What did today look like?
Well, today we went into Darpur, an area in Kathmandu full of old buddhist temples and people from all over the world searching for "enlightenment" and blessing from their gods.
We walked all around speaking in tongues and proclaiming the Holy Spirit and the name of Jesus, and then sat on the steps of one of shivas temples and prayed for people who came and talked to us.
We got to live what love looked like as well and bought a little boy & girl Sprites and lunch. It was so fun!!
But it's not over yet...
Tonight we'll go & do street ministry!
And thats just my quick update from Nepal! Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures soon.. But for now, I hope that painted a small picture of the beauty of Nepal.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
An African Thanksgiving!
"I'm Thankful for..." is normally a sentence you hear in America as you sit around the dinner table, waiting to devour the best meal of the year and be stuffed till you can't eat anymore.
This year I spent Thanksgiving in Africa, surrounded by Mozambiquans, Harvest School Students from around the World and of course my amazing sisters of House 8! Many international students had never celebrated Thanksgiving before and kept asking me what it was about - because of course, I kept wishing EVERYONE Happy Thanksgiving! It really made me stop and wonder- what is Thanksgiving really about??
Of course, I tried to explain about the Pilgrims coming to America and the Indians helping them, about sitting around a table with your family and the kinds of foods we eat, about being Thankful to God for all the good things He's given you...and yet somehow, this year those reasons didn't seem to suffice. (of course the last one always does! But I felt like the Lord wanted me to realize how much more it was then that.)
1:I'm thankful for this amazing opportunity to be serving, living and learning in Africa and soon Nepal in this season of my life.
2: I'm thankful for all of my family, friends and church back home - as well as all of my new Iris family here!
3: I'm thankful for the amazing meal we were blessed with last night - It was the biggest meal I'm sure some of these Mozambiquans have ever eaten- and I've never had so much meat on one plate in my life! - An oil company from South Africa blessed us and cooked enough food for our ENTIRE base (1000 people!) And it was a proper Thanksgiving meal - Turkey, Mashed potatoes with bacon in it, Ham, a hamburger, corn, a huge bread roll, a mango and of course.. PUMPKIN PIE! It was phenominal!
4: I'm thankful for the water turning back on after being off for 2 weeks! :) (You really learn to appreciate the important things here.)
5: For the Lords faithfulness in ALL transitions and seasons of my life this past year.
6:For all my new Mozambiquan friends and really learning through theirs and all of Iris' example what love TRULY looks like.
7: For the transformation work of Jesus Christ, being made more like Him and knowing that no matter where I am in the World, as long as I have Him I'm always home.
I could go on and on, but I'll stop there for now. These are just some of the simple things that I'm Thankful for this year - I'm not perfect and I have by no way arrived. But I'm pressing on towards the goal, and I'm so excited to see what Papa has ahead! My challenge for myself these next 2 weeks.. to DREAM BIG and never stop! I've always talked about it, but now I really want to do it.
As we enter the Christmas season I challenge you to do the same, don't just live a normal life - live BIG in the Kingdom of God. It doesn't matter if your in Africa, or Asia, or America or Europe.. Whether you have runnining water or not, electricity or not, money or not.. It's all about Kingdom culture. Live in it! You don't have to be called to the dirt or to the unreached to be used by God.. Just be you!
More to come soon!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Into the Heart of a People..
3 weeks ago I got the opportunity to go into the heart of a Nation.. This weekend I got to go into the heart of a people. I went on what Iris call's "Drop Off"! Where they literally introduce us to a Mama or a widow, take you to her home and "drop" you and another student off to stay with her and her family for the weekend.
It was such an experience! Our whole approach was to go as little children, completely humbled and submerged into a whole new culture.
Our Mama was the sweetest little 61 year old woman who lived with her daughter and her daughters husband, as well as some other young guys living there. (Not quite sure how they were related, but it's like that a lot here.) She took SUCH good care of us. They completely openeed up their home to us on Thursday afternoon. Our Mama even gave us her bed to sleep in for the 2 nights we were there.
It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. Here was this beautiful family that opened up their hearts and home to us, without even knowing us, and then treated us like Queens the whole weekend, totaly blessing us even though they didn't have much. I came to serve and love, and ended up getting so blessed in return!
Thursday consisted of learning where everything was, going to meet the Chief ofthe village, who welcomed us in such a great way! and getting to know our Mama and her family better. The language barrier was really difficult! But thankfully the girl I was with knew a little bit more Portugues then I did and we were able to guess and figure things out sometimes. Charades becomes more than just a game when you don't know the language. haha!
Friday we sat with our Mama and her family, painted nails and spoke beauty over the women, got to pray for the Chief when he showed us this rash he had on his neck and arms. (WOW!) Went shopping in the village market, ate new kinds of fish and rice for lunch and dinner and just enjoyed some chill time just sitting and learning what it's like to live in this culture.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was on Friday when we went with our Mama to pray for a friend of hers who was crippled and blind in one eye. She was very poor and older and she had no family. You could totaly see the hopelessness all over her.. I really wanted to see her eye open and her feet straighten out, and still believe completely that the Lord will do it, but it was so sweet to watch the Spirit rise up within our Mama as she cried out in Makua for her friend, tears gently sliding down her cheeks. It was so beautiful to see the power and faith of our Mama's Spirit - though we could hardly communicate and ask our Mama questions, in that moment I felt like I truly saw her heart.
We returned the next morning to pray again - and I continued to pray for hope for her! As best as I could in Portugues I told her " Noush familia" - We are Your family.
She seemed to smile at that. It's one of those moments that I know that only Heaven will show the truth of what happend in her heart.
On Saturday morning we walked with our Mama back to the base, about 50 minutes. It was crazy to realize that she walks that all the time to come to Iris!
I left this weekend so humbled and thankful for this precious, sometimes stretching, always growing gift from the Father. I feel like I lived Matthew 5:3 this weekend "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
P.S - Sorry its taken me so long to send another update - Internet has been really hard to access lately! I'll try to send another soon. :) If I can't before Thanksgiving, HAVE AN AMAZING ONE! :)
It was such an experience! Our whole approach was to go as little children, completely humbled and submerged into a whole new culture.
Our Mama was the sweetest little 61 year old woman who lived with her daughter and her daughters husband, as well as some other young guys living there. (Not quite sure how they were related, but it's like that a lot here.) She took SUCH good care of us. They completely openeed up their home to us on Thursday afternoon. Our Mama even gave us her bed to sleep in for the 2 nights we were there.
It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. Here was this beautiful family that opened up their hearts and home to us, without even knowing us, and then treated us like Queens the whole weekend, totaly blessing us even though they didn't have much. I came to serve and love, and ended up getting so blessed in return!
Thursday consisted of learning where everything was, going to meet the Chief ofthe village, who welcomed us in such a great way! and getting to know our Mama and her family better. The language barrier was really difficult! But thankfully the girl I was with knew a little bit more Portugues then I did and we were able to guess and figure things out sometimes. Charades becomes more than just a game when you don't know the language. haha!
Friday we sat with our Mama and her family, painted nails and spoke beauty over the women, got to pray for the Chief when he showed us this rash he had on his neck and arms. (WOW!) Went shopping in the village market, ate new kinds of fish and rice for lunch and dinner and just enjoyed some chill time just sitting and learning what it's like to live in this culture.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was on Friday when we went with our Mama to pray for a friend of hers who was crippled and blind in one eye. She was very poor and older and she had no family. You could totaly see the hopelessness all over her.. I really wanted to see her eye open and her feet straighten out, and still believe completely that the Lord will do it, but it was so sweet to watch the Spirit rise up within our Mama as she cried out in Makua for her friend, tears gently sliding down her cheeks. It was so beautiful to see the power and faith of our Mama's Spirit - though we could hardly communicate and ask our Mama questions, in that moment I felt like I truly saw her heart.
We returned the next morning to pray again - and I continued to pray for hope for her! As best as I could in Portugues I told her " Noush familia" - We are Your family.
She seemed to smile at that. It's one of those moments that I know that only Heaven will show the truth of what happend in her heart.
On Saturday morning we walked with our Mama back to the base, about 50 minutes. It was crazy to realize that she walks that all the time to come to Iris!
I left this weekend so humbled and thankful for this precious, sometimes stretching, always growing gift from the Father. I feel like I lived Matthew 5:3 this weekend "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Into the heart of a Nation
Its been 1 month since I left the cool breeze of fall behind in Ohio and ventured into the beautiful uknown of Mozambique, Africa. And this past weekend, I got a REAL taste of this beautiful country.
Last Thursday, October 20th - I joined a group mixed up of classmates from Harvest school and Mozambiquans, to travel by flat bed truck for 5 hrs deep into the heart of the bush of Africa to preach the Gospel! Bumpy, dusty roads were our constant companions, tents were our homes, and latrines (holes in the ground) were our bathrooms, and my joy? To preach the GOSPEL!
We finally arrived at our little village around 8:30pm, and by the grace and favor of God we were allowed by the village chief to stay, though unexpected. We quickly set up our tents by headlamps and flashlights, and then immediately set up for an outreach. Music, testimonys, lots of dancing, preaching and praying for the sick! It was amazing, and so worth the drive there! Although no one could understand me, as I prayed without a translator. I really believe the Holy Spirit was working and blessing the beautiful people of this village.
The next morning we had a childrens program, where I really learned how to go low and slow, as i played a game were I was literally crawling around in the dirt- but it was SO much fun!
I also got to experience my first mud floor church that morning. They had a church next to our campsite, we got to sing and worship with them, and then our Mozambiquan Pastors preached and encouraged the church.
My favorite part came later that afternoon, as we broke off into 2 teams and were walking house to house, talking to people and praying for the sick. I'll be honest, I was a little dissapointed at one point because I was staying closer to the back and praying since there was so many of us, i didn't want to overwhelm the people. When suddenly the Lord opened my eyes. In my dissapointment I had failed to recognize thar most of the village children were standing around me, playing with my hair, asking me my name, whatever small amount of communication we could accomplish.. and as I knelt down in the dirt- I began to speak life over the future generation of this village. Even though I knew they couldn't understand a word I was saying, I believe that they could truly see Jesus shining through me, and their spirits were receiving everything I was saying. Ah, it was such an amazing moment!
That night we showed the Jesus film, preached the gospel again and saw incredible healings! An older Muslim man who we had visited his home earlier that day, who had cateracts really bad in his eyes and a lot of body pain, was completely healed and now the whole village knows that he has given his life to Jesus! It was incredible! In all, around 50 people came to know Jesus!
Before leaving the next morning, we got buckets of water and were able to baptize the new christians, hug on new friends and leave with full, joyful hearts! I truly feel like I got to experience the book of Acts! It was a life changing weekend.
This past week of school has been incredible as well! The Lord has been doing so much in my life, teaching me a lot about dreaming big and walking in my identity in Jesus, as well as stirring up new dreams for the nations... more to come on that. :)
It has blessed my heart SO much to hear of all the good things going at home as well- like the "Go Conference" led by the amazing Lauren! and all the great things going on in Underground! The Kingdom is truly being released in the Earth!
Last Thursday, October 20th - I joined a group mixed up of classmates from Harvest school and Mozambiquans, to travel by flat bed truck for 5 hrs deep into the heart of the bush of Africa to preach the Gospel! Bumpy, dusty roads were our constant companions, tents were our homes, and latrines (holes in the ground) were our bathrooms, and my joy? To preach the GOSPEL!
We finally arrived at our little village around 8:30pm, and by the grace and favor of God we were allowed by the village chief to stay, though unexpected. We quickly set up our tents by headlamps and flashlights, and then immediately set up for an outreach. Music, testimonys, lots of dancing, preaching and praying for the sick! It was amazing, and so worth the drive there! Although no one could understand me, as I prayed without a translator. I really believe the Holy Spirit was working and blessing the beautiful people of this village.
The next morning we had a childrens program, where I really learned how to go low and slow, as i played a game were I was literally crawling around in the dirt- but it was SO much fun!
I also got to experience my first mud floor church that morning. They had a church next to our campsite, we got to sing and worship with them, and then our Mozambiquan Pastors preached and encouraged the church.
My favorite part came later that afternoon, as we broke off into 2 teams and were walking house to house, talking to people and praying for the sick. I'll be honest, I was a little dissapointed at one point because I was staying closer to the back and praying since there was so many of us, i didn't want to overwhelm the people. When suddenly the Lord opened my eyes. In my dissapointment I had failed to recognize thar most of the village children were standing around me, playing with my hair, asking me my name, whatever small amount of communication we could accomplish.. and as I knelt down in the dirt- I began to speak life over the future generation of this village. Even though I knew they couldn't understand a word I was saying, I believe that they could truly see Jesus shining through me, and their spirits were receiving everything I was saying. Ah, it was such an amazing moment!
That night we showed the Jesus film, preached the gospel again and saw incredible healings! An older Muslim man who we had visited his home earlier that day, who had cateracts really bad in his eyes and a lot of body pain, was completely healed and now the whole village knows that he has given his life to Jesus! It was incredible! In all, around 50 people came to know Jesus!
Before leaving the next morning, we got buckets of water and were able to baptize the new christians, hug on new friends and leave with full, joyful hearts! I truly feel like I got to experience the book of Acts! It was a life changing weekend.
This past week of school has been incredible as well! The Lord has been doing so much in my life, teaching me a lot about dreaming big and walking in my identity in Jesus, as well as stirring up new dreams for the nations... more to come on that. :)
It has blessed my heart SO much to hear of all the good things going at home as well- like the "Go Conference" led by the amazing Lauren! and all the great things going on in Underground! The Kingdom is truly being released in the Earth!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Go low and slow...
For 2 weeks now my feet have been back in African soil.. What a beautiful country Mozambique is!
Everyday I'm greeted by the most precious faces of village and Iris kids, Mozambiquans from every walk of life!
It's been such an adventure and learning experience. Each day I'm tested to go beyond where I have been yet- to trust for every moment with Holy Spirit. I'm growing SO much!
Mama Heidi has been teaching alot about going "low and slow".. this means to get more humble and low down and learn from the people and the Spirit, and take your time. In Africa there is hardly agenda's and time constraints.. it's all about the experience!
The presence is thick and new every day, and with my sandals on, capulana wrapped around my waist and a smile, I am daily learning to embrace an entirely new people group! And 2 languages! - Portugues and Makua. Still working on them both desperately, the communication has been the hardest.
I'm also sharing a home with 12 other young women of God, who I am honored to call my new Sisters and family.
I'll hopefully be able to post pictures and more updates soon!
All my love from Africa!
Everyday I'm greeted by the most precious faces of village and Iris kids, Mozambiquans from every walk of life!
It's been such an adventure and learning experience. Each day I'm tested to go beyond where I have been yet- to trust for every moment with Holy Spirit. I'm growing SO much!
Mama Heidi has been teaching alot about going "low and slow".. this means to get more humble and low down and learn from the people and the Spirit, and take your time. In Africa there is hardly agenda's and time constraints.. it's all about the experience!
The presence is thick and new every day, and with my sandals on, capulana wrapped around my waist and a smile, I am daily learning to embrace an entirely new people group! And 2 languages! - Portugues and Makua. Still working on them both desperately, the communication has been the hardest.
I'm also sharing a home with 12 other young women of God, who I am honored to call my new Sisters and family.
I'll hopefully be able to post pictures and more updates soon!
All my love from Africa!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
And so the door swings open!
This little heart has been so overwhelmed these past days.. in such a good way! This morning as I sat on my front porch, a cool fall breeze in the air, a cup of hot coffee in my hand and the word open on my lap, I couldn't do anything but reminisce, weep and smile! (Such a funny combination) :)
 |
| A Similar fika time with Jesus I had last year. |
My heart is so thankful!
I returned from Africa in the spring of last year with every intention in my mind of returning that fall- but God had other plans, and this morning I realized how thankful I am that He knows SO much better then me.
I have learned so much since my last trip to Africa, and have had the honor and priviledge of pouring into so many amazing young men and womens lives, and having mine impacted and poured into by so many others. I feel like God taught me what it truly means to LIVE in the Kingdom of God. Not just talk about it.
I cannot say thank you enough to each person who has prayed for me, given sacrificially towards this trip, encouraged me when I couldn't see what God was up to and challenged me to never stop pursuing my dreams! For thats what this truly is, the deepest desires and dreams of my heart. Living this life is no sacrifice.. yes I will miss my family, friend and church, VERY much!.. but following the Fathers heart is my greatest JOY! :)
And so tomorrow, I will board a plane, bound yet again for the amazing continent of Africa! I'm so longing to love on the kids, serve with my new classmates from all around the world, be stretched, taught and learn by doing!
Pray for good internet connections so I can continue to blog and keep you all updated!
Pray for breakthrough, salvation, signs wonders and miracles!
I can see the Harvest on the horizon... It's BEAUTIFUL!!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Announcement
My heart stirs with excitement as I type this blog. God has done so much in my life in the past year and 1/2, especially in teaching me to be where I am, to serve with all my heart and to love and minister to those who are right in front of me. Whether they have been young girls from Underground, Drug addicts and alcoholics in Teen Challenge or some of the most amazing young people in VSOM who I also have the honor to call my friends. :)
I have been waiting patiently for things to be set in motion before I posted this to my blog.
I love how God just takes things out of the blue and shifts your life completely. That is really what has happened to me.
Some of you may know already or have some hints, I really haven't been trying to keep it a huge secret. But after MUCH prayer and seeking council, I am super excited to announce that on September 28th, 2011
I'm boarding a plane and...
GOING BACK TO AFRICA!! :)
I have been accepted into Harvest School of Missions in Mozambique with Heidi and Rolland Baker, and Iris Ministeries. I am so excited! (Can't you tell?) hehe.
It has been a gigantic step of faith for me, but there's just this total sense in my heart that this is what I'm supposed to do. I will be in Mozambique loving on the poor, orphans, widows and being poured into by amazing missionaries, as well as learning every day by doing.
And it only gets better...
I will graduate the school on December 9th, and then on December 10th I have been accepted to join a group of 12 people to go to Kathmandu, Nepal to minister on an extended outreach to public orphanages, a lepers colony and in all kinds of unreached villages. I will be spending Christmas there ministering as well, and will return home on December 27th!
WOW!
God is SO good to me! Sometimes I just sit back and can't believe it.
My heart burns to hold street kids again, dance in the dust and live out the book of Acts. But theres a mindset this time as I go that I know God has taught me in being home in America. I've posted it on here many times, and I'll never stop saying it.
I'm a missionary no matter where I am. Gods heart is for the WORLD... all 3 versions of it!
1st, 2nd & 3rd! And I'm so thankful that He's calling me to minister in all 3.
This is only the beginning for God opening doors.. not only for me, but for others as well.
There will be many more details to come- this is just the big announcement.
Thank you for rejoicing with me! I love you all!!
I have been waiting patiently for things to be set in motion before I posted this to my blog.
I love how God just takes things out of the blue and shifts your life completely. That is really what has happened to me.
Some of you may know already or have some hints, I really haven't been trying to keep it a huge secret. But after MUCH prayer and seeking council, I am super excited to announce that on September 28th, 2011
I'm boarding a plane and...
GOING BACK TO AFRICA!! :)
I have been accepted into Harvest School of Missions in Mozambique with Heidi and Rolland Baker, and Iris Ministeries. I am so excited! (Can't you tell?) hehe.
It has been a gigantic step of faith for me, but there's just this total sense in my heart that this is what I'm supposed to do. I will be in Mozambique loving on the poor, orphans, widows and being poured into by amazing missionaries, as well as learning every day by doing.
And it only gets better...
I will graduate the school on December 9th, and then on December 10th I have been accepted to join a group of 12 people to go to Kathmandu, Nepal to minister on an extended outreach to public orphanages, a lepers colony and in all kinds of unreached villages. I will be spending Christmas there ministering as well, and will return home on December 27th!
WOW!
God is SO good to me! Sometimes I just sit back and can't believe it.
My heart burns to hold street kids again, dance in the dust and live out the book of Acts. But theres a mindset this time as I go that I know God has taught me in being home in America. I've posted it on here many times, and I'll never stop saying it.
I'm a missionary no matter where I am. Gods heart is for the WORLD... all 3 versions of it!
1st, 2nd & 3rd! And I'm so thankful that He's calling me to minister in all 3.
This is only the beginning for God opening doors.. not only for me, but for others as well.
There will be many more details to come- this is just the big announcement.
Thank you for rejoicing with me! I love you all!!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Door
Imagine your standing infront of a massive brass and wooden door, the beams looming above you. You can tell by looking at it that it will be heavy to swing. Your heart beats wildly with excitement! Hand mid air... deep breath. Flesh touches metal as the tips of your fingers reach out. As in slow motion, you grasp the handle. Your rist begins to turn with the handle... another deep breath....
I feel like I'm entering a season of stepping up to the door. The season I've been living in is ending and a new season is beginning.
I belive the body of Christ as a whole is entering a season of standing in front of the door. Pastor Kathie Thomas has been preaching on this on Sunday mornings @ VCC as well.
Do you dare to step up to the door?
What lies beyond??
The Unknown
The Unknown
New Realms
Your dreams!
The door is creaking... the hinges whine...
Step through!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Nations Shoes
Romans 10:15
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" 
Standing in India!
Standing in India!The night air was cool and fresh, still moist from the constant rain that had been falling on Youngstown for days.
As I walked to my car at Victory Christian Center after the "Miracles, Signs & Wonders" Conference last night, I couldn't do anything but smile. I had overwhelming joy in my heart... I felt alive again, I felt like a missionary!
Why do you ask?
Because as I walked, I could feel the cool of the pavement and pebbles poking through my socks... I had given away my shoes.
It was a moment with Holy Spirit that I'll always remember, as I stood at the alter, hugging a future missionary and world changer, imparting what God has placed in my life and believing for her future!
I felt the nudge...
And I have to be honest, I wasn't jumping out of my shoes right away.
They were one of my favorite pairs. They were given to me by my Covie Lauren for my trip to India & Africa last year. I love them not just because their Chucks, but because they have nations dirt on them and they remind me as I wear them, that I'm promised to stand in the nations and walk in the Harvest fields.
It only lasted a moment... and the shoes were off! I didn't care if I drove all the way home barefoot- I'd much rather be obedient. You see this young womans heart beats for Africa and I knew God wanted to give her the same promise of standing in the nations.
Impartation is a beautiful thing! There is nothing like giving what God has given you away! Thats what were called to do as Christians. Whether your giving your shoes to a child who doesn't have them in a 3rd world country, or to a young woman called to stand in the nations. It's all about standing in obedience!
The Kindgom is established in every moment of every day, in a million different ways!
Don't be afraid to walk it out.
And by the way... I am believing God is going to give me many more pairs of shoes with dirt from many more nations on them... and then I'll give them away as well.
It's the building of the Kingdom, raising up and passing on to those who come next.
What are your Nations Shoes?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Habakkuk 2:3
Habakkuk 2:3
3"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.
Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.
Missing this a lot tonight... Dreaming of touching the WORLD!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Work in your field.
Where is your field???
Where has God called you to serve at this moment in your life? Who is the mission field God has put right in front of you?
I've really been learning that it's not just about what your are called to do. Your life is about serving in the Kingdom here and now as well.
Are you being faithful in the little?
The people of the World are beautiful and broken and longing for Jesus... what greater commission is there then to love on them and bring them to Jesus? The Harvest is plentiful! In America, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, Africa and all over the world. Its in your neighborhood, your work place and the hearts of the people around you everyday.
In the words of Heidi Baker - Love the one in front of you.
Isaiah 49:4-6 "But I said, "I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity; Yet surely the justice due to Me is with the LORD, And My reward with My God." 5And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the LORD, And My God is My strength), 6He says,"It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Quick Updates:
The first 2 months of 2011 have been a roller coaster to say the least- but beautiful in so many ways as well! :)
Here's a couple quick updates:
Here's a couple quick updates:
Sean & Rachael
On January 22nd we welcomed Sean Wilson into our family as my sister Rachael officially became Rachael Wilson! The wedding was absolutely stunning, and my sis was a BEAUTIFUL bride! 
Me & my sis!
The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me and teaching me new ways to hear and sense His voice lately, I love it! Co-laboring with the Holy Spirit is such an amazing gift!
All through January I was feeling a word stirring my heart for the men of Ohio Valley Teen Challenge. It literally was like fire shut up in my bones... something I've never really experience before. God has really developed a new love in my heart for the men in Teen Challenge. My Dad has worked with Teen Challenge for over 25 years now! They are my brothers- the broken who are becoming whole!
On February 2nd, me and my Covie Lauren got to minister to them at Chapel. Lauren played and sang prophetically, and I got to preach. It was so much fun! I was so humbled as I watched over 20 grown men on their faces, seeking God! Watching the broken be healed is beautiful! God is going to do so much in and through the Teen Challenge Center. I love to just sit back and watch!
I can't believe its almost been 1 year since I started this blog and went to India and Africa! I was thinking back last night on all the things God has taught me since then, which is SO MUCH! I still have a long way to go... But I really feel like i'm in a good place right now. My heart is to establish the Kingdom of God on the earth- whether thats here in Youngstown for now ministering to the men of T.C, or the amazing group of Youngstown Masters Commission students... Or if it's in the nations preaching to womens house churches and playing with kids on the streets.
Really looking forward to what God has ahead this year! Longing for spring....
And then who knows??? Maybe adventures in Europe with Lauren to visit our friend Sarah, and of course Gabby and Samuel (who are back in Sweden for now!)... helping to launch a new class of YMC in the fall and then Pakistan!
I'm a blessed girl!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
SHINE!!
2011!
Can you believe it? It's a whole new year!
I am in complete awe of what God did in my life in 2010... but oh, how I long for more in 2011!
My promise for this year is GREATER THINGS.
"Truly, Truly. I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and even GREATER works then these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:12-13
I am called to SHINE as a light in the darkest places of the World. How I long for them... to go to the places no one else wants to go. I cannot do it in my own strength, but through my Father there is NO fear...Only love!
Shortly after my last post about the Middle East the Holy Spirit flung wide the most AMAZING opportunity. I'm going to Pakistan in November of 2011 with Mission SOS and New Life Church. I'm so excited! It's only 2 weeks, but who knows what Holy Spirit will do beyond that.
I am only dreaming, serving and waiting. It's a new season, and I cannot WAIT to see what Holy Spirit does this year.
Believing and standing for GREATER THINGS!
- Joelle Elizabeth
Can you believe it? It's a whole new year!
I am in complete awe of what God did in my life in 2010... but oh, how I long for more in 2011!
My promise for this year is GREATER THINGS.
"Truly, Truly. I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and even GREATER works then these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:12-13
I am called to SHINE as a light in the darkest places of the World. How I long for them... to go to the places no one else wants to go. I cannot do it in my own strength, but through my Father there is NO fear...Only love!
Shortly after my last post about the Middle East the Holy Spirit flung wide the most AMAZING opportunity. I'm going to Pakistan in November of 2011 with Mission SOS and New Life Church. I'm so excited! It's only 2 weeks, but who knows what Holy Spirit will do beyond that.
I am only dreaming, serving and waiting. It's a new season, and I cannot WAIT to see what Holy Spirit does this year.
Believing and standing for GREATER THINGS!
- Joelle Elizabeth
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