April 7, 2025 • 38 mins
Allison Kozlow's first mission trip to Mexico became the unexpected answer to years of fear and anxiety, transforming her into a bold witness for Christ and sparking revival in her community.
• Allison used an unexpected inheritance to fulfill a long-forgotten dream of mission work
• After losing her mother at 22, Allison spent years away from faith, battling addiction and depression
• The deaths of her father and husband to cancer within two years broke her completely
• A suicide attempt that should have killed her became her wake-up call to return to Christ
• Despite battling severe social anxiety, Allison obeyed God's call to go on mission to Mexico
• Witnessed miraculous healing of a boy with uneven legs that forever changed her faith
• Returned home with new boldness to reach her own city's homeless and those suffering addiction
• Her testimony ignited her church to begin street ministry with similar miracles happening locally
• Family members, including her sons who weren't raised in church, began noticing God's work
• Each mission trip deepens her relationship with God: "The clarity of His voice sharpens with each yes"
Visit rfwma.org to find opportunities to serve in the Great Commission through short-term missions across the globe.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website rfwma.org and follow us on Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/limitlessspiritpodcast/
and Instagram: @limitlessspiritpodcast
Help us make more inspiring episodes: https://rfwma.org/give-support-the-podcast/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Limitless Spirit, a weekly podcast with
host Helen Todd, where sheinterviews guests about pursuing
spiritual growth, discoveringlife's purpose through serving
others and developing a deeperfaith in Christ.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
What if saying yes to the Great Commission didn't
just change lives over fees, butcompletely transformed you?
In today's episode of LimitlessSpirit you will meet Allison
Koslow, whose very first missiontrip to Mexico became the
unexpected answer to years offear and anxiety.
(00:37):
But her story doesn't stop withpersonal healing.
Allison came home a differentperson, bold in her faith,
unafraid to share Christ in herown community.
And that boldness it sparkedsomething bigger.
Her church caught the visionand began reaching out in ways
(00:58):
they never had before.
Then things started to changein the lives of her loved ones.
This episode is a powerfulreminder that when we step into
God's mission, it doesn't justchange others, it changes
everything.
If you've ever wondered whetheryour obedience really matters,
(01:19):
this story will answer with aresounding yes.
Welcome to the Limitless Spirit, alison.
How are you today?
I'm very well, helen.
Thank you Well.
I am excited to talk about yourstory today because I think it
(01:40):
encapsulates what the GreatCommission is all about, and I'm
excited for our listeners whatthe Great Commission is all
about.
And I'm excited for ourlisteners to learn how God
called you out and brought youto the mission field and the
fruit, the beautiful benefitsthat you reaped from that in
your personal life, and so let'sstart with how did you end up
(02:02):
on a mission trip to Mexico,your first mission trip with
World Missions Alliance?
Where did this come from?
Speaker 3 (02:09):
It was, my goodness.
It was just over a year ago, soit was December, yeah, of 2023.
And my sadly, my uncle hadpassed away from cancer, but he
had left an inheritance for meand it wasn't money that I knew
about or was expecting and,honestly, the Lord had been
(02:31):
providing for me.
And so I said, lord, I want touse this money for the kingdom.
Would you show me, show mewhere, show me how?
And something that he hadbrought to my attention was a
long a dream that I'd had as a21 year old, you know, and I
remember being in a church andhaving missionaries come and and
speak, and these were youngpeople and I thought, oh, that
(02:52):
would be so wonderful to be ableto travel and and share Jesus
with those who don't know him.
And but you know, life happenedand, and you know, the typical
prodigal wandered away from theLord and the church.
And that dream, that desire,was long forgotten until about a
(03:14):
year ago, when he showed.
He reminded me of that momentand the joy in my heart.
And but it wasn't without, youknow, doubt and concern and
because, to be fair, I had beenbattling terrible social anxiety
up until that point.
You know, it was just the lastfew years that I had returned to
the Lord and and serving himand getting freedom from that
anxiety.
(03:34):
But it was huge, I mean, for meto leave my home, go to a place
that I never been like, withpeople I'd never met, leave my
boys at home, you know, withouta parent.
It just it was just huge and so.
But the Lord just took care ofevery little detail and and so
(03:54):
when I went to search on theinternet you know where do I go
to do this and and it was alittle frustrating at first,
because most of the places werelooking for like church, like
groups or couples, and I'm awidow and and so it was hard to.
You know, it was just sort oflike, oh, these doors were
closing and finally WMA showedup and there it was, and I
(04:15):
started to read what youbelieved in and and looked at
the videos and and just I reallyI was like this is it, like
this is the one, and so.
But it was complicated.
We didn't have a pastor at ourchurch and we were in transition
, so waiting for that new pastor, that right pastor, to come,
and but there I noticed in thefine print said it could be your
(04:37):
pastor or a leader in yourchurch, and but again, I had not
been in that church for verylong time, it had only been
about three years.
And so I was like, oh, who am Igoing to ask?
And anyway, turned out one ofthe ladies in this prayer
ministry that I had beeninvolved in.
She was the children's ministryleader at that time, and so I
(04:58):
asked her would you, would yoube able to fill out the form?
And it was just so, god, he wasjust all over it.
I mean, she filled it out andby the end of the day I had the
approval.
It was like it was amazing.
It was just seamless,everything just folded
beautifully.
Yeah, it was just, it was ananswer to prayer and just such a
(05:19):
privilege.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
I'm so incredibly grateful that God connected you
with World Missions Alliance,helped you find us on the
Internet, and I always feel likehe does not bring accidental
people.
That's what amazes me.
This is watching God at workand allowing him to connect our
ministry with people like you,because you were absolutely
(05:43):
incredible on this trip andbefore we talk even about your
first mission trip, youmentioned that your walk with
Christ was somewhat the story ofa prodigal daughter coming back
.
So let's talk about that.
Obviously, you were raised inchurch, since you heard a call
(06:04):
to missions as a young person.
So what happened?
How did you drift away from him?
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Well, my mom passed away when I was 22, and it broke
my heart.
I mean, she was my very bestfriend and she loved Jesus.
Both my parents did, in fact.
They just were just—she was anevangel evangelist and my dad
was an intercessor, like it wasjust.
They were beautiful, beautifulservants of God and they raised
(06:31):
me up as a child to go and theyjust prayed, you know, they
prayed for so many years to seeme come back Because, like I say
, at 22, my mom passed and I wasso angry, you know I that was a
big part of it and but it was acombination of things.
You know, it doesn't all justhappen overnight.
It's not like I woke up andsaid, okay, I'm renouncing Jesus
(06:52):
and all that he stands for.
It wasn't like that it would.
It began, you know, with a boyin high school, and then it was,
you know, going to a party andand and, just, you know, getting
entrenched in the world.
And I want to say that I was,you know you talk about being
set apart or living a life ofpurity up until I was, you know,
17 and really focusing on Jesusand up until that age.
(07:13):
And then, but I think, whatfinally did it.
You know, the thing thatfinally sent me running from the
Lord was the fact that he justdidn't answer my prayer the way
I wanted.
It was as simple as that.
I was mad, you know, and he wasso faithful and so good to
pursue me, even in the spite ofmy rebellion and anger, and and
(07:34):
he also showed me years laterthat he did answer my prayer.
She was healed, she was madewhole just not on this side of
heaven, and so I was able to getto that place of acceptance and
delight and know that she wasmost certainly in heaven and
waiting for that day when Iwould be reunited with her.
But in the meantime, there werethings that needed to be done
(07:57):
here, and so the story of myparents is a beautiful one, and
when I encourage all parents whohave kids right now who are
wandering from the Lord is notto lose hope, because they never
saw the miracle.
They never saw me coming backto the Lord, but that didn't
stop them from interceding andpraying for me, like 62 years
(08:18):
between the two of them 22 formy mom, 40 for my dad and they
just stood in the gap and prayed.
And it was so beautiful becausewhen I did come back to the
Lord after, you know, therebellion and the addiction and
the depression and the anxietyand the suicide attempts and,
you know, losing everything youknow, and those seeds they
(08:40):
planted in my heart as a littlegirl came, they came back, they
started, they blossomed.
You know, I came across myfather's Bible and some of his
devotional notes and prayerjournals and it was just
beautiful how the Lord has, youknow, used those seeds for fruit
today.
So it's just been amazing.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
So what triggered your return?
What finally brought you backto the Lord?
Was it hitting the rock bottomor it was a series of events.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
It was my father's death in 2014.
It was my husband's death tocancer as well.
They both suffered with coloncancer.
So they both like my husbandwas in 2016, my dad in 2014,
they literally were fightingcancer at the same time.
It was a really, really roughperiod in my life and so there
(09:36):
was obviously losing both of themen I loved in such a short
period of time just broke me andthen I think, finally, what did
it?
You know, as I was drinkingmore, and more and more and then
being assaulted, you know,going out to a bar and being
assaulted and violated, and youknow, I was the shame and the
(09:58):
pain was just so great and Itried to end my life and I
didn't die and I should have.
With all the pills and thebooze that I took, I should be
dead.
And so when I woke up and Irealized I wasn't dead, I knew I
needed help.
I knew that if my boys theywere 13 and 14 at the time and
they needed a parent and I wasnot being the mother that they
(10:21):
needed or deserved, and I knewthat, if I was going to do that
and be that person for them,that I needed Jesus and the good
news is that I knew where to go.
Because of my parents' stories,because of their own brokenness
and their own journey to thecross, I knew where to go and so
he just picked me up out ofthat pit.
(10:42):
And he just picked me up out ofthat pit and and it was four
years of just Jesus and I and alot of' faith or my church
(11:07):
traditions, but Jesus for me,the Savior that loved me, the
Savior that died for me, andthose four years were hard and
dark but I was also so full oflight and joy and peace and just
a time of renewal.
It really was four years ofrenewing my mind, of teaching me
(11:28):
truth, of understanding whoJesus is and what he likes and
what he loves and what he hatesand what it means to follow him,
and it was just a beautifultime of like isolation.
You know I call it like holyisolation and I mean I, I I was
starting to go to a church Ithink about.
(11:48):
I want to say about three yearsin I started going to a local
church and was there for severalyears.
Like I'm going to say, it wasalmost three years of being
there and they loved on me andevery Wednesday and Sunday they
would pray for me as I wept andwept and wept and I thought the
joy would never come for me.
As I wept and wept and wept andI thought the joy would never
come.
And then the Lord called me toanother church in the city,
(12:09):
which was really strange becausethis church was literally right
next to my house and everybodythought it was odd that I would
travel 20 minutes to go toanother church.
But I was being obedient.
I went and it was so goodbecause there happened to be a
female pastor and who who hadexpertise in inner healing and
(12:30):
working with Holy Spirit tobring about, you know,
restoration and and andwholeness in the face of trauma.
And so she worked with me andit was amazing to see how the
Holy Spirit just began to tendthose wounds.
And I had an encounter with amissionary group that came to
(12:51):
our church from Southern Ontario, so I want to say about eight
hours from where we live.
They would come up and theycame up for a weekend to have a
time of prayer and training, youknow, have it, you know, and
it's all about evangelism.
But their specialty was freedom, you know, deliverance, healing
.
And so there were people beingprayed for and I was seeing all
(13:13):
sorts of crazy things and I wasjust like, okay, this is not for
me.
And so I went out in the carand I was waiting and then a
lady came out.
She's like I got healed.
I got healed and I'm likethat's wonderful.
And all of a sudden I heard thevoice, that little still voice
there's healing for you.
Go back inside.
And so I did.
But when I walked into the roomthere were three men that were
(13:38):
having these prayer encountersand offering to pray for
deliverance and healing.
But you have to remember, atthis point I was terrified of
men.
After what had happened, Ididn't want I certainly didn't
want men laying their hands onme.
And so I was like, okay, lord,well, I'm going to trust you,
I'm going to trust you.
(13:58):
And I went and I'm telling youit was the greatest thing.
I just I felt the love of theLord, I felt healing, I felt
release.
There was just a I don't know.
You know, I was just filledwith the Holy Spirit.
You know, there was obviously aspirit of oppression and grief
and it was left departed andthere's just a filling of the
(14:20):
spirit and praying in the spiritand speaking in tongues, and it
was just, it was amazing, itwas pivotal in my journey and I
knew the Lord had called me outthere for that and then to be a
blessing to that church.
And he has allowed me to sinceyou know, get involved in their
prayer ministry and just blessthat church and to be blessed by
(14:43):
them.
They've been a wonderful familyand just been that church and
to be blessed by them.
They've been a wonderful familyand just been so good and
encouraging.
And that's where this, themissions, comes in.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
So I think this is so beautiful because, you know,
your story is a illustration ofwhat we feel our ministry is all
about, and it's changed liveschange lives.
So when God picked you up,brushed you off, restored you
(15:13):
and healed you, naturally hegave you this desire to do the
same for others, because you nowhave the power through your
personal testimony, through yourpersonal story, and this is
what makes us so effective inbuilding his kingdom is our own
(15:36):
experience and encounter withGod, and you know, as you were
sharing.
It just reminded me.
This morning I was reading thepassage in Luke where Jesus
explains to Simon the Phariseewhy he allowed the broken woman
to weep over his feet and wipehis feet with her hair.
(15:56):
He said to her was forgiven.
The more so she loves, moregiven, the more so she loves,
more you know.
And so the more painful ourstory is, the more we love Jesus
and the more we're able toshare this love.
And so it's only natural thatso, soon after this healing, he
called you to the nations, and Iknow he was so pleased with
(16:21):
your obedience and overcomingall these hesitations and
obstacles and stepping out infaith.
So, mexico, what did youexperience?
I wasn't with you on thatparticular trip.
So what was your experiencethere and how did God meet your
expectations?
Or maybe not at all what youexpected.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Oh it was.
It was above and beyond, youknow, really was like an
Ephesians three 20 experience.
I tell people all that, aboveand beyond anything I could have
hoped for, prayed for orimagined, he just blew me away
and and, to be honest, I feltlike the miracle was just
getting me on that plane, youknow, just to have me release my
(17:03):
children, my church, those Ilove, into his care.
I didn't know what I waswalking into or the people that
I would encounter, but I justknew that this is what he was
calling me to do and I was goingto do it.
And I loved Mexico.
I'd been there.
Actually, the very first tripmy husband and I ever took as a
couple was to Mexico, and weloved it.
And I thought how beautifulthat the first place that the
(17:27):
Lord would call me to was to anation that we had visited and
loved together.
And so, no, Mexico was amazing.
The church that we partneredwith were such a blessing, so
spirit filled, so in love withJesus, and their worship was so
lovely.
There's no other word otherthan to say it was lovely.
Their excitement, theirenthusiasm.
(17:49):
I felt like I was with mypeople, you know, in terms of
that joy of the Lord.
They had it and they weresharing it and it was beautiful
to see.
But I mean, we saw crazy,beautiful miracles right from
the outset.
I mean from the time I got onthe.
You know, we were getting to goon the plane, there was a fog
storm.
And then, you know, I'mliterally praying on the phone
(18:10):
with one of the intercessors onthe team.
I've never met her, but I hadher number because of the
WhatsApp chat and I called herand I said I think we're in the
same airport, are you?
Can you see the fog?
And I said she said yes, and wejust began to pray right there
in the, in the middle of thatairport, and that fog lifted
right in front of our eyes.
(18:31):
It was an amazing.
I was like wow, and not that Ididn't think God could do it,
but it's a whole other thingwhen you actually see him do it.
And so that was that was beforeI even got on the plane.
And so that was.
That was before I even got onthe plane.
So I was like, oh, my goodness,lord, what do you have in store
?
(18:55):
And then we, over that week inMexico, we had several
opportunities to minister, domedical missions and clinics.
We visited, like an elderly, ahome for the elderly.
We also visited a cancer centerfor children and the Lord used
me mightily there he really didand used the people there to
heal my heart, because one ofthe things that you know I
mentioned was my father, myhusband, both passing from
(19:18):
cancer.
My grandfather also passed fromcancer, and my uncle the one,
that one that who is whoselegacy is funding this mission,
these mission trips passed fromcancer.
And so to go and bless thosechildren and their families and
to share my story through cancerand how the Lord has redeemed,
(19:39):
it was amazing.
And in fact, the very lastperson that I prayed for our
last day in Mexico was a coupleand their son, and when I went
up to him he was in a wheelchairand I asked what would you like
prayer for?
And he said cancer.
And I'm telling you it was likelooking at my life eight years
(20:00):
before.
It was like a mirror.
Their son was the same age asmy boys and to be given the
opportunity and the privilege topray for them, to encourage his
wife to be able to say that, nomatter how God answers, whether
it's on this side of heaven orthe other, that she will be okay
(20:22):
, was the greatest privilege ofmy life.
You see, father, god took thething that just about took me
out and he used it for good andthat changes you, it heals you.
That moment did more for methan 10 years of therapy did and
for that I'm so grateful.
And in fact that that family, Istill they, they, you know
(20:45):
we're, we're, we're connected onsocial media and often seeing
the father is still alive, he'sstill, he's still loving his
family well and making memories.
So I'm so grateful for that.
And then I mean, you want totalk about the another
life-changing moment was alittle boy in one of the clinics
(21:06):
we he was about 12 years oldand actually one of your other
episodes.
One of the ladies was in thegroup with me and she spoke of
it, of the healing of the littleboy's leg.
So I'll just touch on thatbriefly, but it was an amazing,
amazing moment.
Was one leg shorter than theother?
(21:33):
He had a rare disorder, bonedisorder that caused one leg to
be shorter than the other.
He was in a lot of pain andcouldn't walk without limping
and distress.
You could just see he wassuffering and we began to pray
for him, but nothing happened.
And I was like, okay, well, Iexplained to him.
I said, sometimes God heals usright away, and sometimes he
(21:54):
heals us later, and sometimes hewaits till heaven.
We just don't know.
And and but I'm going tocontinue to pray for you and I
said, while you're waiting, Iwant to give you a Bible and I'm
going to give you my versebecause, like, in addition to
you know the anxiety anddepression and addiction to
alcohol and cigarettes and allof this trauma, and you know
there was also I've beensuffering with chronic pain
(22:15):
since I was nine years old, yousee, even that the Lord used.
So I spoke to that little boyand sharing my story and how,
you know, the Lord and his wordhad met me in my suffering.
And so I and he you'd think I'dgiven him a million dollars.
He was just glowing with thisbook in his hands, and so I, you
know circling different versesfor him.
And so then we began to prayfor his mother, for strength and
(22:38):
grace, and and you know, and um, as we were praying, I just
felt Holy Spirit tugging me andsaying go and pray for him again
.
And you know I'm having thatinternal dialogue with the Lord
and saying well, yeah, but he'sSpanish and I'm English and how
is he going to know what I say?
And anyway, I obeyed, I wentand I just began to pray and as
I prayed, this little boy beganto weep and sob and I knew that
(23:03):
the Holy Spirit had transcendentlanguage.
I knew that he understoodeverything I was saying.
So now I was determined, now Iwas begging, I was sobbing
myself, saying Lord, please, Iwant to see this boy healed in
Jesus name, I want to see himrestored.
And so I called to the ladies.
There was, you know, we usuallyhave three or four different
(23:24):
prayer teams, and so there werea few that were available and I
just called them and which wasrather bold for me, because you
know I can be bold was I waslike guys, come on let's go.
And so they all came and therewas such a.
There must have been aboutseven or eight of us all
together laying hands on thisyoung boy and, and the next
thing I know, one of the the menin the group said Allison,
(23:46):
measure his legs, make sure thatone's shorter than the other.
And so I did and, sure enough,yes, one definitely shorter.
And so I just cradled hiscalves in my hands and began to
pray in the spirit again, and webegan to worship and sing.
And the next thing I know, Istart to feel like shifting,
like moving, almost, like he hadlike little worms in his legs
or something, and I was like,okay, this is odd, but I just
(24:08):
continued to pray.
And then, the next thing, Ifelt like a jolt, like a almost
like I'd been shocked orsomething, and I opened my eyes
and his legs were the samelength and I was like, oh, my
goodness.
So then that man, he saidAlison, tell him to get up and
walk.
So I did, and he got up andwalked and it was no limp and he
(24:32):
began to jump and laugh and hewas just so happy.
And then it was stairs.
Even I thought, lord, you evenbrought like there happened to
be just a little flight ofstairs.
We went up and down thosestairs.
He couldn't do stairs, and sojust to see the Lord's power and
his love for that boy, I thinkthat was the thing.
It was the first time that whenI laid hands on someone, I felt
the love of the Father for them,and it was so powerful and I
(24:56):
knew that as much as I wanted tosee that boy healed, god wanted
to see him healed more, and sohe did.
He just honored that prayer andI think that what was so
beautiful was, you see, hedidn't heal at the beginning and
I wondered.
But then I saw that gaveopportunity to share the word of
(25:16):
God with him and to share moretestimony, and then, by getting
the entire group together, itbrought about even greater unity
.
I mean there was beautifulunity on that trip.
I mean everybody was just sucha blessing, but could see, like
it was a message for me to bringhome that you know, if we want
to do those great moves of God,you know, if we want to partner
(25:37):
with Holy Spirit, we need unityin our church, we need unity in
our families, we need, you know,unity in these mission teams.
And so, anyway, it was amazing.
It was amazing, it was lifechanging.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
I, I came home and um , I said you know many, many
people testified about thismiracle, those who were on the
trip.
You know I've heard about it menot being there personally.
I heard about it from severalother team members and it makes
me think, you know, just like inthe new Testament times, it
makes me think, you know, justlike in the New Testament times,
(26:12):
when Jesus went from place toplace performing his miracles,
it was as much for the personwho was the recipient of the
miracle as it was for the crowd,you know, that took and spread
the story and I think you'revery right, it was for him, it
was for you, it was for theother team members, it was for
(26:35):
the local pastors.
But the story doesn't end there.
So this is why I really wantedus to talk today, allison, is
that what you received from Godduring that mission trip?
Personally?
Because you know, we go on amission trip with the idea that
we're embarking on doingsomething for God, but it's when
(26:57):
, indeed, in fact, it's himinviting us because he wants to
do something for us, but thenthe story doesn't end there.
So that was your firstexperience, first encounter with
the Great Commission.
So what happened when you cameback?
How did it change your life andmaybe the lives of others
(27:18):
around you.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
Well, when I got home and shared this story with my
church I mean, even that was amiracle because my pastor had
asked me even before I left whenyou come back, would you share
with the church?
And again, the social anxietyof my past it was like, okay, it
was a, it was a call to trustHoly Spirit to provide the words
.
I'm not a Bible teacher, I'mnot a pastor.
I thought, how can I possibly?
And yet I saw the Lord do it.
(27:45):
He just, he provided, he put itall together.
And so when I went home and Iand the story was, you know, I
saw this boy miraculously healedwhen we were in the dump.
I saw, you know, the Lord movein the garbage city.
I thought, if he can move inMexico, he can move in our city.
And our city is.
We have an opioid epidemic,there's a homelessness crisis.
(28:10):
I mean, it is a dark, dark timein our city.
And so when I came home andtold my tourists, listen, if God
can move in Mexico, he can movehere.
And we need to start believingfor that, we need to start
carrying hope.
This is his cry, that we wouldbe carriers of that hope.
And so it began, this desire tosee my city change, to see that
(28:34):
same type of transformationhappen here in a different way,
but to be done all the same.
And so the Lord, very quickly,I prayed, I said, lord, I can't
go back into my room Like Ican't not be a missionary, so
could you give me opportunity?
And he did, he brought, heopened the door to, you know,
have street ministry and and topartner with the church, you
(28:56):
know, and and we're seeinghealing and deliverance
happening here and which is, inturn, you know, encouraging our
church.
And, as we, you know, our newpastor came and stewarded all
this cause.
Literally the week that I wenton that trip to Mexico, our new
pastor came, and so it was allthat.
And he and his wife, they'reboth pastors, they both have a
(29:17):
deep love for missions, and soit was like the Lord just
bringing it all together andwe're talking two years of
steady prayer for that churchand for me and the call that he,
you know, I didn't know at thatpoint where he was taking me, I
just knew I wanted to beobedient.
And so he's opened the door forministry at home, to be a
(29:38):
missionary here.
And that was what I heard whenI came home from Mexico is
Alison, I need you to be amissionary when you're in
Timmins and I need you to be amissionary when I call you out.
And so and part of that issharing the testimony with my
church and, because of thepastors that we have and their
openness to hear about what Godis doing and to share it with
the people, I've been able to dothat not only with with Mexico,
(30:02):
but then with Thailand inFebruary, and then all of the
street ministry.
You know miracles andtestimonies, and so it's just
been this ripple effect and weare seeing, you know, healing
and deliverance happening in ourchurch and an outpouring of the
spirit that I've never seen aslong as I've been there, which
is almost four years.
Speaker 2 (30:22):
And then there is something happening in your
family.
As a, I feel like it's anextension of the blessing that
you're receiving for yourobedience of stepping out in
faith.
So God started moving in yourfamily in the ways that you
never expected.
Speaker 3 (30:40):
No, no, because obviously, like my children, had
not been raised, you know, inthe church.
You know I had left, and soreally, the only bit of Jesus
that they have seen is in theselast eight years that I've been
following the Lord, and and it'sI mean anybody that would tell
you it's a dramatic andcompletely like transformation.
(31:02):
There's no other word for it.
It's just I'm not, I don'trecognize myself, and it's
wonderful, I don't.
You know, there's such joy inseeing the Lord change me and
shape me into somebody I don'teven recognize, and I really
like this person a lot more thanthe person that I was.
And so comes with all that isjust tremendous joy and the
desire to see other peopleexperience the same peace and
(31:25):
freedom.
So my boys have been watchingand I know that the Lord is
moving in their lives, speakingto them, guiding them,
protecting them.
The provision and protectionover their lives is uncanny, and
they even they're starting toacknowledge it, and so for that
I'm grateful.
Even my siblings were seeinghealing and recommitment to the
(31:46):
Lord, and so I just, yeah, I'mso grateful because the reality
is, you know, he didn't need todo any of those things, it was
enough that he saved me, youknow, and to see him trust me
enough not only to go and lovehis people well, but to share
(32:06):
his word, to share the word ofGod.
That is a huge responsibilityand it's a lot of fun.
I didn't expect that, thatspeaking and sharing about my
story like not only my testimonybut also what God is doing
through me, since salvation isjust been such a blessing.
(32:26):
And why sharing today is sowonderful because I really want
to toot his horn, you know, Iwant to make him famous.
That's really what it's about.
It's about saying listen, youdon't need to live in bondage
anymore, you don't need to livein darkness.
There is a there's the light oflife available to you.
And what a gift that he'sopened the door.
(32:47):
He's provided financially to beable to go and do this, and so
I'm looking forward to the nexttrip to.
Speaker 2 (32:55):
Moldova.
I'm excited for more adventureswith you.
Just watching God use you,stretch you, bring you to the
next level in your walk with himhas been really exciting and
encouraging and inspiring.
And so you know, I'm justthinking all you had to do is
(33:16):
say yes and he picked you upfrom there and kind of took you
on this adventure, and myhusband likes to call a mission
trip a date with God, and justyour story is a great example of
this very intensely personalencounter.
It's between you and Him, theseexperiences that only you and
(33:38):
Him can understand and connect,yet so impactful to the people
that are the recipients andbeneficiaries of your experience
with the Lord, and so I justwant to thank you for agreeing
to do this interview.
My prayer is that it willinspire and encourage those who
are listening today just toreach deep within their hearts,
(34:03):
and if there has been ahesitation or fear that has been
preventing you, our listeners,from saying yes to God, in
whatever way it may be, I thinkAllison would agree that all you
have to do is just say yes.
Speaker 3 (34:19):
That's right.
He's been so good and sofaithful.
And I tell people, you know,I've often used that date with
God but really what it's becomeis a honeymoon with him.
You know, really it's taken,it's become is a honeymoon with
him.
You know it really is.
It's taken that each, each tripI come back different the, the
level of relationship, theintimacy, the, the clarity of
(34:41):
his voice sharpens with each yes, and and that's what's so
beautiful.
And and people have said, oh,you've got the missionary bug,
and and and you know you, youfought.
You know you've got themissionary bug, but you know
what it is.
It really is as simple as this.
I have this perfect heavenlyfather who loves me and who
rescued me, and he asked me togo.
(35:04):
So I will say yes, and reallyit's just about buying the
ticket, and he does everythingelse.
He provides the words, heprovides the power and he
provides the people.
Every single person on everyteam that I've been on has been
a blessing to me and I believethe Lord has allowed me to bless
them in some way.
And so, no, don't allow fear tostep in the way, to get in the
(35:30):
way, because one thing he showedme in Thailand on a glass
bridge 300 feet in the air, wasthat when you have his word and
you have his spirit and you havehis presence, you can walk
through anything.
You can walk across anything,including a glass bridge or
(35:52):
including that runway to get onthat plane.
So I'm just grateful, I'mexcited to see what he has next,
and not only for me but for WMA.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Amen.
Well, I look forward to manymore adventures with you.
Thanks again for coming on.
Allison's journey is more thaninspiring.
It's a challenge.
When we say yes to the GreatCommission, god begins a work
that goes far beyond us.
He heals, he empowers and hemultiplies through us, and he
(36:29):
multiplies through us.
Allison's yes didn't just leadher to Mexico.
It led to revival in her ownheart, her neighborhood and her
church.
So now the question is whatcould God do through your yes?
Don't just be moved by what youheard.
Be moved to act.
(36:50):
Pray, go, speak, invite someoneto listen to this episode and
talk about it together.
And remember the GreatCommission isn't a task for the
few.
It's the invitation to live thelife you were made for.
I encourage you to visit ourwebsite, rfwmaorg.
There you can findopportunities, just like Allison
(37:17):
, to serve in the GreatCommission through short-term
missions all across the globe.
Thank you for joining us onLimitless Spirit.
Again, our website is rfwmaorg.
Until next time, keep sayingyes to the mission and watch
what God will do.
I'm Helen Todd.
Speaker 1 (37:37):
Limitless Spirit Podcast is produced by World
Missions Alliance.
We believe that changed liveschange lives.
If your life was transformed byChrist, you are equipped to
help others experience thistransformation.
Christ called his followers tomake disciples across the world.
World Missions Alliance givesyou an opportunity to do this
(38:01):
through short-term missions inover 32 countries across the
globe.
If you want to help those whoare hurting and hopeless and
discover your greater purpose inserving who are hurting and
hopeless, and discover yourgreater purpose in serving,
check out our website, rfwmaorgand find out how to get involved
.
Welcome to Limitless Spirit, a weekly podcast with
host Helen Todd, where sheinterviews guests about pursuing
spiritual growth, discoveringlife's purpose through serving
others and developing a deeperfaith in Christ.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
What if saying yes to the Great Commission didn't
just change lives over fees, butcompletely transformed you?
In today's episode of LimitlessSpirit you will meet Allison
Koslow, whose very first missiontrip to Mexico became the
unexpected answer to years offear and anxiety.
(00:37):
But her story doesn't stop withpersonal healing.
Allison came home a differentperson, bold in her faith,
unafraid to share Christ in herown community.
And that boldness it sparkedsomething bigger.
Her church caught the visionand began reaching out in ways
(00:58):
they never had before.
Then things started to changein the lives of her loved ones.
This episode is a powerfulreminder that when we step into
God's mission, it doesn't justchange others, it changes
everything.
If you've ever wondered whetheryour obedience really matters,
(01:19):
this story will answer with aresounding yes.
Welcome to the Limitless Spirit, alison.
How are you today?
I'm very well, helen.
Thank you Well.
I am excited to talk about yourstory today because I think it
(01:40):
encapsulates what the GreatCommission is all about, and I'm
excited for our listeners whatthe Great Commission is all
about.
And I'm excited for ourlisteners to learn how God
called you out and brought youto the mission field and the
fruit, the beautiful benefitsthat you reaped from that in
your personal life, and so let'sstart with how did you end up
(02:02):
on a mission trip to Mexico,your first mission trip with
World Missions Alliance?
Where did this come from?
Speaker 3 (02:09):
It was, my goodness.
It was just over a year ago, soit was December, yeah, of 2023.
And my sadly, my uncle hadpassed away from cancer, but he
had left an inheritance for meand it wasn't money that I knew
about or was expecting and,honestly, the Lord had been
(02:31):
providing for me.
And so I said, lord, I want touse this money for the kingdom.
Would you show me, show mewhere, show me how?
And something that he hadbrought to my attention was a
long a dream that I'd had as a21 year old, you know, and I
remember being in a church andhaving missionaries come and and
speak, and these were youngpeople and I thought, oh, that
(02:52):
would be so wonderful to be ableto travel and and share Jesus
with those who don't know him.
And but you know, life happenedand, and you know, the typical
prodigal wandered away from theLord and the church.
And that dream, that desire,was long forgotten until about a
(03:14):
year ago, when he showed.
He reminded me of that momentand the joy in my heart.
And but it wasn't without, youknow, doubt and concern and
because, to be fair, I had beenbattling terrible social anxiety
up until that point.
You know, it was just the lastfew years that I had returned to
the Lord and and serving himand getting freedom from that
anxiety.
(03:34):
But it was huge, I mean, for meto leave my home, go to a place
that I never been like, withpeople I'd never met, leave my
boys at home, you know, withouta parent.
It just it was just huge and so.
But the Lord just took care ofevery little detail and and so
(03:54):
when I went to search on theinternet you know where do I go
to do this and and it was alittle frustrating at first,
because most of the places werelooking for like church, like
groups or couples, and I'm awidow and and so it was hard to.
You know, it was just sort oflike, oh, these doors were
closing and finally WMA showedup and there it was, and I
(04:15):
started to read what youbelieved in and and looked at
the videos and and just I reallyI was like this is it, like
this is the one, and so.
But it was complicated.
We didn't have a pastor at ourchurch and we were in transition
, so waiting for that new pastor, that right pastor, to come,
and but there I noticed in thefine print said it could be your
(04:37):
pastor or a leader in yourchurch, and but again, I had not
been in that church for verylong time, it had only been
about three years.
And so I was like, oh, who am Igoing to ask?
And anyway, turned out one ofthe ladies in this prayer
ministry that I had beeninvolved in.
She was the children's ministryleader at that time, and so I
(04:58):
asked her would you, would yoube able to fill out the form?
And it was just so, god, he wasjust all over it.
I mean, she filled it out andby the end of the day I had the
approval.
It was like it was amazing.
It was just seamless,everything just folded
beautifully.
Yeah, it was just, it was ananswer to prayer and just such a
(05:19):
privilege.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
I'm so incredibly grateful that God connected you
with World Missions Alliance,helped you find us on the
Internet, and I always feel likehe does not bring accidental
people.
That's what amazes me.
This is watching God at workand allowing him to connect our
ministry with people like you,because you were absolutely
(05:43):
incredible on this trip andbefore we talk even about your
first mission trip, youmentioned that your walk with
Christ was somewhat the story ofa prodigal daughter coming back
.
So let's talk about that.
Obviously, you were raised inchurch, since you heard a call
(06:04):
to missions as a young person.
So what happened?
How did you drift away from him?
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Well, my mom passed away when I was 22, and it broke
my heart.
I mean, she was my very bestfriend and she loved Jesus.
Both my parents did, in fact.
They just were just—she was anevangel evangelist and my dad
was an intercessor, like it wasjust.
They were beautiful, beautifulservants of God and they raised
(06:31):
me up as a child to go and theyjust prayed, you know, they
prayed for so many years to seeme come back Because, like I say
, at 22, my mom passed and I wasso angry, you know I that was a
big part of it and but it was acombination of things.
You know, it doesn't all justhappen overnight.
It's not like I woke up andsaid, okay, I'm renouncing Jesus
(06:52):
and all that he stands for.
It wasn't like that it would.
It began, you know, with a boyin high school, and then it was,
you know, going to a party andand and, just, you know, getting
entrenched in the world.
And I want to say that I was,you know you talk about being
set apart or living a life ofpurity up until I was, you know,
17 and really focusing on Jesusand up until that age.
(07:13):
And then, but I think, whatfinally did it.
You know, the thing thatfinally sent me running from the
Lord was the fact that he justdidn't answer my prayer the way
I wanted.
It was as simple as that.
I was mad, you know, and he wasso faithful and so good to
pursue me, even in the spite ofmy rebellion and anger, and and
(07:34):
he also showed me years laterthat he did answer my prayer.
She was healed, she was madewhole just not on this side of
heaven, and so I was able to getto that place of acceptance and
delight and know that she wasmost certainly in heaven and
waiting for that day when Iwould be reunited with her.
But in the meantime, there werethings that needed to be done
(07:57):
here, and so the story of myparents is a beautiful one, and
when I encourage all parents whohave kids right now who are
wandering from the Lord is notto lose hope, because they never
saw the miracle.
They never saw me coming backto the Lord, but that didn't
stop them from interceding andpraying for me, like 62 years
(08:18):
between the two of them 22 formy mom, 40 for my dad and they
just stood in the gap and prayed.
And it was so beautiful becausewhen I did come back to the
Lord after, you know, therebellion and the addiction and
the depression and the anxietyand the suicide attempts and,
you know, losing everything youknow, and those seeds they
(08:40):
planted in my heart as a littlegirl came, they came back, they
started, they blossomed.
You know, I came across myfather's Bible and some of his
devotional notes and prayerjournals and it was just
beautiful how the Lord has, youknow, used those seeds for fruit
today.
So it's just been amazing.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
So what triggered your return?
What finally brought you backto the Lord?
Was it hitting the rock bottomor it was a series of events.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
It was my father's death in 2014.
It was my husband's death tocancer as well.
They both suffered with coloncancer.
So they both like my husbandwas in 2016, my dad in 2014,
they literally were fightingcancer at the same time.
It was a really, really roughperiod in my life and so there
(09:36):
was obviously losing both of themen I loved in such a short
period of time just broke me andthen I think, finally, what did
it?
You know, as I was drinkingmore, and more and more and then
being assaulted, you know,going out to a bar and being
assaulted and violated, and youknow, I was the shame and the
(09:58):
pain was just so great and Itried to end my life and I
didn't die and I should have.
With all the pills and thebooze that I took, I should be
dead.
And so when I woke up and Irealized I wasn't dead, I knew I
needed help.
I knew that if my boys theywere 13 and 14 at the time and
they needed a parent and I wasnot being the mother that they
(10:21):
needed or deserved, and I knewthat, if I was going to do that
and be that person for them,that I needed Jesus and the good
news is that I knew where to go.
Because of my parents' stories,because of their own brokenness
and their own journey to thecross, I knew where to go and so
he just picked me up out ofthat pit.
(10:42):
And he just picked me up out ofthat pit and and it was four
years of just Jesus and I and alot of' faith or my church
(11:07):
traditions, but Jesus for me,the Savior that loved me, the
Savior that died for me, andthose four years were hard and
dark but I was also so full oflight and joy and peace and just
a time of renewal.
It really was four years ofrenewing my mind, of teaching me
(11:28):
truth, of understanding whoJesus is and what he likes and
what he loves and what he hatesand what it means to follow him,
and it was just a beautifultime of like isolation.
You know I call it like holyisolation and I mean I, I I was
starting to go to a church Ithink about.
(11:48):
I want to say about three yearsin I started going to a local
church and was there for severalyears.
Like I'm going to say, it wasalmost three years of being
there and they loved on me andevery Wednesday and Sunday they
would pray for me as I wept andwept and wept and I thought the
joy would never come for me.
As I wept and wept and wept andI thought the joy would never
come.
And then the Lord called me toanother church in the city,
(12:09):
which was really strange becausethis church was literally right
next to my house and everybodythought it was odd that I would
travel 20 minutes to go toanother church.
But I was being obedient.
I went and it was so goodbecause there happened to be a
female pastor and who who hadexpertise in inner healing and
(12:30):
working with Holy Spirit tobring about, you know,
restoration and and andwholeness in the face of trauma.
And so she worked with me andit was amazing to see how the
Holy Spirit just began to tendthose wounds.
And I had an encounter with amissionary group that came to
(12:51):
our church from Southern Ontario, so I want to say about eight
hours from where we live.
They would come up and theycame up for a weekend to have a
time of prayer and training, youknow, have it, you know, and
it's all about evangelism.
But their specialty was freedom, you know, deliverance, healing
.
And so there were people beingprayed for and I was seeing all
(13:13):
sorts of crazy things and I wasjust like, okay, this is not for
me.
And so I went out in the carand I was waiting and then a
lady came out.
She's like I got healed.
I got healed and I'm likethat's wonderful.
And all of a sudden I heard thevoice, that little still voice
there's healing for you.
Go back inside.
And so I did.
But when I walked into the roomthere were three men that were
(13:38):
having these prayer encountersand offering to pray for
deliverance and healing.
But you have to remember, atthis point I was terrified of
men.
After what had happened, Ididn't want I certainly didn't
want men laying their hands onme.
And so I was like, okay, lord,well, I'm going to trust you,
I'm going to trust you.
(13:58):
And I went and I'm telling youit was the greatest thing.
I just I felt the love of theLord, I felt healing, I felt
release.
There was just a I don't know.
You know, I was just filledwith the Holy Spirit.
You know, there was obviously aspirit of oppression and grief
and it was left departed andthere's just a filling of the
(14:20):
spirit and praying in the spiritand speaking in tongues, and it
was just, it was amazing, itwas pivotal in my journey and I
knew the Lord had called me outthere for that and then to be a
blessing to that church.
And he has allowed me to sinceyou know, get involved in their
prayer ministry and just blessthat church and to be blessed by
(14:43):
them.
They've been a wonderful familyand just been that church and
to be blessed by them.
They've been a wonderful familyand just been so good and
encouraging.
And that's where this, themissions, comes in.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
So I think this is so beautiful because, you know,
your story is a illustration ofwhat we feel our ministry is all
about, and it's changed liveschange lives.
So when God picked you up,brushed you off, restored you
(15:13):
and healed you, naturally hegave you this desire to do the
same for others, because you nowhave the power through your
personal testimony, through yourpersonal story, and this is
what makes us so effective inbuilding his kingdom is our own
(15:36):
experience and encounter withGod, and you know, as you were
sharing.
It just reminded me.
This morning I was reading thepassage in Luke where Jesus
explains to Simon the Phariseewhy he allowed the broken woman
to weep over his feet and wipehis feet with her hair.
(15:56):
He said to her was forgiven.
The more so she loves, moregiven, the more so she loves,
more you know.
And so the more painful ourstory is, the more we love Jesus
and the more we're able toshare this love.
And so it's only natural thatso, soon after this healing, he
called you to the nations, and Iknow he was so pleased with
(16:21):
your obedience and overcomingall these hesitations and
obstacles and stepping out infaith.
So, mexico, what did youexperience?
I wasn't with you on thatparticular trip.
So what was your experiencethere and how did God meet your
expectations?
Or maybe not at all what youexpected.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Oh it was.
It was above and beyond, youknow, really was like an
Ephesians three 20 experience.
I tell people all that, aboveand beyond anything I could have
hoped for, prayed for orimagined, he just blew me away
and and, to be honest, I feltlike the miracle was just
getting me on that plane, youknow, just to have me release my
(17:03):
children, my church, those Ilove, into his care.
I didn't know what I waswalking into or the people that
I would encounter, but I justknew that this is what he was
calling me to do and I was goingto do it.
And I loved Mexico.
I'd been there.
Actually, the very first tripmy husband and I ever took as a
couple was to Mexico, and weloved it.
And I thought how beautifulthat the first place that the
(17:27):
Lord would call me to was to anation that we had visited and
loved together.
And so, no, Mexico was amazing.
The church that we partneredwith were such a blessing, so
spirit filled, so in love withJesus, and their worship was so
lovely.
There's no other word otherthan to say it was lovely.
Their excitement, theirenthusiasm.
(17:49):
I felt like I was with mypeople, you know, in terms of
that joy of the Lord.
They had it and they weresharing it and it was beautiful
to see.
But I mean, we saw crazy,beautiful miracles right from
the outset.
I mean from the time I got onthe.
You know, we were getting to goon the plane, there was a fog
storm.
And then, you know, I'mliterally praying on the phone
(18:10):
with one of the intercessors onthe team.
I've never met her, but I hadher number because of the
WhatsApp chat and I called herand I said I think we're in the
same airport, are you?
Can you see the fog?
And I said she said yes, and wejust began to pray right there
in the, in the middle of thatairport, and that fog lifted
right in front of our eyes.
(18:31):
It was an amazing.
I was like wow, and not that Ididn't think God could do it,
but it's a whole other thingwhen you actually see him do it.
And so that was that was beforeI even got on the plane.
And so that was.
That was before I even got onthe plane.
So I was like, oh, my goodness,lord, what do you have in store
?
(18:55):
And then we, over that week inMexico, we had several
opportunities to minister, domedical missions and clinics.
We visited, like an elderly, ahome for the elderly.
We also visited a cancer centerfor children and the Lord used
me mightily there he really didand used the people there to
heal my heart, because one ofthe things that you know I
mentioned was my father, myhusband, both passing from
(19:18):
cancer.
My grandfather also passed fromcancer, and my uncle the one,
that one that who is whoselegacy is funding this mission,
these mission trips passed fromcancer.
And so to go and bless thosechildren and their families and
to share my story through cancerand how the Lord has redeemed,
(19:39):
it was amazing.
And in fact, the very lastperson that I prayed for our
last day in Mexico was a coupleand their son, and when I went
up to him he was in a wheelchairand I asked what would you like
prayer for?
And he said cancer.
And I'm telling you it was likelooking at my life eight years
(20:00):
before.
It was like a mirror.
Their son was the same age asmy boys and to be given the
opportunity and the privilege topray for them, to encourage his
wife to be able to say that, nomatter how God answers, whether
it's on this side of heaven orthe other, that she will be okay
(20:22):
, was the greatest privilege ofmy life.
You see, father, god took thething that just about took me
out and he used it for good andthat changes you, it heals you.
That moment did more for methan 10 years of therapy did and
for that I'm so grateful.
And in fact that that family, Istill they, they, you know
(20:45):
we're, we're, we're connected onsocial media and often seeing
the father is still alive, he'sstill, he's still loving his
family well and making memories.
So I'm so grateful for that.
And then I mean, you want totalk about the another
life-changing moment was alittle boy in one of the clinics
(21:06):
we he was about 12 years oldand actually one of your other
episodes.
One of the ladies was in thegroup with me and she spoke of
it, of the healing of the littleboy's leg.
So I'll just touch on thatbriefly, but it was an amazing,
amazing moment.
Was one leg shorter than theother?
(21:33):
He had a rare disorder, bonedisorder that caused one leg to
be shorter than the other.
He was in a lot of pain andcouldn't walk without limping
and distress.
You could just see he wassuffering and we began to pray
for him, but nothing happened.
And I was like, okay, well, Iexplained to him.
I said, sometimes God heals usright away, and sometimes he
(21:54):
heals us later, and sometimes hewaits till heaven.
We just don't know.
And and but I'm going tocontinue to pray for you and I
said, while you're waiting, Iwant to give you a Bible and I'm
going to give you my versebecause, like, in addition to
you know the anxiety anddepression and addiction to
alcohol and cigarettes and allof this trauma, and you know
there was also I've beensuffering with chronic pain
(22:15):
since I was nine years old, yousee, even that the Lord used.
So I spoke to that little boyand sharing my story and how,
you know, the Lord and his wordhad met me in my suffering.
And so I and he you'd think I'dgiven him a million dollars.
He was just glowing with thisbook in his hands, and so I, you
know circling different versesfor him.
And so then we began to prayfor his mother, for strength and
(22:38):
grace, and and you know, and um, as we were praying, I just
felt Holy Spirit tugging me andsaying go and pray for him again
.
And you know I'm having thatinternal dialogue with the Lord
and saying well, yeah, but he'sSpanish and I'm English and how
is he going to know what I say?
And anyway, I obeyed, I wentand I just began to pray and as
I prayed, this little boy beganto weep and sob and I knew that
(23:03):
the Holy Spirit had transcendentlanguage.
I knew that he understoodeverything I was saying.
So now I was determined, now Iwas begging, I was sobbing
myself, saying Lord, please, Iwant to see this boy healed in
Jesus name, I want to see himrestored.
And so I called to the ladies.
There was, you know, we usuallyhave three or four different
(23:24):
prayer teams, and so there werea few that were available and I
just called them and which wasrather bold for me, because you
know I can be bold was I waslike guys, come on let's go.
And so they all came and therewas such a.
There must have been aboutseven or eight of us all
together laying hands on thisyoung boy and, and the next
thing I know, one of the the menin the group said Allison,
(23:46):
measure his legs, make sure thatone's shorter than the other.
And so I did and, sure enough,yes, one definitely shorter.
And so I just cradled hiscalves in my hands and began to
pray in the spirit again, and webegan to worship and sing.
And the next thing I know, Istart to feel like shifting,
like moving, almost, like he hadlike little worms in his legs
or something, and I was like,okay, this is odd, but I just
(24:08):
continued to pray.
And then, the next thing, Ifelt like a jolt, like a almost
like I'd been shocked orsomething, and I opened my eyes
and his legs were the samelength and I was like, oh, my
goodness.
So then that man, he saidAlison, tell him to get up and
walk.
So I did, and he got up andwalked and it was no limp and he
(24:32):
began to jump and laugh and hewas just so happy.
And then it was stairs.
Even I thought, lord, you evenbrought like there happened to
be just a little flight ofstairs.
We went up and down thosestairs.
He couldn't do stairs, and sojust to see the Lord's power and
his love for that boy, I thinkthat was the thing.
It was the first time that whenI laid hands on someone, I felt
the love of the Father for them,and it was so powerful and I
(24:56):
knew that as much as I wanted tosee that boy healed, god wanted
to see him healed more, and sohe did.
He just honored that prayer andI think that what was so
beautiful was, you see, hedidn't heal at the beginning and
I wondered.
But then I saw that gaveopportunity to share the word of
(25:16):
God with him and to share moretestimony, and then, by getting
the entire group together, itbrought about even greater unity
.
I mean there was beautifulunity on that trip.
I mean everybody was just sucha blessing, but could see, like
it was a message for me to bringhome that you know, if we want
to do those great moves of God,you know, if we want to partner
(25:37):
with Holy Spirit, we need unityin our church, we need unity in
our families, we need, you know,unity in these mission teams.
And so, anyway, it was amazing.
It was amazing, it was lifechanging.
Speaker 2 (25:50):
I, I came home and um , I said you know many, many
people testified about thismiracle, those who were on the
trip.
You know I've heard about it menot being there personally.
I heard about it from severalother team members and it makes
me think, you know, just like inthe new Testament times, it
makes me think, you know, justlike in the New Testament times,
(26:12):
when Jesus went from place toplace performing his miracles,
it was as much for the personwho was the recipient of the
miracle as it was for the crowd,you know, that took and spread
the story and I think you'revery right, it was for him, it
was for you, it was for theother team members, it was for
(26:35):
the local pastors.
But the story doesn't end there.
So this is why I really wantedus to talk today, allison, is
that what you received from Godduring that mission trip?
Personally?
Because you know, we go on amission trip with the idea that
we're embarking on doingsomething for God, but it's when
(26:57):
, indeed, in fact, it's himinviting us because he wants to
do something for us, but thenthe story doesn't end there.
So that was your firstexperience, first encounter with
the Great Commission.
So what happened when you cameback?
How did it change your life andmaybe the lives of others
(27:18):
around you.
Speaker 3 (27:25):
Well, when I got home and shared this story with my
church I mean, even that was amiracle because my pastor had
asked me even before I left whenyou come back, would you share
with the church?
And again, the social anxietyof my past it was like, okay, it
was a, it was a call to trustHoly Spirit to provide the words
.
I'm not a Bible teacher, I'mnot a pastor.
I thought, how can I possibly?
And yet I saw the Lord do it.
(27:45):
He just, he provided, he put itall together.
And so when I went home and Iand the story was, you know, I
saw this boy miraculously healedwhen we were in the dump.
I saw, you know, the Lord movein the garbage city.
I thought, if he can move inMexico, he can move in our city.
And our city is.
We have an opioid epidemic,there's a homelessness crisis.
(28:10):
I mean, it is a dark, dark timein our city.
And so when I came home andtold my tourists, listen, if God
can move in Mexico, he can movehere.
And we need to start believingfor that, we need to start
carrying hope.
This is his cry, that we wouldbe carriers of that hope.
And so it began, this desire tosee my city change, to see that
(28:34):
same type of transformationhappen here in a different way,
but to be done all the same.
And so the Lord, very quickly,I prayed, I said, lord, I can't
go back into my room Like Ican't not be a missionary, so
could you give me opportunity?
And he did, he brought, heopened the door to, you know,
have street ministry and and topartner with the church, you
(28:56):
know, and and we're seeinghealing and deliverance
happening here and which is, inturn, you know, encouraging our
church.
And, as we, you know, our newpastor came and stewarded all
this cause.
Literally the week that I wenton that trip to Mexico, our new
pastor came, and so it was allthat.
And he and his wife, they'reboth pastors, they both have a
(29:17):
deep love for missions, and soit was like the Lord just
bringing it all together andwe're talking two years of
steady prayer for that churchand for me and the call that he,
you know, I didn't know at thatpoint where he was taking me, I
just knew I wanted to beobedient.
And so he's opened the door forministry at home, to be a
(29:38):
missionary here.
And that was what I heard whenI came home from Mexico is
Alison, I need you to be amissionary when you're in
Timmins and I need you to be amissionary when I call you out.
And so and part of that issharing the testimony with my
church and, because of thepastors that we have and their
openness to hear about what Godis doing and to share it with
the people, I've been able to dothat not only with with Mexico,
(30:02):
but then with Thailand inFebruary, and then all of the
street ministry.
You know miracles andtestimonies, and so it's just
been this ripple effect and weare seeing, you know, healing
and deliverance happening in ourchurch and an outpouring of the
spirit that I've never seen aslong as I've been there, which
is almost four years.
Speaker 2 (30:22):
And then there is something happening in your
family.
As a, I feel like it's anextension of the blessing that
you're receiving for yourobedience of stepping out in
faith.
So God started moving in yourfamily in the ways that you
never expected.
Speaker 3 (30:40):
No, no, because obviously, like my children, had
not been raised, you know, inthe church.
You know I had left, and soreally, the only bit of Jesus
that they have seen is in theselast eight years that I've been
following the Lord, and and it'sI mean anybody that would tell
you it's a dramatic andcompletely like transformation.
(31:02):
There's no other word for it.
It's just I'm not, I don'trecognize myself, and it's
wonderful, I don't.
You know, there's such joy inseeing the Lord change me and
shape me into somebody I don'teven recognize, and I really
like this person a lot more thanthe person that I was.
And so comes with all that isjust tremendous joy and the
desire to see other peopleexperience the same peace and
(31:25):
freedom.
So my boys have been watchingand I know that the Lord is
moving in their lives, speakingto them, guiding them,
protecting them.
The provision and protectionover their lives is uncanny, and
they even they're starting toacknowledge it, and so for that
I'm grateful.
Even my siblings were seeinghealing and recommitment to the
(31:46):
Lord, and so I just, yeah, I'mso grateful because the reality
is, you know, he didn't need todo any of those things, it was
enough that he saved me, youknow, and to see him trust me
enough not only to go and lovehis people well, but to share
(32:06):
his word, to share the word ofGod.
That is a huge responsibilityand it's a lot of fun.
I didn't expect that, thatspeaking and sharing about my
story like not only my testimonybut also what God is doing
through me, since salvation isjust been such a blessing.
(32:26):
And why sharing today is sowonderful because I really want
to toot his horn, you know, Iwant to make him famous.
That's really what it's about.
It's about saying listen, youdon't need to live in bondage
anymore, you don't need to livein darkness.
There is a there's the light oflife available to you.
And what a gift that he'sopened the door.
(32:47):
He's provided financially to beable to go and do this, and so
I'm looking forward to the nexttrip to.
Speaker 2 (32:55):
Moldova.
I'm excited for more adventureswith you.
Just watching God use you,stretch you, bring you to the
next level in your walk with himhas been really exciting and
encouraging and inspiring.
And so you know, I'm justthinking all you had to do is
(33:16):
say yes and he picked you upfrom there and kind of took you
on this adventure, and myhusband likes to call a mission
trip a date with God, and justyour story is a great example of
this very intensely personalencounter.
It's between you and Him, theseexperiences that only you and
(33:38):
Him can understand and connect,yet so impactful to the people
that are the recipients andbeneficiaries of your experience
with the Lord, and so I justwant to thank you for agreeing
to do this interview.
My prayer is that it willinspire and encourage those who
are listening today just toreach deep within their hearts,
(34:03):
and if there has been ahesitation or fear that has been
preventing you, our listeners,from saying yes to God, in
whatever way it may be, I thinkAllison would agree that all you
have to do is just say yes.
Speaker 3 (34:19):
That's right.
He's been so good and sofaithful.
And I tell people, you know,I've often used that date with
God but really what it's becomeis a honeymoon with him.
You know, really it's taken,it's become is a honeymoon with
him.
You know it really is.
It's taken that each, each tripI come back different the, the
level of relationship, theintimacy, the, the clarity of
(34:41):
his voice sharpens with each yes, and and that's what's so
beautiful.
And and people have said, oh,you've got the missionary bug,
and and and you know you, youfought.
You know you've got themissionary bug, but you know
what it is.
It really is as simple as this.
I have this perfect heavenlyfather who loves me and who
rescued me, and he asked me togo.
(35:04):
So I will say yes, and reallyit's just about buying the
ticket, and he does everythingelse.
He provides the words, heprovides the power and he
provides the people.
Every single person on everyteam that I've been on has been
a blessing to me and I believethe Lord has allowed me to bless
them in some way.
And so, no, don't allow fear tostep in the way, to get in the
(35:30):
way, because one thing he showedme in Thailand on a glass
bridge 300 feet in the air, wasthat when you have his word and
you have his spirit and you havehis presence, you can walk
through anything.
You can walk across anything,including a glass bridge or
(35:52):
including that runway to get onthat plane.
So I'm just grateful, I'mexcited to see what he has next,
and not only for me but for WMA.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Amen.
Well, I look forward to manymore adventures with you.
Thanks again for coming on.
Allison's journey is more thaninspiring.
It's a challenge.
When we say yes to the GreatCommission, god begins a work
that goes far beyond us.
He heals, he empowers and hemultiplies through us, and he
(36:29):
multiplies through us.
Allison's yes didn't just leadher to Mexico.
It led to revival in her ownheart, her neighborhood and her
church.
So now the question is whatcould God do through your yes?
Don't just be moved by what youheard.
Be moved to act.
(36:50):
Pray, go, speak, invite someoneto listen to this episode and
talk about it together.
And remember the GreatCommission isn't a task for the
few.
It's the invitation to live thelife you were made for.
I encourage you to visit ourwebsite, rfwmaorg.
There you can findopportunities, just like Allison
(37:17):
, to serve in the GreatCommission through short-term
missions all across the globe.
Thank you for joining us onLimitless Spirit.
Again, our website is rfwmaorg.
Until next time, keep sayingyes to the mission and watch
what God will do.
I'm Helen Todd.
Speaker 1 (37:37):
Limitless Spirit Podcast is produced by World
Missions Alliance.
We believe that changed liveschange lives.
If your life was transformed byChrist, you are equipped to
help others experience thistransformation.
Christ called his followers tomake disciples across the world.
World Missions Alliance givesyou an opportunity to do this
(38:01):
through short-term missions inover 32 countries across the
globe.
If you want to help those whoare hurting and hopeless and
discover your greater purpose inserving who are hurting and
hopeless, and discover yourgreater purpose in serving,
check out our website, rfwmaorgand find out how to get involved
.
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!