I am currently in Brigong (sp?) which is outside of Dinajpor. We are staying at the church compound which is actually a Compassion International base. There are about 200 kids who come here daily, all of them are full of smiles and wanting attention! As soon as they see us walk out of the house, they start running and screaming, "Auntie!" I don't know what it is about kids calling us that, but that is also what kids called us (the girls!) in Hawaii, too! The house we are staying in is nice and the women who cook for us are so sweet!. We have the same meal everyday. It usually consists of potatoes, rotee(tortilla type things), coffee, jelly, and eggs for breakfast and lunch is the same thing, but with some type of meat (goat, lamb, cow, or chicken) and for supper we usually get potatoes, rice, meat, jelly, and rotee. Ay yi yi!! Ha Ha! The other night they surprised us with crepes, ice cream, and french fries. The most unhealthy meal ever, but all of us were like, 'Oh My gosh!! ' It was exciting!
Our ministry is going well. Three days a week we take a van ride for about an hour or two to different villages and we also went to another Compassion base. One time when we showed up to a village there was a marching band to greet us. We danced the whole way into the village!! We have tea and snacks and sing. We preach and do skits and have prayer. I have preached one time and will preach again on Monday. I have talked on 'finding Gods love in your pain.' It went well and I liked it. The groups we speak to range from 20 to 250 people. When I spoke it was in a Christian community, but we have spoken to Hindu and Muslim communities, too. We also minister to children, women, and youth. The people here are all so hospitable and genuine. They will do anything to make us feel comfortable. We do get a lot of stares and it gets old, but I guess they never see white people.
I have gotten used to the poverty now, but when I go through the pictures we have taken I just think of how unreal it is! It looks like the pictures in the magazines of the people who need help. Little kids holding babies, no diapers, dirty faces and hands, bare feet, men and women and sometimes children working in fields. Once you've seen one village you've seen them all!
I am doing pretty well. I am sorry I will be missing Christmas, but God planned for me to be here for Christmas. My team is getting along well. Some days are more difficult, but I guess thats a given with 9 people in a foreign country. A lot of us have been sick with colds though. We are not used to this chilly weather. It's not freezing, but we didn't bring warm clothes and we always wear flip flops. I have not been sick though. I would appreciate prayers for just missing home and just being able to encourage the people here. I can't imagine living the way they do.
Please pray for all of us. We need your prayers!
Love,
Ames
(posted by Mom)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
HAVE ARRIVED IN BANGLADESH
Where do I even begin to tell you all what I feel and see here in Bangladesh?!! I am currently in Dhaka, but I leave tomorrow to go up north to begin our ministry. Right now there is a festival going on called "Eid." It involves the sacrificing of cows and goats for the peoples sins. Tomorrow is the day that this will take place, so I will be seeing a lot of blood!! Yesterday we had breakfast in our hotel and then we were able to leave the building. We had not seen anything yet because we arrived at 2 in the morning the night before. As soon as we stepped out, I was overwhelmed by the dirt and the stares from the people. The sounds of horns were everywhere and no one stops for anything! People were asking for money and we were told not to look at them. I am happy to be here though. This is short and vague, but I have to get going. I know God is going to do big things through us, but I would love to have your prayers. I see the beauty in the people and Gods love for them. I will try and write again, but it may be hard to find a place to get on a computer. Please remember me in your prayers!
Miss you all
Ames
Miss you all
Ames
Friday, December 5, 2008
Bangladesh Here I Come!!
Hello Everyone!
I am in Chaing Mai Thailand right now! I am loving it. What a beautiful place and culture. I have loved the food and the people I have gotten to know the past couple of days. I leave today for Bangladesh. We fly out of here and into Bangkok. We arrive in Bangladesh about 2 in the morning. I am so excited to see the ways God is going to work! I don't know what to expect when we get there but I know that the internet will be a rare thing. I will try to update you all as much as I can.
My prayer is that I will adjust quickly to the culture (or as much as i can!) I want to show Gods love to the people and give them hope. I just want to be used where God needs me. I know I can't save anyone and I won't be anyones hero but I know that God has such big plans for me as well as my team.
Thank you again for all the love and support with this adventure I am on!
I am so blessed to have all of you in my life.
<3
I am in Chaing Mai Thailand right now! I am loving it. What a beautiful place and culture. I have loved the food and the people I have gotten to know the past couple of days. I leave today for Bangladesh. We fly out of here and into Bangkok. We arrive in Bangladesh about 2 in the morning. I am so excited to see the ways God is going to work! I don't know what to expect when we get there but I know that the internet will be a rare thing. I will try to update you all as much as I can.
My prayer is that I will adjust quickly to the culture (or as much as i can!) I want to show Gods love to the people and give them hope. I just want to be used where God needs me. I know I can't save anyone and I won't be anyones hero but I know that God has such big plans for me as well as my team.
Thank you again for all the love and support with this adventure I am on!
I am so blessed to have all of you in my life.
<3
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Here I am, 3 days away from leaving on outreach! I can't believe how the time flies! These past 2.5 months have been life changing. I learned so much each week and I have made lifetime friends. God has blessed me with so much here.
The past two weeks have especially gone by quick. My ammmaazing family came to visit! I loved having Dad, Mom, Kyle, and Grandma here :) We got to spend a lot of time together sight seeing around the island, 4-wheeling where Pearl Harbor, Lost, Jurassic Park, 50 first dates, and so many other movies were filmed, had great dinners, (rare for me since being here) hiking, and time to just be together. They were here for a total of ten days and they got to sit in on some lectures too! Dr. Ron Carlson who wrote Fast Facts on False Teachings came and shared with us on each religion and we all learned a lot.
I also wanted to let you all know that I will not have my laptop or anything while I am gone. I will try and get on and update as often as possible. In Bangladesh they turn off electricity sometimes to save money and we are not sure if there are internet cafe's there or not. I would also appreciate your prayers. There are issues happening in India and Thailand that are making it iffy if we can actually get into Bangladesh. We know that God is good and we are trusting that He will get us where we need to be safely. All of my team is excited about the unknown. God has everything planned out and He is waiting for us to follow in His footsteps.
As much as I have learned these past months I am so much more excited to now apply what I have learned and see the ways God will work. I pray that I will touch lives and bring Gods love to the broken hurting people there. We have had numerous times of prayer as a team and I have been praying for a heart for Bangladesh. One night I just felt like God was speaking to me and saying "Just tell them I love them." Its easy to force my own opinions on people but I want my actions to show love. I will be pushed and stretched but God will be holding me together. This adventure will be an exciting one. I can not wait to share all the stories. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I will keep you all in my prayers too!
<3
The past two weeks have especially gone by quick. My ammmaazing family came to visit! I loved having Dad, Mom, Kyle, and Grandma here :) We got to spend a lot of time together sight seeing around the island, 4-wheeling where Pearl Harbor, Lost, Jurassic Park, 50 first dates, and so many other movies were filmed, had great dinners, (rare for me since being here) hiking, and time to just be together. They were here for a total of ten days and they got to sit in on some lectures too! Dr. Ron Carlson who wrote Fast Facts on False Teachings came and shared with us on each religion and we all learned a lot.
I also wanted to let you all know that I will not have my laptop or anything while I am gone. I will try and get on and update as often as possible. In Bangladesh they turn off electricity sometimes to save money and we are not sure if there are internet cafe's there or not. I would also appreciate your prayers. There are issues happening in India and Thailand that are making it iffy if we can actually get into Bangladesh. We know that God is good and we are trusting that He will get us where we need to be safely. All of my team is excited about the unknown. God has everything planned out and He is waiting for us to follow in His footsteps.
As much as I have learned these past months I am so much more excited to now apply what I have learned and see the ways God will work. I pray that I will touch lives and bring Gods love to the broken hurting people there. We have had numerous times of prayer as a team and I have been praying for a heart for Bangladesh. One night I just felt like God was speaking to me and saying "Just tell them I love them." Its easy to force my own opinions on people but I want my actions to show love. I will be pushed and stretched but God will be holding me together. This adventure will be an exciting one. I can not wait to share all the stories. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I will keep you all in my prayers too!
<3
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Servants Heart
Well I am already beginning week 9 which means I only have 3 weeks until I leave for Bangladesh! Time is really flying here. It seems like I just got here but at the same time it seems like this is where I have always been. Its a weird feeling to explain!
I have had a blessed couple of weeks since my last "blogging session." :)
Last week was all about the character of God. Obviously I did not learn everything about His character within one week. That will last my whole life and even then it will not be enough time.
If you have not seen Louis Giglio's video called, How Great is Our God, I encourage you to go watch it! It will blow you away. It speaks of the stars and galaxies God spoke into existence as well as the human body and how complex it is. I thoroughly enjoyed my week of new revelations!
This week our speaker is Art Collins who is speaking on servanthood. What a great topic we all need to hear! We have only had 4 out of the 12 hours he will be speaking but I have already learned so much.
Have you realized the hands that molded the earth are the same hands that washed the feet of the disciples? The greatest servant to walk the earth was Jesus himself. He constantly blessed others not once asking, "now what do I get?" He gave in rich abundance and we hesitate to even give something as small as a part of our lunch away. If we treat each person like it is Jesus, could you imagine the kind of impact Christians would have? The words we speak can only go so far but if we have the love of Jesus pouring out, then we can truly make a difference.
My challenge to you would be to reach out to those around you. It may take a few moments but those few moments will echo in eternity. Matthew 25:40 says, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Its time to stop thinking life is all about ourselves. Put the eyes of our Heavenly Father on and see what is actually going on. People are hurting and people need the love of Jesus. This is not a time for selfishness. Be bold and step out in His love.
I have had a blessed couple of weeks since my last "blogging session." :)
Last week was all about the character of God. Obviously I did not learn everything about His character within one week. That will last my whole life and even then it will not be enough time.
If you have not seen Louis Giglio's video called, How Great is Our God, I encourage you to go watch it! It will blow you away. It speaks of the stars and galaxies God spoke into existence as well as the human body and how complex it is. I thoroughly enjoyed my week of new revelations!
This week our speaker is Art Collins who is speaking on servanthood. What a great topic we all need to hear! We have only had 4 out of the 12 hours he will be speaking but I have already learned so much.
Have you realized the hands that molded the earth are the same hands that washed the feet of the disciples? The greatest servant to walk the earth was Jesus himself. He constantly blessed others not once asking, "now what do I get?" He gave in rich abundance and we hesitate to even give something as small as a part of our lunch away. If we treat each person like it is Jesus, could you imagine the kind of impact Christians would have? The words we speak can only go so far but if we have the love of Jesus pouring out, then we can truly make a difference.
My challenge to you would be to reach out to those around you. It may take a few moments but those few moments will echo in eternity. Matthew 25:40 says, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Its time to stop thinking life is all about ourselves. Put the eyes of our Heavenly Father on and see what is actually going on. People are hurting and people need the love of Jesus. This is not a time for selfishness. Be bold and step out in His love.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Holy Spirit Come!
Its been a couple weeks since I have posted anything but there has been a lot going on! I am growing daily. I wake up each morning excited to see what else I can possibly learn about who God is and His character. My prayer each day has been for a new revelation each day of Him. I have gotten AT LEAST one a day. God is so good.
My week in Kona was amazing and God moved me in many ways. I realized the power that is within me and of course every believer. Its a shame that Chrisitans walk around worried about whats said when in our very own bodies we have the power of God and he can restore, heal, and show His goodness through us if we are willing to step into it. That was quite the revelation for me!
Last week we had Andy Byrd come. He is quite the man of God. He also encouraged us to walk in the Spirit and spoke to us about the power of prayer. The whole school here is so willing and open to act on what we hear that we began praying for physical healings right and left. There were many healed from headahces, stuffy noses, and necks. There were also those who weren't healed but that does not reflect on who God is at all! Andy told us how we as Christians do have the authority to heal, cast out demons, and spread His kingdom. (Luke 9:1-2, Matthew 10:8) God would not tell us to do something if we were not capable. We have to step out in faith and let the Holy Sprit work. The sick aren't going to heal themself. Step out, try, and see where God wants to use you. You'll never know the power within you if you don't try! Having Andy Byrd here on base really encouraged us all to increase our faith and believe in the power of prayer. Coming here I thought prayer was important but honestly I figured God is God and He will carry out what He wants to do whether or not i am praying about it. Now I have come to realize that God wants us to seek His heart and know His heart for the issues around the world and in our own lives. He doesn't NEED us but He wants to show us by praying and then we can catch a glimpse of His beautiful heart. If we are not acting in love then its in vain. Gods love is pure and true. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. You will be blown away. That was a tid bit of what I learned last week, now for this week...
This week is Holy Spirit week. OH MY GOSH! I am so excited and have already experienced some crazy things. We have another speaker from Kona. Her name is Amy Sollars. She told us her testimony and I can not believe what she has gone through. From a young age she saw the spiritual realm. From the ages 11-16 she was tormented by demons constantly. She would talk to them face to face and they would come visit her in her room. They filled her head with lies saying, you are not good enough, you are not pretty enough, you should kill yourself, no one likes you. It got to the point where they were throwing her against her wall in her room. She did not tell anyone because at the age she was worried people would think she was crazy and she would get sent to a mental hospital. When she was 16 she went to a church and the pastor prayed for her. Her eyes rolled back and a demon began speaking in a mans voice. After 30 minutes she was restored. She could not believe the silence in her head. It had not been quiet for five years! Could you imagine that ?!
With all of that said, she has the gift and of seeing the spiritual realm. She also has an amazing gift of prophecy. She can prophesy over anyone. It comes so easy to her and she can look at people and tell them about past or future events, whatever God is putting on her heart to say. So you can imagine the week we are coming upon!
Last night she spoke of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. I do not think many people have heard of this. We all have heard of water baptism but being baptized in the Holy Spirit is just asking Him to come upon us and fill us with His spirit and stating that you believe in Him and the Word of God. She said that a sign that He is moving is speaking in tongues and not to be afraid to say whats on our heart. A prayer in tongues is in "perfect form" and satan himself cannot understand it. As we all began praying this He began to move in our tin. Let me rewind to a year ago at CCU, one night I was upset and I asked God just to hold my hand and never let go as long as I live. I raised my hand as i laid in bed. My hand and arm began moving and I could not believe it! I asked God to never let me doubt that that had happened and to always know He's there holding me and guiding me each day. Back to lastnight...as i prayed I could feel Him moving and I laid there. Amy said He is coming to some of you and just wants you to raise your hands so i did. My arms began moving just like they did last year. I laid there and prayed. That lasted for about 15 minutes or so. I sat up and continued praying. I stood up again. While all of this was going on Amy went around praying, as well as all the staff. I had not been prayed for and thats when Satan moved in. I was attacked with lie after lie. I heard you are forgotten again, you haven't done enough, you aren't good enough, who's really there for you Amy. Those thoughts overwhelmed me and silent tears rolled down my face. Katie (staff) came and prayed for me asking why I was crying. I told her the thoughts going through my head and she prayed and rebuked them in the name of Jesus. I did feel better but still was thinking I really didn't experience much. We had to close our time since it was almost 830 and we have a sound ordinance on the base. Amy went to the front and said who tonight spoke in tongues for the first time and many people raised their hands. That made me more upset. Of course I was happy for everyone because their experiences with the Holy Spirit were amazing. After she was done speaking she came up to me. She asked if I had experienced anything and I told her about my hands and she held my hands and prayed for me saying come Holy Spirit, come fill Amy. She prayed against the doubt I was feeling and the fear. She saw how hungry I was for it and she spoke it out over me. I stood there with my hands open and Amy said, there He is, He's here, He's on you. I still stood there with fear and she said Amy, start speaking. At the moment with her encouragement I began speaking in tongues. That went on for about a minute and Amy just smiled when I opened my eyes. I had about four of my friends surrounding me by that time. I am so thankful for the amazing people here that God has placed in my life. I am constantly being pushed to be stronger in my walk with God and thats my desire to have those kind of people in my life. I am sick of whats "normal." I want to live for God and whatever is not going to push me towards God needs to be taken out. God is real, He is wanting to work, He loves us like no one else ever can, and wants a relationship with each one of us. Pursue HIM! He is the one that will never let you down!
I will update throughout this week! I know its going to be a big one!
all my love <3
My week in Kona was amazing and God moved me in many ways. I realized the power that is within me and of course every believer. Its a shame that Chrisitans walk around worried about whats said when in our very own bodies we have the power of God and he can restore, heal, and show His goodness through us if we are willing to step into it. That was quite the revelation for me!
Last week we had Andy Byrd come. He is quite the man of God. He also encouraged us to walk in the Spirit and spoke to us about the power of prayer. The whole school here is so willing and open to act on what we hear that we began praying for physical healings right and left. There were many healed from headahces, stuffy noses, and necks. There were also those who weren't healed but that does not reflect on who God is at all! Andy told us how we as Christians do have the authority to heal, cast out demons, and spread His kingdom. (Luke 9:1-2, Matthew 10:8) God would not tell us to do something if we were not capable. We have to step out in faith and let the Holy Sprit work. The sick aren't going to heal themself. Step out, try, and see where God wants to use you. You'll never know the power within you if you don't try! Having Andy Byrd here on base really encouraged us all to increase our faith and believe in the power of prayer. Coming here I thought prayer was important but honestly I figured God is God and He will carry out what He wants to do whether or not i am praying about it. Now I have come to realize that God wants us to seek His heart and know His heart for the issues around the world and in our own lives. He doesn't NEED us but He wants to show us by praying and then we can catch a glimpse of His beautiful heart. If we are not acting in love then its in vain. Gods love is pure and true. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. You will be blown away. That was a tid bit of what I learned last week, now for this week...
This week is Holy Spirit week. OH MY GOSH! I am so excited and have already experienced some crazy things. We have another speaker from Kona. Her name is Amy Sollars. She told us her testimony and I can not believe what she has gone through. From a young age she saw the spiritual realm. From the ages 11-16 she was tormented by demons constantly. She would talk to them face to face and they would come visit her in her room. They filled her head with lies saying, you are not good enough, you are not pretty enough, you should kill yourself, no one likes you. It got to the point where they were throwing her against her wall in her room. She did not tell anyone because at the age she was worried people would think she was crazy and she would get sent to a mental hospital. When she was 16 she went to a church and the pastor prayed for her. Her eyes rolled back and a demon began speaking in a mans voice. After 30 minutes she was restored. She could not believe the silence in her head. It had not been quiet for five years! Could you imagine that ?!
With all of that said, she has the gift and of seeing the spiritual realm. She also has an amazing gift of prophecy. She can prophesy over anyone. It comes so easy to her and she can look at people and tell them about past or future events, whatever God is putting on her heart to say. So you can imagine the week we are coming upon!
Last night she spoke of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. I do not think many people have heard of this. We all have heard of water baptism but being baptized in the Holy Spirit is just asking Him to come upon us and fill us with His spirit and stating that you believe in Him and the Word of God. She said that a sign that He is moving is speaking in tongues and not to be afraid to say whats on our heart. A prayer in tongues is in "perfect form" and satan himself cannot understand it. As we all began praying this He began to move in our tin. Let me rewind to a year ago at CCU, one night I was upset and I asked God just to hold my hand and never let go as long as I live. I raised my hand as i laid in bed. My hand and arm began moving and I could not believe it! I asked God to never let me doubt that that had happened and to always know He's there holding me and guiding me each day. Back to lastnight...as i prayed I could feel Him moving and I laid there. Amy said He is coming to some of you and just wants you to raise your hands so i did. My arms began moving just like they did last year. I laid there and prayed. That lasted for about 15 minutes or so. I sat up and continued praying. I stood up again. While all of this was going on Amy went around praying, as well as all the staff. I had not been prayed for and thats when Satan moved in. I was attacked with lie after lie. I heard you are forgotten again, you haven't done enough, you aren't good enough, who's really there for you Amy. Those thoughts overwhelmed me and silent tears rolled down my face. Katie (staff) came and prayed for me asking why I was crying. I told her the thoughts going through my head and she prayed and rebuked them in the name of Jesus. I did feel better but still was thinking I really didn't experience much. We had to close our time since it was almost 830 and we have a sound ordinance on the base. Amy went to the front and said who tonight spoke in tongues for the first time and many people raised their hands. That made me more upset. Of course I was happy for everyone because their experiences with the Holy Spirit were amazing. After she was done speaking she came up to me. She asked if I had experienced anything and I told her about my hands and she held my hands and prayed for me saying come Holy Spirit, come fill Amy. She prayed against the doubt I was feeling and the fear. She saw how hungry I was for it and she spoke it out over me. I stood there with my hands open and Amy said, there He is, He's here, He's on you. I still stood there with fear and she said Amy, start speaking. At the moment with her encouragement I began speaking in tongues. That went on for about a minute and Amy just smiled when I opened my eyes. I had about four of my friends surrounding me by that time. I am so thankful for the amazing people here that God has placed in my life. I am constantly being pushed to be stronger in my walk with God and thats my desire to have those kind of people in my life. I am sick of whats "normal." I want to live for God and whatever is not going to push me towards God needs to be taken out. God is real, He is wanting to work, He loves us like no one else ever can, and wants a relationship with each one of us. Pursue HIM! He is the one that will never let you down!
I will update throughout this week! I know its going to be a big one!
all my love <3
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Praise the Lord!
As I sit to write this blog, i am overwhelmed, speechless, and so thankful. I just got back from running and a mini workout in the grass...since there really isn't a legitament work out area. haha! :) I am beyond ecstatic to say I have no pain in my back right now! Praise the Lord!!!
Yesterday we left for Kona and we began our week today with over 400 students singing praises to God (quite the change from our Honolulu base which has about 35 students!). The University of the Nations is located here and there are 4 DTS' going on along with numerous other schools that YWAM has, bringing this campus to about 1000 young people and leaders.
Worship time has always been one of my favorite times since i absolutely love singing! I stood there singing and I began to pray to God, please touch my back, take away the pain, bring your angels, make me new, its time to forget the pain of the past and move on God, I will not go back to volleyball because I have a call on my life now that I need to fulfill...just bring relief to my back! As I stood there crying out to God I felt a sense of peace. Fifteen minutes later, the leader of Kona began to say how he felt the Holy Spirit moving and said its time to pray for physical healing as well as spiritual healing for whoever felt broken. I could not believe it! I raised my hands as my friends gathered around me to lay their hands on my back. I began to feel stronger and the constant ache I have lived with disappeared. I am almost hesitant to say i am healed as I think back to all the doctors appointments, physical therapy, and money spent on trying to relieve my pain, but the God we serve can do anything. Its hard for my mind to grasp that within 30 seconds I was without pain but its time to claim it. As I ran tonight, I kept saying thank you thank you thank you Jesus. I could not stop saying it, He deserves so much more. I also want to say thank you for everyone who has been praying for me and continues to pray. He hears every word! Praise the Lord!
Keep holding His hand! <3
Yesterday we left for Kona and we began our week today with over 400 students singing praises to God (quite the change from our Honolulu base which has about 35 students!). The University of the Nations is located here and there are 4 DTS' going on along with numerous other schools that YWAM has, bringing this campus to about 1000 young people and leaders.
Worship time has always been one of my favorite times since i absolutely love singing! I stood there singing and I began to pray to God, please touch my back, take away the pain, bring your angels, make me new, its time to forget the pain of the past and move on God, I will not go back to volleyball because I have a call on my life now that I need to fulfill...just bring relief to my back! As I stood there crying out to God I felt a sense of peace. Fifteen minutes later, the leader of Kona began to say how he felt the Holy Spirit moving and said its time to pray for physical healing as well as spiritual healing for whoever felt broken. I could not believe it! I raised my hands as my friends gathered around me to lay their hands on my back. I began to feel stronger and the constant ache I have lived with disappeared. I am almost hesitant to say i am healed as I think back to all the doctors appointments, physical therapy, and money spent on trying to relieve my pain, but the God we serve can do anything. Its hard for my mind to grasp that within 30 seconds I was without pain but its time to claim it. As I ran tonight, I kept saying thank you thank you thank you Jesus. I could not stop saying it, He deserves so much more. I also want to say thank you for everyone who has been praying for me and continues to pray. He hears every word! Praise the Lord!
Keep holding His hand! <3
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hearing His Whisper
God is so good! I have had quite an amazing week. This whole week has been focused on missions in general. From going out to foreign countries, our own cities, and just being willing to share Christ in our day to day life...we covered it all.
To be honest I am confused but in this case confusion is a good thing. (Never thought I would say that!) God has opened my eyes in numerous ways with each story that was shared. We had missionaries come from India, China, and Fiji to tell of the ways Gods been working. I heard the most amazing stories. There have been miraculous healings with lepers and paralytics. There have been faces covered in gold where a revival was taking place and so much more! Those are only the stories that stuck out to me. I sat there amazed and thought how, the God doing those works thousands of miles away is right here beside ME and living in me! (and you!)
Its really been put on my heart how we tend to put God in a box and bring Him out in our times of need. Who are we to say when we need Him? We are in desperate need of Him every second of every day. He is in charge of each breath and each step we take. Its time to realize the power of God thats within us.
On monday we had the opportunity to break out into our outreach groups. I got with my group going to Bangladesh and we began to pray. Before too long I had tears rolling down my face with the prayers being spoken. We prayed that our hearts would break for what breaks His, that He would start preparing the hearts of the Bangladesh people, that we would take every opportunity to present and glorify His name to the fullest no matter the task we are doing. As we prayed I had a picture in my mind of my team walking and talking with the people but there were angels all around us protecting our every step. I know that will be the case, God will be there guiding us daily. When we were closing in prayer I had the reference Matthew 6:25 come to my mind. I did not know what it said so I went and looked it up after we were done. I stood there and read about not worrying what I will eat or drink or what I will wear and I thought that was neat but totally not applicable to the session we had just concluded so I just disregarded it and kept it to myself. The week carried on and it was friday again. (time is flying here!) David and Kim Lehmann came to speak to us about city mission work and what a blessing they were!
Kim did not plan on speaking but David asked her to speak about her experience with YWAM and how she got to where she was at. I loved the way she carried herself, gentle but confident. She began speaking of living a "comfortable" life at home where everything was familiar; family, friends, church, school, and the hopes of finding a husband someday along with the cute kids, the cute clothes, the cute house, and the usual life we picture as we grow up. Soon she realized that God was calling her away from all that she knew to do her DTS in Austraila. Of course her life was radically changed and she met her husband who is one of the biggest evangelists there is and today they live in Austraila. I found myself really relating to her life. I LOOVE my home, family, and friends! While I was processing all of that she said she had a verse on her heart that was for one person or perhaps more but God had put it on her heart. I sat there while she began to read Matthew 6:25! OH MY GOSH was all i could think! I realized then what God was trying to say to me. He wants me to stop worrying about whats next and where life is going to go because no matter where I am He will provide and take care of me. How great is our God?! That experience was crazy but like my Dad told me...it may have been a surprise to me but it didn't surprise God :) I am thankful for the ways God is working in my life. I encourage you all to listen to the whispers of God because He in His goodness will clarify and make known the paths we are to take and the lessons we need to learn.
Miss you all!
To be honest I am confused but in this case confusion is a good thing. (Never thought I would say that!) God has opened my eyes in numerous ways with each story that was shared. We had missionaries come from India, China, and Fiji to tell of the ways Gods been working. I heard the most amazing stories. There have been miraculous healings with lepers and paralytics. There have been faces covered in gold where a revival was taking place and so much more! Those are only the stories that stuck out to me. I sat there amazed and thought how, the God doing those works thousands of miles away is right here beside ME and living in me! (and you!)
Its really been put on my heart how we tend to put God in a box and bring Him out in our times of need. Who are we to say when we need Him? We are in desperate need of Him every second of every day. He is in charge of each breath and each step we take. Its time to realize the power of God thats within us.
On monday we had the opportunity to break out into our outreach groups. I got with my group going to Bangladesh and we began to pray. Before too long I had tears rolling down my face with the prayers being spoken. We prayed that our hearts would break for what breaks His, that He would start preparing the hearts of the Bangladesh people, that we would take every opportunity to present and glorify His name to the fullest no matter the task we are doing. As we prayed I had a picture in my mind of my team walking and talking with the people but there were angels all around us protecting our every step. I know that will be the case, God will be there guiding us daily. When we were closing in prayer I had the reference Matthew 6:25 come to my mind. I did not know what it said so I went and looked it up after we were done. I stood there and read about not worrying what I will eat or drink or what I will wear and I thought that was neat but totally not applicable to the session we had just concluded so I just disregarded it and kept it to myself. The week carried on and it was friday again. (time is flying here!) David and Kim Lehmann came to speak to us about city mission work and what a blessing they were!
Kim did not plan on speaking but David asked her to speak about her experience with YWAM and how she got to where she was at. I loved the way she carried herself, gentle but confident. She began speaking of living a "comfortable" life at home where everything was familiar; family, friends, church, school, and the hopes of finding a husband someday along with the cute kids, the cute clothes, the cute house, and the usual life we picture as we grow up. Soon she realized that God was calling her away from all that she knew to do her DTS in Austraila. Of course her life was radically changed and she met her husband who is one of the biggest evangelists there is and today they live in Austraila. I found myself really relating to her life. I LOOVE my home, family, and friends! While I was processing all of that she said she had a verse on her heart that was for one person or perhaps more but God had put it on her heart. I sat there while she began to read Matthew 6:25! OH MY GOSH was all i could think! I realized then what God was trying to say to me. He wants me to stop worrying about whats next and where life is going to go because no matter where I am He will provide and take care of me. How great is our God?! That experience was crazy but like my Dad told me...it may have been a surprise to me but it didn't surprise God :) I am thankful for the ways God is working in my life. I encourage you all to listen to the whispers of God because He in His goodness will clarify and make known the paths we are to take and the lessons we need to learn.
Miss you all!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Your Grace is Enough
Isaiah 7:9b If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.
I was reading through my favorite book tonight, Isaiah and this really stood out to me. Through out these past few days my eyes have been opened to a lot. I have realized that everything does fade away and all that matters is where we stand and if we are standing on Gods promises then we will not be shaken. We serve a God of covenant. Although we as humans have distorted covenant whether it be in marriage or even just throwing out an "I promise," God does not change and He will always remain true to His word. Never doubt anything He says because He will not let you down. That leads me to the biggest thing I have learned with my time here at YWAM so far. Gods grace. So simple, such a common phrase, but if you take the time to dwell on how amazing and how great it really is then we get a glimpse of how big our God is that we serve!
In 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Dwell on that for a moment.
Looking at the verse as a whole you get the overall feel that yes, God has grace and He has extended that to me but look deeper...
My grace is SUFFICIENT for you. Sufficient is saying that it is enough, and He will give us what we need to get by. We don't have to ask for some huge, insurmountable amount of grace. He meets us where we are. Then, if getting His grace wasn't enough, He encourages us that where we are at our weakest and lowest, that is where His power alone is made perfect! Do you see how God can make even our worst absoulutely amazing?
Last week our speaker told us that our prayer should be, "God, give me the grace today to trust you completely." I loved that. Each day has decisions and obstacles but if we ask for that amount of grace we need to get by every morning then we have nothing to worry about.
God's grace has blown me away. The Creator, Savior, and Author of everything is willing to reach out in our individual struggles to say, take heart because where you are weak, I am strong! Today take the opportunity to delight in weakness because just when you drop your head, Gods hand is right there to lift it and make His power known.
I'll be writing more soon but this was on my heart. Love you all!
I was reading through my favorite book tonight, Isaiah and this really stood out to me. Through out these past few days my eyes have been opened to a lot. I have realized that everything does fade away and all that matters is where we stand and if we are standing on Gods promises then we will not be shaken. We serve a God of covenant. Although we as humans have distorted covenant whether it be in marriage or even just throwing out an "I promise," God does not change and He will always remain true to His word. Never doubt anything He says because He will not let you down. That leads me to the biggest thing I have learned with my time here at YWAM so far. Gods grace. So simple, such a common phrase, but if you take the time to dwell on how amazing and how great it really is then we get a glimpse of how big our God is that we serve!
In 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Dwell on that for a moment.
Looking at the verse as a whole you get the overall feel that yes, God has grace and He has extended that to me but look deeper...
My grace is SUFFICIENT for you. Sufficient is saying that it is enough, and He will give us what we need to get by. We don't have to ask for some huge, insurmountable amount of grace. He meets us where we are. Then, if getting His grace wasn't enough, He encourages us that where we are at our weakest and lowest, that is where His power alone is made perfect! Do you see how God can make even our worst absoulutely amazing?
Last week our speaker told us that our prayer should be, "God, give me the grace today to trust you completely." I loved that. Each day has decisions and obstacles but if we ask for that amount of grace we need to get by every morning then we have nothing to worry about.
God's grace has blown me away. The Creator, Savior, and Author of everything is willing to reach out in our individual struggles to say, take heart because where you are weak, I am strong! Today take the opportunity to delight in weakness because just when you drop your head, Gods hand is right there to lift it and make His power known.
I'll be writing more soon but this was on my heart. Love you all!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Reflecting and Thinking
As I sit to write the ways God has been working in my life I am overwhelmed with the various stories that come to mind. I have experienced a lot in the past few days all good but all filled with the emotions of joy, sadness, anger, and even frustration. We live in a broken world so I am not surprised to experience all these feelings in the middle of paradise. God has ordained each moment and each struggle to bring me closer to His heart beat that I may listen and walk to that beat.
The other night as all the students gathered in The Tin to continue the lecture on, Hearing Gods Voice, I really felt that God would have a word for me through the speaker, Christian. Christian said he had ten people he wanted to say a few words to that God had laid on his heart. I got excited but nervous too. I sat quietly hearing each name called and in my mind I kept counting how many studens he had already spoken to. Ten had come and gone without one word said to me. I was so disappointed and frustrated as I sat there. I quietly battled God and threw statements and questions at Him, why don't I hear you? Am I not worth even speaking to someone else about? I need an answer. I am sick of where I am at. God, am I not believing that you can speak to me? All these lies spun around with no answers so all I had left to do was break down. Tears filled my eyes and I quietly sat there with my face in my hands. I felt a hand on my shoulder and Breanna (staff and amazing girl who's leading me on outreach to BANGLADESH) whispered in my ear, lets talk, I want to pray for you. We then got to share our hearts with eachother and she encouraged me with speaking truths over me. I know truth is what will set me free. (John 8:32) I went back to worship and I could not even sing and that is something that never happens to me. Bre laid her hands on my head and prayed that I would stop believing the lies embedded in the twists and turns of my mind. I am so thankful for bre and I know its going to be a process to break the lies but I am trusting it will all happen in His time. (Ecc 3:11) There is a glimpse of the way God is working here in my life. I have so many other stories but I would have to write a novel!
In my own quiet times I have also learned a lot. Proverbs 14:13 says, Even in laughter the heart may ache. I find that true in my life. For so long I have been known as "smiling amy" and "always happy" and what a blessing that has been but as the years have passed I have gotten a standard built in my head that that is all I can show to everyone around me. I have now realized that i have sacrificed my true happiness to make sure everyone else is okay and when asked if I am okay, i naturally reply good! great! everythings fine! And even though I love encouraging and helping people I never realized the hurts I kept writing off and ignoring in my own heart. Now I am dealing with them and its been a process expecially when I am so people oriented and want to run to whats familiar. Then I found Psalm 118:8; It is better to take refugein the Lord than to trust in man. i believe we can all learn from that. Who is more qualified then the God who created us uniquely and individually to comfort and restore us in every area. We must guard our heart and when its safe to share a piece of it God will allow it to happen with who He knows will protect it as well. He knows our deepest desires, now let go to let Him work.
The other night as all the students gathered in The Tin to continue the lecture on, Hearing Gods Voice, I really felt that God would have a word for me through the speaker, Christian. Christian said he had ten people he wanted to say a few words to that God had laid on his heart. I got excited but nervous too. I sat quietly hearing each name called and in my mind I kept counting how many studens he had already spoken to. Ten had come and gone without one word said to me. I was so disappointed and frustrated as I sat there. I quietly battled God and threw statements and questions at Him, why don't I hear you? Am I not worth even speaking to someone else about? I need an answer. I am sick of where I am at. God, am I not believing that you can speak to me? All these lies spun around with no answers so all I had left to do was break down. Tears filled my eyes and I quietly sat there with my face in my hands. I felt a hand on my shoulder and Breanna (staff and amazing girl who's leading me on outreach to BANGLADESH) whispered in my ear, lets talk, I want to pray for you. We then got to share our hearts with eachother and she encouraged me with speaking truths over me. I know truth is what will set me free. (John 8:32) I went back to worship and I could not even sing and that is something that never happens to me. Bre laid her hands on my head and prayed that I would stop believing the lies embedded in the twists and turns of my mind. I am so thankful for bre and I know its going to be a process to break the lies but I am trusting it will all happen in His time. (Ecc 3:11) There is a glimpse of the way God is working here in my life. I have so many other stories but I would have to write a novel!
In my own quiet times I have also learned a lot. Proverbs 14:13 says, Even in laughter the heart may ache. I find that true in my life. For so long I have been known as "smiling amy" and "always happy" and what a blessing that has been but as the years have passed I have gotten a standard built in my head that that is all I can show to everyone around me. I have now realized that i have sacrificed my true happiness to make sure everyone else is okay and when asked if I am okay, i naturally reply good! great! everythings fine! And even though I love encouraging and helping people I never realized the hurts I kept writing off and ignoring in my own heart. Now I am dealing with them and its been a process expecially when I am so people oriented and want to run to whats familiar. Then I found Psalm 118:8; It is better to take refugein the Lord than to trust in man. i believe we can all learn from that. Who is more qualified then the God who created us uniquely and individually to comfort and restore us in every area. We must guard our heart and when its safe to share a piece of it God will allow it to happen with who He knows will protect it as well. He knows our deepest desires, now let go to let Him work.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Gods Sovereignty
The first week of lectures and school has barely started but I have learned so much already. God is so good!
We wake up each morning around 645 and we have breakfast at 7. I really don't mind waking up early at all, I love getting up! From 730 to 830 we have quiet times. It is an awesome feeling setting aside that time to really focus on my one on one time with God. At home it is so easy to get distracted by the numerous things that I am always doing. Schedules ruled my life at home but now it is so easy to sit and really relax in my surroundings with truly nothing else to be doing. God has a way of drawing near in the quietness. The serene atmosphere of the palm trees and birds singing is calming. In Mark 6:31 it states, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Our daily lives, even if we are immune to it, are filled with people, technology, and pressure. It is critical that each individual comes to the realization that true peace and quiet will only come from the Creator. He has personally invited each one of us to come to Him so He can renew us each day. How do so many people, me included, make excuses to busy ourselves with something "more important?" My challenge is to take a moment with your heavenly Father, I guarantee it won't be time wasted.
Last night was an amazing night full of truth and an absolute intervention from God in my life. Chris Johnson, our director of base staff spoke to us on Romans 12:1-2.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be trasnformed by the renewning of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing, and PERFECT will.
For so long I have tried and tried to fill my life with what I think will make me happy and clearly I have not succeeded but that is where God has met me in my brokeness. He has a way of gently showing me how to change little by little. I just have to have faith and trust that it is His perfect will for my life. God answers every prayer ever uttered and though it may not be the exact answer we want it is in our best interest every time.
Following the message, Chris encouraged us to really pray and seek out our passions and dreams to find our destiny. I am so excited that within the first day we are already seeking His face to pursue His purpose for our lives. That is exactly why I am here. We sat and prayed and while we did that the staff washed each of our feet and 2 of the staff prayed for each individual. I could not believe the words coming out of Kailynne's mouth while she prayed over my life. Everything was as if she knew me for years. She quoted Galatians 5 which speaks of freedom from bondage and all that holds people back and the ways God will use me in the future. When she closed she said to hold on one second and she ran to get her Bible. She opened up to Ephesians 3:16 which says, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being" How powerful is that!? God has shown His soverienty with each prayer and verse read to me lastnight. I was in shock. I then got to spend time with another member of the staff Katie. There again, truth was poured into my heart. I could go on and on with the ways God is moving but there is a glimpse of my experiences here on the FIRST day.
The Lord is good and He can move in big ways no matter where we are. Take advantage of knowing the God of the Universe. He is there with you as much as He is here with me.
Love you all.
We wake up each morning around 645 and we have breakfast at 7. I really don't mind waking up early at all, I love getting up! From 730 to 830 we have quiet times. It is an awesome feeling setting aside that time to really focus on my one on one time with God. At home it is so easy to get distracted by the numerous things that I am always doing. Schedules ruled my life at home but now it is so easy to sit and really relax in my surroundings with truly nothing else to be doing. God has a way of drawing near in the quietness. The serene atmosphere of the palm trees and birds singing is calming. In Mark 6:31 it states, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Our daily lives, even if we are immune to it, are filled with people, technology, and pressure. It is critical that each individual comes to the realization that true peace and quiet will only come from the Creator. He has personally invited each one of us to come to Him so He can renew us each day. How do so many people, me included, make excuses to busy ourselves with something "more important?" My challenge is to take a moment with your heavenly Father, I guarantee it won't be time wasted.
Last night was an amazing night full of truth and an absolute intervention from God in my life. Chris Johnson, our director of base staff spoke to us on Romans 12:1-2.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be trasnformed by the renewning of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing, and PERFECT will.
For so long I have tried and tried to fill my life with what I think will make me happy and clearly I have not succeeded but that is where God has met me in my brokeness. He has a way of gently showing me how to change little by little. I just have to have faith and trust that it is His perfect will for my life. God answers every prayer ever uttered and though it may not be the exact answer we want it is in our best interest every time.
Following the message, Chris encouraged us to really pray and seek out our passions and dreams to find our destiny. I am so excited that within the first day we are already seeking His face to pursue His purpose for our lives. That is exactly why I am here. We sat and prayed and while we did that the staff washed each of our feet and 2 of the staff prayed for each individual. I could not believe the words coming out of Kailynne's mouth while she prayed over my life. Everything was as if she knew me for years. She quoted Galatians 5 which speaks of freedom from bondage and all that holds people back and the ways God will use me in the future. When she closed she said to hold on one second and she ran to get her Bible. She opened up to Ephesians 3:16 which says, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being" How powerful is that!? God has shown His soverienty with each prayer and verse read to me lastnight. I was in shock. I then got to spend time with another member of the staff Katie. There again, truth was poured into my heart. I could go on and on with the ways God is moving but there is a glimpse of my experiences here on the FIRST day.
The Lord is good and He can move in big ways no matter where we are. Take advantage of knowing the God of the Universe. He is there with you as much as He is here with me.
Love you all.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A new beginning in Honolulu
Wow, where to even begin!
I have arrived on the beautiful island of Oahu! The first couple days have been filled with meeting new people, getting used to the base, and soaking up the fact that I actually get to strengthen my walk with God in such an amazing place. How blessed am I?!
First off, there are 36 students here doing DTS. (discipleship training school) I can not believe how many different countries are represented here in this small school. People have come from Canada, Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Austraila, Korea, New Zealand, and of course the United States. All of them have so much to offer and I am looking forward to getting to know each of them better.
We started off Friday with ALOHA day. We met that morning in the TIN (our outdoor meeting area where all lectures will take place) and had a time of worship. It was definitely amazing. The singing was beautiful and at one point there were voices singing all different parts of the song at the same time and though it may sound chaotic it was so pretty. The first thought that came to mind was heaven, it will be filled with praises to our King. After worship we got to hear the guidelines of the base and got to meet the staff. All of them have also done a DTS and are giving their time to staff in order to help other young adults make a difference in the kingdom. Following those events we headed to the beach for a bbq! It was a nice day but definitely cloudy. We played some volleyball, (woowoo) soccer, ultimate frisbee, and football. Soon after that it started POURING rain! We had to pack up everything and head back to the base to eat our hamburgers and hotdogs. It was a nice day.
Today we had the opportunity to share our testimonies and what I learned from that was, we are all broken and are at different points in our life searching for the one and only thing that will rescue us, our Savior. It definitely bonded us all. With a little glimpse into each of our lives, I got to see the ways God works with bringing people to YWAM. Its amazing to me how he orchestrated this specific group for a specific purpose. As much as we think we have control of our own lives, God has every detail worked out, big or small. I can't wait to see how He will work in my life. I have loved the start of this journey and will keep everyone updated with what I learn.
I have arrived on the beautiful island of Oahu! The first couple days have been filled with meeting new people, getting used to the base, and soaking up the fact that I actually get to strengthen my walk with God in such an amazing place. How blessed am I?!
First off, there are 36 students here doing DTS. (discipleship training school) I can not believe how many different countries are represented here in this small school. People have come from Canada, Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Austraila, Korea, New Zealand, and of course the United States. All of them have so much to offer and I am looking forward to getting to know each of them better.
We started off Friday with ALOHA day. We met that morning in the TIN (our outdoor meeting area where all lectures will take place) and had a time of worship. It was definitely amazing. The singing was beautiful and at one point there were voices singing all different parts of the song at the same time and though it may sound chaotic it was so pretty. The first thought that came to mind was heaven, it will be filled with praises to our King. After worship we got to hear the guidelines of the base and got to meet the staff. All of them have also done a DTS and are giving their time to staff in order to help other young adults make a difference in the kingdom. Following those events we headed to the beach for a bbq! It was a nice day but definitely cloudy. We played some volleyball, (woowoo) soccer, ultimate frisbee, and football. Soon after that it started POURING rain! We had to pack up everything and head back to the base to eat our hamburgers and hotdogs. It was a nice day.
Today we had the opportunity to share our testimonies and what I learned from that was, we are all broken and are at different points in our life searching for the one and only thing that will rescue us, our Savior. It definitely bonded us all. With a little glimpse into each of our lives, I got to see the ways God works with bringing people to YWAM. Its amazing to me how he orchestrated this specific group for a specific purpose. As much as we think we have control of our own lives, God has every detail worked out, big or small. I can't wait to see how He will work in my life. I have loved the start of this journey and will keep everyone updated with what I learn.
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