In the midst of my years at Moody Graduate School, I have met several people that have impacted my life and I have learned many lessons from them that have stretched my thoughts and ideas to new levels. Two years ago at the CCDA conference in St. Louis, MO, twice two different people introduced me in one day to a couple of people that have a heart to serve the Lord. It was a simple conversation, small talk but the impact of that small conversation was greater then I thought. Their names were Michael and Erika Philip, Laurie Cook and Luana Faria. Erika and I hit it off immediately, we talked often on the phone and I even wrote a paper about her heart to serve communities through acts of loving service. I was captured by her faith and her love for the people in Miami. I thought to myself, “Lord, why did you have us meet and stay in contact? Do you want me to go to Miami?” In several of our conversations she would joke with me and say things like, “Chicago has enough people; Miami needs more people to reach out, Elaina I think the Lord is telling you to come to Miami!”  I would always laugh and say you never know, but little did I know that would be exactly it!

October 2008, I flew into Miami and thought wow this place is beautiful, the smells, sights, sounds, and most of all West Coconut Grove. Michael showed us around and then we (Kristy and I) were off to explore on our own. It felt like a peace I couldn’t understand but there was still so much fear inside me! I knew in my heart this was what the Lord wanted me to do but the thought of raising support gripped me.  After leaving Miami and coming back to Chicago, I prayed and prayed and prayed until God said, ”Elaina, enough playin’ around you will be obedient to me!” He led me to Deuteronomy 28, the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. WOW I said with tears in my eyes, I said, “Yes Lord I will go.”

Here I am 31 years old, finished my Masters from Moody Graduate School in Urban Ministry and I’m about to embark on an adventure to Miami and I’m excited that it is with U Rez. I never thought this would have been my life, coming from a single family home where I raised my younger brother, got caught up in almost everything imaginable the streets had to offer, God has brought me to such a time as this. It wasn’t until I was 21 that the Lord caught my heart and I have been living for Him ever since. I am passionate about speaking up for people who can not do it for themselves, seeking justice, ensuring that everyone I come across has heard a piece of the gospel and most of all SHOWING the love of Christ. I am excited about doing this in West Coconut Grove, Miami.   

Posted on February 25th, 2009 by Michael
Filed under: News