2016
The Year of Riding the Wave
It is hard to believe that 2016 is almost over and that we are embarking on a new journey with 2017. There were ups and there were some downs, but most of all our family experienced a beautiful journey and we are completely amazed at all the wonderful gifts that God provided us. There were several events that have happened this year with our family, and I would love to share with you some of the highlights.
As I stated above in the title, it has been the year of riding the wave. Last year, I was accepted into Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) in Redding California. This required for me to leave my comfort zone in Anchorage Alaska and to move temporarily to Redding California. This was difficult as my husband and I had to live apart with seeing each other every other month. The sacrifice that my husband made was amazing and I can tell you that I am a very blessed woman. This move allowed me to press in for the “more” of God and for my eyes to be opened to the new thing that God desires to do in my life, the life of my family and in my community. Some of the fruit that came from my first year of school at BSSM was that my daughter, Ashley came to know the Lord as the lover of her soul. Ashley was able to apply to BSSM and is a first-year student as I continue as a second year student.
I started writing a blog with the goal of writing a book. In this blog, I share my heart and what is happening with me and what I am learning in this journey. You can check out my blog post at www.heartofgold137.wordpress.com. There you will see how God wants to fill the wounds that are buried in our hearts with His gold. Gold from the Spirit will fill any need that you will have and with this gold, you can then help to bring healing and wholeness to those around you. Something that I have learned in this process is that we must become okay with sharing our hearts with the people we care about. In this process of vulnerability, we will gain access to the Father like never before. As we open our hearts to the Creator of the Universe, we see how He has our best interest in mind and we can be fully ourselves and fully known.
In 2016, my husband and I drove the Alaska Canadian Highway (ALCAN) twice! I remember a few years ago, this seemed like an impossibility for me, but once we hit the road, it became one of my favorite memory makers. Being able to drive this majestic highway and to experience the road in this manner has been amazing. This by far was one of my favorite memories of 2016 and to think that I will do this drive one more time in the early summer of 2017 makes my heart leap for joy!
Also, in 2016 I finished the academic portion of my master’s degree. I am now engaged in an internship with a local university in the city of Redding and I will walk the stage to receive my degree in October of 2017. Michael, my husband has been absolutely my rock through this whole process and he has given support like no other. For that, I am eternally grateful and my heart is full. Ashley is pre-med with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and is working hard to finish her undergrad work and to hopefully be accepted into a University in the lower 48. Life has been good to us and I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter especially seeing where she has come from and where she is today. There is nothing like seeing hope rise in her heart for her future. Simply amazing J
Michael is continuing to work hard in his business and in church. As many of you know, Michael is a talented singer and musician and he has a beautiful anointing to bring the Father’s love everywhere he goes. He is truly an amazing man and I am honored to be his!
New Adventures
This year, both Ashley and I have been accepted to go on ministry and mission’s trips. Ashley will be able to travel to Sierra Leone with a group from BSSM. This will be a life changing trip for her as she will be able to minister to all occupations and walks of life and will be able to see God move in marvelous ways. I expect that her world view will change in many ways.
I have been invited to travel to Asia for a mission’s trip. I will be with a group who will coordinate with others who are already on the ground in Asia who are ministering to unreached people groups. I have also been invited to Argentina to minister in an established church and to bring what I have learned and obtained at BSSM. Most of all, I believe that I will learn more than I could have ever expect and that I will leave Argentina changed. One thing that I have learned about ministry trips is that you always change for the better and that you learn more about yourself and what you are made of when you go with the intention that God will change you.
Hello 2017
2017 is literally hours away and I feel such pure joy and expectancy for the “beyond”. Our household is ready to greet this new year and all that it has in store for us. I want to make sure that you are included in our family journey, therefore, I will be sending out a monthly newsletter update.
Prayer Requests
As this year comes to a close, please pray for us as our family continues to walk in the direction of love for one another and for our community. Please pray that we are able to raise funds for our ministry trips, pray for our health and continued healing, and pray for our family in general. We truly love each and every one of you. You all are a part of our hearts and we couldn’t be happier to have you in our lives.
To give to one or all our ministry trips, please click on the links below:
Ashley’s ministry trip to Sierra Leone: https://trips.ibethel.org/transactions/new/17540
Stephanie’s mission’s trip to Asia: https://trips.ibethel.org/transactions/new/16569
Stephanie’s ministry trip to Argentina: https://trips.ibethel.org/transactions/new/15094
-All donations are tax deductible-
We are believing God to make you fully known this year. One verse that we are experiencing and are carrying with us into 2017 is found in 1 Corinthians 13:12. It states:
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.
But it won’t be long before the weather clears and
The sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all
As clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly just as He knows us. (The Message)
We are wishing you the very best in 2017, and may this year be the year that all your hearts desires are met with a Yes and Amen! And may you come to the full knowledge that you are truly loved and that you are fully known-
Love Endures All,
The Claiborne-Hill family