Hello friends!

It has almost been a month since my team has been back together. We spent a week in Minnesota for training purposes, and then travelled to Ohio, arriving on the 12th and diving right back into ministry that evening.  At this time, we have put on 50 retreats, ministered to over 3,100 youth, done 6 service projects, and 7 other ministry-oriented events.

One of the main changes I could spot in my team and I after coming back from our break was our renewed zeal for ministry. Our last month on the Road before break was difficult as we lost one of the women on our team due to health reasons. The transition was difficult for most of us. It was very clear to me that we were all mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted, but by the grace of God, we persisted with a strength that was not our own. And God continued to bless us by giving us restful Christmas breaks.

As we gathered together once more, I began to notice the little things that weren't getting done because our teammate wasn't with us anymore. My team and I have adjusted, but it took a little while.

I share this because I want to let you all know one simple truth: you are important. Let me say it again: YOU, (yes, you-individually, uniquely and wonderfully), are SO important. Even when you feel like you're a burden or you feel like you don't do anything that makes a difference, you do. Anything or anyone who tells you otherwise is telling you lies straight from the pit of hell. Believe in your goodness. Yes, you are a sinner, but so am I. We just have to keep getting back up by seeking God. God doesn't make junk or unimportant things. What would that say about Him?

God is all good, and therefore we're good, too. Sometimes we just mess up. But that doesn't take away our dignity as people of God. My team and I have become like family, but we try to never take each other for granted. We have limited time together, and we know that no soul is less important than the other. The price paid for my soul was the same price paid for yours.

Let God speak truth to you this year.

In Christ through Mary's Immaculate Heart,

Michaela Donovan