What is the character of God? 

That has been a big question I have been asking myself this past week. God is so many things all at once, it's hard to keep up. To put it all in one sentence is impossible because he is mixed into everything. Intertwined into all. 

Yesterday, our team was driving back from an adventure day to a historical site we visited called Tenam Puente. I gazed out the window, observing the culture on the streets of Mexico and listening to the music in the background that put me in a nostalgic mood. I thought about how grateful I was for all that the Lord had provided this year with the lessons he has taught me and the ways he has grown me. I began to think about his character and how I want to know more about him. I mentioned before in one of my last blogs about how I prayed to fall in love with Jesus and a part of falling in love with someone is wanting to know more and more about their character, "what they are all about" like Amanda would say. So I prayed and asked God to show me more of his character and to reveal to me how great and powerful he is. 

Just then, I saw the painted mural image of a lion on a wall with the name Yahweh underneath. If you read my last blog, you may remember what I learned recently about this name, how sacred and powerful it is. As we kept driving, I saw another painted image of a lion, this time with the name Elohim underneath. We kept driving even more and I saw the name Yeshua in big bold letters. I also saw a big mural of a lamb. 

The crazy thing about this is that the picture of a lion has been on my mind constantly. Lions are known for their strength, power, beauty, fearlessness, royalty and bravery. They are called the king of the jungle after all! In scripture, a lion is mentioned multiple times, symbolising Jesus in many different lights. 

In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is called the Lion of Judah when it says “And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” 

Jesus is the ONLY one worthy to open the scroll and break its seals, showing his supreme authority and victory over sin and death! The Lion of Judah also emphasizes Christs’ royal lineage which is recorded in the gospel of Matthew. 

Jesus descends from King David who was a part of the tribe of Judah, fulfilling the prophecy in Genesis 49 that a ruler would arise from Judah’s lineage. It’s so SIGNIFICANT because it ties Jesus to the royal bloodline making him a rightful King and Messiah. The tribe of Judah represented leadership, kingship, and praise, so when Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah, he is also worthy of all these characteristics. 

What’s even more interesting is the fact that Jesus is referenced as both a lion and a lamb, embodying the many characteristics he withholds. While the lion represents the part of him that is dominant, authoritative, majestic, and courageous, the lamb shows the gentle side of him and symbolizes the sacrifice he paid for us on the cross. Together, they exhibit the FULL picture of Jesus’ nature: the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sin of the world and the conquering lion who reigns victorious. 

The Lion of Judah represents the qualities of a protector and a ruler, like the Shepherd that Jesus is and how he watches over his flock (us) with UNWAVERING strength! He is the defender of his people and ensures that his kingdom is established in righteousness, showing further how no enemy can stand against him. 

Knowing that Jesus is the lion that protects his children, belongs to royalty, and is dominant over all makes me feel so safe and ensures me with who I am as a child of God. 

I am guarded from danger. 

     The enemy has no power over me because Christ defeats all evil. 

           I am a princess, a daughter of the king and wear a crown of beauty on my head. 

                 I can be fearless and courageous because Jesus is and can run with bravery because the Lord’s got me. 

As well as this, I looked further into the other many names Jesus possesses. The many different names God attains represents specific attributes, functions, and relationships with humanity. Yahweh signifies his presence, self-existness, and faithfulness. Elohim means “God” or “mighty creator”. Jesus used the word Elohim in short in the form of Eloi when he cries out on the cross Eloi, Eloi, lema sabbathani meaning My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? The name Adonai means “Lord” or “Master”. Yeshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus that directly translates to “salvation” or “He saves”, deriving from the root yasha meaning to "deliver" or "rescue". Yeshua also represents the ongoing, active state of salvation rather than just a one-time event. 

There are so many other names that Jesus goes by that are astounding. El Shaddai, Jireh, Rapha, Shalom, Abbah, El Elyon, El Roi, Shammah, Gibhor. They are all so unique and have such different meanings. I love being able to look into and understand the many qualities that God has and lives out. Even though the languages are different, they all reference the same God that believers worship and exalt. 

Learning all this information makes me want to continue learning even MORE about the character of God. I am reading through Exodus and as I continue to dive into topics I don’t know much about, I have learned more and more about how everything is connected. How the story of Jesus is like a puzzle coming together with all the different pieces throughout history. How everything we know all comes back to Jesus because ultimately, he is all that matters in this world. Over the next weeks that I am in Mexico, I am going to continue looking further into God’s character and also begin reading Revelation! I’ve been drawn to the book countless times throughout this trip and would love to learn even more through hearing about the end times.  

MINISTRY

We have one more week with these kids and then it's onto the next place. It saddens me to think about us leaving them after having formed such strong bonds and relationships with them. It has been such a blessing to spend time with each and every one of them and to see them open up to us and grow more and more. I continue to pray for them everyday that the Lord would guide them on the paths He has for them and would heal them from their past. I pray that his presence would be laid upon the entire campus and that such an overflowing love would fill their hearts. Our team went around the campus this past week and prayed for the rooms of where our team is staying and the dormitories, cafeterias, and play spaces of the kids. The next morning we woke up and the space felt different. More peaceful, joyful, and united: the exact requests we had prayed for. The Lord is so good in providing the exact prayer requests we asked. I’ll say it again and again: prayer is powerful, never stop praying. 

FUNDRAISING YEAR 2 JOURNEY SCHOOL 

I have officially committed to going on Year 2 of Journey School to Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia. With that, I am beginning the process of fundraising and partnering with all of you to help raise support in being able to make this a reality! The full cost to attend is $17,900 covering the costs of meals, lodging, ministry, and travel. If you are willing to partner with me through prayer or finances, reach out to me and I would love to talk about the vision behind the trip, how this past year has gone, and the goals I have for these countries. The Lord is going to do so much and I am so excited to see how his plan plays out and the fruit he produces! 

Link for fundraising is down below!

https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/2026-gapless-gap-year-asia-and-australia-26js0828gap-986141313/participants/hailey-studem

PRAYER

I would love it if you all could pray for… 

• Guidance and direction for our team

• Faithfulness in the unknown

• Growth in every aspect

• Patience with each other and with being flexible to changes of plans 

• Humility and honor within us

Thank you Jesus for this past week, for teaching me new lessons about your character and greatness. I thank you for revealing to me your beauty in your creation and in scripture. You are so much more than I could ever imagine, it makes my head spin sometimes, but I love it! It's amazing how there is never a limit with you, never a time when there is nothing to learn about you. Continue to show me your majesty and how you are involved in everything. Make me fall in love with you more and more and stay hungry and thirsty for you. Thank you for putting a knowing in my heart for next year of Journey School. I love you Lord and am so grateful for all that you are doing in my life and other’s lives around me. 

In your name, Amen

Blessings to all of you. I am praying for you and your walks with God. 

Hailey

RESOURCES I USED

https://www.wisdomonline.org/blog/lion-of-judah/?srsltid=AfmBOop_gncoWTKgxSyduITSYot_bGTU-waAjsmNaFHn7Esw6vmDpoSs&_tag_jss=1

https://www.gotquestions.org/lions-in-the-Bible.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html

As I sit down to reflect on my recent mission trip, my heart is filled with warmth and gratitude. This journey has been more than just a series of tasks and activities; it has been a profound encounter with God, a moment where faith and purpose intertwined in ways I never expected.

Each day unfolded like a page in a beautifully crafted story, revealing new chapters of spiritual growth. I found myself surrounded by a vibrant community, each member a testament to the resilience and love that fuels our collective mission. The smiles exchanged, the hands joined in prayer, and the laughter that filled the air—these were glimpses of heaven on earth.

During our time together, I became acutely aware of how God works through us, using our willingness to serve as a conduit for His love. Every challenge we faced morphed into an opportunity for growth, not just for those we served but for ourselves as well. It was a reminder that in our weakness, His strength shines brightest.

This mission trip was not just about reaching out to others; it was a sacred pilgrimage inward. I encountered God in the faces of those we met, in the stories they shared, and in the quiet moments of reflection. Each experience deepened my faith journey, reminding me that we are all interconnected through our shared humanity and divine purpose.

As I return home, I carry with me not just memories, but a renewed spirit and a heart eager to continue this journey of faith. I am hopeful for what lies ahead, knowing that every step we take in service is an invitation to encounter God anew. Let us embrace the call to love and serve, for in doing so, we not only uplift others but also nurture our own spiritual growth.