We are passionate to see individuals experiencing injustice protected and cared for all over the world, but in order to partner for transformation we must build bridges between those that are moved to make a difference and those experiencing injustice.We are a movement of artist, communicators, administrators, designers, builders, photographers, writers, and storytellers to be a voice for the silent.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A greater CALL!
God calls us to a greater work then ourselves. Do you want to be part of transforming lives through the living God? Do you want to be part of the greater work? This April God is sending me to India with a group of 10 other missionaries. I know He has incredible things planned for this trip... He has given me a glimpse of the broken hearted will be restored the sick will be healed and the blind will see. For the FIRST TIME people will know the name of JESUS CHRIST! I know some of us can't go on this trips like these because of obligations, but God has given us the recourses to bless other so that they may carry on the work God is doing now. As a team we are in need of $14,000 by tomorrow @5pm to make this happen. Come and be part of the greater work God is doing! All donations are tax deductible. Let me know if you would like to help. God bless!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Open the eyes of my HEART Lord!
Then Jesus called the people to him. His followers were also there. Then Jesus said, "If any person wants to follow me, he must say 'No' to the things he wants. That person must accept the cross (suffering) that is given to him, and he must follow me. (ERV)
Mark 8:34
Lately God has been teaching me about counting the cost and what true suffering means. I have never really grasped what that meant in my life as a follower of Christ. What does it really mean to count the cost? Would you be willing to serve God and becoming a door mat so that others will step on you? Would you be willing to die so that others may hear His name for the first time? And when you die no one will ever remember you. Are you willing? If you really set your emotions aside and really think about it what will your answer be? Most of use would say " Yes Lord I love you but that is not for me..." We really are not willing because we keep putting those excuses that God is not calling us to that. Yes and maybe God is not calling you to be a murderer, but would you be willing is the question?
As there is 3% of missionaries that have gone out to places that believers are persecuted. That just shows how many people are actually willing to go into dangerous places so that other may hear the Gospel. Do we even care? Do you care? When we die and face God "He will say, "did you care enough for your brothers and sisters? Did you care for my children?"
As these thoughts and convictions has been going through my head these couple of weeks I realized I was not counting it all lost. I was still playing safe. Yes in this blog I am speaking to myself. I am guilty of denying Gods' children from His word and truth. As I recognized that I was selfish God put a burden in my heart for places that have never heard his name. He has put India, Middle East, North Korea and North Africa in my heart. These places are the most dangerous, but also where many people have never heard of the name of Jesus and how he is the Son of God and has died for our sins! We know it aren't we special? Yes but now that you know are you sharing that with others? Have you shared it with someone that has never heard of His name?
As my study at IMPACT 195 comes to an end next month I have realized why God has left me in the USA to sit as His feet for a year. I have realized who he has made me. He has made me a women that is after His own heart and that has no fear of man. I am finally understanding why God has put me here and it is to go to some of the most dangerous places on this earth, so that others may hear His name and know His LOVE! Furthermore, during my whole life I have had dreams of always traveling and hiding in places because I was being chased, but I had no idea why I was being chased. As I come to a conclusion now it makes more sense that it's because I was preaching the GOOD NEWS! Praise the Lord!
I leave you with this, "Are you counting the cost?" Or are you just sitting there pondering "this is not for me!" Then we must ask, are we really His children? His children have His heart. Do you?
Monday, January 9, 2012
His Children
As 7 of us headed down to Mexico last week all I could think of was of seeing my kidos at the orphanage again. I have not seen them in a couple of month because of the busy craziness of my life lately. I have been going to this orphanage for over 7 years. The first orphanage called El faro in Tijuana, Mexico is where we spent the first night. It was an amazing time just loving on the kids and doing devotionals with them. The best part for me was sleeping over with the girls in their dorm and getting tickled to death (they found out my secret).
As we headed out the next morning to go to the tecate orphanage for boys I was a little sad we had to leave the other orphanage so soon, but I was ready to see some of my boys that I have not seen for a while. They are actualy part of the other orphanage in Tijauana, but they had to separate the guys from the other orphanage because of problems of having them together with the girls. As you know being a teen can get a little crazy. However, as we got there there was only half a roof in their home and no windows and doors. They were also limited of food. Our bathroom was a whole in the ground. It made me realize how privileged I am.
Beside the circumstances they did not complain! We worshiped with them. Loved them and had the best time of our lives! God really used us to bring comfort and joy! Also a revival in may of their lives. It was so beautiful. We also got up at 5am to worship with the kids and watch the sunset (don't tell anyone I gave them candy too). It was a beautiful night with them and the Lord.
Most of these kids don't have stable relationships and it would be nice to have people commit to going down every week or every 2 weeks. Love is what they need the most. Also there is so much needs in materials to build and food needs. They also need help in paying the electricity, mortgage on the property, etc... There is so much need!
If you all would like to help in any way contact me at 619-750-7403. Also if you would like to come down let me know. It would be a blessing to have you on board!
The kids at El faro during devo.
As we headed out the next morning to go to the tecate orphanage for boys I was a little sad we had to leave the other orphanage so soon, but I was ready to see some of my boys that I have not seen for a while. They are actualy part of the other orphanage in Tijauana, but they had to separate the guys from the other orphanage because of problems of having them together with the girls. As you know being a teen can get a little crazy. However, as we got there there was only half a roof in their home and no windows and doors. They were also limited of food. Our bathroom was a whole in the ground. It made me realize how privileged I am.
Inside the house
The hallway
The House
The bathroom
Most of these kids don't have stable relationships and it would be nice to have people commit to going down every week or every 2 weeks. Love is what they need the most. Also there is so much needs in materials to build and food needs. They also need help in paying the electricity, mortgage on the property, etc... There is so much need!
The team with the kids and staff (farewell picture)
If you all would like to help in any way contact me at 619-750-7403. Also if you would like to come down let me know. It would be a blessing to have you on board!
Monday, January 2, 2012
His Healing Hands
When you first come back from a missions trip everyone wants to know how it went. My response is "it was AMAZING!" Yes, the Philippines was an amazing trip but also a trip that was challenging. Throughout the trip I felt spiritually disconnected from God. I wanted to be in His presence everyday but I just felt so distant from that. I was not even stepping out in any of my spiritual gifts. But I knew that besides my emotions or how distant I felt from God I needed to press in.
During the festival we did for the community in the Philippines I got assigned to do the prayer booth. I did not have a desire to pray for people because I knew I had been so distant from God, but I decided that I needed to press in and love like Christ does. As an older women approached me she asked me to pray for her. I asked, "is there anything I can pray for you for?" She just looked at me with a blank stare she did not understand English very well, so I decided to just pray over her. As I stopped praying for her she started to cry, I had no idea why? Then in broken down English she told me she had no money for her eye medicine. She has really bad cataracts in her eyes that she could not really see. You really could not even see her eyes as the were almost completely covered by a white layer and she was almost completely blind. My first thoughts were " I know she is not trying to ask me for money!" it is very common for people to ask you for money in other countries because you are American (considered RICH). My heart had be hardened because everywhere I would go they would ask me for money... I knew I was not going to give her money and I said, "okay God this is up to you to heal this women because I can't even feel you right now." I looked at her and said "do you believe Jesus Christ can heal you right now?" she said, "yes." So I put my hands over her eyes and said in the name of Jesus I proclaim that you are healed!" Then she started to cry even more and then she kept giving me kisses and hugs. I just told her "thanks for letting me pray for you." I had no idea what she was saying in her language. Thank God one of the dad's of the long term people was there and knew the language and said, " she can see now!" I was like "oh that is why she kept giving me hugs and kisses." God had healed this women! The next thing I saw her do was tell everyone in the crowd that she was healed. It was beautiful.
I could of walked away not knowing this women was healed and it humbled me because I knew it was nothing of me. I did not have to be right with God or feeling spiritually high to see God move in a mighty way. God did not even need me at that moment, but he decided to show me His power. God wants to show us more of him even when we feel so distant from Him. He is always there, but it's in those times we need to press in and truly build that foundation on him and not emotions. He is alive and active in each one of us everyday! All we have to do is say "YES God I am willing!" I am willing to run after you even when I don't feel you or hear you. Even signing up to go to IMPACT 195 I was not willing to give up a year of my life and first of all I did not even have the money! But all I had to do is say "YES Lord I am willing!" I was willing to pursue God even in the times I was not feeling it or thought it was impossible. He has blessed my life and has showed me how faithful he is besides my circumstances. Keep pressing in and he will show how faithful he is!
During the festival we did for the community in the Philippines I got assigned to do the prayer booth. I did not have a desire to pray for people because I knew I had been so distant from God, but I decided that I needed to press in and love like Christ does. As an older women approached me she asked me to pray for her. I asked, "is there anything I can pray for you for?" She just looked at me with a blank stare she did not understand English very well, so I decided to just pray over her. As I stopped praying for her she started to cry, I had no idea why? Then in broken down English she told me she had no money for her eye medicine. She has really bad cataracts in her eyes that she could not really see. You really could not even see her eyes as the were almost completely covered by a white layer and she was almost completely blind. My first thoughts were " I know she is not trying to ask me for money!" it is very common for people to ask you for money in other countries because you are American (considered RICH). My heart had be hardened because everywhere I would go they would ask me for money... I knew I was not going to give her money and I said, "okay God this is up to you to heal this women because I can't even feel you right now." I looked at her and said "do you believe Jesus Christ can heal you right now?" she said, "yes." So I put my hands over her eyes and said in the name of Jesus I proclaim that you are healed!" Then she started to cry even more and then she kept giving me kisses and hugs. I just told her "thanks for letting me pray for you." I had no idea what she was saying in her language. Thank God one of the dad's of the long term people was there and knew the language and said, " she can see now!" I was like "oh that is why she kept giving me hugs and kisses." God had healed this women! The next thing I saw her do was tell everyone in the crowd that she was healed. It was beautiful.
(This was after the women after she was healed)
Monday, December 26, 2011
Obedient
As November 30th 2011 came along I knew it would be the day I would be heading to the Philippines. I never wanted to go to this country or really cared about going, but I knew that was where God was calling me for this season of my life. Well, thinking he was only calling me to go for 3 weeks I was okay with that , but when He spoke to me about committing to go long term before even going to that country was insane, if you ask me! I had no idea what God had in store for me or why he was calling me there. As November 30th came along so fast I was nervous I seriously did not want to get on that plane. As I walked into the plane God spoke clearly to me "You see those hands? I am going to use them to heal the brokenhearted. You see those feet I am going to use them to bring the Good News." I was humbled that God could use me in that way when I was not willing.
As we got to Canogan the village we were going to go serve in our first outreach was going to one of the national high schools. We did a concert for them and a powerful drama. As we got to the high school I remember the kids being very shy. It was their culture to be shy and very quite. I thought to myself this is going to be tough crowd. As we tried to get some of them to dance with us they would not and they would just laugh. Then there would be class clown that would get up and dance with us and one of the teachers also danced. Then the drama (prodigal son) started and expressions on their faces were priceless they were really into the drama. It was sweet moment. Then Alex one of the long term students staying came up and asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus Christ for the first time in their lives and we just got a blank stare. Then she asked if anyone has never sinned before raised their hands up and no on did. Then she asked stand up if you have sinned before and want to ask for forgiveness, also to pray the prayer if they wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts and over 500 students said that prayer. Tears started to fall down my face. It was beautiful to witness the work of the Lord that day. As many of the students were in tears I went to hug and embrace them. I really felt like it was the Lord hugging them. Chains were being broken that day! I remember that every girl I talked to and hugged that day had a dad that passed away or was an alcoholic just like in my life when I was their age. I felt their pain and I just held them and cried with them. It felt like God was really giving them the hug and bringing them hope. It was beautiful!
As we finished praying one of the long term people came up to me with some beautiful words she said "I love how humble you are and how you love with the love of the Lord" "Your are joy that is contagious, you overflow with God's JOY." She said, " You see those hands God is going to use them to heal the broken hearted, you see those feet he is going to use them to bring the good news to those that need hope." I started to cry because that is what God had told me when I was getting on the plane to the Philippines. God has confirmed that day why he was sending me to the Philippines. Throughout the whole trip God used me to break chains, heal the brokenhearted, and even heal the sick. God blew my mind and realized how unworthy I am of Him using me, but His grace has made me worthy.
I can't wait to share more stories of the mighty work he did through me and others! Stay tuned.
As we got to Canogan the village we were going to go serve in our first outreach was going to one of the national high schools. We did a concert for them and a powerful drama. As we got to the high school I remember the kids being very shy. It was their culture to be shy and very quite. I thought to myself this is going to be tough crowd. As we tried to get some of them to dance with us they would not and they would just laugh. Then there would be class clown that would get up and dance with us and one of the teachers also danced. Then the drama (prodigal son) started and expressions on their faces were priceless they were really into the drama. It was sweet moment. Then Alex one of the long term students staying came up and asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus Christ for the first time in their lives and we just got a blank stare. Then she asked if anyone has never sinned before raised their hands up and no on did. Then she asked stand up if you have sinned before and want to ask for forgiveness, also to pray the prayer if they wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts and over 500 students said that prayer. Tears started to fall down my face. It was beautiful to witness the work of the Lord that day. As many of the students were in tears I went to hug and embrace them. I really felt like it was the Lord hugging them. Chains were being broken that day! I remember that every girl I talked to and hugged that day had a dad that passed away or was an alcoholic just like in my life when I was their age. I felt their pain and I just held them and cried with them. It felt like God was really giving them the hug and bringing them hope. It was beautiful!
As we finished praying one of the long term people came up to me with some beautiful words she said "I love how humble you are and how you love with the love of the Lord" "Your are joy that is contagious, you overflow with God's JOY." She said, " You see those hands God is going to use them to heal the broken hearted, you see those feet he is going to use them to bring the good news to those that need hope." I started to cry because that is what God had told me when I was getting on the plane to the Philippines. God has confirmed that day why he was sending me to the Philippines. Throughout the whole trip God used me to break chains, heal the brokenhearted, and even heal the sick. God blew my mind and realized how unworthy I am of Him using me, but His grace has made me worthy.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Lacking Faith
As I was getting ready to go to sleep I heard God speak " I want you to go to the Philippines." Then I said "you must be kidding me. I am already planning on going to La Paz." "Right now is not the time." Then God said, " are you done planning?" I ignored it and went to bed thinking this must be a joke!
The next day my friend and I decided to attend and earlier service at church and during worship I felt the holy spirit all over that place! Being in God's presence is always something wonderful. As I praised God, the holy spirit spoke "I TOLD YOU TO GO TO THE PHILIPPINES!" It was so loud and clear that it shook me and I started to shake and cry. I was convicted that I was being disobedient. All I could ask is "why?" So the next day I signed up and got accepted to go.
A week later I get a call from one of the staff asking if I was going to pay the application fee to go. That meant I really had to commit, ahhh! No bueno! I told her I was going to pray about it some more because I was not sure God was sending me. Then I told her the story how the holy spirit had been telling me that I needed to sign up. Then she said "well there you. that is God calling you!" Then she asked me what is stopping me? I said my finances. Then she told me about people stepping out in faith and all I could do was cry.
I have seen God work in my life and in others, but still I doubted. I was lacking faith! I got on my knees that day and asked God to give me FAITH! I realized that everyday I have not been walking in faith and that I was disabling God from showing who He really is.
How could I go into the missions field not being confident in who my God is? In this season God is teaching me how to walk in faith everyday. He wants to show me His power and what he can do when I walk in faith.
I remember telling God when he revealed this to me "you are going to make me a crazy lady!" I will be a crazy women for Jesus and I don't care what people say I don't want to fear men no more! "For God did not make us with a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. Even if I may not go to the Philippines I know I did what God told me to do. I am walking in faith and being obedient. He is growing me through this and I know I am doing the right thing.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6. There is nothing we can do to please God, but only by waking in faith. For me this is a season of trusting God and being obedient which leads to walking in FAITH. How are you walking in faith? It does not mean you have to leave everything behind, but in ways of giving up comforts, stepping out to talk to someone about God, in giving finances, etc... Seek Him with all of your heart and you will find him.
The next day my friend and I decided to attend and earlier service at church and during worship I felt the holy spirit all over that place! Being in God's presence is always something wonderful. As I praised God, the holy spirit spoke "I TOLD YOU TO GO TO THE PHILIPPINES!" It was so loud and clear that it shook me and I started to shake and cry. I was convicted that I was being disobedient. All I could ask is "why?" So the next day I signed up and got accepted to go.
A week later I get a call from one of the staff asking if I was going to pay the application fee to go. That meant I really had to commit, ahhh! No bueno! I told her I was going to pray about it some more because I was not sure God was sending me. Then I told her the story how the holy spirit had been telling me that I needed to sign up. Then she said "well there you. that is God calling you!" Then she asked me what is stopping me? I said my finances. Then she told me about people stepping out in faith and all I could do was cry.
I have seen God work in my life and in others, but still I doubted. I was lacking faith! I got on my knees that day and asked God to give me FAITH! I realized that everyday I have not been walking in faith and that I was disabling God from showing who He really is.
How could I go into the missions field not being confident in who my God is? In this season God is teaching me how to walk in faith everyday. He wants to show me His power and what he can do when I walk in faith.
I remember telling God when he revealed this to me "you are going to make me a crazy lady!" I will be a crazy women for Jesus and I don't care what people say I don't want to fear men no more! "For God did not make us with a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. Even if I may not go to the Philippines I know I did what God told me to do. I am walking in faith and being obedient. He is growing me through this and I know I am doing the right thing.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6. There is nothing we can do to please God, but only by waking in faith. For me this is a season of trusting God and being obedient which leads to walking in FAITH. How are you walking in faith? It does not mean you have to leave everything behind, but in ways of giving up comforts, stepping out to talk to someone about God, in giving finances, etc... Seek Him with all of your heart and you will find him.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
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