Costa Rica!
Wow, I can't believe I am here...
Since the last blog, my team and I had been in Nicaragua for another three weeks before Kurt and I had a brilliant idea. We decided it was time to do something drastic. Something unconventional...
(Well, other teams had done it in the past, and we actually were planning on doing this experiment for a while, but still...)
We left the team in Nicaragua. Just, left them there. We were all in Managua getting ready to return to the YWAM base in Diriamba when we dropped the news on them. We told them that they would be doing a student-leading week. Kurt and I had bus tickets to our next location, and they were to meet up with us the following Monday.
Needless to say, they were shocked. I was a little surprised at how excited some of them were that we were leaving, but it seemed as though they were up for the challenge. Their assignment was to set up ministry for that week, stay healthy and safe, and make sure to catch their bus ride to Costa Rica.
Our reunion is tomorrow night. We will be eagerly awaiting their arrival as our time apart comes to an end. I am so excited. I cannot wait to see them and recount all that has happened in our absence. Our team was ready for this even if they don't believe it... This next week will hold even more surprises for them, I am counting on it.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Friday, 22 October 2010
Nicaraguafied
Nicaraguafied
Nicaraguafy |nikəˈrägwəˌfī|
verb ( -fies, -fied) [ trans. ]Cause to become coated with dirt, or feel as if part of the soil: I think my new t-shirt has become nicaraguafied.
Outreach in one month. Tomorrow, October 23, our team will have been in Nicaragua for an entire month. I can't believe it. We are now at our third location, staying at a Korean Missionary base in Cuidad Sandino. We have been helping three different pastors with construction at their churches, providing a neighborhood with hairs cuts, pedicures and even more than that. We have been so blessed by the way the Lord has provided for us.
I am learning what it means to step beyond what I think I can do. I believe the Lord is drawing me to him as the outreach continues to unfold. I am not perfect, but the Lord is perfecting me. Not that I would ever get there, but he is moving me as if he is convinced there is more for me to gain. It is convincing me of his big plan. He has more intended for me than what is happening now. About a week ago, I was walking with my team on my way to do house visits with a pastor from a church we were staying with. We ran into a group of drunk men, when they stopped us to ask if we had something to say. I started to preach... The words were kind of just spilling out, probably too fast for the translator to catch. A woman in the group broke down crying, confessing her sins and desire for change...
I love when God does that.
Pray for our team! More updates to come...
Nicaraguafy |nikəˈrägwəˌfī|
verb ( -fies, -fied) [ trans. ]Cause to become coated with dirt, or feel as if part of the soil: I think my new t-shirt has become nicaraguafied.
Outreach in one month. Tomorrow, October 23, our team will have been in Nicaragua for an entire month. I can't believe it. We are now at our third location, staying at a Korean Missionary base in Cuidad Sandino. We have been helping three different pastors with construction at their churches, providing a neighborhood with hairs cuts, pedicures and even more than that. We have been so blessed by the way the Lord has provided for us.
I am learning what it means to step beyond what I think I can do. I believe the Lord is drawing me to him as the outreach continues to unfold. I am not perfect, but the Lord is perfecting me. Not that I would ever get there, but he is moving me as if he is convinced there is more for me to gain. It is convincing me of his big plan. He has more intended for me than what is happening now. About a week ago, I was walking with my team on my way to do house visits with a pastor from a church we were staying with. We ran into a group of drunk men, when they stopped us to ask if we had something to say. I started to preach... The words were kind of just spilling out, probably too fast for the translator to catch. A woman in the group broke down crying, confessing her sins and desire for change...
I love when God does that.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Hurricanes and short sleeves.
Hurricane Matthew, You have overstayed your welcome.
Thousands of people left stranded... Er wait, more like a group of 10 DTSers, sitting at a base in Nicaragua wearing our summer clothes, while the rain pours, no - dumps buckets outside our door. The first few days of outreach behind us, thankful for the rest we were able to take in, we are now anticipating the unveiling of the Nicaraguan sun... Thank you, Jesus, for sanity. (Although, that is verging on dramatic).
We made it! We are here in Nicaragua. Flawless travels and many other blessings I could mention, we are settled into our temporary casa for outreach. Leading is new and wonderful, my team is all but negative. We are enjoying ourselves- most of our clothes are sopping wet, but that can't keep us from laughing. I don't understand how the Lord has blessed us with an amazing group of people. Our unity is being strengthened daily, our laughter is getting deeper, our characters are being refined - we are off to a beautiful start.
Keep us in your prayers as we begin to do ministry - with or without the rain. We will start a Bible distribution ministry today, pray for fire. Could fire and rain could mix well? How about this; lets pray for an outpouring of the Spirit and a lessening of the rain, deal?
Love from the Nicaragua team!
Thousands of people left stranded... Er wait, more like a group of 10 DTSers, sitting at a base in Nicaragua wearing our summer clothes, while the rain pours, no - dumps buckets outside our door. The first few days of outreach behind us, thankful for the rest we were able to take in, we are now anticipating the unveiling of the Nicaraguan sun... Thank you, Jesus, for sanity. (Although, that is verging on dramatic).
We made it! We are here in Nicaragua. Flawless travels and many other blessings I could mention, we are settled into our temporary casa for outreach. Leading is new and wonderful, my team is all but negative. We are enjoying ourselves- most of our clothes are sopping wet, but that can't keep us from laughing. I don't understand how the Lord has blessed us with an amazing group of people. Our unity is being strengthened daily, our laughter is getting deeper, our characters are being refined - we are off to a beautiful start.
Keep us in your prayers as we begin to do ministry - with or without the rain. We will start a Bible distribution ministry today, pray for fire. Could fire and rain could mix well? How about this; lets pray for an outpouring of the Spirit and a lessening of the rain, deal?
Love from the Nicaragua team!
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Nicaragua love.
Last blog in Kona.
Three months preparing, a short lifetime of running. When you think about each day as one that you wouldn't have stepped into if it had not been for survival of the previous day, your mind starts to turn at the reality of our humanity. Most of us don't know surviving to be a struggle. We need something to sustain us physically, but we need more than sustenance to be alive. Living every day alive brings more possibilities into alignment for the next day. Living alive in the moment makes you fully alive where you are. How do we prepare for the future, yet fully attentive in the present? How do you turn a week of preparation and planning into a week of purpose?...
My train of thought keeps wandering as I sip my coffee, write this blog, turn the pages on the 'to-do' list in my mind, and try to rest all in the same breath. Life is crazy. God is good.
My outreach team is going to Nicaragua. Brazil didn't work out, but I believe it is for a reason. Different blessings have fallen into our ready hands as I watch shaking my head in disbelief at what the Lord has said i'm capable of doing. Does that make sense? I'm trying to make sense of it. All this to say, my co-leader and I have decided that Jesus is the best one to lead our outreach. He is who we are bringing with us. He is who we are going to see. He is who we are working for.
Pray for us as we go. We are planning on working with a Bible distribution project that is focusing on getting Bibles into every home in the country. We need to raise some money as a team for this ministry, but the Lord continues to provide. We are also going to be apart of other ministries as well as He leads. Basically, He is just too good to ruin the surprise of our outreach by filling us in on every detail. We know enough and we are more than happy with that.
Three months preparing, a short lifetime of running. When you think about each day as one that you wouldn't have stepped into if it had not been for survival of the previous day, your mind starts to turn at the reality of our humanity. Most of us don't know surviving to be a struggle. We need something to sustain us physically, but we need more than sustenance to be alive. Living every day alive brings more possibilities into alignment for the next day. Living alive in the moment makes you fully alive where you are. How do we prepare for the future, yet fully attentive in the present? How do you turn a week of preparation and planning into a week of purpose?...
My train of thought keeps wandering as I sip my coffee, write this blog, turn the pages on the 'to-do' list in my mind, and try to rest all in the same breath. Life is crazy. God is good.
My outreach team is going to Nicaragua. Brazil didn't work out, but I believe it is for a reason. Different blessings have fallen into our ready hands as I watch shaking my head in disbelief at what the Lord has said i'm capable of doing. Does that make sense? I'm trying to make sense of it. All this to say, my co-leader and I have decided that Jesus is the best one to lead our outreach. He is who we are bringing with us. He is who we are going to see. He is who we are working for.
Pray for us as we go. We are planning on working with a Bible distribution project that is focusing on getting Bibles into every home in the country. We need to raise some money as a team for this ministry, but the Lord continues to provide. We are also going to be apart of other ministries as well as He leads. Basically, He is just too good to ruin the surprise of our outreach by filling us in on every detail. We know enough and we are more than happy with that.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Going to the Nations- Holding onto our promises.
Getting ready for outreach: Raising funds. Praying. Meeting with team members. Getting stoked. Drinking more coffee. Praying some more. Dreaming with God.
Our outreach team is getting closer to leaving, and trying to get things together while pressing in for God's heart for Nicaragua and Brazil. Our intercession times have been beautiful... Our visa issues have been nutty...
I am currently waiting on a call from the embassy and praying that our applications go through. There is a good chance our visas will get delayed, but I am praying for a miracle. God can do the impossible.
Our team also needs about $9,500 all together. Which is a huge amount, but I also know God is faithful in this too. We have sought Him on who to call, and who to write, and what to do, and have received support... So now we are waiting, and seeking some more. He has a huge plan for our time in Central and South America, and I believe a huge plan for each student going. They have been encountered by the Lord in so many ways during the lecture phase, and are now praying into their destiny as missionaries of the Gospel in the next 3 months, and, Lord willing in the different spheres for the rest of their lives.
If you think of our team, pray for us! If you want to partner with us financially, contact me. I love the body of Christ, and in this season, our team of 10 is leaning on the members who are able to help them move.
All for Christ and HIS Beautiful name,
Team Amazon
Our outreach team is getting closer to leaving, and trying to get things together while pressing in for God's heart for Nicaragua and Brazil. Our intercession times have been beautiful... Our visa issues have been nutty...
I am currently waiting on a call from the embassy and praying that our applications go through. There is a good chance our visas will get delayed, but I am praying for a miracle. God can do the impossible.
Our team also needs about $9,500 all together. Which is a huge amount, but I also know God is faithful in this too. We have sought Him on who to call, and who to write, and what to do, and have received support... So now we are waiting, and seeking some more. He has a huge plan for our time in Central and South America, and I believe a huge plan for each student going. They have been encountered by the Lord in so many ways during the lecture phase, and are now praying into their destiny as missionaries of the Gospel in the next 3 months, and, Lord willing in the different spheres for the rest of their lives.
If you think of our team, pray for us! If you want to partner with us financially, contact me. I love the body of Christ, and in this season, our team of 10 is leaning on the members who are able to help them move.
All for Christ and HIS Beautiful name,
Team Amazon
Sunday, 22 August 2010
"What Manner of [Vulnerability] is this?"
There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket - safe, dark, motionless, airless - it will chance. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.
- C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves
I read this part of C. S. Lewis' Book this week and was blown away. How many times do we look at love like this? Or forget to look at love like this? From my perception, human nature teaches us one of two things about what love is like:
We must guard ourselves. Don't let anyone get too close or they might truly know you and find there is nothing worth loving. Don't dare make yourself appear weak or in need of love, because then people may abuse you.
Or.
We have to "love" everything and everyone: and that meaning being thrown around from relationship to relationship until one special somebody sticks. We cannot avoid being used and broken before finding worth. And hopefully in finding that person, we can get the most out of them, while bandaging our hearts from the past "special someones."
Love, being God's greatest gift to us is perverted in the worst way - in every area - by the enemy. Satan desires to cut us off from God's enraptured heart for us. God desires freedom from the enemy. If purity can be snatched from intimacy, the enemy gains an advantage. One thing that I love about the love of God is that he knows the ways we are attacked, and comes against those attacks with His jealousy. We often forget or don't even realize God's emotions and that he is always longing, always patient, always contending... Even in the midst of what seems to be our biggest failures.
Lewis emphasizes in this paragraph that it requires vulnerability to love. The greatest example of vulnerability to me is the act of God creating people. You, me, and everyone. Each one made with a purpose and an extravagant plan in mind. God dreamed the most beautiful dream when he knit our flesh and hearts at our conception. The dream is alive and possible in his heart at any moment of rebellion in our life. He can start with anyone, at any point.
The Lord is the God of vulnerable love.
- C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves
I read this part of C. S. Lewis' Book this week and was blown away. How many times do we look at love like this? Or forget to look at love like this? From my perception, human nature teaches us one of two things about what love is like:
We must guard ourselves. Don't let anyone get too close or they might truly know you and find there is nothing worth loving. Don't dare make yourself appear weak or in need of love, because then people may abuse you.
Or.
We have to "love" everything and everyone: and that meaning being thrown around from relationship to relationship until one special somebody sticks. We cannot avoid being used and broken before finding worth. And hopefully in finding that person, we can get the most out of them, while bandaging our hearts from the past "special someones."
Love, being God's greatest gift to us is perverted in the worst way - in every area - by the enemy. Satan desires to cut us off from God's enraptured heart for us. God desires freedom from the enemy. If purity can be snatched from intimacy, the enemy gains an advantage. One thing that I love about the love of God is that he knows the ways we are attacked, and comes against those attacks with His jealousy. We often forget or don't even realize God's emotions and that he is always longing, always patient, always contending... Even in the midst of what seems to be our biggest failures.
Lewis emphasizes in this paragraph that it requires vulnerability to love. The greatest example of vulnerability to me is the act of God creating people. You, me, and everyone. Each one made with a purpose and an extravagant plan in mind. God dreamed the most beautiful dream when he knit our flesh and hearts at our conception. The dream is alive and possible in his heart at any moment of rebellion in our life. He can start with anyone, at any point.
The Lord is the God of vulnerable love.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Here, There, and Everywhere.
I am so blessed.
This last week, I had the opportunity to fly home to Colorado to spend the week with my family on the occasion of my brother, David's wedding. It was such a refreshingly fun time. One of my favorite places on earth to be is with my family. It doesn't even really matter what the physical location is, just being together gives me reason to celebrate. This week was just awesome. Not only because of the aforementioned reasons, but the best part is, I gained another sister-in-law! Sonia York is the newest addition to our family, and we all absolutely love her...
After enjoying time at home, I was ready to come back to the community of YWAM and catch up on the happenings of DTS that I had missed out on. The week was on "The Father Heart of God,"and from what I heard from students and staff, it was incredible. Our school was blessed to have John Leach, from Jubilee Fellowship Church come and speak.
This week we have Don Gillman speaking on Missions and giving up rights. After the first class today, I'm pretty much ready to die. Not literally. Well, Maybe. But basically, he challenged us with what it means to die to our old nature. What it means to repent. What it means to live a life worthy of Christ dying on the cross. Incredible.
Along with that, my co-leader, Kurt and I are continuing with outreach preparations. Please keep us in your prayers as we apply for visas, seek the Lord on direction, build team unity, and raise support. We are planning on going to Nicaragua and Brazil, and keeping an open mind if the Lord calls us somewhere else as well.
More to come! That's all for now amigos! :)
Blessings,
Elzabeth
This last week, I had the opportunity to fly home to Colorado to spend the week with my family on the occasion of my brother, David's wedding. It was such a refreshingly fun time. One of my favorite places on earth to be is with my family. It doesn't even really matter what the physical location is, just being together gives me reason to celebrate. This week was just awesome. Not only because of the aforementioned reasons, but the best part is, I gained another sister-in-law! Sonia York is the newest addition to our family, and we all absolutely love her...
After enjoying time at home, I was ready to come back to the community of YWAM and catch up on the happenings of DTS that I had missed out on. The week was on "The Father Heart of God,"and from what I heard from students and staff, it was incredible. Our school was blessed to have John Leach, from Jubilee Fellowship Church come and speak.
This week we have Don Gillman speaking on Missions and giving up rights. After the first class today, I'm pretty much ready to die. Not literally. Well, Maybe. But basically, he challenged us with what it means to die to our old nature. What it means to repent. What it means to live a life worthy of Christ dying on the cross. Incredible.
Along with that, my co-leader, Kurt and I are continuing with outreach preparations. Please keep us in your prayers as we apply for visas, seek the Lord on direction, build team unity, and raise support. We are planning on going to Nicaragua and Brazil, and keeping an open mind if the Lord calls us somewhere else as well.
More to come! That's all for now amigos! :)
Blessings,
Elzabeth
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Ir às nações…
olá!
We are continuing as a DTS on this journey, and God is continuing to show himself faithful.
Who is He that He would call a group of young people to become world changers? Who is this God that we serve who desires so eagerly to show us His glory? He is mine. And He is taking me, and a team of 10 people to Central and South America for outreach...
God opened the door for these locations for me very randomly. I wasn't even considering going to this part of the world, but God gave me a peace about it. And more than a peace, a genuine enthusiasm.
After starting preparations with the group for the outreach, we are all getting stoked. Intercession times with the whole DTS have brought up some powerful words for our group. Words concerning things from team unity, to casting out demons and healing the sick in Jesus name...
Um, Yes sir. We can't help but become super excited about all these words.
I have an amazing team. I can't wait to prepare more and finally get to go.
After reading this, please keep my team in your prayers. We want to really dive into what it is that the Lord is calling us to, and I believe that obedience starts now. We also need to have some financial needs met. Personally, I need about $1,000 by the end of the week to start paying for outreach and staff fees. If you are able to or feel led to help at all, let me know!
God is good. And He loves the nations.
~ vá com Deus
We are continuing as a DTS on this journey, and God is continuing to show himself faithful.
Who is He that He would call a group of young people to become world changers? Who is this God that we serve who desires so eagerly to show us His glory? He is mine. And He is taking me, and a team of 10 people to Central and South America for outreach...
God opened the door for these locations for me very randomly. I wasn't even considering going to this part of the world, but God gave me a peace about it. And more than a peace, a genuine enthusiasm.
After starting preparations with the group for the outreach, we are all getting stoked. Intercession times with the whole DTS have brought up some powerful words for our group. Words concerning things from team unity, to casting out demons and healing the sick in Jesus name...
Um, Yes sir. We can't help but become super excited about all these words.
I have an amazing team. I can't wait to prepare more and finally get to go.
After reading this, please keep my team in your prayers. We want to really dive into what it is that the Lord is calling us to, and I believe that obedience starts now. We also need to have some financial needs met. Personally, I need about $1,000 by the end of the week to start paying for outreach and staff fees. If you are able to or feel led to help at all, let me know!
God is good. And He loves the nations.
~ vá com Deus
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Powerful God
Two weeks in...
I can't believe that we have already been in classes for two weeks with the DTS. Everything is going so well. God has been showing up in such a powerful way. To put a picture of how abnormal this DTS is, I want to share with you what I was able to see this week...
I don't really know how to elaborate what has been happening. I am so enthralled with the things that are taking place. I am learning a lot about leadership and what that looks like especially when I am "leading" a group of people who are mostly older than I am. Like I said in my last post, Jesus is the only person who qualifies me as a leader. What a great reality to lean back on for anyone! If he wasn't my qualification, things would look a lot different...
The past two weeks have been unreal. As the students settle in and soak up the lessons that Philip York brought about hearing the voice of God, and Matt Rawlins with the Fear of the Lord, there is something brewing. Something more tangible than I have ever seen.
As a school, we were witnesses of the raw power of God...
On Monday, the school gathered for a "Mystery Fun Night". As the planned evening was supposed to be surprise to the students, it turned out to be a surprise to everyone...
We watched a documentary called The Finger of God, and were planning on announcing the outreach location choices following the movie. If you haven't seen this movie, I encourage you to check it out. It is a documentary of crazy things happening in the body of Christ around the world. A man, who was skeptical about some of the goings ons of the church, was surprised to find that these strange things were real. He saw stuff like Gold Dust appearing on people's bodies, jewels coming from heaven, spontaneous healing miracles and more. Needless to say, some of us thought that this video was a little weird. Does that stuff actually happen? I mean, really... Gold Dust??
When the movie finished, Andrew asked if there were any responses to the movie. One guy spoke up, and before I knew what happened, the whole room swarmed around him. Chris, one of our students, had gold dust all over his arms...
WHAT?!
What ensued after was more raw power...
After we all freaked out a little, and not quite sure where to go next, Andrew asked if anyone needed to be healed of anything. That night, 6 or 7 people received healing from various conditions: scoliosis healed, back problems corrected, legs that were disproportionate were healed, and more...
What an amazing God. Why did He just choose to show up like that? I don't know! He is crazy faithful... and CRAZY!
So, we didn't end up announcing outreach locations that night. I wasn't too upset though, the Holy Spirit had other plans, obviously.
God is doing much here. I am looking forward to more. I still need some support, and if you feel led to partner with me, check out my support page for more information. This week I should have my pay pal account information posted as well.
God Bless! Next time I will share about my outreach plans for Central and South America and how our team is preparing.
Enjoy the Lord this week!
I can't believe that we have already been in classes for two weeks with the DTS. Everything is going so well. God has been showing up in such a powerful way. To put a picture of how abnormal this DTS is, I want to share with you what I was able to see this week...
I don't really know how to elaborate what has been happening. I am so enthralled with the things that are taking place. I am learning a lot about leadership and what that looks like especially when I am "leading" a group of people who are mostly older than I am. Like I said in my last post, Jesus is the only person who qualifies me as a leader. What a great reality to lean back on for anyone! If he wasn't my qualification, things would look a lot different...
The past two weeks have been unreal. As the students settle in and soak up the lessons that Philip York brought about hearing the voice of God, and Matt Rawlins with the Fear of the Lord, there is something brewing. Something more tangible than I have ever seen.
As a school, we were witnesses of the raw power of God...
On Monday, the school gathered for a "Mystery Fun Night". As the planned evening was supposed to be surprise to the students, it turned out to be a surprise to everyone...
We watched a documentary called The Finger of God, and were planning on announcing the outreach location choices following the movie. If you haven't seen this movie, I encourage you to check it out. It is a documentary of crazy things happening in the body of Christ around the world. A man, who was skeptical about some of the goings ons of the church, was surprised to find that these strange things were real. He saw stuff like Gold Dust appearing on people's bodies, jewels coming from heaven, spontaneous healing miracles and more. Needless to say, some of us thought that this video was a little weird. Does that stuff actually happen? I mean, really... Gold Dust??
When the movie finished, Andrew asked if there were any responses to the movie. One guy spoke up, and before I knew what happened, the whole room swarmed around him. Chris, one of our students, had gold dust all over his arms...
WHAT?!
What ensued after was more raw power...
After we all freaked out a little, and not quite sure where to go next, Andrew asked if anyone needed to be healed of anything. That night, 6 or 7 people received healing from various conditions: scoliosis healed, back problems corrected, legs that were disproportionate were healed, and more...
What an amazing God. Why did He just choose to show up like that? I don't know! He is crazy faithful... and CRAZY!
So, we didn't end up announcing outreach locations that night. I wasn't too upset though, the Holy Spirit had other plans, obviously.
God is doing much here. I am looking forward to more. I still need some support, and if you feel led to partner with me, check out my support page for more information. This week I should have my pay pal account information posted as well.
God Bless! Next time I will share about my outreach plans for Central and South America and how our team is preparing.
Enjoy the Lord this week!
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Questions with Screaming Answers
Sometimes, I feel like I am living outside of myself, watching what is happening from an ariel view. Its like I look at what I'm doing, or being asked to do, and thinking;
Why am I here?
How did I get here?
Why does God trust me so much?
I am growing more and more aware of something bigger than what I have signed up for starting to happen. I don't know how I am qualified, but what I know is that it is enough that God has called me. I believe He has called everyone. And more specifically, He has called us into friendship with Him.
Friendship? That seems so huge and simple at the same time.
Psalm 25:14
"The FRIENDSHIP of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them."
How huge is this? I mean, that God desires friendship with us? That is impossibly beautiful.
Our staff team has had the privilege of having some amazing speakers impart some wisdom to us in our corporate staff meetings. One day, Dar Cunningham spoke to us, and one thing she said that registered in my heart was that "the JESUS in you is enough."
The Jesus in me is the only thing that I can refer to in explaining why I'm here. Why I can do what is required of me and more.
It is such a crazy thing to move into what God is doing. Its comparable to how I see the ocean move. When a wave is crashing, and you are crazy enough to jump into it, it can throw you down so quickly. The force of the wave makes you lose your composure...
Jesus is destroying me. In the best way. He sees my need for Him and He violently pursues me. Tearing down walls and embracing me like a child. I understand that sounds intense, but the picture I keep getting of His gentle and radical love brings me to such a new awe of Him.
How beautiful is our God! That he would do this? For anyone who wants it?
That is my Father.
That is my Lover.
Simply put, I am looking forward to the coming months. I still need more support, and I am working on getting more information out for you all this week. If you feel impressed to help me out with some of my living expenses and outreach fees (which is about $500 a month for lecture phase, and anywhere between $2,000-$4,000 for outreach), please let me know! I greatly appreciate any help. You supporters are what keeps me here. I love you!
Glory be to the living God,
Elizabeth
Why am I here?
How did I get here?
Why does God trust me so much?
I am growing more and more aware of something bigger than what I have signed up for starting to happen. I don't know how I am qualified, but what I know is that it is enough that God has called me. I believe He has called everyone. And more specifically, He has called us into friendship with Him.
Friendship? That seems so huge and simple at the same time.
Psalm 25:14
"The FRIENDSHIP of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them."
How huge is this? I mean, that God desires friendship with us? That is impossibly beautiful.
Our staff team has had the privilege of having some amazing speakers impart some wisdom to us in our corporate staff meetings. One day, Dar Cunningham spoke to us, and one thing she said that registered in my heart was that "the JESUS in you is enough."
The Jesus in me is the only thing that I can refer to in explaining why I'm here. Why I can do what is required of me and more.
It is such a crazy thing to move into what God is doing. Its comparable to how I see the ocean move. When a wave is crashing, and you are crazy enough to jump into it, it can throw you down so quickly. The force of the wave makes you lose your composure...
Jesus is destroying me. In the best way. He sees my need for Him and He violently pursues me. Tearing down walls and embracing me like a child. I understand that sounds intense, but the picture I keep getting of His gentle and radical love brings me to such a new awe of Him.
How beautiful is our God! That he would do this? For anyone who wants it?
That is my Father.
That is my Lover.
Simply put, I am looking forward to the coming months. I still need more support, and I am working on getting more information out for you all this week. If you feel impressed to help me out with some of my living expenses and outreach fees (which is about $500 a month for lecture phase, and anywhere between $2,000-$4,000 for outreach), please let me know! I greatly appreciate any help. You supporters are what keeps me here. I love you!
Glory be to the living God,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
FREEDOM in submission.
Aloha!
I am in Kona, Hawai'i right now and I am loving it. I have officially been confirmed as staff and I am finding this to be the start of another wonderful season of my life.
I hope this update finds all of you well as I'm sure the summer brings everyone something new. There is just something about Summer that brings excitement and laughter. I feel like it is reminiscent of summer break, and the thrill of having time to do things that you haven't been able to do during the school year. It screams, "FREEDOM!"
Going into this season for me I have very much the same child-like excitement. I am overwhelmed with the Lord's goodness as He is already starting to radically change my heart. During my DTS, I felt that God was starting to throw me into more freedom in Christ. Freedom concerning who He had created me to be, and freedom to step out in love for other people. In this next season, I feel like there is more freedom to be discovered in my walk with Him. As our staff team prepares for the students to come in, and looking to the Lord for guidance and vision for the school, I am anticipating opportunities to help others discover that freedom as I walk in it more and more.
I hope this helps give you a picture of what God is pressing on my heart. I am trusting the Lord for my finances, because I still don't have them all. I don't doubt that I am supposed to be here, but I definitely need some support.
My monthly need is around $500. As for outreach, I only need money to purchase a plane ticket. Depending on the location, I need anywhere between $2,000-$4,000. If you feel led to support me, anything is so appreciated. I am more than willing to share more and give you a bigger picture of what the ministry looks like as staff in a DTS in Kona.
Please let me know if you want to be involved! Email me or write me for more information.
Blessings!
Elizabeth
I am in Kona, Hawai'i right now and I am loving it. I have officially been confirmed as staff and I am finding this to be the start of another wonderful season of my life.
I hope this update finds all of you well as I'm sure the summer brings everyone something new. There is just something about Summer that brings excitement and laughter. I feel like it is reminiscent of summer break, and the thrill of having time to do things that you haven't been able to do during the school year. It screams, "FREEDOM!"
Going into this season for me I have very much the same child-like excitement. I am overwhelmed with the Lord's goodness as He is already starting to radically change my heart. During my DTS, I felt that God was starting to throw me into more freedom in Christ. Freedom concerning who He had created me to be, and freedom to step out in love for other people. In this next season, I feel like there is more freedom to be discovered in my walk with Him. As our staff team prepares for the students to come in, and looking to the Lord for guidance and vision for the school, I am anticipating opportunities to help others discover that freedom as I walk in it more and more.
I hope this helps give you a picture of what God is pressing on my heart. I am trusting the Lord for my finances, because I still don't have them all. I don't doubt that I am supposed to be here, but I definitely need some support.
My monthly need is around $500. As for outreach, I only need money to purchase a plane ticket. Depending on the location, I need anywhere between $2,000-$4,000. If you feel led to support me, anything is so appreciated. I am more than willing to share more and give you a bigger picture of what the ministry looks like as staff in a DTS in Kona.
Please let me know if you want to be involved! Email me or write me for more information.
Blessings!
Elizabeth
Monday, 7 June 2010
Hallo!
I am still alive! Very much alive actually. I'm sorry that I have not been keeping up with my blog. I think that I've come to find I am not the most disciplined in this area. But I'm working on it :)
I arrived safely back in Colorado on Saturday night. After traveling for about 17 hours in total, it was a beautiful sight to see my mom and brother waiting with flowers to greet me from the gate. Around the corner were Kyle, Brooke, Lauryn, Alyssa and the whole Vandenend family to welcome me back as well. I am so blessed with friends and family!
My entire time at DTS has been indescribable. I have learned more than I ever thought possible, and I feel so blessed to have been able to minister in different places in Thailand. To explain my outreach a little further, I will give a brief overview of what happened during the two months of awesomeness..
The first location that my team and I stayed at was just outside Chiang Rai, in a village called Ruammit. We were able to partner with a church in the village and help out the Pastor and his wife. We put on children's programs, helped with practical work and prayed for village members.
After that, we moved onto the next location which was an orphanage called "Home of the Open Heart." While there, we completed practical work on a new building. We were there for about a week, then we left to minister to another church called 'Sappa Luang' for about two weeks. Our team was able to partner with the pastor in his vision to see different churches in Thailand come together in unity. While there, we also got to take a trip to Myanmar to minister to another church.
Our last location was Pattaya. We were there for two weeks helping with the 'Pattaya Slum Ministries' and teaching english classes. While working in the slums, we put on kid's Clubs and administered lice treatments. When we were able to, we also helped out in the Tamar Centre. The Tamar Centre is a training facility that gives ex-prostitues vocational skills in Jewelry Making, Crafting, Cafe work and Cosmetology.
I thoroughly enjoyed being in Thailand and the entire YWAM experience.
I also want to share a little of my heart for the coming months.
I have been prayerfully considering staying on with YWAM for the coming six months as staff in the Classic July DTS in Kona. I have felt a peace in my heart about pursuing this, and I am getting ready to leave on Friday for the beginning of staff training.
I am anticipating six months of growing in leadership and having a part in discipling more young people through YWAM!
My total monthly need is right at $650, plus the airfare for outreach, yet to be determined. If you feel so led to help support me in this, I would greatly appreciate it! You can email me or write me for more information.
Thank you for listening to what God has done and what He is continuing to do!
Be Blessed!
I am still alive! Very much alive actually. I'm sorry that I have not been keeping up with my blog. I think that I've come to find I am not the most disciplined in this area. But I'm working on it :)
I arrived safely back in Colorado on Saturday night. After traveling for about 17 hours in total, it was a beautiful sight to see my mom and brother waiting with flowers to greet me from the gate. Around the corner were Kyle, Brooke, Lauryn, Alyssa and the whole Vandenend family to welcome me back as well. I am so blessed with friends and family!
My entire time at DTS has been indescribable. I have learned more than I ever thought possible, and I feel so blessed to have been able to minister in different places in Thailand. To explain my outreach a little further, I will give a brief overview of what happened during the two months of awesomeness..
The first location that my team and I stayed at was just outside Chiang Rai, in a village called Ruammit. We were able to partner with a church in the village and help out the Pastor and his wife. We put on children's programs, helped with practical work and prayed for village members.
After that, we moved onto the next location which was an orphanage called "Home of the Open Heart." While there, we completed practical work on a new building. We were there for about a week, then we left to minister to another church called 'Sappa Luang' for about two weeks. Our team was able to partner with the pastor in his vision to see different churches in Thailand come together in unity. While there, we also got to take a trip to Myanmar to minister to another church.
Our last location was Pattaya. We were there for two weeks helping with the 'Pattaya Slum Ministries' and teaching english classes. While working in the slums, we put on kid's Clubs and administered lice treatments. When we were able to, we also helped out in the Tamar Centre. The Tamar Centre is a training facility that gives ex-prostitues vocational skills in Jewelry Making, Crafting, Cafe work and Cosmetology.
I thoroughly enjoyed being in Thailand and the entire YWAM experience.
I also want to share a little of my heart for the coming months.
I have been prayerfully considering staying on with YWAM for the coming six months as staff in the Classic July DTS in Kona. I have felt a peace in my heart about pursuing this, and I am getting ready to leave on Friday for the beginning of staff training.
I am anticipating six months of growing in leadership and having a part in discipling more young people through YWAM!
My total monthly need is right at $650, plus the airfare for outreach, yet to be determined. If you feel so led to help support me in this, I would greatly appreciate it! You can email me or write me for more information.
Thank you for listening to what God has done and what He is continuing to do!
Be Blessed!
Sunday, 21 February 2010
I Serve a Crazy God!
Hello there!
It has been such a long time since I have been able to update my blog! I have constantly been busy, and God is keeping me going as well as helping me keep up with Him. As a DTS we finished Nations to Nations week which was an incredible time of learning about God's heart for the Nations. Each day a different culture led us into worship and the speakers shared about the people and places that are coming together to celebrate the Lord and worship Him in their own language and style.
This past week a small group from the DTS and I started our two weeks of Dutch outreach. The school was divided into three groups, and my group had the opportunity to go to Ede ( which a small town in the east of Holland). I had never heard of this town before the team was divided, but I was stoked to get the chance to minister to this "normal" place of Holland, and share the love of Christ in a practical way.. Through service projects, and otherwise..
We have been working with a young adults group from a Church called the Schuilplaats ( which is the dutch word for 'the Hiding Place'). God is showing this church, as well as myself so many things! The entire first week of teaching was about the Holy Spirit. I had the opportunity to speak on the Holy Spirit and righteousness on the first day, and every day since, the Holy Spirit has shown up in our meetings. I can honestly say that I have never seen the Holy Spirit poured out in such a mighty way in such a small amount of time. I believe it is the beginning of the Spirit working in ways that we haven't seen yet.
In Acts, Jesus talks about pouring the Spirit out on all flesh..
"In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men will dream dreams." -Acts 2: 17
I believe the Holy Spirit wants to be poured out into our lives wherever we go. When we let him work in our lives, then we are empowered to do all that God has for us to do. He desires that we do the impossible, and it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can do those things!
I am so excited to share this with you all. I hope it makes some sense, because sometimes my fingers type faster than my brain thinks. If you get anything from reading this, may it be that the Holy Spirit wants to be so personal in your life. I'm only beginning to learn this, and I am encouraged by the work that has started in my own thinking. If your desire is similar, I encourage you to read about the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14-15. It is so good! haha!
Blessings!
-Elizabeth
It has been such a long time since I have been able to update my blog! I have constantly been busy, and God is keeping me going as well as helping me keep up with Him. As a DTS we finished Nations to Nations week which was an incredible time of learning about God's heart for the Nations. Each day a different culture led us into worship and the speakers shared about the people and places that are coming together to celebrate the Lord and worship Him in their own language and style.
This past week a small group from the DTS and I started our two weeks of Dutch outreach. The school was divided into three groups, and my group had the opportunity to go to Ede ( which a small town in the east of Holland). I had never heard of this town before the team was divided, but I was stoked to get the chance to minister to this "normal" place of Holland, and share the love of Christ in a practical way.. Through service projects, and otherwise..
We have been working with a young adults group from a Church called the Schuilplaats ( which is the dutch word for 'the Hiding Place'). God is showing this church, as well as myself so many things! The entire first week of teaching was about the Holy Spirit. I had the opportunity to speak on the Holy Spirit and righteousness on the first day, and every day since, the Holy Spirit has shown up in our meetings. I can honestly say that I have never seen the Holy Spirit poured out in such a mighty way in such a small amount of time. I believe it is the beginning of the Spirit working in ways that we haven't seen yet.
In Acts, Jesus talks about pouring the Spirit out on all flesh..
"In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men will dream dreams." -Acts 2: 17
I believe the Holy Spirit wants to be poured out into our lives wherever we go. When we let him work in our lives, then we are empowered to do all that God has for us to do. He desires that we do the impossible, and it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can do those things!
I am so excited to share this with you all. I hope it makes some sense, because sometimes my fingers type faster than my brain thinks. If you get anything from reading this, may it be that the Holy Spirit wants to be so personal in your life. I'm only beginning to learn this, and I am encouraged by the work that has started in my own thinking. If your desire is similar, I encourage you to read about the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14-15. It is so good! haha!
Blessings!
-Elizabeth
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Three weeks in..
HELLO!
I can't believe that I am preparing to go into my fourth week of lecture here in Amsterdam. I'm blown away by how incredible it has been already, and I'm anticipating more revelation of Him and His plan for this time..
I want to start off by thanking you who have been praying for this DTS. I believe those prayers have already affected the conversations and relationships that are being built, as well as the atmosphere of community that has been growing over the past two weeks! We have a school of about 12 students, so it has been a pretty quick lesson in living as a family with a group of people from different nations. Most of the students are dutch, with the exception of a few Americans, one guy from Egypt, and a girl from Indonesia. But our group is not the only one here! There is also another DTS going on during this time, it is called "Make Him Known" DTS and it consists mainly of people from different parts of Africa who, for their outreach phase, will be ministering to refugees placed in Holland. On top of that, we are constantly hosting other outreach teams and guests here at De Poort, so its quite the ppoular place to be! haha.
This week our lecture was on the Holy Spirit. What an amazing week! I can't really begin to list all the things i've learned, but I understand now more than I have before how real and involved the Holy Spirit is in our lives. Especially when we ask for him. One scripture I was given this week is Luke 11:13,
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
This is a promise that Jesus gave. If we diligently seek him, he is faithful. I am still being challenged by the passage of Luke 11. I think that desiring the Lord and the gifts he has for us can be hard. Which, kind of doesn't make sense! Why wouldn't we want the Lord and the treasures he has promised to those who ask? I believe there is a cost to following God and seeking those things he has for us-but what a small cost for something so significant...
To sum it all up...God is still good.. and I'm learning so many things on top of the lectures. Like how to fit in as 'the foreigner' in the group, (which is actually really cool), becoming a seasoned bike rider around the city (well, sitting on the back of a bike and holding on for dear life), and eating the local food (consisting mainly of bread, nutella and sprinkles...).
I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Tot Ziens!
I can't believe that I am preparing to go into my fourth week of lecture here in Amsterdam. I'm blown away by how incredible it has been already, and I'm anticipating more revelation of Him and His plan for this time..
I want to start off by thanking you who have been praying for this DTS. I believe those prayers have already affected the conversations and relationships that are being built, as well as the atmosphere of community that has been growing over the past two weeks! We have a school of about 12 students, so it has been a pretty quick lesson in living as a family with a group of people from different nations. Most of the students are dutch, with the exception of a few Americans, one guy from Egypt, and a girl from Indonesia. But our group is not the only one here! There is also another DTS going on during this time, it is called "Make Him Known" DTS and it consists mainly of people from different parts of Africa who, for their outreach phase, will be ministering to refugees placed in Holland. On top of that, we are constantly hosting other outreach teams and guests here at De Poort, so its quite the ppoular place to be! haha.
This week our lecture was on the Holy Spirit. What an amazing week! I can't really begin to list all the things i've learned, but I understand now more than I have before how real and involved the Holy Spirit is in our lives. Especially when we ask for him. One scripture I was given this week is Luke 11:13,
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
This is a promise that Jesus gave. If we diligently seek him, he is faithful. I am still being challenged by the passage of Luke 11. I think that desiring the Lord and the gifts he has for us can be hard. Which, kind of doesn't make sense! Why wouldn't we want the Lord and the treasures he has promised to those who ask? I believe there is a cost to following God and seeking those things he has for us-but what a small cost for something so significant...
To sum it all up...God is still good.. and I'm learning so many things on top of the lectures. Like how to fit in as 'the foreigner' in the group, (which is actually really cool), becoming a seasoned bike rider around the city (well, sitting on the back of a bike and holding on for dear life), and eating the local food (consisting mainly of bread, nutella and sprinkles...).
I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Tot Ziens!
Friday, 22 January 2010
Friday, 15 January 2010
A New Season!
Ok, I'm new at this whole blogging thing, so we will see how this goes!
Amsterdam! I can't believe I am already here and that its only been a little over two weeks! It feels as though I have been here for longer than that, but most definitely in a good way.
As many of you know, it has been my desire to come to this city for quite some time now, and now that I'm here it doesn't seem real.
To recap what some of you already know, I am here to do a 5-6 month discipleship training school in which the lecture phase takes place here, in Amsterdam for the first half of the school, and the outreach phase will take place in Asia beginning sometime in March.
I will try to keep this first blog short yet informative. The school is going great so far! God is showing me so many new things, all the while keeping me focused completely on understanding His incredible love for me. The first two weeks, we have learned about hearing God's voice, and understanding 'The Father Heart of God." It has been such a wonderful time of coming into more revelation of Him and His heart.
The YWAM building here (where I am staying) is called De Poort, and it is involved with a little place in the red-light district called 'The Tabernacle'. If you haven't already heard, the red-light district is a significant section of the city that has been given over to debauchery, among other things. My favorite part of being here in this busy city is the opportunity I get to visit the tabernacle. Its a sanctuary of prayer and intercession, and I can see from it that the spiritual atmosphere in the city has and continues to be changed. I am blown away that such a great thing is being done here right in the heart of the red-light district through prayer!
Being in the Tabernacle is only a portion of what I am able to take part of here. There are too many things to record in my blog, so I will end with a verse, and begin to plan what to share next time!
Isaiah 40:3
"A voice cries out: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'"
God is good, and I believe He is preparing to do something incredible in the lives of His children. Thank you for reading! I will talk to you soon.
Love,
Elizabeth
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