is impossible with our God” (On Our Knees, Phil Wickham). This is an important reminder that I can pray in confidence that God’s power has no limits. I can fully trust in Him that He will provide for my needs and make a way. Will you continue to pray in confidence with me the above request to God whose power has no limits?

It feels strange to me that I have back in the States for three weeks already! I’m thankful that I’m finally over my jetlag. It has been good to be home for the holidays. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to spend the holidays with loved ones. The cold weather isn’t my favorite, but it is worth it to be with family again. Thank you for your prayers during this adjustment period. The Lord is good. It has been a joy to be back at my sending church and reconnecting with many friends there. Thank you for welcoming me back with open arms.

I would appreciate your continued prayers as I schedule out the rest of my furlough. I am planning a trip to Québec February 3rd-9th to visit ministry partners. Please pray that the details all come together for that trip. Pray also for my French, as several meetings and presentations will be in French.

Thank you for all your love, support, prayers, and encouragement over this last year. I am grateful for each of you. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoy a happy new year!

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

● Pray for safety in traveling to Québec February 3^rd-9^th.

● Pray that the details all come together for my trip to Québec.

● Pray for confidence as I speak French during my trip in Québec.

● Pray for the teachers and staff at the deaf school and blind school to have a good semester.

● Pray for 31 students at the school for the deaf and the 50 students at the blind school. Pray for their hearts that God would draw them to himself. Pray that they would continue to learn and grow in their studies. Pray that they would all stay healthy.

● Pray for someone(s) to join me in the ministry. 

Praises:

● Praise God that I arrived safely to West Michigan to begin my furlough.

● Praise God for encouraging time with family and friends during the holidays!

● Praise God for a good first term!

● Praise God that all but two of blind students have returned safely back to campus. The last two will hopefully return soon.

● Praise God for my progress in the language!

● Praise God for all my wonderful partners!