But He said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After placing His hands on them [for a blessing], He went on from there. Matthew 14:14-15 Amplified

Jesus placed hands on the children,
blessed them and went on to his next mission!

When Jesus called for the children to come to him, He most likely pronouced a blessing over them.

“It was a tradition at the time of Jesus, that fathers would bring their children to the local synagogue, where the elders would join the father in a prayer of blessing. The traditional prayer for the child was that they would be “famous in the Law, faithful in marriage, and abundant in good works.” The father would lay his hands on the child’s head. The elders of the synagogue would surround them and bless the child. It was a special event in the local community. Now, people were bringing their children to Jesus, which seems to be consistent with this kind of blessing. ” Read More from Randall Niles Article

This past year ministering in the great Northwest Territory of Alaska has been one of many blessings! I was able to personally witness Jesus touching a multitude of lives and their response to His presence. Crisis and trauma is an everyday occurance in Alaska and I saw families, friends and churches draw together whenever there were times of crisis.

 I have been so blessed by the Lord to have so many friends and family that have blessed me since I’ve returned.  It has been such a joy to see God moving in the midst of this majestic winter and summer wonderland and I am looking forward to 2018 and God’s next assignment.

 

Blessings in Alaska

When I visited Kenya in 2015 with Pastor Mary Johnson of Voice for Jesus Outreach Ministries, and we worked with Pastor and Evangelist Laban from Eldorett, Kenya in one of the slums, we passed out treats and shared the good news of Jesus. I wondered  whether the message we shared could really be heard over the growling of their hungry bellies and flailing arms trying to get their goodies.  At one point the crowd was literally carrying me away as I held a box of cookies over my head. I felt like the piece of bread being moved along a mound of ants! I can still see Pastor Mary’s face as she looked at nothing less than sheer panic on my own face and heard her shouting above the crowd, “Marlene, get back over here, now!” 

 

Blessings in Eldorette, Africa

This was just the first day of preaching, teaching and ministering at a three day conference where I was invited to preach, and py for individual afterwards. People walked, some for hours to come to this slum of about 3,000 people. The church was full and people were standing outside of the church listening through the open windows.

One of the elderly men who came walking with a cane and a completely knarled and twisted foot. The first night we prayed for him and God touched him and he threw away his cane. This man came as a little child, and God met his need miraculously! He was blessed by not only God’s Word that he listened to but he continued to come each night and at the end of the third night his foot was completely straight. He was leaping and jumping with great joy.

 

Blessings in Kitale, Kenya

Another time during my stay at Challenge Farm I looked over at Cheri Thompson, Founder and International Director and she was greeting and shaking hands with several of the children (pictured below). Mary Johnson and Laura Foote Bacon and I were touched every day of our visit by the children and staff.

Blessings in Nicaragua

In February of 2015 I was blessed to go to Children of Destiny which is a home for children in Nicaragua.  A little boy had just come in and he had a smile as big as a freight train. As I was taking this picture I noticed him showing the scar on his arm to Sandy Britnel. He was so proud. The really sad thing was this was where his father had cut him with a knife. Often I overheard my own boys sharing their scar stories, but this one broke my heart!

In all of these stories above, it wasn’t the cookies, the handshake, the scar the children were longing for; it was the blessing.  Each week at the end of the church service my pastor pronounces a blessing over his congregation.  I’m certain other pastors, priests and ministers also do this. I believe Jesus wants us to pass this blessing each time we connect with someone.

Transliteration: Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha`olam…

Translation: “Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe…”

“God has blessed us, He is With Us, &
Desires Us  to be His Hands and Feet loving, blessing and touching others!”

 

Thank you for beng part of my ministry and blessing me so much this past year! I pray God will bless you and your family and pray you will have an unforgettable Christmas full of unforgettable memories with Immanuel, the One who is with us always! He is the anchor that holds!

Mercy Me God is with us.. You Tube

Jesus came to earth not only for the children but for all of us. He wants us to be His hands and feet this holiday season but most important, He wants us to grow deeper in our personal relationship with Him!

“May you have a  very Happy New Year!”  Jesus loves you and has a plan for your life that is more than you can ever imagine!

Marlene

The Ladies Let’s Gather Group has made some lap quilts that have been named and prayed over. They will be distributed to women who have been rescued from trafficking, addictions and domestic violence. We have several organizations who are working with women who have received Christ and will be greatly encouraged by the quilts and the letters that will accompany them.  We are looking for other quilters who will share their skills and provide lap quilts that may be prayed over, named and given to new believers!

Above is a quilt made by Ana Pack and given to me, along with a matching pillow case! What a blessing!

It has been a joy witnessing the Lord bring beauty from the ashes inthe lives of many individuals and families who were walking through so many difficult circumstances.

My prayer and hope is to visit China soon and hopefully route a trip back through Alaska. In the meantime I love spending time with family, friends and going on daily assignments  and tasks the Lord gives to me.

If you would like to help me meet my monthly ministry budget, or pray for me please write, text or call. I would love to hear from you!

Below is my updated giving information:

Please visit my website to learn more about from ashes to beauty… Cinderella Released and how you can become part of this ministry!
 https://cinderellareleased.wixsite.com/cinderellareleased.