Seeking God’s presence in California

Salam (hello),

I came to California not knowing what to expect, but knowing that I need to be obedient to the call of making disciples among all the nations. My trip includes serving the Afghan community in Fremont, California. When we got here, Ramadan - a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset - had just begun.

For me it was hard to come and not have a set schedule of what to do, but the Lord showed me Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”

Jesus has been teaching me to be still in his presence since February, but he has been reminding me, “Ana, be still in my presence.”

In the midst of the culture shock, not having a schedule, adjusting to a new city and learning to use public transportation, I forgot to be still. During one of my quiet times, the Lord said, “Be still Ana, and wait for my glory. See that I am God, and I will be exalted among the nations, rest in me!”

Wow! While I continue to seek Him, two verses stood out to me: John 5:17 which says, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working," and John 5:30, “I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me.”

So I was still in His presence, I prayed and I waited! 

Jesus didn’t make me wait long. The next day, our supervisor texted me, and said, “Hey Ana, I have an Afghan family who would like you to tutor her children. Are you interested?” 

I literally stared at my phone and thought, ‘I see what you did there Jesus!’ How faithful is He? I seek not my will, but His will! 

Jesus has been so constant in answering my prayers these past weeks! And this is just the beginning. Please be praying that our presence as children of God will help us plant seeds in the lives of the people we meet. Pray that just like Saul, people who are blinded to the truth that the scales of their eyes will fall off and see Jesus as the true savior of their lives. Please continue to pray for the Afghan community as they have been affected with what has been going on in our nation. Lastly, I want you to pray that God will be exalted among this nation. 

Ana Escobedo is a Go Now missionary serving in with P52 in Fremont, California.