|
|
|
Posted in Field Support by Nick Hindes on 9/12/2011
In the last week, Real Life has gone through some amazing changes. In fact, it's kind of a big deal. Check it out to see the exciting news.
Click here to continue reading...
| |
|
Posted in Spiritual Life by Stephanie Johnson on 8/7/2011
Many poeple has asked me,"what have you learned this summer"?How was you summer? Words in a couple minutes can not explain at all what I have learned and what God has revealed to me.
Some people know and others don't. My boyfriend and I of 2 years and 8 months broke up a couple days before the trip ended. Does it hurt?Yes it hurts a lot because the man I loved for so long is no longer in my life. The person I use to call first when good news happened is not there any more. The person I went to when tears were overwhelming my eyes is no longer there to give me comfort or a shoulder to cry on. The relationship my boyfriend and I had is no longer the same.
Many people wonder why I am not mad at him or wanting to get back at him or make him pay. The thing is...pay for what? He and I apparently have been feeling the same thing, him it was just longer than mine. We both felt God tugging on our hearts that we should let go of our relationship and refocus it on the most important relationship...mine and God's.
Do I believe love is a choice...YES. God gave us free will to do what we want and God does not make or choose who we date. But I do believe God knows what is best for us. I believe that Lyle and I were not ready for the next step because individually we were not our own person. I know for me, I did put a lot of who I was in my relationship with Lyle. I only thought I was beautiful because I had someone there to tell me I was beautiful. I thought I was worth something because I had someone there to tell me all the things I needed to hear. But deep down I knew something was not right in my heart.
The image I had was at the beginning of training camp. It was the image of me sprinting towards a cliff. I stopped before I hit the edge and heard something say let go and you will be free. I remember staring down and wondering what do I need to let go of? The thing that came to my head was Lyle and I said no this is not of God. I love this man and I choose him. But something told me that there is more out there for me and that he was holding me back. But I continued to ignore it because I loved Lyle and I wanted too us to the end.
I know God revealed much more when I had my first one on one with our leader benny. I remember talking to him and we started talking about Lyle and when we did I felt something in his eyes that he knew Lyle and I were going to end our relationship. I did not want to ask about it because I was afraid to. But the thing that got me was that he said the same thing I imagined. About me running towards the cliff and if I just let go of what ever was holding me back, God would use me in some sick ways.
As the trip went on God revealed more and more of who I was in him. That I am CONFIDENT, a WARRIOR, and REDEEMED. That one was probably my favorite because I have been redeemed. No one can make me feel the guilt of my past sins because God has sent his son not only to rid away the sin, but also the guilt of the sin. Confident is the word that I learned in the matter I am a daughter of a king. I am BELOVED by the king of kings. I am protected and my strength is not in my hands, but in my Christ Jesus. And a warrior. Which how exciting is that I am a warrior for Christ. Not many people understand this, but this trip I learned so much about freedom in Christ that some people look at me and think I am weird.
Then as the summer went on we read the book called the birthright which has put in my heart the desire to have more of a relationship with my God through his Word and prayer. Too many times I tried to obtain righteousness by what I did or how well I followed the laws of the old testament. But God calls us to be human beings not human doings. Which I know I am not the only one who falls into this catagory. God spoke to my team about how God really just wants to be intimate with us and not just be something we do with devo and church. For those who are in relationships would you only hang out with your significant other every sunday and every morning for 20 minutes. NO...you have a desire to pursue the person you are with to be more intimate with them. God wants that with us as well.
Then came the day of the break. I called Lyle and we talked on the phone and when we talking something in my heart was not right. So I asked what he was thinking and if there was anything to tell me. He said he had a lot about us with marriage and not feeling were going to be ready. Then something inside said let go. So I asked him has he been thinking of wanting to break up. At first he said no, but I felt the spirit tell me to let go. So I told Lyle if he was not confident in the relationship to let me go. So he did. My mind wanted to fight and be like " no no, I can be better and I can change." But my heart was at peice even though it felt like it just got torn into tiny peices. We said our good byes and I hung up the phone. I did not cry until I left the internet cafe and I remember crying so hard. I didn't even care who saw me.
I remember crying so hard because I felt plaquated. That all the promises made were all just cheap words. And that God really did rock my world because I had my book planned out and now when I look at the book of my life for the future it is all blank pages that I see.No wedding, no house in michigan, no children, everything was gone. And it scared me so much because I had the fear of being alone and not good enough. But I was thankful to have the people from my mission trip because they encouraged me and were there for me so much and they made things so much easier than they could have been.
Now through this I was told I have one of two options. I can either be a virtor of the situation or be a victum. The truth is God has made me stronger than I have ever been this summer. Did I have weak moments and some days I felt utterly alone...YES...but God has been more faithful with his promises and revealing more of who he is through all this.
I am hurting right now because I don't have the person around me whom I loved and our relationship will not be the same as it was. But I am excited for the plans the Lord has for me. Do I know what they look like...no. But I do know I have nothing holding me back because I am getting ready to finally jump the ledge and be like God I am fully yours.
So what did I learn this summer? I learned my identity in Christ. My identity is not in any earthly thing like people, what I do, who I am with, or obtaining an MRS degree by the time I gradutae. I am a daughter of the living God and I know God has a baller husband out there for me, but in the meantime I am excited for the plans that God has for me for now. And people reading this be excited for me as well. I don't need pity or to be sorry for because I am a conqueror through Christ. Isn't that exciting? So rejoice with me that Lyle and I heard the holy spirit and are ready for what God has in stored for us individually. But be there for us too because both of us are still hurting, but I know God will make us stronger through this.
| |
|
Posted in Ministry by Brent Hamilton on 8/4/2011
How would most churches respond if there was a man sitting in the pews, or rather laying in the pews, so drunk that he would repeadedly fall off the pew and end up sprawling in the dirt? Let's back up a step? What would YOU do/think if you saw this in your church? Would questions like "why is this dude even here?" pop up in your head? Or would you be overwhelmed with compassion for someone who is caught up in a counterfeit, a cheap version of peace, a search for meaning that led to the most overwhelmingly lonely space on the face of the earth?
It's a legitimate question, and one that I must ask myself every day. Popularized by bracelets in the 90's, but no less true, What Would My Jesus Do?
Would he be worried about appearances, too caught up in His religious standing that he wouldn't help the man up, embrace Him, and tell Him of the Father's love for Him? None of this was sunning through my head that night, when I saw the very scenario I described unfold before my eyes. It was a knee jerk reaction. There was a man on the floor, and I knew that he needed love. So I helped him up, and threw my arm around his shoulders. And I sat there and interceded on his behalf during the whole church service. Not so that I could look super spiritual, or to make a good story. If that was my reason for being on the mission field, I picked the wrong thing to do with my life. So little of it has any glory, and recognition, anything that the world would call success.
But who decided that we have to have worldly success? Who decided that any time we bring Kingdom, and are the hands and feet of Jesus, that no matter what it looks like, we aren't succesful unless we get an article written about us, or something spectacular happens?
Again, a legitimate question.
The thing that blows my mind the most about this story, is that the Peruvians did not try to kick Ramone out of the church. And I knew that that was the place that Ramone needed to be the most. Even though he had no idea what God was doing in his heart, God was at work in his heart. There were several of us praying over this guy during the whole church service, and so even though we didn't see a dramatic change, and even though he wasn't set free that night, every time we speak truth over someone, something changes in the Spiritual realm. And so I felt led by the Holy Spirit to not only start declaring the truth of who Ramone is in Christ, but the identity that God has for him to walk in, and also to stand in the gap and be a voice of triumph, a voice of victory over Ramone, to do battle with the Holy Spirit against the spirits that had control of him.
And the Lord started to highlight specific spirits that were binding him and blinding his eyes. Ramone would be slumped over almost looking like he was asleep, but when I would speak out against specific spirits, he would jerk up and shoot me this piercing stare that had "I'm going to choke you to death" written all over it. That was what my spirit heard in that moment, and it terrified me, but I didn't quit praying.. He would slump over again, but every time the same thing would happen.
I thought I was about to see something dramatic happen, like demons being cast out of him, like victory over the darkness in his life. But he left just as drunk and confused as he came. But even still, I know that I did exactly what God had for me in that night, and that the truth that was spoken over him by the team was not void, because God's word never returns to Him void, and I stand on that truth with all my heart. Even though we may never see the fruit of that encounter, I know that somethign changed in that man's heart, and it's not my responsibility to worry about the outcome, but only to be faithful with the opportunities that God has given me.
I got the opportunity to be love, to be Kingdom to that man. In short, I got to worship with a drunk man. And maybe someday, he'll learn what it means to not be drunk with wine, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. That is my prayer for Ramone, and I hope that those who read this will join me in that.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Melanie Steinke on 7/31/2011
I was thinking about how long it has been since I have left for this trip. I was reminded of the day that I left for training camp. That day, I once thought, was one I would always hate. While leaving to come on this adventure I was scared, anxious, upset, and lost. I was a girl who needed to be a freed woman, yet had no clue. I leaned on my own strength and my own understanding. I served and loved God without knowing how much He loves me and how much He wants me to persevere. All these things sound pretty awful don´t they? Yeah, well things change.
After two months in the Amazon Jungle, serving beautiful people while worshipping our beautiful God, I am no longer that girl.
I am now a woman of God.
I am now free.
I now love my Daddy while knowing how much He loves me in return.
I now know my God has plans to prosper me.
I now know who I am; my identity.
I now know how to lean on my Father in all circumstances.
I now know the voice of my Father.
Now I look back onto that same day and I see God moving. I see His excitement as the new chapter He planned for my life was just beginning. I see my Daddy comforting me as I cried and as I hurt. And most of all I see the chains that I had wrapped around me slowly slipping. The chains that I had once THOUGHT were locked to my ankles came loose. The "locks" that kept those chains so tight were not locks at all. They were me. And now I know the choice that I, MYSELF, have. I have the choice to step into the freedom that Christ died for 2,000 years ago. This is my choice, not God´s. He already made the choice to send His son to become every single one of my sins. He already made the choice to adopt me as His daughter. Now I know the rest is up to me. And you know what I have chosen?
FREEDOM! :)
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Leah Scharfenberg on 7/31/2011
There is so so much that has gone on these last couple of months, I dont know how I could ever sum it up in a short blog. I've slept on concrete floors, the wooden benches of boats, random peoples' hammocks, worn church floors, and outside under the jungle stars, and I've loved every second of it! I've made many new friends and grown exponentially more than I thought I could in two months time. I've learned more in Peru than years of schooling could ever teach me. Best of all, I've seen God work in AMAZING, powerful, miraculous, glorifying ways! One of the lessons he's been teaching me over this summer is that I can put my trust and faith in him, because he WILL provide. I'm going to share a story that should give a small window into the ways that the Lord has been working and teaching me this.
My team was getting ready to leave on a youth retreat to another village, but we ended up running late and had to take our lunch onto the boat with all the youth. We were then faced with the awkwardness of serving out our hot meals to our American team while over 40 youth (between ages of 15-25) rode along and watched. So we decided we would serve it all out to everyone on the boat, so that at least everyone would have a little bit. When we began serving we were ready to put tiny amounts on each plate to try and make it reach, when one of my team mates decided we should go all out instead, saying that we had prayed over it and God would multiply it. So we served out the food, praying as more and more bowls came down the line. Slowly, we watched as the same amount of food that is usually a stretch for the 25 of us fed over 60 people, and all were satisfied. Our God is a PROVIDER who hears our prayers and cares for ou needs!
Now I'm headed back to the states tomorrow, and it's very bitter-sweet. I love Peru so much, and would not have traded this summer for the world! On the other hand, I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends and family and being able to tell you more of God's working this summer and share more of what I've learned. Thank you for reading, and there should be more to come soon!
| |
|
Posted in Miracles by Whitney Taapken on 7/30/2011
Shortly before coming to Peru I wondered if I would even be able to go due to finances. But... God pulled a miracle on me and provided the money for me to go.
I actually spoke about this in Iquitos during our first few days here. I spoke about the sparrow. How not one of them will fall without God knowing. If he takes care of sparrows, how much more will he take care of us?
I want to direct your attention to another time when God provided: five loaves and two fish multiplied and fed thousands. And there were a lot of leftovers!
This happened with our team, except with chicken and rice and it fed 70 instead of 20.
We were on our way to a youth retreat with 40-50 Peruvian youth with us. Most of them hadn´t eaten lunch and neither had we. So we decided that we would share our food with them. Some of us didn´t think that we had enough food for everyone to eat, but we started to serve the food anyway. As we dished out the food it didn´t seem to be diminishing any. Finally everyone was fed and satisfied.... And we had some leftovers!
Most of didn´t realize it until Brentastic pointed it out to us during team time a few days later. I know I sure didn´t realize it, but our God is an awesome God!
So... To sum up this short blog: even when circumstances look bleak and we don´t think there is a way out, God will always provide for us. He loves us more than anything. He is a loving father, and what father wouldn´t provide for their children?
| |
|
Posted in Spiritual Life by Lauren Dalton on 7/30/2011
There is so much to share and such little blank space to put it all in. As you know the access to computers has been very minimum but thank you Jesus here I am. I will be blogging more when I return home in a few days. Trying to help you grasp my Heart and all the places God has moved and healed. In our team spiritualy and physically and everyone we have gotten to come in contact with. Awesome can´t grasp how awesome my master, my farther, my Groom is. This is how i´m going to start you off....
Dear Satan,
You mistreat me
You drowned out the voice of reason
You bring confusion
You bring struggle
You raise me up just to throw me down
You walk all over me
You are the every-other guy in my life
Abuse, depression, decietful, and minipulation is what you are
Dont you dare tell me you Love me
Dont pretend you know what Love is
You are jealous of me
I have what you never will
I feel a love you cant even begin to imagine
You try to touch me, try to hold
on to what I have
In the name of ¨I am¨
In the name of the one I Love
...
Get off me!
See Satan, I am covered in His blood
Created
Stained
and
Paid For!
Everytime you mistreat me, He heals me
Bring confusion and struggle, There will be clarity and Peace
Bring me down to walk over me, I´ll embrace being humbled
You are the last unhealthy, ungodly relationship I will allow to distract me
Tender Care
Joy
Faithful
and
Forthright is what I will overcome you with.
Satan I will tell you I Love You everyday
I will teach you what true In Love is
Be jealous of me.
You are welcome to try to grasp what I have.
Try to imagine the love my Groom and I share.
In the name of ¨Iam¨
In the name of the one I Love
In the name of Jesus Christ
I rebuke You
I Love You
I will be victor over You For Eternity
Plainly Noted,
Lauren Mae
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Whitney Taapken on 7/29/2011
That title is so true. We are told this almost every day of our lives. But do you really believe it? I didn´t, but now I do.
Here are a few things that we´ve gone without here in Peru:
Beds
Running water
Communication
Privacy
Personal space
Electricity
These are just a few things. But we went without so much more than that.
I learned on this trip that I am so spoiled in America. We have so much and we take it for granted. I´m not saying that it´s bad to have everything that we have, it´s just bad to take it for granted. God has taught me to be grateful for everything... Including rice, beans, and chicken everyday. At least it´s food.
So all I ask from you the reader is that you think about the things in life that you take for granted, and start to be thankful for them. It´s hard to do sometimes. I know that from experience, but you´ll be amazed at how differently you look at things when you are grateful for everything.
Dear God,
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to serve you and the people of Peru. Thank you for everything that I have, big and small. Thank you for this team, my friends, my family, my pet dog Henry. Thank you for allowing me to live in America. Thank you for everything!
Amen
¡GRACIAS PARA TODOS!
| |
|
Posted in Spiritual Life by Brent Hamilton on 7/29/2011
The sun came up, and the sun went down; just like any other day. Nothing in the natural realm set the day of which I am writing apart from any other day. It was by all appearances a normal day, well, as normal goes for twenty some Americans in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. Our definition of normal is drastically different than when we got on a plane two months ago. The place was Castaña.
The Lord has been unleashing a crazy amount of freedom in all of us, freedom to live by His Spirit, under the new covenant. Hes been teaching each of us what it really looks like to live this lifestyle of radical abandonment to the leading of the Spirit. And when I say radical, the word really isnt all that great of a descriptive term. The new covenant and by extension the Gospel offends a lot of people, because its so ridiculously simple. A child can understand it, and it can be summed up i na single word: LOVE. Grace motivated by love is the good news that we have to offer the world. But for a lot of people who are trapped into an old covenant mindset, where we have to follow the law to live in the pleasure of God, we are trapped in our own sin, because the Law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.
Weve also been learning that the more you are led by the Spirit, the more Hes going to lead you in the paths of righteousness. Many peoples objection to truly being free is that it leads to liscentiousness and all kinds of sinfulness. But if were truly using our freedom and walking by the Spirit, Hes going to lead us in righteousness! Its not about behavior modification or cleaning the outside of the cup. Jesus cleans us from the inside out.
The day Im writing about is the day I learned how to surrender my life, but its also the first day I truly lived. Its the day I decided to die to myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus, putting my flesh to death once and for all, but gaining a new life that cannot be taken away. It is not my salvation story, but the story of my baptism. Before this trip I had been dealing with a lot of guilt and shame for the rough times I have gone through in my past, and the sins that I used to live in. I was dealing also with a lot of lies telling me that I was going to fall straight back into them upon arrival at home. But that day in Castaña something clicked.
I learned how to be a victor instead of a victim.
The Lord began to reveal in a crazy way what it looks like to truly live by grace in His Spirit under the new covenant and not by the letter of the law, which leads to death. But that day, I decided that the battle had been won, and that in Christ I am a victor. I no longer have to live that old life, because that man is dead, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives within me.
I was baptized the first time when I was 5 years old, and I said something kind of funny, and Ill relate that here. After I was baptized, I said. You know that part about preaching to the whole world, well, I dont know if ill ever see the whole world. Fast forward 12 years and here I was in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, chest deep in water that resembled poop, with Benny (one of our leaders, an awesome man of God) and the Holy Spirit, ready to make my declaration to not only all of those present, but also to myself, and the forces of darkness who were hounding me. It was a spiritually violent act that solidified my decision to deny myself and follow Christ, and my decision that Im never going back to those things again.
I cannot explain adequately with words the feelings that flooded through my head after coming up out of that water (well, aside from water rushing up my nose, I can tell you how that feels.) But what I can tell you is that there was a heavy presence of God on that place, and I have never felt so alive in my life. It was truly my birthday spiritually speaking.
I have decided to follow Jesus, wherever He leads me, for my whole life. Im never going back to who I was, and Im never going to stop chasing after Your heart God.
| |
|
Posted in Spiritual Life by Dustin Mitchell on 7/29/2011
The first thing I have to say is God is in control.
But, I do not always know what He is going to do or has in mind for me to do. A lot of times, though, He lets me get a glemps of where he is taking me, and sometimes I do not like the way it looks. This is where trust comes into play. I personally know that His plan for me is better than anything I could ever do on my own, and whether or not I like the way it looks at the time I have a choice to do one of two things, I can either prolong the inevitable or just bite the bullet and go with it. In other words I can either trust in Him and follow where He is taking me or I can TRY to do it on my own which then will only make the process longer and harder.
There is so much good news in the Bible that God put in there for us, stuff that I never knew was there, it is so awesome. One of the biggest things that I personally learned about is FREEDOM. Freedom through Jesus that is. I have learned and taken in so much about this freedom that it will forever be ingraved in my flesh in the way I am living and the way I will live the rest of my life, and also in my mind in the way i think and act towards others. I absolutely LOVE my Jesus. SOY LIBRE!!!!!!!!!!!
| |
|
Next 10 Articles >>
|
|
|
