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!

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!!

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!!

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

New Realms

Your dreams!

The door is creaking... the hinges whine...

 Step through!

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!

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?

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!

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."