Working Progress

Dear Friend,

As I find a moment in life to pause and reflect, I realize life is continuously pulling us in a million directions. It is super easy to get in a routine of doing, without ever intentionally taking the time to simply be. Nonetheless, it is already March and as I got to celebrate another birthday this month, I felt that it was time to pause and reflect on the journey that you and I are on as individuals. I can't help but to share two simple words: Working Progress. We will always continue to be a working progress in life. Seasons in our lives take place all the time, whether it is entering from adolescence to young adulthood, from a Freshman student to a Senior student, from singleness to married life, from work to retirement and many more. Realize that seasons can coexist at the same time. 

I am learning in this season that God is about growing his children always. He is more interested in growing a godly character in you and me, then meeting our agenda's in our timing.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

— Philippians 1:6

As a full-time missionary supported by monthly supporters, I get to apply the "Working Progress" constantly. But there is an important factor that has to take place in the midst of this working progress. And that is walking by faith in where God has me and knowing that He can only bring good things onto His children, motivated by His love. Keep pressing on today Friend!

HOW MAY I PRAY FOR YOU TODAY?
As you read this or share this with someone else, I hope that you never stand still in life, but always continue to press forward. Don't aim for perfection today, simply aim for being  an exceptional working progress. 
For prayer: Email me at nikita@crossoverchurch.org

Please consider to join my monthly team of financial and prayer partners this summer of 2017?

 I am currently preparing to go to Kenya, Africa at the end of April with Christafari

Watch here for more information about the vision and mission of Christafari ministries

Bloom Where You Are Planted

This is the season where society promotes roses, romantic cards, dinners, dates and going the extra mile for that special person. (Btw, we should always go the extra mile, I believe). For some reason I couldn't help but think about how I approach my relationship with Jesus Christ. It has been 8 years since I have become serious about my relationship with him and I can only say I have grown and continue to grow because I one day was tired of living the same year every year. I was propelled to grow and desired to bloom a life of purpose.

Relationships bloom only because the people involved are invested a 100%. That could be a relationship with co-workers, your church, your children, your spouse, your closest friends and any other relationship we could think of. 

To bloom means you are producing and flourishing. Right now at this moment in life you can bloom where you are planted. You can produce and achieve a fruitful life wherever God has planted you (John 15:7). Whether that is in your home, in your school, at your job and at your church.

Lastly, remember the following key ingredients that will help you bloom in each season of your life: intentionality, persistence, desire, commitment, loyalty and recognizing that you are called to be set apart (Hebrews 10:10) and to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14)

“Keep Challenging Yourself and plan to bloom in 2017”

I hear and see so many people start the year off with resolutions, and the first month January is often filled with excitement for the changes we are going to make. So now that we are at the end of January, how are you doing? Are you still actively investing in the new habits you started at the beginning of January? If not, know that each day is a new day to start over and don't wait till next January to start again!

Truthfully spoken with Love,

Nikita

Are You ready for 2017?

Dear Friends and Family,

I am so excited to see this new year arrive within 3 more days. I welcome 2017 full of expectation, excitement and I am prayerful to send my 2016 praises to the Lord and to share my deepest heart desires with the Lord for 2017.

I am reminded that in anything you do, it is so important to have vision behind what you do. Vision will help you to remember why you started, vision will help you to continue in the right direction in whatever it is you have planned.

Have you set measurable and attainable goals for 2017? If not, why not start today? It can be with a simple start as having a one-word theme for the new year. For example my one word theme for 2017 is: Abundantly. I want to live my live filled with intention, with purpose and with a certainty that I lived to the fullest with the right meaning.

John 10:10 says: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

This verse assures me, that besides the fact of having accepted Jesus Christ into my life so that I can be saved and have life, I was also created to live life in fullness, a life that is satisfying. My hope in 2017 is that I can live my life in such a way, that my faith becomes contagious to other believers and even unbelievers. 

MAJOR UPDATE:
In 2017, I am transitioning to move to L.A. California to join full-time the ministry of Christafari reggae band. As I am preparing for this move and new calling, I pray you would consider partnering with me as a monthly financial/prayer partner to send me out to do the work of evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ internationally. You can donate here (choose Nikita Carter recipient) and give online or you can now shop for the latest merchandise that will support in the missions work coming up in 2017.

$25 per shirt and a great way to express your faith and encourage others

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

— Matthew 6:33