Concluding Fiji

I know its been far too long since I have written any sort of update. I am currently at home resting and spending time with my family.

As for Fiji... after we finished up our time in villages of Rakiraki, we headed back to our base in Lautoka. We rested and got ourselves together prepping for the last stretch of outreach. We also celebrated Thanksgiving dinner a bit early and as best as we could since Fiji doesn't have all of the ingredients needed for an all American Holiday.  After our few days of rest, we hopped on a bus early in the morning to catch a boat that would take us to a village in an outer island for 10 days. We knew that this Island was going to be gorgeous... but when we arrived... I thought I was dreaming... IT. WAS. ABSOLUTELY. STUNNING. One of the most beautiful places Ive seen. This island looked nothing like the main island we had been living on. This village seemed much different than all of the others that we had experienced. We had been doing door to door ministry everyday in the previous locations but we wanted to try something different. The island culture is thick with family relationships and honor. So we tried to just build relationships with people. We wanted to live like they did. We wanted to help them with whatever they needed during the day. So some of us help cook meals, work on a boat, played sports with the kids, paint the school bathrooms, performed skits for the kids in school and of course had church services nightly...these people are so amazing. Village after village I couldn't get over the fact how much they live Kingdom principals. They serve and serve others... they give the best of whatever they have... they take you under their wing no matter what. They honor and honor... I learned so much. 

A few stories
One day I was just sitting on the beach thinking about what I wanted to share in the nights service and a somewhat older woman that had a young girl with her came and sat next to me. We had some small talk and she then asked me if I was christian... I kinda laughed inside because that is very reason why I was there. I said yes and explained to her what I was doing there. We then started talking about God and I told her that I could hear Gods voice and that is why I came to Fiji. She responded with " I want to hear Gods voice." My heart melted. That is one of the things that so burns on my heart is that people would know they could have a living and active relationship with God... and how can you have a relationship with someone if you aren't able to talk or communicate? I told her that we all can hear Gods voice... we are all just getting familiar to his sound and his ways... I prayed that she may hear his voice clearly. She thanked me and went on her way.

I made friends with a girl named Pepe, she was about 17 years old. I really wanted to go to her house and meet her family. So one day she took me but before we ended up at her house a group of ladies had me just sit down and asked me to share a story about God. Its often that your put on the spot like that... so I decided to share my testimony of how God placed me in YWAM and how I started staffing with Awaken. It was all God orchestrated. Every time I get a chance to tell that story I feel my heart become undone by God again... because HE did it all... HE gave me my hearts desire when I didn't deserve it at all. He was faithful to me. He provided for me. He gave me HOPE. I knew that these girls had dreams... and probably feel at times that they will never happen because they are poor... thats exactly how I felt. But if God did it for me, he would do that for anyone. In Psalms 37:4 Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. He did that for me, I sought the Lord, I aligned myself  with Him and He gave me the desires of my heart. After sharing this with the girls they seemed encouraged and very thankful for what I shared. Praise God. He used me!

Our last night they threw us a huge Fijian Bon fire...and a traditional juice farewell party... they would normally use Kava/Grog for the party we didn't drink that nor did the Christians in village. The next day we left back to our base to get ready  for Suva our last week of ministry. When arriving to Suva we didn't have much ministry set up except to follow where the Lord led. When arrived we got hooked up to be a part of a youth conference called Synergy. We actually met one of the speakers on the bus going to Suva. Another story orchestrated by God! When we weren't attending the conference we walked around to talk to people. A few of the people on our team got to share their testimonies over one of the largest non christian radio stations in Fiji!

The last week we spent in Fiji was debriefing as a team.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We got to meet and impact so many people. My team and I  were impacted and changed as well.

To watch our team video follow these links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwqoKA-26Wc    part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGfSBNrrR7Y&feature=related  part 2

Update in Fiji

We have been in Fiji for 2 months now. We have 2 weeks left and then we are back in Hawaii.

So we went to a place called Rakiraki and went to 3 different villages. Every village was a bit different but the ministry looked pretty much the same.  Lots of door to door ... going house to house telling families and people in their homes testimonies of what God has done in our lives, sharing the gospel, and praying for them. In the evenings we have church services, where we would bring a message, worship, perform some skits, and pray for people afterwards. Even though most of the time the services were in Fijian, God was moving.  The main stronghold we have come up against here in this nation is religion and tradition. Its hard to breakthrough that. Honor and respect is at the core of Fijians culture, but through that its hard to breakthrough and fully allow the spirit to lead. Through it all we have seeen God move through us!

1st village in RA: Navatoka

This village was so remote it took almost the whole day to get there. It was surrounded my mountains and placed right next to the ocean.  These people have a reputation of being the most rebellious and the founder of a cult used to live there. His house is still placed up on a hill, where they hold it in high respect. This man used to sit on a throne while they had gatherings and would wear a crown of thorns upon his head. There is also a Methodist church in this village but there is much confusion because this cult leader based a lot of his teachings from the Bible.  We had church services here in this village every night as well, which is where we saw much of the breakthrough. Methodist churches don't allow playing guitars and church congregations do not gather together. We saw all of this happen that week. All the churches around gathered together and guitars were playing in worship. The youth even performed a drama our last day about different christian groups gathering together including YWAM all because of the Name of JESUS! VICTORY!

2nd Village: Mataso


I  connected with a few girls in this place. I taught them the song I sing a lot 'Ive got a river of Life flowing out of me!' We sang it together at one of the services as well as a Fijian song that they taught me! I had it recorded so hopefully I can share that later! We did door to door here as well and built relationships.  We saw many people hunger after Jesus and encountered Him when we prayed for them at the nightly services. Much of our ministry was just by living with the people. These people care much more about your actions than what people are saying. They use a lot of body language! Facial expressions are a must here! :)

3rd Village: Naywala 


The church in this village was very small, about 30 people regularly attend.  Our first night in this church, there were about 5 people sitting on the floor with a caroscene lantern lit while 2 men were worshiping with there guitars. All I could think about was a quote from a book about the Azuza Street and Welsh revivals that talked about how most revivals start by only a few faithful people that press into prayer and Gods heart. I also felt like as that church... those few faithful people running after the depths of Gods heart were entertaining angels and revival kept burning on my heart for them. I shared the next night and I believe that God allowed me to spark a small fire inside of them to run after the more. To expect greater things from God even in their small numbers. To expect that God can use them to change the surrounding villages to run after Gods heart with a firey passion.

To be continued....!!!

Fiji

We have been here in Fiji for about a month now! The first week we stayed in Lautoka for a week with Marine reach. We began minsitry the very next day that we arrived by attending a local church and sharing some testimonies of what God has done in our lives.  Most of the ministry that we have done is going door to door, house to house, simply sharing about Jesus and praying for people.  The people are so welcoming here its incredible. I see the Kingdom in them. They will freely open their door to anyone and would gladly offer them food or tea. Anyone that you may walk or drive by will excitedly say "BULA!" Which is a greeting here that literally means Life! Although people are so friendly, the spiritual warfare over this nation is thick. There are many hindus and some muslims as well. The spirit of religion is very evident as well. Most fijians are born into christianity and its become more of a cultural norm to just go to church instead of truly knowing God.  Most  have heard the gospel story but I believe that we have come to encourage the people here and continue to sewing seed. There was one woman in particular that didnt want to change her hindu ways because of culture but agreed to praying to Jesus when she is alone in her bed! That is victory and because of that step God is going to reveal himself because he WANTS THAT WOMANs heart!! I am looking forward to the day that so many people in this nation start flooding to Jesus, I see it like the dam is about to break and the floodgates are about to open.

We are about to leave for a few more villages for 3 weeks. Its a remote part of fiji and we will be staying in a traditional type village. Most likely sleeping on floors with our mosquito nets. We will be working a with a pastor out there that will guide us from village to village. So another update will be after the 3 weeks. If you have questions email and I will gladly try to get back to you! Thanks for your prayers! God we want more! We want the fullness of what He has for us here.

Here we go

I leave in 4 days, leading a team of 7 along with my co-leader to Fiji for the next 3 months. We are going to be working with a Ministry called Marine Reach, which we will be able to work with some prison ministry, deaf communities, going into villages, and practical work for any that need it. Our heart really is to show people the love of Jesus. So many of youth live a life with no purpose. I know I mentioned a little bit of this in my previous post. This is so much more than just a humanitarian missions trip. There is so much power in Jesus. The gospel is real and we want to proclaim that. God brought me up out of hopeless and I want to see others come into that same freedom! I have more joy and life in my heart than I ever have before! Its so hard to put into words! My vision is Jesus! I want to  see the students on my team more in love and transformed by the love of Jesus than anything else and as we fall more in love with Him we will be able to love other people with the same Love that God has loved us. ITS CHANGES US! He satisfies! Without God we have nothing! He is the one! He is the sunstainer of Life, he is the giver of life! We want people to come back into relationship with Him! Thats what is all about. Its not about the rules, its not about having "good morals", God wants to restore our relationship with him because HE loves us that much! So we are going on this trip to share just that. I still need $1200 to cover my food, housing, and transportation while I am there for the next 3 months. For those of you that may not know, Fiji is a 3rd world country and many are in need of hope and the love of  Jesus,its  not just a vacation spot. Even in the midst of wealth there are people that need to know that they are loved and wanted. People that are lonely and poor in spirit. God came so he could purify, restore, and love those exact people. He did it for me and I want to show others the same. So if you would like to partner with me and my team by supporting me financially and in prayer there is a paypal button to the right where you can give. Thank you so much.  If you are feeling like you are one of those that need healing, hope and life. Please contact me. I would love to pray for you and encourage you and tell you about the love and power of God.

A Life with Substance

Outreach time is almost upon us! I am leading an outreach to to Fiji come September. I am getting so excited! We have talked to a few Fijians that are here on our campus and got to learn a bit more about the people. Many people have no hope and live their lives drinking Kava ( a root drink that can make you numb and physically lock your knees). My heart breaks for those that feel as though they have no purpose or life in their hearts! I used to be that way until Jesus came in and showed me who HE was and gave my life and hope in him. We as a team desire to bring that to the people in Fiji. We as well want to go and serve the people in any way that we can, whether that look like cooking a meal for a family or fixing up someones home. I believe that God is going to encounter people with His love, heal them physically, and make them whole emotionally. Weill see the power of God manifested! We are going to see people that are heavy in heart and bound up, be set free! 

My life has substance. What I long to see and what God desires to accomplish on this earth will happen not out of just an excitement and zeal but out of a reality of the goodness of God and the power He longs to pour on the broken people of this earth! I need about $2000 to be able to go out and do this. Please pray about partnering with me. There is a paypal button to the right. You can click that and make a one time donation or sign up to support me monthly. Keep us in your prayers. Prayer will break the power of darkness and bring hope where there is none. Pray for freedom and a passion after Gods heart. If you have questions please feel free to contact me. I pray that God will draw near to you today and build you up in him, so that you may have all life and freedom in HIM!

Consumed Freedom

Im pretty sure that is has been about 3 weeks since I have posted something! So much has happened! 2 weeks ago we had Andy Byrd speak and brought us into deeper breakthrough! That week I saw a spark lit inside of our students! People began praying out loud and declaring life over themselves! Bondages were being broken! We began to lay down our rights to things and any thing that hinders us from fully running after Jesus. Nothing is a sacrifice to lay down in comparison to knowing God! Sometimes it doesn't always seem like it is the reality but its the truth! He is that GOOD!

Last week, we learned about evangelism, freedom and revival! Brian Brennt walked us through breaking down strongholds and we took authority over our fear and passivity! We shouted from the top of our lungs for freedom. I have never heard a room that loud before! We do not want to settle for anything less, GOD! We want the fullness that God has. He died to set us free fully, not half way! My heart has been stirred with the fact that we really can be totally free! If we can't have a life free of fear, insecurities, and the like... the gospel isn't real! Jesus has all authority! I have been so challenged with that! I want to be fully convinced of His power... because if it isn't true... then all of this would be meaningless!

At the end of last week, we had the privilege to have Lou Engle come and share what God is doing! I have never in my life felt more convinced of who God is than I was on those 3 days! My mind was so focused on Jesus and the passion and zeal that I have felt in my heart for so long was being released! Fear of man tried to creep in but I pressed in because I wanted JESUS! I longed to be more on fire for Jesus than I had than ever before! He is so worth it. People might think that I am crazy... people might think that this whole campus is crazy but God is so worth it! What if we started to act like Jesus was standing right before us... how would we respond?

This week, our speaker canceled on us so instead, we had the students go on a faith journey around the island with not much structure. Many students had meals paid for, got to preach the gospel and bless many people. The testimonies were amazing. Some of the students on my outreach team even were blessed with a helicopter ride around the whole island for free... and she was able to pray and bless the people on that flight!  The rest of the week, we are having a burn, which is where we pray and minister to God without stopping for a certain amount of time. In our case we are going 50 hours. Students are required to have at least spent minimum of 6 hours over the next 2 1/2 days in the prayer room. God is doing  much and we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his grace! He is so good!


Prayers

• Healing, I have been sick for the last 5 or so days... 
• Focus, I want my mind to be so consumed with Jesus so that everything else that is of this world will fade away. I desire for him to be my ALL
• Love, I really want to love people and see people the way God does.

Needs

• $700 for rent through September
• $2000 for ground fees for outreach (September-December)
•  Running shoes
• Sunglasses

Thank you all for walking through this journey! Isnt God GOOD?!

He causes the Heart to rejoice!

Who is this King of Glory?!

This past week has been the craziest roller coaster! I have my downs and for sure my ups! I am seeing people discover God in a whole new way on a daily basis and all at the same time I am learning and going deeper myself.  I had times where... old pains that I never truly believed would ever disappear, come up only to have Lord remove them and begin to redeem. I have been challenged by what I believe and didn't know which way was up and then rushes in with his mighty hand so I can stand on truth! I had times of feeling hopeless and God came in so suddenly to refresh my heart with true life and joy!! I can honestly say Im not sure that my heart has ever felt that full of life than it did on that day! He is a God of hope! He is the author of LIFE! He is the Redeemer! He is my closest friend!

I have sat back at moments to just ponder what I do here. I feel so blessed and privileged. I never thought I would be doing what I am doing, but I love it! I get to tell people about the one thing I am most passionate about... Jesus! I get to be in a community of friends that call me higher and has truly begun to feel like a life long family to me. I get to see people restored and healed. I get to see relationships built and grow. I get to see the world begin to change all because Jesus has called me to be here and just be a vessel for him. I am so blessed! I feel blessed that I get to do that with so many other people. We all get to see one of the greatest moves of God in our time than we have ever seen. Now that doesn't mean that everything I do in this season of life is a piece of cake... by far... its not, but its all worth it. God is so worth it and I feel so honored!

Ministry Night Worship Session

Thank you for being  a part of this journey with me. If you ever have questions or want more detail about what is going on here, please feel free to ask. Email me or call me. If you ever want to come visit or even come do a school with us, your more than welcome so let me know and I can help you with some details!

Please pray for finances. All of us staff have a deadline for outreach deposits of $500 by August 4th.

This is the only the BEGINNING

Its been 2 weeks from the beginning of DTS. Time goes by and the days are full from sun rise to sun set! I love it! The first week, all of us staff shared our testimonies along with an exhortation/word for the students. I did not realize how powerful that would be. So many of the students responded that they were not the same by the end of the first week, than when they first arrived! How incredible!! So many of them had breakthrough with the fathers love that week! When the spirit of God moves... healing happens...hearts start becoming whole. We have never seen a group of people so hungry for the Lord during DTS than this season! We also have a seminar called Circuit Riders running along side of us. They have lecture and then send groups out into the community to share about Jesus! Just to give a little insight... so many people on this island are not very open or warm to the idea of Jesus. There is so much spiritual confusion, but the first week there was about15-25 people that made a decision to follow JESUS!!!! WE HAVE NOT SEEN SALIVATIONS ON THIS ISLAND IN AT LEAST A FEW YEARS!! God really is bringing the truth of his word and revival!!

By the end of the first week, we announced outreach teams and formed them! Come mid to end September, I will be leading a team, along with a good friend of mine Matthew Scapparotti to Fiji! It is considered a 3 world nation and many do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus. We are very excited! Our heart is to see our team be a family and really show the Fijians who God is. There is a large Indian population there and many Hindu festivals are celebrated. Funny how I can't get away from that people group. I love them! I am excited to learn more about the Islanders as well. 

The second week just ended, we had a speaker by the name of Ivan Roman speak about hearing Gods voice. This concept to many people is new... and some of our students began to hear Gods voice for the first time! The culture of our campus and the people that God is raising up in this time felt like only a year ago would be a dream!! God really is raising up people that will love him with everything and truly believe who they are in Jesus! This season has been so much about our identity in Christ. Its where everything else flows. He is our foundation. Our rock!

Prayer Points/Needs

1. Pray that we will continue in unity and becoming a true family
2.  Pray protection over our minds.Satan likes to come in with lies and destruction often. He doesnt like what we are doing
3. Provison/Budget- I need  at least $500 by August 4th to pay for my outreach flight.

• I need $700 for the remainder of this quarters Staff fees
• $50 a month for toiletries and miscellaneous
• $50 for food

1. A new computer
2. A traveling back pack
3. Running/hiking shoes

Thank you all for being such support and prayers!

Did you say... REVIVAL?!

Ummm.... What! What is happening! hahaha God is so good and so faithful and there is nothing cliche about that! Yesterday was arrival day... we registered the students and got them settled into their dorm rooms. Today was a day of orientation and familiarizing them of what were all about! We had about an hour of worship in the morning before starting and I have not seen that much hunger in first time arrivals before. Seriously, what God is doing is a reality on this earth and what he really says will happen... really will happen... whoa when I think about that I get a little hint of the fear of God. You know... the verse that says through God all things are possible..? Have you ever truly believed that...? God lives inside you and if you commanded the waters to be still do you believe in the Authority that Jesus has given to you? Well... Im definitely getting there yet...but for sure have more faith to believe it than I did a few months ago. I do believe that all the things that HE has said that will come to pass in the days really will come to pass! Im sure that you have heard about revival and crazy encounters and all of that before... but there is a serious reality to what Jesus talks about. Its so much better than we make it to be. Its hard to explain what is happening on campus, partially because words seem to really lack in comparison to the reality of it... Did that make sense? Ill hopefully get a chance to get some video footage of whats going on. Please keep us in your prayers. I am praying for all of you and that God would begin to shift and move in your hometowns as well! PRAISE THE ONE WHO SET ME FREE!

Prayer points

• Unification of the Body of Christ
• A stronger devotion to give God my everything
• For the students to be at ease and quickly adjust to all the new people and surroundings
• Finances- I need monthly supporters.. as of right now I need $350 a month to pay for rent.
• We want what God has cultivated here in Kona to go out into the nations and remain... going from glory to glory.
• A deeper revelation of who God is. The reality would fall upon us and we would never be able to shake it.

Needs

1. Journal
2. A new computer, mine is crashing and its essential to have a computer 
3. Back pack
4. Tennie shoes

Just say Yes

Welp! Its almost that time! We have been preparing for this time for months and months now! With many things to still get done... in 4 Days is Arrival Day for our students to get here July 7th also known as Revival DAY! Wow I really hope that you have read the previous post to get a glimpse of what has been going on here. Its been incredible. I have so much expectancy for God to do some amazing things... to try and figure out what those amazing things are beyond me at this point.

I have more faith and trust in God more than I ever have and I believe that God is going to move powerfully in peoples lives. We are learning to move out of a place of being children of God, instead of a place of striving and begging for God to do something. For so long I have always tried to keep it together and appear to be perfect when knowingly on the inside I was very broken and very much in need of help. A few days ago, us staff had a time where we got together to just hang out with the Holy Spirit, whatever that would look like. So there was a time where one of our fellow staffers invited us to hold nothing back from the Lord and respond to him whether that be crying out to him or sitting in silence. Some people began to cry out and I felt the need to just kneel and be on my face. As I was sitting there, asking the Lord to take all of me and be no hindrance of me giving him all of me, another fellow staffer was crying out... In my heart, I felt like I was holding back because I wasn't responding with my verbal voice. But as I sat there, God began to simply speak to me about how the role of a man is to pursue a woman when it comes to marriage and the woman needs to just respond. He then said in the same way I am your groom and you are my bride, I am pursuing you and your posture is to just keep saying yes. Just keep saying yes. I just felt this grace come in my being and that pressure of striving to look a certain way or respond the correct way began to just ease away. Oh, I am looking forward of this season of just resting in God and His peace. Responding in complete surrender and obedience by just saying yes. Never moving out of a place of performance, but a confidence that I am a Daughter of the King.


I will be hopefully posting a few more updates within this week. Please be praying for our school, our finances our students, staff, and the workings of everything coming together. If there is something that you would like me to pray for please let me know. I would gladly pray with you. Love yall

A look on the inside

Seriously... what is HAPPENING?!?!?! I could not be more thankful for what God is doing right now. I want to share a few things that have come out of the Kona YWAM Base as well as share a few things that God has been doing in our very midst.

The sites that I am about to share with you have really been a result of God moving and stirring people on this very campus to fight for justice and give God's perspective to the world.

Please check out http://www.grassrootsnews.tv/  Many people from this campus have signed up to capture a story in countries all over the world as they come. Its news that comes from the positive perspective, so check it out!

Secondly... there are many people that come to this campus to learn about film and acting. This last Thursday we had the priviledge of watching the Sex and Money film by some people that I personally know (the Sex and Money crew.)  It is about the abuse of Sex and Money and how sex slavery happens in our very back yard.  Check out the promo video and their website http://sexandmoneyfilm.com/film/our-story/

There so many different things happening right now its unreal! The atmosphere of this campus is shifting and its changing things around the world! There is a coropate hunger for Holiness and Freedom! My hearts jumps with gladness and I feel like weeping all at the same time because the time has come! So many people on campus have made a vow to only speak words of faith. No grumbling or complaining and to ONLY speak what builds others up. Never tearing someone down, especially when they are not present.  It makes my heart so happy... I am working on this as well. I want to be completely pure and blameless, its not easy but I am making that vow.

Psalms 15

Lord who may dwell in your scanctuary? Who may live on your holy mountain?

Those whose walk is blameless, who do what is righteous, who speak the truth from their hearts; who have no slander on their tongues, who do their neighbors no wrong, who cast no slur on others; who despise those whos ways are vile but honor whoever fears the Lord; who keep their oaths even when it hurts; who lend money to the poor without interest and do not accept bribes against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be SHAKEN.

We as a body of Christ are beginning to understand and believe who we are! We are starting to understand the authority that Jesus has given us! Identity! Identity! Identity! I recently have had an experience that I will never forget. Actually the past few weeks are hard to even put into words. About a week ago some outreach teams came back and shared some stories. It as a night that imparted Faith big time! Every team had big amazing stories to tell! They saw people give their lives to the Lord and people be raised from the dead! The Power of God was being manifested! Like I said its really hard to put into words what He has been doing. I came back from that meeting with so many questions in my heart. I have never been in a season like this in my life and it was a little bit uncomfortable. What does the Trinity really look like... who is the Holy Spirit? God isn't an emotion but when the Holy Spirit comes, people experience emotions and feelings? God what is happening to me?!?! As I walked back to my room, I felt encouraged by the words that were prayed over me; but as I reached my room... I started experiencing something that words will never fully explain. I laid on my bed and fear started to come over me.... I felt like I was in a foreign land... I felt all alone.. but not isolated... it was so strange. I felt almost like I was in space and the vastness of it was never ending.  It was the spiritual realm and I knew that anything I said would shift something and angels and demons would respond. I KNEW that everything God said was going to happen and everything He says to us, without a doubt, is TRUE. I suddenly knew that our God, our religion has more authority and power than all other religions and spirits in the world! All at the same time I felt like I didn't know God because it was all too big for me to understand and so un-familar to what I already knew God to be! He is SO BIG! It changed my life!

The times we live in are like any other! This summer, us on the YWAM campus are so expectant for God to move in ways that we have never seen... We get excited but its so much more than hype, its reality and people are going to be set free from fears, anxieties, hurts and pains, physical healings, experiencing God that blows our mind!!! People are going to have more joy and life in this world than they ever thought possible, all because of JESUS! It starts with us! God really loves to hang out with us...its all about relationship and he's showing it! It blows my mind! I did not explain what is going on justice. Ill end it with this...We are expectant!

The sandals on HIS feet... Israel Continued

 Before we headed out to Jerusalem.. we went to a town called Natania...pretty sure I spelled it wrong... anywhoo... we had a contact out there that had invited us to help out with a food drive that they normally do. So we packed our bags and headed out. We arrived and immediately started setting up tables and the items to be given away. This food drive was not a normal one... this one was special and we were privileged enough to be a part of it. We were giving a way food, soap, heaters and such items to Holocaust Survivors. It was all very organized. They slowly came and grabbed the items from each table and were offered cookies and free literature about Jesus if they would like. Mind you there is a law in Israel that when giving away free items, Christian material and the Gospel cannot be forced upon the people. It can be available for them to freely choose to take. As well as, it is illegal for someone to share the Gospel and convert a person under the age of 18. I may have not worded those laws to the best of my knowledge but I would encourage you to check those out.  This was so amazing to me...I couldn't communicate with any of them because they all spoke Hebrew...all I could say was Todah... which is Thank you. I really wanted to be able to sit down and have a conversation with one of them. I am sure I could learn so much from them that it would change my life forever. I also wanted to ask them how they felt that I... a blonde haired, blue eyed German, was giving them food... there were definite moments I wanted to slip down my chair because I didn't want them to think I was anything like Hitler. I guess that is a big testimony in itself. To be honest that was a great but hard day for me.They all came and some stayed to listen to the music and grabbed some literature. After the long day, we cleaned up and headed to Jerusalem.

The Old City In Jersalem

First day in Jerusalem... wow so much different than Tel Aviv. I didn't mention it earlier, but Tel Aviv could be compared to LA. The reputation that we heard of, was it had a huge night life on the beach. Much partying and things of the sort... they even had surfers! WHOA huge surprise to me!! So back to Jerusalem, We took the bus about 10 mins to my families place. It was amazing. They were so welcoming and hospitable. Another surprise was that we could basically look out the window and see Mount Zion... and the Old City. To tell you the truth... I don't have a whole lot of knowledge about what happened there. Just a few tid bits here and there, but when you gaze at that city and those hills... the reality of Jesus sets in your heart. Whoa do I know and understand Jesus what you did... and the reality of how difficult that was... pah hardly...Oh Jesus how I hunger to know you deeply!

We were so privileged that we were in Jerusalem! We really felt like God was going to be doing something in us very significant while in this place. We did not have as many things lined up, so we were very flexible with what the Spirit wanted us to be doing. As we walked along the streets and visited the upper room, temples, the wailing wall, and many other places we would pray in our hearts or under our breath. One specific thing that God had been giving me revelation and understanding, was that since I am a child of God, I am a carrier of His Spirit, where ever I am I have the authority to change the atmosphere by just existing in that place. God poured so much life back into my heart while I was there and I was able to bring that to streets of Israel. God put so much joy in our team and we carried it every where we went. People noticed. A little side note, one of the strongholds and common thing I noticed was that the people are impatient and seem to be offended quickly. I had so much confidence that since God was encouraging us, as a team, to just enjoy ourselves, it was changing the atmosphere. We were moving things in the spiritual realm by just letting God be released in us. It was the most freeing, life giving trip I have ever experienced. My heart was being tugged by the people and the place.

We went to a church on Shabbat,  to the church my family attends. For those you that do not know what Shabbat is, it begins at sun down Friday night and ends on Saturday night when 3 stars appear in the sky. Its the day of rest and one is not allowed to work the slightest bit. They follow this strictly because God calls his Sabbath day Holy.  As we pulled into the parking lot, my relatives had shared with us that some Jews had previously lit the church on fire because of this conflict between Christians and non messianic Jews. We met a few contacts there to see what other ministries we could find to make available for future teams. Our team was prayed for at the end of the service to welcome us into the land.

A few days before we had to leave Jerusalem, Sam received an invitation to a prayer room that over looks Mount Zion, from a friend he had previously met. Our team went for a set that began in the evening and it was so refreshing. One of the leaders of the place had given a word... and honestly I do not fully remember a lot of what he said because I was so preoccupied with what God was working out of my heart... Which by the end he began to share about our offenses and how that hinders us from running into the fullness with the Lord and others. Which was exactly what God had been trying to get out of my heart. That night was so refreshing. The Lord is doing so much in Israel it would blow your mind. And I believe for the followers of Jesus in Israel, its a deep reality for them. They are living and walking and doing ministry in the land and with Gods chosen people! How incredible is that! Before I forget, while staying in Jerusalem, we had the opportunity to go to the Dead Sea! It probably was one of my biggest highlights! It is the weirdest strangest thing! You float and you dont even have to try! We as well bout the mud and covered ourselves. My skin and hair felt amazing afterwards! So, if you ever feel like going to a spa, just head to the dead sea and it should do the trick!

After a week in Jerusalem... with anticipation and sadness we had to pack our bags and head out to Karm'iel, which is only 30-40 mins away from Mount Carmel. We had a few contacts lined up but they fell through, so we tried to head to Mount Carmel by bus... but the bus driver told us to get off at the wrong stop and we got a bit turned around. Oh the adventures in different countries! They always make me chuckle inside. Chuckle thats a funny word... So we finally made it to Mount Carmel but not to the historical site. After about an hour or so of traveling and  getting lost with buses... we just went to a mall to meet up with a potential student we would have here in Kona. It was nice to be with someone who could speak the language and get to know the culture a bit better. Even though people get impatient quickly... the culture is very laid back when it comes to restaurants. We never were given our bill unless we asked. It was very easy to just enjoy yourself. It was a nice way to wind down our trip. Our last night we went to a town that really seemed like in the middle of no where... and attended the most amazing church where they sang in Hebrew and blew the Shofar! It was INCREDIBLE! OH my heart just came alive seeing all these things! I could go on saying much more stories but that may have to come at a later time. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Its all building up the Kingdom and for a purpose that is greater than us! I pray that God is moving in your heart and giving you life and revelation just as He has done mine from this trip!

The sandals on His feet... Israel

So here I am back in YWAM Kona, wow what journey the Lord has taken me on!! We have begun staff training and it has been incredible! I know that all of you are wondering what happened in Israel. I will try to explain as best as I can.

On May 11th, Kristi, Chantal, and I flew about a 20 hour flight from Kona  to Israel, The Holy Land,"  with much anticipation!!! I honestly had no idea what I was in for. The only thing I had under my belt were the few things God had placed on my heart in going and the amazing reports I heard from close friends. We flew El Al from LA straight to Israel... we had a connecting flight so, we already had our boarding pass and getting to our gate. To our surprise.. we were supposed to go through some intensive security. Since we didn't, when we approached to entrance to our plane, we were taken aside questioned and searched. To say that I was not a bit nervous would be a straight up lie. I slightly felt like I was a criminal... After trying to seem intense and scary (to make sure we did not have a bomb) they kindly gave us back our passports and said "enjoy your visit to Israel." All I could do was laugh inside.

Our long... very long 14 hour straight flight, with very good food and fresh bread I might add... we MADE IT TO ISRAEL. Sleep deprived and crazy hair, we landed in a place that is unlike any other. The Holy Land!

My heart didn't know what to do. All I knew is that I was ready! Whatever God had in mind.... I hope that I was ready! We arrived in the airport and had to go through customs, which surprisingly was easy... and they automatically give you a 3 months visitors visa... INCREDIBLE! We then gathered our things and headed for a taxi and rode to our hostel in Tel Aviv. I couldn't get things straight in my head. I could tell that we were no longer in America... but it was nothing like India. All the signs are in Hebrew or Arabic, but the streets are clean and the roads are organized! We spent the first day just cleaning up and making sure we did not fall asleep to adjust with the time difference but we had  not slept for about 2 or 3 days! Oh but if felt so good to be where we were. It was beautiful. Every part. Our team, the place we were staying, the country... just everything. My heart was getting so full. After a full nights sleep, we headed for old Jaffa. We walked along the Mediterranean Sea  which is supposedly where Jonah had sailed and just took in our atmosphere. There is so much rich History there... and I wish I could tell you more about it.... This trip as you will see made me extremely hungry to know more about this place and the people! We walked along very old cobble stone streets and walked through old stone buildings. I couldn't wrap my mind around the things that had taken place on those roads and in those buildings.

God told us that there were going to have wonderful surprises on this trip and one of them was that I was able to run into my friend Jan, whom I did my DTS with, at a coffee shop that does ministry.  Along with
finding out I had family that we could stay with! God is so faithful!

Finally after 2 days, our friend Sam arrived and joined the team! We met up with a few contacts that we had and heard what their heart was for the people and what sort of ministries they have. We went to a prayer room that over looked the city! I was blown away! How INCREDIBLE! They are the real deal out in Israel! A little side note... I think Israelies are HILARIOUS! While we were waiting to see our contacts, I met an older man in the coffee shop who didn't speak English. He asked me what my name was... I told him Shawna... he responded " Shoshana.." I said no... Shawna... and he said "YES! Shoshana!" Oh I said and he began to sing a little tune to Shoshanaaaa ohhh Shoooshannnaa. I found out with a translator a few minutes later that it means good smelling flower and there is a song about it... ahhaha I felt the Lord just blessing me through that... besides it just being humorous!

While in Tel Aviv, we would worship and pray for the nation, the people, and each other. God was so gracious. He repeatedly kept telling us to just enjoy ourselves. We started out one morning just laughing at things for about an hour... God gave us so much freedom and JOY! I was amazed! I was loving it... all we could do was laugh. Mind you, we were a bit delirious with jet lag and lack of sleep... we thought everything was funny... we have a whole list of random quotes we said... that most don't make sense or are just ridiculous in a little barbie notebook... haha if you want to know... just ask me.

Being in Tel Aviv for a few days, we took a shrut to Jerusalem. We got dropped off at the wrong place... but quickly met up in the right place with my family, that I had never met before... talk about interesting moment... haha. We arrived at their place and quickly went to bed. Lots of moving around and laughing so much takes a lot out of you. This trip was such a faith journey. We had a few contacts but a lot of it was just trusting the Lord and allowing him to guide us where we needed to be. Especially with finances! To be Continued!

And HE slipped away pt2

Israel...the Holy one of ISRAEL! Israel...I am going to ISRAEL! I know I haven't spoken much about this trip. It has been tossed around quite often between the gals that I am going with, but did not really have firm details set in place until a week or so ago. We now have a team blog called Awaken Israel. While in Israel, we will all be updating from that blog. So please go and check it out. I mentioned in a previous post the things that God has put on my heart for Israel, but I will share again. When ever I sit and think about our trip to Israel, I feel Gods heart for us is really to GO. I have this sense of urgency...the time is now. Although part of the reason we are going is to scout out the land to take future outreach teams.I believe this trip, although short, is going to be much larger in perspective than we think. When I first left for Australia to do my DTS, I longed for a different perspective on the world, because all I had known was what it looked like from the American side of view. I believe God is going to break our boxes as we go to Israel. Take us deeper. As He takes us deeper, we will be able to champion and impart that to our students coming in July and fellow staffers. We are going to worship and pray over the land. We are going to declare scripture over the  land! We recently have had prayers answered and Sam Choi who staffed the Awaken DTS' with us last year is going to come with US! PRAISE! We are still in need for $2000 person for flights. Pray for us as we go on this 3 week trip, May11th-30th.

Chantal Marquez

From Denver, CO. I have a huge heart for the nation of Israel. I love to see God moving in peoples lives and simply amazed that He allows me to be a part of it. I enjoy a good cup of coffee, good conversation and talking about the Lord and what He is doing in my life, your life and the world. His love is never ending and always enduring. I can hardly wait to see what He has planned for this time in Israel.

Kristi Zboncak

From Wheaton, IL.  Jesus completely altered the course of my life through His unrelenting love. My heart is for broken women and teens and I long to see the Lord bring restoration to their lives and hearts.

  Sam Choi- Staffed last Awaken DTS and is joining us on this journey.

Many times in Scripture,  Jesus slipped away in solitude to pray. I feel that is the season he has called me in. Being intentional about slipping away to be with him and pray. Without getting away with him and being alert to what he is saying... I would not be in the place I am. The things he has been speaking to me have been so full. I am excited to go to the Holy Land. To understand to context behind so many things that Jesus spoke in scripture. 

 CHECK OUT OUR ISRAEL TEAM BLOG  
http://awakenisrael.blogspot.com/

 

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

And HE slipped away.... pt 1

Prepare yourself... because this may be much longer than usual and God stirring!

My heart is so undone...at any moment that I slip away with Jesus, his spirit is so close. Please listen to what I am saying... what I am saying is real. It is true. I am not hyping up some spiritual experience. This season we live in, not just people in YWAM, but people all around the world... something is shifting. I encourage you to ask him what is on His heart and really really listen. About 2 weeks ago, my spirit was wrestling... that is not a comfortable place to be... my spirit was WRESTLING.... and out of that my spirit groaned and tears fell. Why are we Christians?! What is the point of what we do?!?! Why are we not on the same page!?! GOOOODDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!! Ohhh JESUS! What is on your HEART!?!? What do you see?! I then went to the prayer room and God made my heart so hungry for PURITY and HOLINESS! I feel the ache of His heart. He calls us to be Holy as he is HOLY. He cannot let anything into his PURE kingdom that is unholy... he will spit the lukewarm out of his mouth. He longs to be with us... lets go get him... consecrate ourselves to be Holy as HE is HOLY! Be watchful for what you put into your temple.... what you think is funny, the way you spend your time. We represent a Holy God and he DESERVES it all. The reality is that we are preparing for our coming King. He is going to come back and I desire to be where He is! No complacency! No Settling! Let us be Sharp and Watchful!

I have felt convicted... My heart is zealous after God. I love him... but if I am not walking out what I say... walking out what I believe... what is the point of even being Christian? Its meaningless... faith without deeds is dead! Im sure you have heard this many times before... but I pray that as you read it that divine revelation will fall in your heart. If you are speaking things that you aren't intentionally trying to walk out and seek... its DEAD! (I am speaking to myself here as well) God isn't playing a game. Its dealing with LIFE and DEATH here... whether you believe so or not. God does have grace for us... but we need to kick passivity in the FACE!  I really believe that God is taking our team to a deeper place with Him... in the next 6 months or so... I believe its very crucial time to get with Him. Making sure we are putting on our armor. Making sure that our weapons are loaded and ready. For those of you that read my newsletter, I felt the Lord say that this year, is a year of breakthrough for the Body of Christ, all over the world. One morning I awoke, still in my half asleep stage and the first thing that I heard was the Lord speaking to me. "I am steadfast. I am Strong. I am steadfast, I am strong." He was speaking that over me and confirming to me that is who He is. There is nothing better to wake up to than to hearing Gods voice. Its the best way to start out the day. My heart was in the most amazing place all day!

I want to take a bit of a step back... in the midst of the Lord speaking so much to me. A few friends of mine, one weekend went downtown near the water, to simply hang out. We were sitting on a rock wall overlooking the water and praying for each other. Asking the Lord what was on His heart for each person. We were kinda wrapping it up and just talking, when all of a sudden this couple, that was very apparently drunk, came up to us. The man started making some crude jokes. We weren't sure how to respond. Even though we probably didn't seem like the most welcoming people in that moment... they proceeded to sit down with us. The man began to chat with the boys and the woman began to ask us girls many questions. My mind was racing, trying to figure out how to present my self to this woman. I wanted her to know Jesus. I wanted to up front ask her if she knows about him, but didn't want scare her. I wanted to to let her know I was safe.. so she kept the conversation going. She told us about her boys that she can't see... I could see pain all over in her eyes. She was so sweet and full of LOVE, but the lifestyle she was caught up in is just causing pain. She then continued to tell us that she has had seizures for 10 years and can't keep a job because of them and the pills she takes. I asked her if we could pray for her... at first I thought she said no... but then she quickly responded and so NO.. I don't mind! She was hungry. We began to pray for healing. I believe God is GOING to heal her! And then we went further and began to pray for her heart... and I looked down and saw tears just streaming down her face... I cannot tell you what that did to me. I felt Gods heart for her. I still do every time I talk about it. That woman was so raw with her pain... she didn't act like she had it all together... but yet most of us Christians try to act like we have to keep our pain inside... What happened to being raw with our struggles...? God used her to speak to my heart! My heart was breaking...  God... I am here... I was just sitting here downtown... they came up to us. They saw YOU in US! He opened the door. I was available and he used it! AH God I rarely make myself available to the broken... and it breaks your heart! I hate breaking your heart because I love your heart. The very next day... I sat in the same place for a couple of hours and another woman came up to me. I was again in awe of God. I only need to make myself available... they come. I want to live out what I believe...

I long to be like Jesus... repeatedly in scripture, Jesus slipped away in solitude to pray. He has been alluring me away... taking away earthly desires... It has been so hard to be with people because my heart is so longing to be purified. To be Holy. To prepare me for times like I just wrote about.

Please watch the video below... it may give you a better picture to what God has been speaking to me...and please stay tuned in the next day or so Ill continue part 2 and update about my trip to Israel.

I heard it!

Justice. Righteousness. Israel. Thoughts. Buzzing and Buzzing all over in my being. God has been speaking to me incredibly clear and a lot lately. My spirit has been more aware than I think it has ever been! I have been meaning to write an entry for about a week now, but I needed some time to wrestle and process the things God has been doing inside of me. Tomorrow is April 1st! I think I say this every entry but TIME FLIES! The first quarter of the year is over and new students come in next week! WHOA! I am currently working in student services where I help get students get here! I answer their questions and get their files processed. Peoples lives are changing, sometimes I'm not always aware of that but that is the reality!

Lately, God has been stirring in me about Justice and Righteousness. What is righteousness? How are we considered righteous? In everything God does, he does it with righteousness. I'm not fully there yet but God is moving! Along those lines... God is teaching me how to be vulnerable. How to honestly repent... you know as crazy and simple as it sounds... I had a revelation that I sin. I SIN.... YES  S. I. N. SIN! I make mistakes. I have faults that are unpleasing to the Lord but yet he loves me. He is patient with me. He is showing me things in my life that I can't just have as knowledge but must act upon. Faith without action is dead! Its not about knowledge or doing good works that saves you, but if you believe something and never act on it. What good is if for you to even believe it? Why would it even matter if you don't act upon it. It would become meaningless. Hes teaching me to walk hahaha. WHAT on earth? He is teaching me to faith walk... Its not easy but its freeing.

In the very beginning of this entry I typed Israel, well there is a very significant reason why. In the month of May, me and 2 other girls that I staff with are planning to take a trip to Israel for 3 weeks to a month. God has been pouring out things to what this trip will be about and it kinda blows my mind. But there are a few things that have to happen in order for us to go. Currently we are praying for a guy to go with us. That is a must. Secondly, I praying for the funds to go because as of right now I have zero towards that trip. That as well is a must. At the end of our Awaken DTS of last year, us staff filled out a questionnaire email and there was a question about what countries God had been speaking to us about. I would say that about 90% of us had said ISRAEL. When I heard of the idea of going to Israel with some of my staff I had instant peace about it.  I had previously never really felt a burden or a pull towards it but I believe God is calling us to go in this hour. Many of our other awaken staff are traveling across the USA to gain perspective on what God is doing in his church. It has been amazing. God is setting up almost all of our staff on some sort of trip that will be influential on where we will take future teams as well and gaining impartation. These are a few things God has been speaking to me about this trip.

• Proclaiming Scripture of the land, declaring truth, calling Israel back into its rightful destiny.
• Intercession
• Impartation. God will impart something in us that we will be able to in turn impart to our students and fellow staffers.
• Gain understanding on what God is doing in his people and what he longs to do on the earth.

I am really looking forward to this trip. After we get back we immediately head into staff training as Awaken staff. We will take time to focus and pray into our school. Build our community as staffers and pour into each other and then our school begins July 7th! This summer is going to be FIRE. God is going to bring I believe bigger revelation than we thought.

Prayers

• at least $2500 for Israel. Plane tickets. Housing. Food.
• Details for Israel
• To be more intentional with relationships
• Monthly supporters. Financially and Prayfully. Both are HIGHLY needed
• My biological Family
• Strength to keep focused 
• Clear communication with my Awaken family
• Consistent deep friendships
• Unity amongst my Awaken team, amongst other schools on campus, and in the body worldwide

Personal needs

• Clothing such as shorts and jeans. 
• Backpack
• New computer
• financial supporters
• sunglasses 

I pray that God is stirring your heart and taking you into a deeper place with him. I pray that you hear is voice clearer than you have ever heard it. I pray for provision and direction to where God wants you to be.

Shh.... Listen... Can you HEAR it?

What a week... I have been in Kona for almost a month now and its already been a wild ride. The first week I was here I was beyond excited to be back. I felt no trouble in my heart, what a sweet place to be. After all of the excitement began to wear off... God began to ask me some wrestling questions. I would look around and not know as many people because of all the new students here for the current DTS', my heart would sometimes feel lonely. Of course, this would trouble me. I then would go and pout to Jesus... hes so patient with me, and in that time he would ask me... "Shawna, would you still serve me if everyone on this campus rejected you?" Would you still give me all that you are, even when all of those people don't agree or love you? I didn't really answer, but repeatedly day after day, Jesus would ask me this question. I felt so convicted. My hunger for Jesus just grew. I realized that my mind has stayed stuck in that mindset of wanting to please man and be satisfied with what they can give me more than Jesus. My heart broke. My soul YEARNED. My flesh cried out. My spirit longs for more but my flesh argues. It makes me so sad when I see my self treat Jesus this way. I'd like to think I have it all together, but that is far from the truth. I truly want Jesus more than anything and I need Gods help to make my flesh die!

Allen Hood, a leader from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, was here to speak to a school for about a week. He had a few special times of speaking in our prayer room that was open for all to come. The first night he spoke about the baptism of Fire and the very last night God revealed himself through the Holy Spirit in an AWESOME way. Before He even got up to speak, the spirit was heavy in the room. The reverence of God was showing up! We began to wail and cry out, we were birthing something in the spirit. My heart was aching because I felt like this deep deep groan needed to come out of me. I long for us all to be so undignified before the Lord, but I know my self I hold back at times out of fear... How lame is that! God was reminding me in that moment of the urgency and need for us to give everything fully over to Jesus. He kept saying to me, "I want to do a new thing!" Shortly after Allen began to share a few things that God has been putting on his heart. My spirit was so stirred and encouraged because God had been speaking the same thing to me. For those of you that received my newsletter I shared a little bit about this on there. The word God spoke to me about this was " a year of breakthrough." I felt as we step out and go after the things of God, he is going reveal himself in ways to the body that will leave us awestruck. The word that Allen had shared was that he felt like especially for YWAM that it is a new season. The last night a shift had happened. We need the holy spirit! No matter how much knowledge we have attained about him or history or earthly wisdom. WE need His HOLY SPIRIT TO SHOW UP! With out it we are dead!!!!! I am so thankful for it too. He encountered me that night. He has in many different ways before but this night was very very needed. I was so dry and thirsty. I have never shook like that before... the amount of peace that came on me was soo good all I could do was drink it in. A few moments later by body felt like I was on FIRE.... My hands began to burn. He started to burn away my anxiety. He was taking something off me that I cant really explain and putting on a new pair of clothing. I believe that night was a marking point of Jesus doing something NEW...not just in me but in the body. Many left that night making a deep real commitment to give it all away to Jesus. Making a covenant to never part from his side no matter the cost. That is what he desires. Loyal friends. Loyal lovers.

A couple days after Allen had left, as many of you know a Tsunami Hit Japan, Here in Kona Hawaii, and many other places. Around 10pm our Tsunami sirens began to sound. People began to come out of their rooms to see what was really happening. At almost every hour the alarm would sound. People that were below Kuakini Highway(which is the street at the bottom of our campus, we were ok) were evacuated. Many people had stayed up until 4 am to await this mysterious disaster. I on the other hand I didn't feel the need. So I went to sleep, well at least I tried. That morning I woke up not really knowing if anything happened because everything was quiet and no one came to alarm me of any damage. I soon found out that downtown was affected and before it was cleaned up, looked like a third world country. God began speaking to me. He was giving me deeper revelation about being awakened. He said I call out to those sleeping, awake awake o sleeper. I sound alarms. I am coming! Prepare yourself, I am coming my bride! But there are those who don't bother to listen. They say "don't bother me, nothing is happening. I am sleeping." But he came like a thief of the night and you knew nothing of it. You didn't listen because you couldn't see me. You did not heed the warnings.You did not listen, now the damage is done. I saw how I slept and the disaster downtown came and left and I knew nothing of it til I awoke, is what is happening in the spirit realm. So many are sleeping and ignoring the warnings that Jesus is giving us.  Hebrews 3:7-8 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness."  

Revelation 3: 12-14 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

I want to be aware. More aware of what He is saying all the time. He is preparing a bride for when he is to return and I want to be able give Jesus everything no matter what the cost.


Shh... Listen... can you hear what the Spirit is saying...? Shh... Listen....

One day at a time

I Made it back to this home of mine, out in the deep blue. Its been a week or so and it has been so refreshing. I truly believe that being home for those 2 months re-directed my focus and shifted some of my thinking. Being back on campus definitely feels different but it is good. Although I have been blessed with such an amazing crew to be working with, the sole purpose and focus of being here is to be serving and bring glory to Jesus. It is easy to loose sight of that but everyday I want to living out the first commandment. Loving God with all of my heart, my mind, my soul, and strength. I want that to be at the forefront, walking it out not just knowing it and proclaiming but LIVING it! So here is a glimpse of what my week looks like. My schedule will adjust a little since it has only been a week. Monday through Friday I will be investing my time in student services which is writing letters of acceptance and answering any questions incoming students may have.

Monday we have campus wide worship that is always amazing.
Wednesday- Awaken staff get together to have a Daniel Study using International House of Prayer DVDS http://store.ihop.org/store/product/12118/Daniel-%28DVD-Set%29/
Thursday nights we have Ohana gatherings where we have corparate worship and the Message or topic varies each week.
Fridays I have lunch and meetings with the crew I work with in Student Services.
Sundays Awaken staff have started to meet together and have church. We worship and someone brings a word as well as going through the Truth Project with Focus on the Family (follow link to check it out http://www.thetruthproject.org/ )

I also may be working in the Prayer Room. Ill keep you updated.

On somewhat a different note. Id like to share a friends vision that he is about to walk out. I am so excited for this and fully support what hes doing. He wrote up an outline of what this vision looks like... its a bit long but its worth it. So please read check it out. Keep him and his team in prayer and if you want to be involved in anyway, let me know and Ill set you up.

Seattle House of Prayer

History

A vision was given to Alex Graves in September of 2010. It consists of a map of Seattle covered in dots that represent houses of prayer. Above each house were open heavens, and the glory of God came down, and His light spread, connecting the houses and transformed Seattle from a city of darkness to a city of light.

Vision

A community of believers loving the Lord and seeing the city of Seattle transformed by this love.

Mission

Implementing houses of prayer that cultivate authentic community*, centered around the presence of God and leading to revival* and reformation* in Seattle.  "Love God, love people, love Seattle."

    ▪       Core values

                ⁃     Ministering to the heart of the Lord

            ⁃         Authentic community

            ⁃         Missional lifestyle

Goals and Action

    ▪       Goals

            To see the power of God influencing the 7 spheres of society: 1) home 2) church 3) government and politics 4) business and economy 5) science and technology 6) media 7) arts, entertainment, and sports

    ▪       Actions

                        1) Living as a community, participating in group and individual studies, and inviting in speakers for various teachings. Begin with praying and worshipping for 2-4 hours a day and move toward 24 hours per day

                        2) Move into heavy involvement in community (first focus is on neighbors...then move outward)

                        3) As people join and develop vision we expand and grow by adding more SHOPs

Three Forms of SHOP

            1) Community Houses: Homes with prayer rooms

            2) Prayer Rooms: rooms set apart all over the community, can be in office buildings, churches, warehouses, homes

            3) Coffee Shops: each has a prayer room connected to it

Facets for Missionaries at the SHOP

Everyone is called to be a full time missionary but this encompasses many fields, including a call to:

            1) full time work in the coffee ministry for the SHOP

            2) full time vocational ministry

            3) living as part of the community and influencing other spheres (business, education, law, government...etc)

Additionally, each individual is encouraged to engage with their interests, whether this be in the arts, sports, food...etc and use these as open doors to connect with others in the community

Strategies for Transformation

Coffee Shops/Coffee Roasting

    ▪       Stems from a devotion to the Lord and a devotion to excellent coffee

            ▪           "Public living room" -the coffee shop is a place where people can talk, connect, read and hangout

            ▪           Has a spirit of ease, friendliness and familiarity

            ▪           Serves as a place of encounter with the Lord

                ▪       cultivate the Lord's presence through burns in the prayer room

Neighborhood/Community Outreach

            -Knowing all of our neighbors names and inviting them to dinner

            -Babysit for neighbors or offer to help with yard work

            -Help college students in the area move into their housing systems (go as teams, wear t-shirts bearing the SHOP name)

Covering the City (in scripture and prayer)

            -Using chalk to write scriptures on university campuses, sidewalks, buildings...etc.

            - Praying and worshipping in strategic locations including: Compline, hospitals, morgues,  (aka "Releasing the Sound")

Small Scale Outreach (weekly)

            -Treasure Hunts: asking the Lord to reveal to the team an individual to be prayed for and then finding and praying/talking with them

            -Life Sieges: team positioning themselves outside abortion clinics and courthouses; covering mouths with red tape labeled "life," and praying for an end to abortion (this includes the Band Prayer*)

                        -partner with Bound for Life

            -Purity Sieges: targeting areas of impurity (sex shops, strip joints, Center for Sex positive Culture), dressed in white, with white blindfold with "purity" written across it in covenant that your eyes see no impure thing

Large Scale Outreach

            -evangelistic push

            -arena size events to bring churches together

Unification of the Body of Christ

            -Seeking reconciliation among denominations (Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox believers) and enacting the John 17:21 cry*

            -Praying for the church to come back in the fullness of Truth

                -Keeping reconciliation talks between various pastors and denominational leaders open to the public

            -In regards to apostasy: take a strong stance against it- calling heresy for what it is (willingness to engage these churches but not sanction)

                -Recognizing that some areas we must all agree (who Jesus is and what He stands for...etc) and the rest we put aside (opinion does not matter)

Para-Church Unity

     -Partnering with the following para-churches to work alongside on another and complete short-term missions together

            -Young Life

            -YWAM

            -Salvation Army

            -Burn 24/7

            -IHOP

                       

Church Planting/College Ministry

            -Planting small, multipliable churches for college students

            -Using prophetic evangelism and healing ministries for impact

            -Targeting Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and University of Washington

Global Outreach

            -Send teams out world-wide for short term missions

Discipleship

            -Members of SHOP spending time with those growing in the Lord: encouraging, praying for, and training them up in the Word

Mapping

            -Mapping areas SHOP has impacted and areas still needing impact, including: churches, ministries, and places of darkness

Shabbot/Community Dinner

            -Weekly dinner for members of household and outsiders designed to encourage rest and fellowship

Key Terms

Authentic Community: A community operating under the principal of the second commandment; putting the needs and dreams of others first. Also a willingness to confront and work through issues that arise in a healthy way...and with ice

Revival: multitudes saved and coming back to the knowledge of God cream.  

Reformation: changing  society to operate under a biblical understanding

Band Prayer: Jesus I plead your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation, God end abortion and send revival to america

John 17:21: That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Much more to come. May God be pouring into your life and that you will encounter him in a way that drives you to deeper commitment and intimacy with him!