Covered in Prayer

Colossians 4:2-4, "Devote yourselves to prayers with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. "

Last night was our last conference call before we go. It was a really special time. We had a few people go over some more of our pre-trip devotions. But then we spent the majority of our time in prayer. Our team leader had sent out verses to each of us that we could pray in turn over the group and add to them our own prayers. We prayed that we would not be fearful for anything because the Lord has gone before us and is with us always. We prayed that we would not be anxious about anything, but would bring our worries to the Lord. We prayed that we would go in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) and that we would stand firm, realizing we are going into a battle. But God has already won the victory. We can walk in confidence. We prayed that we would not complain or argue, but that our words and actions would build each other up and build up those we are serving. We thanked God for our team and how He called each of us. We prayed that God would help us to be content and flexible in every situation. We prayed for strength from God; that we would not grow weary but keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and rest in His strength. We thanked the Lord that He is in control; He is FAITHFUL, and He will accomplish all He has purposed for this trip.

We ended with our trip leader praying a blessing on our trip. From Isaiah 58:10-11, "Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."

How wonderful it was to spend time together as a group praying for our trip. I love that is was all centered around reading scriptures. God's word spoken out, declaring His heart, His truth, His power over each one of us.

I would love to ask you to join me and others in prayer over our trip. Pray for all the things listed above. Pray for physical health for all of us, that we would stay healthy, feel good, and recover quickly from any jet-lag. Also, pray that God would give us His words as we are with the children. Pray that their eyes would be open to see, their ears open to hear, and their hearts open to receive God's love. Pray that it's not anything we do that receives any praise, but that everything we do points to Jesus and glorifies Him. I desire more of Jesus and less of me.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity to go to Africa and am blessed by your prayers covering me and my team on this trip. I believe that your prayers for us make great impact. I pray that your heart would be stirred as well for the orphans and for God's great love for those in need. Thank you for supporting me.

Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Reacting in Joy

I was driving to the Gathering with my sister last night. I had a headache and was not really in the mood to go, but I was going. On the way, we found out that the major road was closed. So we went up to an alternate major road, only to find it was totally stopped traffic. So I got off to go the back way and it took us way longer than expected. We were a half hour late! I was so frustrated on the drive and was in a bad mood by the time I arrived. As the evening went on, I was convicted that I had the wrong attitude. God used this situation to speak to me about my trip. Things went wrong on that drive. I was tired and let the hassle affect me. I didn't bring it to the Lord or find my joy in Him. And that impacted not just me, but my sister too.

I'm actually thankful this happened last night, because was preparation for  my trip. When I'm tired and things aren't going how they are supposed to, I want to stop and look to the Lord and not let it affect my attitude so much. It doesn't mean that I'm not going to feel frustrated, but it means that I'm not going to allow the frustration to stop me and take my focus away from the Lord. God is sovereign and He knows each step we will take. I can ask for the joy and peace that I'm not feeling in the circumstance. And He is a good God. He will give me what we need in that situation to be a woman bringing glory to God.

John 14:13-14 says, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Having joy when things are rough brings glory to God. Lord, I pray for a humble and teachable heart on this trip. I pray that I would respond with a joyful attitude and serving heart. I pray that my eyes would stay focused on you and that my reactions would come out of resting in you. May you be honored and glorified on this trip.

Solid Foundation

We had a conference call last night and talked about packing! I can't believe it's coming so soon! Then, we also went through the first 5 devotions in our "Anticipate" book, to prepare us before we leave. I was asked to talk about the first one and it was titled "Solid Foundation". It was about how important it is to have a solid foundation in Christ. And then to put it into practice.

Part of the devotion said "God has opened doors for you to go on this trip. He is calling you to grow in your faith, to become someone better than you are right now. He is opening your eyes to live differently than ever before. The challenge for you will be not just to know the right things to do, but to put them into practice... People will see a difference, you will experience joy."

As I was thinking about what I'd read, I began to think about how my foundation in Christ makes me different. How will those we meet on this trip see a difference in us?

As a team, I want us to have such a solid foundation that nothing will shake us. On the trip, things may not always go the way we think they will and things may happen that will test us. But we have a solid foundation in the Lord and will not be shaken. God is our strength. Our rock.

In looking at scriptures, I came to John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Others will see that we are disciples by the way we treat each other on our team. By our love for each other, by the way we treat each other. It's my desire that we unite together and that we have a heart to serve not only the orphanages, but our teammates on this trip.

In 2 Corinthians 9, it talks about giving generously. We can give money, but I think it applies to more. We give our heart, we give our time, we give love. God provides us all that we need and then calls us to give abundantly, cheerfully. And as we give, it causes those whose needs we are meeting to give thanks to God. He has seen their need and brought us to meet it. Verse 13 says, "And as a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God." I want to give in such a way that people notice I am different. I want to give in such a way that people see Christ in me and give glory to God for what they have received. 

One other part of scripture that I kept thinking of was the Faith Hall of Fame passage in Hebrews 11. As I read it, I came across Abraham. Verse 8ff says, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going... for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Abraham's foundation was in God. He fully recognized that God was the one in control of His life and wanted to follow God wherever He called him to go. He had TRUST in God, knowing He had a purpose and plan.

I heard His call to go on this trip, and I don't know what He is calling me to as a result of this trip. But I am looking forward to the plans he has for me.  I know He is building even more of a foundation in me and that HE is the architect and builder. I trust Him and I pray that I am different after this trip.

I hope you can be reminded today that Jesus is a solid foundation. Build your life on Him, and nothing will be able to shake you.

As a team, I want us to have such a solid foundation that nothing will shake us. On the trip, things may not always go the way we think they will and things may happen that will test us. But we have a solid foundation in the Lord and will not be shaken. God is our strength. Our rock.

Loved as one of His favorites

What Love Really Means-- JJ Heller

Someone recently shared this video on facebook and I want to share it with you. In thinking about going to Africa, I can picture some of the children, or even maybe some of the workers, asking this:
"Who will love me for me,
not for what I have done or what I will become?
Who will love me for me?
Cuz nobody has shown me what love, what love really means."

Part of what I will be doing in Africa is sharing with those I meet that there is someone who loves them for who they are and nothing else. It's Jesus. He loves each one uniquely. He adores each one, without them having done a thing to deserve it. And He wants to give them the love they may have never known or are desperately in need of.

I am so blessed to be able to go and share this. To go and be Jesus' hands and feet by loving people and telling them Jesus loves them so much.

A couple of days ago I was reading Katie Davis's blog. In November 2011, a friend had said to her, "He loves you, Katie. You're one of His favorites." As she went on, she said, "One of His favorites. That is what I have felt like this last two weeks. Lavished with love. But isn't that what He wants every one of His children to feel, all the time? Each and every one of us created perfectly in His image. Each one cherished. Each one "one of His favorites". How would life change if we thought of each other as such? If each person that approached us we treated as beloved of God, cherished by God, one of God's favorite people?" (www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com)

I am challenged by this and want to take this thought with me on this trip, and beyond this trip. Each person--whether on my team, leading a ministry, transporting us around, or one of the children-- I want to see them as ONE OF HIS FAVORITES. I want to talk to them in that way and love them in that way. What a challenge for each of us.

From me to you, guess what... you are one of God's favorites!

Resting in Reverence and Peace

Visiting Orphans provides you with 3 devotional books- Anticipate (for before your trip), Experience (for during), and Reflect (for after). I'm really enjoying going through Anticipate. This week, I read one entitled Reverence and it talked about having an attitude of reverence toward God. "Revering God comes from resting in His presence and honoring who He is." Psalm 37:7 says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." The devotional encourages us to maintain this attitude on the trip. As I'm waiting for flights, or things get delayed, be still, recognize that God is in control. I can be thankful for the time to let my thoughts catch up from all that I'm seeing and experiencing. I am trying to take time even now and practice this. God is the one who is worthy of all praise. It's my desire to keep my eyes on this throughout my trip, when things are amazing, and when things are a struggle.

The next devotion was titled, "The God of Peace". It had us read Philippians 4:4-9 several times.
It says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

I want to memorize this before I go. What a great passage! It remind me to have an attitude of rejoicing on the trip, looking for the goodness of God in each moment. Approaching it all with a gentle spirit, an encouraging spirit. And PRAY. Bring all the worries to God and begin to thank Him for what He has done. As you do, your focus shifts. Instead of the worries, you see God's faithfulness and peace comes in this.

And then the part about whatever is... think about these things. I gained new perspective on this. The devotion applied this to when you are struggling or thinking any destructive thoughts. I think on a trip like this, you are bound to face some struggles. The enemy doesn't want us on this trip and will try to discourage us or break us down. But this scripture reminds us-- turn your thoughts upon Christ-like things. Think about the good things, the redeeming things. Focus your mind on Jesus. And put into practice the things God has taught you. And the God of peace will be with you.

This week I have been sick. It's been a week and I can't seem to kick it. I was encouraged reading these devotions and have been praying for both reverence and peace. My co-workers prayed over me today and I know that the Lord is working. Getting sick 2 weeks before I go, I want to keep my eyes on Jesus. I don't want this to take away from what God is doing in me in preparation for my trip. And I say, "God be glorified, even in this. My heart is for you. You are my King."
Please be praying for me, that I feel better quickly and that God would equip me with all I need before my trip.

camp

It's been a while since I've posted. I was at camp this week with junior highers and was the counselor for 12 girls going into 7th grade. It was such a good week. Time to worship the Lord, love on these girls, and talk about Jesus. Our last night, the speaker talked about making trouble for the Kingdom. We were meant for this time in history. And God is calling us to act. To take a stand. To pray like we've never prayed before. He talked about how we love movies that are about rescuing. The prince rescues the princess, underdog conquers, those with no family are taken into one. God rescued us and is calling us to be part of His rescuing the world.

This made me think about a webinar that I listened to a couple months ago. My boss knew I was getting interested in orphan care and told me to listen in. It was by Christian Alliance for Orphans and was entitled "Engaging students in the cause of the fatherless". The webinar featured an organization called Heartwork. Heartwork's vision is for students in the U.S. to grasp more deeply God's heart for orphans and for us. This generation is desiring to be part of something bigger than themselves. It's up to us as leaders to give them the call to act. The bi-line for Heartwork is "Destiny Rescuing Destiny". I love this! Isaiah 58:10 says, "and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." God is calling us to spend ourselves on those in need. It's God's heart that we do this, and as we do, He fills us. In orphan ministry, we can be part of rescuing the destiny of a child. And as we do this, we are changed. Our destiny changes. It's the call God has on our lives. He rescued us and now is inviting us to go rescue with him. Destiny rescuing destiny.

I'm so thankful for this past week at camp. I was challenged in my faith and was filled by the time to worship the King. 

Please be praying for me and with me for me trip in a few weeks. I feel like there's so much to do and process before I go, but am so excited at what God has in store.

The King and His Kingdom

I've recently begun a book called, "When Helping Hurts" by Steve Corbett and Brian Finkkert. It's a great book that makes you think about the full picture of helping those in need. It begins with Jesus and why He came to earth.

In the time when Jesus came, the Jews were under Roman rule. They knew the Old Testament prophesies (2 Samuel 7:11-16, Psalm 2, Isaiah 9:6-7 Daniel 7:13-14) and were waiting for the Messiah to come and take over, to be the new King. As Jesus began revealing Himself as the Messiah, He began to share His mission. In Luke 4:43, Jesus says, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Jesus's mission was to restore all things under His authority. Colossians 1:20, "For God was please to have all His fullness dwell in Him (Jesus), and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."

In Jesus' ministry, He both "preached the good news of the kingdom, and He showed the good news of the kingdom." (Page 35, "When Helping Hurts"). He didn't only care about people's salvation, but He also healed them. He cared for their spiritual needs and their physical needs. His mission was rooted in "spreading the good news among the hurting, the weak, and the poor. Hence, it is not surprising that throughout history God's people have been commanded to follow their King's footsteps into places of brokenness." (Page 37)

This was not a new call for His people.  We over and over in the Old Testament, God calling Israel into places of brokenness (ie: Isaiah 1:17, "Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.") And this mission continued to be God's focus through Jesus' time on earth and in the church after. 1 John 3:17, " If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." As the church, we are called to spread the gospel- the Kingdom of God is here and Jesus is King. And He is restoring the world back to Him, bringing justice, compassion, healing, salvation, peace- through us as His representatives. "We are Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God."

As I prepare for my trip, God keeps speaking these things to me through people, sermons, books. I feel like He is laying on my heart His heart for those in need. I want to be someone who is Christ's ambassador and be part of His reconciling the world to Him. In Rwanda, God has been doing a huge work of reconciliation. Our first day there, we'll visit the genocide memorial and we'll get a glimpse of the tragedy. But as we go speak with people who lived through it, I've heard that we will see how far God has brought them. To forgive, to hope, to care for each other. This is God's mission. This is His work. I want to be part of this. To witness it. To LOVE IN ACTIONS AND IN TRUTH. More and more I'm seeing that we, as Christians, are called to be part of this. We cannot do it by simply going to church or having our own personal time with Jesus. Those things equip us and fill us. But the purpose of that is to GO! Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus says, "ALL AUTHORITY on heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, GO and make disciples..." He's calling me and He's calling you to be part of His mission. To join His Kingdom work.

We are all broken. All of us need to hear the truth and be saved. So please don't hear that you have to go to Africa to see this and be part of God restoring His kingdom here on earth. You can do it where you work, where you live, anywhere you go. We can love in actions and truth wherever God has called.

James 1:27, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." (Visiting Orphan's Mission Verse)