News Letter January 18^th, 2008

Friends and Family,

  I pray this letter finds you blessed- with the spiritual blessings that come from the Lord. Thank you for all of your prayers and support last semester. I really felt your prayers. I didn't get sick, but one day the whole trip. We were able to spend time in ministry in South Africa and Swaziland. The Awakening (first semester) was directed a lot at preparing and equipping us for this semester. Although the ministry in Atteridgeville, South Africa was only three weeks- the Lord built many friendships and we were able to see much fruit in Francinah (a lady we poured a lot into). We are amazed at the relationships that were built in such a short amount of time- friendships that will last throughout eternity when we rejoice together in heaven.

            I talk about it a lot, but the Lord has shown me so much about relationships in my time here in Africa. It is so powerful. I was reading yesterday and it stuck out so much that Jesus did miracles and ministered to crowds of people, but he mainly poured into the twelve disciples. My leader mentioned it today. That's where it's at. The Lord just keeps building on the importance of relationships. We can throw money and the concept of Jesus at people all day but, the truth is building relationships and pouring into them by the power of the Holy Spirit is where it is at. Not America saving Africa- But AFRICA SAVING AFRICA. By raising up the next generation of Swaziland to a standard of righteousness- by pouring into a remnant about biblical truth, knowledge about AIDS, and encouraging them in their studies and skills- Africa will save Africa.

            So last semester was good the Lord did a lot in me and I saw him move in others lives as well. I know one of the main reasons the Lord has brought me here is to work things out in me and draw me closer to him. In Swaziland this semester I hope to do ministry at the hospital and a care point. I absolutely love going to the hospital to pray for people. Because many people stay in the hospital for weeks at a time it is a good chance to build relationships. A care point is a place where children come after school for what might be their only meal. I'm not quite sure what the care point ministry will look like, but I hope to pour into the children biblically and build on what they are learning at school through art.

            Over the time I had at home this past month the Lord did a lot of confirming in my life. Back in November he gave me a dream- it was two-fold about my church and about my ministry this semester. The Lord showed me in that dream that he would provide for the ministry in Africa for this semester. The week before I came back to Africa the Lord definitely confirmed the dream about my heart for my church and provided over $5,000.00. I wasn't even asking for it. More than money it was a big confirmation for me that this is where he wants me. He provided for his kingdom. Every time I think "Lord, how am I going to do this future ministry?… I don't like asking for support"- He stops me right there and tells me don't worry I will provide. Jehovah Jireh- my provider. There is provision in Him. This isn't about me - its about his glory and I'm not going to rob him of it. I pray the Lord is working and moving in your lives as well. Praise the Lord he is faithful!

            I expect Jesus to do many great things in these next few months: Miracles, lives changed, the brokenhearted healed of their wounds, call people out of darkness, salvation for the lost. The Lord keeps bringing me back to Isaiah 61. I'm looking forward to seeing what God is up to. Thank you again for all of your support and prayers. May 2008 be great year for you and your family.

                                                            In His Arms,

                                                                                    Ashley Astin

For more details about last semester and this semester check out my blog:

ashleyastin@myadventures.org

Contact Info:

Email: aastin2@hotmail.com

Skype: ashley.astin

Mailing address: FYM Ashley Astin

                        Care of Julie Anderson

                             P.O. Box 5526

                        Mbabane, Swaziland

                                    Africa