Deep Thoughts on Costa Rica

We make our mission trippers truly think about how they are serving and what they are learning. Check out the amazing servants on our Costa Rica, June 2014 trip:



What is God Teaching You? from First Shreveport on Vimeo.



How have you been changed this week? from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Costa Rica ~ Pura Vida

Last May, 29 youth and adults served with Costa Rica Mission Projects in San Isidro. Check out the day-to-day recaps!


Costa Rica, Day 1

2014 Costa Rica - Day 1 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Costa Rica, Day 2

2014 Costa Rica - Day 2 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Costa Rica, Day 3
 
2014 Costa Rica - Day 3 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Costa Rica, Day 4
 
2014 Costa Rica - Day 4 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Costa Rica, Day 5

2014 Costa Rica - Day 5 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Ecuador 2014

We have just returned from a wonderful week in Ecuador. I could write to tell you about all of the wonderful people we served alongside and the beauty of this amazing country...but instead, why not watch and learn about how God is working in this mile-high city!

Ecuador, Day 1 & 2

Ecuador-Days1&2 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Ecuador, Day 3

Ecuador-Day3 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Ecuador, Day 4

Ecuador-Day4 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Ecuador, Day 5

Ecuador-Day5 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Ecuador, Day 6

Ecuador Montage from First Shreveport on Vimeo.


Ecuador, Day 7

Ecuador-Day7 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Miracles & Faith

In January, I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda. My life will never be the same... Not only were the children amazing... Not only was the landscape beautiful... Not only was the hospitality and friendship incredible... I also sat down with three individuals who will forever have a place in my heart.

Grab lunch, put your feet up, open your heart, and listen to these testimonies of faith. God is indeed alive and active. Miracles happen everyday.

Not Another Video?!

This week... in "Around the World with Ashley"...

Global Missions Fun

Just a couple of "Around The World With Ashley!"

Russia!

We have just returned from Ekaterinburg, Russia! ... Instead of reading... WATCH and learn about our trip here:

Around the World

Me...

Every morning, I wake up and thank God for the ministry He has entrusted to me. How lucky am I to do what I love! Come and join us as we seek to "Be The Change."

Ashley interview for UMW from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

New Year's Resolution 2014

2013 is winding down, and as I flew today from North Carolina back to Louisiana, I counted the many blessings in my life from the last year. 

Not only did I visit my beloved Haiti five times, but I also made new friends and stamped my passport in Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, and England. I moved across the country from Las Vegas to Shreveport, and left a job I loved at Solar Under the Sun to take on a ministry I never could have dreamed of serving atFirst United Methodist Church. I graduated with a Masters of Divinity and instead of taking any time off to relax, I jumped right into a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Global Perspective with the amazing leaders at George Fox Evangelical Seminary. With every fiber of my being, I have strived to make every moment of my life count, giving honor and praise to God in my daily walk. 

In years past, I have not made New Year’s Resolutions, but instead have come up with a “mantra” to remember throughout the year. Several years ago, it was “be here now” to remind me to not be distracted by all that is going on around me, or the past mistakes or the future to-do list, but instead to live in the present, here and now. Next was to “choose joy,” as I hoped to be in control of my outlook and emotions in life. I choose to be joyous in all things and celebrate instead of dwelling. In 2012, I began living with an “attitude of gratitude,” giving thanks for all things great and small, and then in 2013 my three words became “make it count.” 

Keeping with tradition, what will the charge for 2014 be? 

In May, I had the wonderful opportunity to keynote a college conference at Mo Ranch in Texas. The theme of the week came from Romans 12, and since then I have held the second verse of this chapter close to my heart:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

While I pondered the words “be transformed” for the longest time, today while flying somewhere over Tennessee, the phrase “Be the Change” continued to be placed upon my heart. Indeed, Mahatma Gandhi urged:

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." 

2014 has me flying to every corner of the earth. From Uganda to Russia to Costa Rica to Haiti to Ecuador to South Africa to Zambia, God is giving me the opportunity to be the change, to embody His love and His joy to all those we encounter. Change starts within and seeps outward. So, friends, with an humble heart, I will strive to be the change as we move forward into a new year. 

Missionaries

I am so very privileged to work with Christlike men and women around the world. Meet my friends, Dr. Roberto Contreras in Ecuador and Pastor Mongerard in Haiti. 

Dr. Roberto Interview from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Pastor Mongerard Interview from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Uganda

My first trip to Africa could not have been better. The people. The places. How could I possibly convey the amazingness of the Ugandans. Perhaps these will help...

Kampala Uganda - Days 1,2 & 3 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Uganda - Days 3&4 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Uganda-Day 5 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Uganda-Days 6&7 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Ecuador

Though Haiti will always have my heart and roots, one of my new favorite places in the world is Ecuador... Watch the amazing week we had in December 2013. 

Ecuador - Days 1&2 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.

Haiti Video

Though the blog posts seem to be a thing of the past, the travels and the thanksgiving continue. Instead of writing enjoy these videos that capture the essence of God's work throughout the world much better than I could ever do in written word.

Haiti - Day 4 from First Shreveport on Vimeo.