MADRID!

I am excited to announce that for the final part of the Women’s Development Program, I will be going to Madrid, Spain from July 25^th-August 3^rd! Through this incredible year of learning about God and growing to know Him more, one mission still remains for all of us: to make Him known to every tribe, tongue, and nation (Acts 1:8, Revelation 5:9). While in Madrid, we will do just that in partnering with a local organization, LM2. We hope to further their long-term vision of establishing gospel movements among unreached peoples in key European cities.

 Every day, we will:

1.     Meet, worship, and train.
2.     Prayer walk through communities of immigrants, asking God to open hearts to the Gospel.
3.     Share the Gospel with immigrants through their personal testimony and the “creation to Christ” story.

A little about this area of Spain: Madrid is a key European city with a huge influx of people, many of whom come from closed countries (countries that are difficult to get into for Americans, especially Christians) where the name of Jesus isn’t even spoken. The main people groups living or vacationing in this region are Pakistanis and Saudis, as well as others. This is a huge opportunity for the gospel to be shared, with the hope that these people can take it back to their home countries.

 

Please join me in praying for this trip. We will be planting as many seeds of the gospel story as possible, but also obeying Jesus’ words in Luke 10:2, trusting that He is already calling many of them to Himself.

Financial need: 

The cost of the trip is $2,200. This covers everything for the trip. I am inviting you to give a one-time special gift to be a part of this ministry in Spain this summer. Suggested amounts are $50, $100, $150, or $200, but please give in the capacity that you feel led (more details on back).

A one-time donation can be made through this link:

https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=b1af4b

Please be in prayer for how the Lord would have you join in this ministry this summer. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at (713) 446-9324.

**Please be sure to put “Callie Edmonds” in the “Reference Name” box

 

Raised to LIFE!

 Baptisms

Baptism, or "baptismo" is the Greek word meaning "to immerse". This spring our church has done a sermon series called Raised to Life, in which we dug into Ephesians 1, explicitly dealing with what the gospel is and how our lives are to reflect it. Understanding that, as those who are saved, we are not only saved from our sin and given eternal life (INCREDIBLE news), but are adopted as God's own sons and daughters. To be adopted. To be chosen. There is nothing we can say or do that will affect His love for us. We cannot earn it, nor lose it.

In response to this truth, Jesus modeled baptism as a picture of what has taken place in our lives. As a symbol of being dead to our own sin and shortcomings, and then being raised to life we are called to share our story with those closest to us. We know that there is nothing "saving" about the act of baptism, but we see the importance in sharing what Christ has done in our own hearts and lives for those around us, allowing them to encourage and support us as we walk this life-long journey of being a Christ follower.

It has been my absolute joy to see dear friends share their stories and to celebrate what Christ has uniquely done in their lives. These pictures are but a glimpse of the tears and celebration that I've gotten to be a part of.

 
 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:1-14

Gathering and Growing

The first of a few updates to come...

West Campus Move

 
Our campus moved! This might not sound like much at first, but it has been one of the biggest parts of this spring for me--as far as work goes. In early part of this year, the decision was officially made to make the move from the centrally-located middle school we had been in, to a more permanent campus right in the heart of Westlake (hence, our name "West"). These are the hearts our church sought after for West. A crazy ride to say the least, but I have loved getting to be a part of the vision, design, and overall planning for all that this new location would be. Even through all of our careful planning, we knew that the people would not come without the Lord's movement. With constant prayer and a hopeful hearts, our leadership team walked forward in obedience. He was faithful! Easter Sunday was our first week to hold service in the Westlake Performing Arts Center (part of Westlake High School), and we had over 1000 come through our doors (about a 300% increase)! Packed to the back walls, new faces worshiped the King as active participants, rather than just attending a concert or show. As with any complete re-design and location change, there are still a lot of tweeks and ends to be tied up. I am thankful to have the opportunity to coach and lead the team that welcomes His children in and connects them to the body of Christ. Lives are being impacted by the gospel in mighty ways, and deep and lasting change is taking place! Please continue for patience as we build teams and continue to make this campus the best it can be for all who come through our doors.





 Some of my family were also able to come in for this weekend, which made it even more special! There's nothing like a visit from those you love to make you feel absolutely loved and supported. I am thankful for the laughter and time spent with each one of them!

 

  IF: Gathering
 This group of women. Not just another conference; to gather, equip, and unleash. The weekend of Feb. 7-8 was just the first step of a movement that calls for more. I had the opportunity to take a backstage view of all that this time entailed. My little logistics-loving mind soaked up every minute, seeing the leadership behind it all. Prayer soaked, these women believe wholeheartedly in the Lord's leadership and power to bridge areas that, for decades, have stripped the Christian community of its effectiveness. These women understand that Gospel centrality is key to fighting the sin of generations past and present, as well as challenging the status quo in all that life as a believer is meant to exemplify.

Passion for the passionate.

May is here! These past few months have been a whirlwind here in Austin...and I have loved every minute. My heart swells every time I get to walk (or bike) the streets of this city, as it is busting at the seems with creativity. These people are PASSIONATE! Whether believers in Christ or not, their Creator's mark of desiring a full and meaningful life is written all over them. They are not fooled by laziness or apathy.

But they are fooled by their own flesh. These people, like many of us at times, truly believe that they can find satisfaction in their own efforts and strength. Looking at their faces, I see the emptiness. My heart aches for them to know a full and meaningful life. Coming from all over this state, country, and world, these people are hungry. Hungry for something more than they currently possess.

The thing about hunger is that it gets worse as time goes on. Our very insides cry out from within us.

I feel tinges of it on the days I choose not to be filled by what is lasting. I'm the first to run to my checklists, accomplishments, and plans. And then anxiety, depressive thoughts, worthlessness creep in...a life so full, yet empty. I wish my hunger would cry out more. Or more quickly. That I would see and believe my desperate need for Him every hour of every day. Yet while I struggle with my own tendency to find fulfillment in the flesh, there's a difference. He has opened my heart to know the source to drink from. He whispers my name, and I come back and am filled. Imagine going not just hours, days, or months, but an entire lifetime without water.

I see the faces of those with empty stomachs and souls every day. I see their hunger growing, and my heart hurts. They are passionate, gifted, and hardworking, and so very empty. May they no longer look to appearance, creativity, passions, or performance to sustain.

 ^"So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." - Romans 8:12-14

^"Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." - John 4:13-14

As more posts come of all that God has walked me through this spring, keep this heartbeat in mind; that all that I experience and grow through has been and always will be for the purpose of knowing Him and making Him known. May those walking the same streets and sitting in the same seats as me, have the same tendencies, yet seeing through a completely different lens be pointed to the only One who fills.

Father, take the scales off of our eyes and draw us to the Source.

 

Happy Holidaysss...upon days...upon days...

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Yay for January! ...that about covers it I think.

I know it has been quite some time since I've been on here to share all that is going on in this life of mine, and for all of you who like to read this regularly (Hi mom!), I am very sorry. I can assure you that I have not run away, moved to another country, or taken up residence under a rock. I had every intention of writing blogs for Thanksgiving and Christmas, sharing all that the Lord was doing in and around that time. Things to be reminded of, things to treasure. I'm sure most, if not all of you can relate when I say that this season is just plain busy. But, alas, here I am to share a couple of important things with you...

First order of business: One of my reasons for the silence is actually because I've been in some serious thought and prayer over the true purpose of this blog. As I trek on this awe-some journey that the Lord has for me, I realize that I will have kind of a lot to share. There are two main categories to this: what I am doing and what I am learning. While I cannot possibly tell of what I am doing without also sharing how the Lord used this in my heart and in the lives of others, this year is also filled with a ton of processing and growth--sometimes almost completely separate to what I am physically doing during the day. I have discovered that I have two audiences: some that greatly enjoy pictures and stories of the Lord's work in and around me, and those that (for some reason) enjoy reading the words that the Lord presses on my heart in this daily adventurous fight. Because of this, I have been hesitant on posting either of these, not knowing which would be most enjoyed and fruitful (a little people-pleasing of me, I know). All going to say, I have officially decided to create a second blog, or some avenue in which these thoughts and musings will be shared. The details of this will be figured out soon, but for now, this blog will remain with more of a focus on my partners; those of you who selflessly give of yourselves through prayers and/or financial support to this ministry I am a part of.

Second, (drum roll please...) here's a little update on what these past few months have entailed...

Sunday mornings are always an experience, getting to meet and talk with people coming through the doors of the church. Even though they typically start at the crack of dawn, these mornings have become one of my favorite aspects of this internship. This is where the process of becoming authentic Christ followers often starts, and I am honored to be a witness of this. A big part of my week is specifically devoted to dreaming up the vision, based on the mission of Connections, and creating the environment that gives those that walk through the doors a chance to feel loved and invited into what God's doing in their lives and in the life of this church. West campus is unique in that it is one of the smallest (and newest) campuses, yet because of its location, serves some of the most financially affluent people in the city of Austin. I have seen in my own life just how powerful money can be...to bring us before the Lord or pull us away. This is a lifelong battle for a lot of the people of West, but it is incredible to see the God of all possessions and finances show up, bring conviction, and the ripples created. Your prayers would be so appreciated for the people of this campus, that they would not give into the lie that fleeting comfort is better than the joy that comes with laying everything in their Creator's hands, jumping headfirst into a body that will challenge their sin but love them in ways they've never experienced.

 




A glimpse of a missional community leader gathering this semester. This was a rich time of training others to lead the body well, as well as a fun time to plan and enjoy some fellowship with those in leadership of our campus.

This is Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town lake) one of my favorite places to run in Austin. Many weekends are started off with escaping to this place of solitude, yet surrounded with the passionate people of this city that I love to be around. Zilker park is also right near here where we often unwind from the busy weeks, and not to mention there's always some live music playing within an earshot of this place!

 

Thunderbird: One of my favorite coffee shops in town, it has provided lots of time for thinking, processing, and digging into my view of God and this world He's put me in. A ton of sin and heart examining takes place here, as well as refreshing conversations with new friends that never leave me the same when I leave.

These are just a couple of shots from a women's event that I got the opportunity to be a part of this fall. Seeing hundreds of women from across all campuses of the Austin Stone come together to acknowledge and confess sin or mistake that has weighed them down, repent, and walk in the freedom that Christ desires. The teaching was mainly out of Hebrews 12, and spoke so clearly to the heart of what so many women struggle with most in their stories, and what ultimately holds them back from living this life fully in the light of what their Creator has designed for them. 

You can check out the Women at Austin Stone  to hear more of what they're all about. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:1-2

 The first ever Austin Stone Worship Conference was another exciting part of this fall! I was honored to help lead in such a unique, but fruitful gathering of over 800 worship leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, pastors, and anyone pursuing worship from all over this country. To hear these guys actually worship!! A picture of Heaven is what that is. Getting to sit under the leadership of this event and not only learn through experience what it looks like to logistically make something of this capacity run, but being fed spiritually by these men and women that are not only musically talented, but theologically sound was an experience I will never forget. Hundreds of men and women gathering together in Austin Music Hall and then being spread out all over the city to bars, coffee shops, the roof of Whole Foods and other restaurants to get to connect personally with those the Lord currently using in big ways was a unique experience to witness and help coordinate.

I was blessed in October to lead a team down to a place that is very near and dear to my heart, Texas A&M (A-WHOOP!), to talk to and recruit future interns and residents for this program that I am so passionate about, the Austin Stone Institute. To experience the start-to-finish planning and execution of a recruiting trip, making on-campus meeting announcements, and having conversations with current students might've been more of a blessing to me than it was to the students I encountered. I felt the tables turn as I spoke from the overflow of my heart in what I've seen, experienced, and learned in this short time I've been in Austin. Sitting down with girls that are sitting in the same lecture halls, leading in the same organizations, and hearing the call of God on their lives in the same place I did (and not so long ago) hit some special heart strings that day. I am so thankful to be a part of an organization that entrusts me with such a task and encourages me to grow as a person and leader through it all. Plans are already being put in place for more trips this spring! Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of those He may be calling to take this next year to be developed as a person for whatever vocation He lead them to.


Of course we had to make a quick stop at Breakaway, a Tuesday night Bible study for the college students of A&M and Blinn college. Some of the most impactful moments and favorite memories of college came from this organization. That specific week it met on the front lawn of the university (it normally meets in our basketball arena), which was so special. Seeing college students worship the Creator of the stars under the stars has to be one of my favorite things in the world!


Among the difficult parts of this season was the loss of a brother in Christ, Ronnie Smith. He gave his life for what he believed in. He loved God's people more than anything on this earth, even his own life. Ronnie has taught me, and this church, to wake up and remember that this is a fight. This life is not just about seeking our own happiness and joy (all under the title of ministry), but fighting to make His gospel known, and remembering that we are not made for this world. I have spent countless hours thinking, praying, and journaling over this one man's impact, and always enjoy sitting down and talking about it. I will never be the same. If you want to know more about what He stood for and even hear him teach it, please check out The History of Redemption.

 Christmas season was a perfect ending to this year. From staff Christmas party with this family I've come to know and love, to all of the fun holiday celebrations around Austin. What I truly came to see was just how incredibly rich we are in His good gifts to us. I was so thankful to get to celebrate the birth of our Savior alongside of the people that are constantly pointing me to Him every day.










My missional community (minus Sarah!). Different stories, walks of life, passions, and gifts. But the same God, the same mission, the same love for each other's growth and seeing His gospel be made known.

These are but a few of the moments that became highlights in the past five months. I am thankful for this season, with all of its great challenges and little victories. The biggest victory, I would say, is that of my heart in His. Never in my life have I gone through more questioning, conviction, doubt, sharpening, surrender, and ultimately deep change. Every day is a lesson in His faithfulness and my trust in Him. I am reading in Philippians right now and found this this morning to be the perfect banner over this season... 

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:2, 7-14 (added emphasis)

Thank you for your love and support, through prayers and other means. As you can see, as a partner, you are part of an incredible ministry and the Lord is doing mighty things. If you ever want more updates, stories, or ways you can be praying, please feel free to contact me. I love nothing more than getting to share what God's doing. 

Until the whole world hears, 

Callie

The day is here...

I am 100% funded! 

 That's right, all of my support is raised. To my partners, thank you. Wholeheartedly I say it, thank you. Each one of you is so vital to this ministry. Everything you see here (growth, learned wisdom, seeing God's hand) this year is because of you. 

So again I say....

Thank YOU.

Truth, be told.

The past few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind. So I think I'll just turn what could be a novel of thoughts into a few simple truths I've learned and been reminded of...

• When you forget your wallet and are almost out of gas, some nice gas station attendant might just give you free gas. Swallow that pride and just ask. 
• Backing up your computer is more important than you think...you never know when it will decide to rebel and go on strike with that little pinwheel icon of death, causing you to nearly take up the fetal position in a corner of the office, frozen with fear of losing years' worth of precious files.
• But with computer problems comes a sweet opportunity to see those in your community love you in unique and totally unearned ways...like teaching you how to take your hard drive out of your Mac and transferring files from it yourself (nerd alert).
• No matter what time I go to bed, it's impossible to sleep in. Post-grad life is here. 
• Just when your mood is quickly headed south, thinking life is rough going to work early on a rainy Sunday morning, God floods the halls (literally) with an abundance of water and then people...and makes you dance in the rain. 
• I still despise the grocery store...the only way you'll get me to go is by the offer of free samples and reminding me of how much eating out cost me last week. 
• Chai shakes and chocolate chai lattes might need to have their own category in my budget...yes, an addiction is forming. It's a great thing that the nearest Starbucks is more than 5 miles from my house.  
• So there's this little festival called Austin City Limits.......... it's an adventure to say the least.
• Paddleboarding is therapeutic. And a great business. If this whole ministry thing doesn't work out, you might just be visiting the newest paddleboard shack on Town Lake, owned by me.
• God keeps His craziest kids closest (explains a lot of why I'm working in a church). I can't take credit for this line, but it has quickly become my mantra during some of the most humbling moments. 
• I will always fight power, approval, control, and comfort idols. The days that I forget this are the days that I typically lose that fight. Thankful that His mercies are new every morning.
• The enemy always speaks in half-truths. Yes, we are messed up, flawed little people running around like we know what to do (what he loves to remind us of), BUT GOD has/does/and will always intervene with His gracious love displayed first in His gospel. Always remember the end to that story!
• We are His poem (Ephesians 2:10). Uniquely and perfectly designed for His plan for us. Motivational foundation. 
• Ministry will be the hardest, but one of the best things I will ever do. 
• Austin Stone worship conference. Awesome to witness and be a part of. 
• Support raising is an opportunity unlike any other. Game changer. My decisions and my finances will be forever impacted by this perspective shift. 
• I will put in similar inputs (of time, effort, planning) into this job, but I am not always promised the outputs...that's a difficult one for me.
• Each and every moment has the potential to be one of teaching and development. And it doesn't typically happen to be in the ways I would expect.
• I place my value in my work and what I produce...A LOT. In ways I didn't know until I was faced with a lack of output. Turns out, there's more to this life that we're meant to live.
• To be broken means an opportunity to see Him put me back together. 
• Overwhelmed with life (emotions, people, difficulties, happiness) = development. 
• Circumstantial events always reveal deeper sin in my heart. This is a good thing.  
• There is a direct correlation between my time in the Word and my temptation to sin. 
• Being able to accurately see and feel God's grace for us is going to be a lifelong prayer.

 Final truth (and I'll say it again and again)...

Jesus is better. 

And we will spend the rest of our lives being convinced of this.

 

 

Support update: 

91% raised ($130/month left)