Last two weeks of outreach in the Netherlands!

Prostitution Ministry and Family life in Amsterdam: What my team and I have been apart of on outreach. 

13 minutes... En Route to Amsterdam. Sitting on the ground.

Friday evening we set out to travel to Amsterdam.
Different luggage shifts here and there evened the suitcase weights out perfectly.
Except one piece of luggage. Twenty pounds overweight is hard to fix.
Looks like it is going to cost $200.00
Does Jesus break computers to make it impossible to actually charge a credit card for $200.00?
Maybe. I think he did.
Thank you, Jesus.

I am sitting on the ground in my terminal in Dulles International Airport.
My computer is charging.
I am thankful to get to travel with friends to Amsterdam.
Outreach is beginning. Life is exciting.

The air compressor hinge (or something) is missing on the plane.
Since it is a continental flight, a continental technician is needed to fix it.
United is operating this flight because of the merge. No continental technician works here.
Our plane won't be fixed any time soon.
We will be delayed 5-6 hours.

I might go talk to our stewardess... I hope she likes Starbucks.
God bless outreach. This is the best.
                     
                     I have the best Job in the world...
                              ... Thank you, Jesus, for giving us unreasonable joy. 

Trust Fall.

Five Weeks in...


The DTS has been going for 5 weeks now. I can hardly believe that so much time has gone by already. But isn't that always the case? I have never felt at any point that time seems to go at normal pace. It is either very slowly moving, or moving at an unusually fast pace... But I digress.

The students are so hungry. I have never seen anything like this before. For the first time in a while, I feel the least responsible for the work that the Lord is doing in these students lives. It is super humbling, but it is a supernatural thing. The Lord is doing what He wants to. The Holy Spirit is ministering to hearts. Yes, I believe He uses us to help, and He is looking for those who are desiring to be obedient. However, When someone is hungry, it becomes less about who is walking with them, and more about the one who is living inside of them. What I am learning is that I am utterly not in control of anything. Does that make sense? It sounds weird. But when He says we can trust Him... We can.

I want to promote the idea of a "trust-fall" with the Holy Spirit. Do you know what a "trust-fall" is? The first time someone told me about it, it made me uncomfortable. Its where you stand with your back towards someone, and you fall straight back. The person behind you is responsible for making sure you don't crack your skull on the ground. You can imagine the hesitation in trusting just anyone to save your skull. I don't do this very often...


A "trust-fall" is a faith stretcher practice. Yes. Trust fall. Let me explain further...
I am walking down the street with a student, and we come across this lady who is obviously a little strung out. We get caught up in a conversation and she explains with complete apathy the misfortune of her life. It breaks my heart to hear her talk about her failed attempts of suicide and her need to defend herself when we ask her about the Lord. Our conversation goes almost nowhere when I decide to interject a little more boldly. "Do you believe that God can change your life?" after a few excuses she lets me pray for her.
I start to think God, do it. Do something. I pray out loud for the Lord to minister to her. I felt to go for big prayers "Jesus, manifest yourself to this lady in her room. Show her who you are."
After praying. She thanked us. No noticeable change. Then we went on our way...

I have no idea if Jesus literally walked into her room that night, or if she was caught up in an angelic visitation and delivered from demonic oppression. But I trust the Holy Spirit to do what He will. He is more capable... He loves better than I do.

AWAKEN...Video update!

This is an update from my heart on what is happening with the Summer AWAKEN DTS. It is sincere, but also entirely amateur. Why the music choice? I have no idea. Literally. I hope you find it insightful.

Enjoy. 

From Europe to the Rock.

Aloha!

The long-awaited update is finally here! I don't know how long awaited this blog actually is, I just realize it has been far too long since my last one. After not posting for over three weeks, I could feel the itch in my fingers to share with you about life and the move of God on the Kona campus and what we, as AWAKEN staff are anticipating for the future. 

The trip to Amsterdam was incredibly insightful. Since the last video update, we were able to learn so much from different ministry leaders and people who have invested their lives into the city. The Holy Spirit is moving on the hearts of people in Amsterdam, and hearts are being softened to the Lord. One example of this is the ministry of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle, or “the Tab” is a prayer house in the middle of the Red Light District that has been in operation for the last 3 years or so. Since they have been praying for the city and other initiatives, the city of Amsterdam has closed 1/3rd of the windows that prostitutes advertise in. Needless to say, the Spirit of the living God is moving, and the hard ground is being cultivated.

This summer is proving to be one of change and more anticipation of the Spirit moving. I have been back on campus for a little under three weeks now, and what I feel God is doing in my own heart, and campus-wide is emphasizing that our identity is found in Him and Him alone. He is who defines us. Outside of Him there is only works and a constant searching for worth in a title or position. Through His kindness, God invites us in as Sons and Daughters to show the world redemption and identity. I believe strongly that this is what He desires to do.

Prayer and Support!

Prayer points for staff and the DTS: That we would continue to live in knowing our identity and mentor these young men and women in their identity in Christ. Out of that mentorship, our desire is to see faith-filled students launched into missions and see change happen in the nations.

Also, finances is a huge need. If you desire to see a detailed description of my current need, check out my mission tab. Briefly, I am in need of 80% of my goal of $2,000 a month. I know this looks like a large amount, and I am totally trusting the Lord for the details. I have some amazing supporters who are keeping me in missions, but the need is on-going as my life for the foreseeable future will continue in missions.

Thank you for your interest in the life of a missionary! Many blessings!

First Video Update from Amsterdam!

An update from Erica, Haley ( & Andrew behind the camera) and me in Amsterdam!

First video update ever... Talking on community in Amsterdam, ministry in the city and encouragement to keep praying! Thanks to all you who support and follow us on our facebook and blogs! Blessings from the Netherlands :

Lekker

First few days in Amsterdam.

It has been an incredible time of taking in all the familiar sights, sounds, and smells (even the foul smell of a certain substance) while walking the streets of Amsterdam, the place I did my DTS in 2010.

Erica and I arrived right on schedule, and met up with Haley Austin and Jeremy Bardwell (which was a surprise to us) immediately when they landed. It was such an easy way to start our trip. Such grace and favor...

In being here for only a few days, I am growing aware of the gifts I have been given. How am I so blessed to know the Holy Spirit so intimately, and have amazing friends around me? I desire that Amsterdam would know these joys. The overwhelming, all-encompasing, and limitless love of the Father, that penetrates even the coldest heart when given access. And the rest that I find in friends who love me, yet love the Lord even more. This is the substance of a rich life. This is what dreams should look like in reality: being in a place, however dark, living in the reality of the Father's love, filled with the Holy Spirit, surrounded by friends, and reflecting that to a broken and hollow city with dreams built on self-satisfaction.

I desire that they would know you, God, the one who's heart breaks when over and over again is rejected for lesser things. I desire that they would know this love that brings me here, to show them a portion of the love you have shown me. I desire that their hearts would be filled to overflowing...

If you want to know more detailed progress of our journeys and days in Amsterdam, feel free to email me at eliyork@gmail.com. Our needs at this point in our trip continue to be prayer covering-prayer into future vision, a clear direction from the Lord and protection in the city, and financial support. 

For the four of us, our cost for housing is going to be roughly $500 for our stay in Amsterdam and then another $1,000 for extra costs including, bus fare, food, and our travels to London. We will be staying with friends in London, so that will give us a break with housing costs. I believe the Lord will provide for our needs, and if you feel led to join us in this faith journey through financial giving, please let me know! 

Thank you for your prayers and support! 

Enduring to overcome. Living in biblical realities.

The AWAKEN Road Trip trip officially ended April 12th, 2011 When Andrew jetted off to Korea and the five of us were left in Cali. We enjoyed our last few days together before Erica and I took off with the van to Colorado, and the guys, Matt and Chris along with Haley stayed in California with different purposes until we meet up again in Kona...

The trip was incredible. To succinctly describe the crew I traveled with: We are a group of staff from Kona who have learned a lot about living in community and were able to taste of the fruits of a community centered around the presence of the Lord learning to grow in the first two commandments: Loving the Lord and each other well...

This road trip was an effort to expand our view of community, what the Lord is doing in the church in the United States, and being available for the Holy Spirit to use us to minister when we felt led. We started in Boston and made our way to L.A. to finish the trip with a friend from the staff group, Daniel Stedman. All that we were able to experience and glean from was inspiring. 

Revival for the church is on the Lord's heart. And even more so than revival, the the Next Great Awakening. In my opinion and what I have learned from the trip, is that there is a shift happening in the spiritual atmosphere of the church. Believers that are truly following the Lord are  growing tired of a complacent body that has no power and are thirsty for a new move of the Holy Spirit . There are churches in the U.S. that are experiencing real miracles of biblical proportions . The times we are living in are growing dark, but those who's sole desire is for the Lord are growing brighter. When the world finally awakes, the ones who have endured, not settled for complacency, pushed through this current darkness will be the ones ministering to the crowds that come from the shaking that is beginning to happen. I am encouraged. I want to be ready...

In a week...

Andrew, Erica, Haley and I are traveling to Amsterdam. After learning so much about the power of community, we are exploring the city in search of a place to possibly plant community in the future. This is an exploration trip. We are hoping to meet with different pastors and ministers, gain perspective of the spiritual atmosphere of the city, and what the Holy Spirit is doing among other things... We are also going as a pre-trip for outreach that will happen with the DTS this Summer. The Summer DTS starts in July, and our school plans on taking a team to Amsterdam in the Fall. 

I pray that you are encouraged to keep running after the Lord in the season we are in. Don't lose heart and continue in love for Jesus. Please keep us in your prayers. If there is anything you have questions about, please write me! I am looking for people who desire to see Amsterdam lit up for Jesus, and if you desire to be a part, pray with me, and write me. :) 

Blessings.

Real Dreams. [Amsterdam]

Myself and part of the AWAKEN DTS family are still going strong on our perspectives tour across the states. We started at the beginning of February and will go until around the beginning of April. Currently, we are in Texas, attending Antioch church as well as visiting with a few different people and gatherings while we are here.

As you may know already, I have a heart for the city of Amsterdam. I was able to do my DTS in the city and witness the strongholds have defined this place. It continues to be an escape for many who have been given over to sexual perversion and drug use. I believe the Lord desires to raise up the church to change the course of Amsterdam’s future and define the city by the Holy Spirit instead of the depravity that has gripped many lives for too long...

How would I be apart of changing a city that has been gripped by the lure of sin for so long? I don’t know exactly what my role is in the city of Amsterdam, but I want to take some time this year before the AWAKEN DTS starts to go to Amsterdam and pray into a future there... With the amazing things the Lord has been revealing to our group about community, I have been dreaming about what a community, centered around the presence of God, focused on the first two loves- God and neighbor- would look like in Amsterdam- what would it change- who it would involve- what would happen to those strongholds in the midst of it... 

 I will give more information as the trip approaches. 

As for right now... I have my ticket going to Amsterdam on April 24, coming back to Kona on May 30!  So far, Erica Gustafson, and my brother Andrew are traveling with me on this journey as well. We are trusting the Lord for a lot. I have been blessed financially by some incredible people to be able to buy the ticket, but need around $2,000 more in order to meet the mark for our estimated expenses. 

I am thrilled to be able to write about this. I pray that long-term vision will be cast in the coming weeks and that those who desire to see this place changed for the Kingdom would be led to join with us. We need prayer warriors, connections, financial support for the feet of this to set the pace... God is moving and I believe we will encounter God’s heart for his lost children as we go into deep darkness with the Light of the World.

Ink

I feel like it has been a while since I last wrote down my thoughts. Sometimes I find its invaluable to my processing, and other times its not as important. How do you measure the importance of trying to spill your heart on paper (or on keyboard, in my case)? I believe that writing out my thoughts can be beneficial in digging out the depth of my thought life. Sometimes it challenges me to think deeper thoughts, rather than channel surf through empty advertisements in my head. “Why did I spend hours flipping through the status updates of people I seldom talk with on facebook?” “How do we eradicate abortion in our lifetime?” “I wonder what it would do for my wardrobe if I bought a new pair of TOMS?” 

Even if we don’t find resolutions in just thinking about the world’s issues, could our thought process lead us to a moment of prayer that could refocus ourselves to think less selfishly? And actually, a prayer of inability to help could open the door to see an opportunity to get involved. Or, it could help us see the need to pray more.

Writing could also cause our thoughts to inspire change in others. Spilling our insecurities in written word could be like emptying an ink jar on white carpet. Spilling something so messy could stain someone’s hands with the truth that ‘your thoughts, your inhibitions and your shortcomings are not your own- there are others who go through this too.’ Could we be bold enough to admit the different ways we see ourselves as more apart of and not above the human race than we really like to admit? That in reality, we have less answers than we have questions? 

Maybe writing could do that. If we wanted to be really honest...

Or

Writing too honestly could expose the death-riddled parts of our hearts and incur more death by the judgement passed by readers. Judgment may be too strong. I’ll use the word ‘critique’. Subtle, malignant analyses of the content of one’s writing. In humbling ourselves, in vulnerability we offer an open window to the soul. people can view the inner sanctuary of the house and come and commune. To create the life-breathing relationships it takes to make a house a home. Or vandals may enter to tear down the intricate design of the designer. Destroying and deeming worthless the beautiful paintings that may be in the process of being refurbished. They may not be as they once were, but that’s what the designer is there for... Bringing to attention what the artist intended originally. Restoring the integrity of the house. 

To write honestly, is to unveil what may be incorrect, or what is in process of being established in that inner sanctuary. To write with vulnerability is to invite others to come and view our naked hearts. It is an opportunity for our thoughts to produce what we hope for them to. To read, is to watch something blossom or infect.

Just a thought...

...As it was made to be

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.

And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.

Get over your hill and see what you find there,

With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

• Mumford and Sons

Love that will not betray you, 

dismay or enslave you,

It will set you free

Be more like the man 

you were made to be.

There is a design,

An alignment to cry,

At my heart you see,

The beauty of love 

as it was made to be.

• Mumford and Sons

I listed a couple songs that talk about love. These may or may not be very well known, they are lyrics from one of my favorite bands. They don’t consider themselves to be a christian band or to have christian lyrics, but their message seems to be threaded with truth. It reminds me of what the Word says about love.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18

Galations 5:1 also talks about the freedom we have in Christ. I believe that freedom is a product of our acceptance of the love of Christ and our trust in it. 

Today I was reading A. W. Tozer’s classic, “The Knowledge of the Holy” and he wrote about the friendship of the Lord. In humility we come to Him, saying we are not worthy, but what about the love that He has given us and the position we have that He has offered to us? I could go into a discussion of the freedom of His love here, but I was stuck on the position that He speaks about his children having; we are heirs, and therefore can boldly approach our Father:

The Disciples might well have hesitated to claim friendship with Christ, but Christ said to them, “Ye are my friends.” Modesty may demur at so rash a thought, but audacious faith dares to believe the Word and claim friendship with God. We do God more honor by believing what He has said about Himself and having the courage to come boldly to the throne of grace than by hiding in self-conscious humility among the trees of the garden(Tozer 96).

God has given us access to the throne. As believers, we not only have the ability to come to Him, He desires us to. The mercy seat enthrones Him who gave us, inferior beings who struggle with pride, sin and all kinds of lusts, life. And all the while, we dishonor him when we call ourselves unworthy of the position He gives. I will honor my Father, I will approach the throne with boldness...

Sweet bread and babies with death sentences...

I want to share a few of my experiences from the last few days... Some of significance, some of ramblings.... Either are my own thought processes and both are threaded with the perspective I am trying to have: Heavenly perspective. How do I continue to have Heavenly perspective even in the menial things? Only by the grace of God...

February 11, 2011

I woke up in Washington DC to the sound of prestigious bustle outside my window ( I don’t really know if it is prestigious, it would just appear to be that way because of location. It sounds prestigious because of my lack of experience here, the exposure I have had to this city has only been through history books and movies). I start out feeling a little drowsy, but nonetheless excited to explore the city. Something about being in a new place with the reputation it has intrigues me. This  city is on the map because of so many things. One, being the White House, and another, being everything that it produces. Law and injustice are in the air.

February 12, 2011

Went to “the Gate” church tonight. After a day of hearing Jason Hershey’s journey, being blown away by the work God is doing through him to end abortion, we stood at the Supreme Court to intercede for unborn children who have an appointment with death before exiting the womb. A Silent Siege is what Jason calls this silent protest in which one places a piece of red tape across his mouth with the word “LIFE” written across it. The purpose is to be a voice for the voiceless by giving up our voices. As silent prayer is lifted to heaven, we believe that the silent cries of the innocent are being heard, and God is moving. 

“The Gate” church was a stretching experience for me. It is a congregation of radical believers in the more charismatic stream. I love the way the Holy Spirit moves through this church, and found myself enjoying the beauty of the Lord in the differences this church had to what I deem “normal” or even “Spirit filled.” Prophetic groups who gather with the freedom for anyone to share “what saith the Lord” on the microphone is bold. I respect the pastor for the approach he takes and believe it is a church that teaches the truth. 

February 13, 2011

This morning, as I sit down to eat my Mallorca sweet bread and drink my caramel macciato, I am humming “Roxanne” by the Police. Not sure why. Trying to figure out the significance when I remember that a former co-worker of mine, Roxanne, loved the sweet bread. Every time I order it, it reminds me of her. God bless Roxanne. Encounter her now.

        I feel like today is going to be a day of joy...

The lady I am sitting across the room from in Starbucks is sleeping. She is snoring kind of loudly and its a little awkward. But because she is a little older, people seem to have grace and don’t appear to be perturbed in any way. She must be lonely. I saw the same lady 2 days ago. Same sweater. Same hat. Same bags sitting beside her as she carried before. Bless her, LORD.

February 14, 2011

This morning I woke up early, upset that it was already morning. I fumbled out of bed to go to the bathroom. The first 5 minutes I spent trying to convince myself I didn’t need to be up at this point, that I could sleep a little while longer and feel ok about it. What would one hour with the Lord do, when I hadn’t even budgeted for the 3 I would really like to spend with Him? I pretty much already blew it... No, that’s ridiculous. I was going to get up and go. I sat at Starbucks, read a little, walked over to the guy’s place for worship, then to the appointment we had set to meet with Dick Simmons. I was so excited! This Father of the faith... Imparting his wisdom to us. He began to share about his faith journey. Years of service to the Lord and his hours laboring in the prayer room in intercession. Sometimes 15 hours during the day... 

What is one hour with the Lord? Everything.

The East Coast.

...

After a 3 hour delay in Denver, I arrived in Boston, greeted by two of my team members, Erica and Haley and a friend from CCU, Veniamin. Our trip was beginning on a great foot, staying at JHOP (Justice House of Prayer) stoked our anticipation for what the LORD would direct us to in the weeks approaching. JHOP and its members also welcomed us with joy and a warm place to reconnect together as a team.

. After settling into our home the first night, we woke early in the morning to walk to Harvard University to join Eunice Lee ( a YWAM alumni) and her group of prayer warriors. A group of about 6 students (most of whom are freshmen) meet regularly in the church on campus to build the Kingdom based on the knowledge of the Lord, as opposed to the inferior kingdom of the knowledge of man. It was humbling being among this group because of their faith and first hand understanding of how far the university has fallen from what it was originally established to accomplish. Harvard is dying for something bigger than what its lofty ambitions set out to establish and break down...

Trent Sheppard on the . After our morning of prayer and fellowship, our group had the privilege of conversing with Trent Sheppard- picking his brain on topics like community and continued growth in the Christian life. He offered us his thoughts of what has been on his heart for years. The MAN of JESUS... This deserves more elaboration, because it was a life-changing, however, I want to share about the next couple locations we went to.

After Boston, we took a day trip to New Jersey to visit  House of Prayer. What a wonderful community! We spent our time getting to know the people involved with the prayer house and enjoyed time worshiping the LORD for about 4 and a half hours straight.

We now find ourselves in Lancaster, Pennsylvania staying at Corey Martin's house. I love getting to hang out with this beautiful family. This week we will be visiting the Fire and Fragrance crew in Harrisburg... More exciting times to come!

The Awaken Road Trip

The Awaken Road Trip is about to start in T-minus 3 days! MEET THE TEAM!!

Haley Austin. aka: Hales

Chris Little. ala: Little

Erica Gustafson. aka: Erica

Matthew Scaparotti. aka: Scapp

Andrew York. aka: Big Brother

I can hardly contain my excitement. I am sure that the people around me are tired of hearing me talk about it, dreaming verbally of what it will look like, what God has in store, and how privileged I feel to get to do this. I will be eagerly sitting before the LORD, asking Him to guide our team through this trip, and imploring Heaven to invade wherever we step foot...

If you haven't heard yet, Our team has a vehicle; Wallace the Tabernacle! Our team was blessed with Wallace as an answer to our prayer for this important aspect of our trip. To read the whole story, visit the awaken road trip blog by clicking here.

Our journey begins in Boston at the Justice house of prayer, JHOP. Upon arriving I will update about what  takes place during our visit.

As far as our needs as a team, we are a group of 6 missionaries that live off of the LORD's provision through financial gifts. We most definitely need prayer as well as finances to keep us going through our trip. To find out more about the vision, our itinerary and team needs, visit our team blog by clicking here.

Personally, I have been blessed by financial gifts from friends and family, but still need consistent support for the entire year. God is faithful and He uses every gift. If you feel that you want to be apart of the team through prayer or financial giving, email me at eliyork@gmail.com.

Blessings!

Past and Present. 2010-2011

Here's an attempt to highlight points from my life in 2010 and give you a picture of what I am looking forward to in 2011...

January - March 2010 was the beginning of my DTS in Amsterdam. Living in Dutch culture all during lecture phase taught me a lot about the beauty of the Lord. I took away confidence and learned about the Lord’s dreams for me...

AMSTERDAM Worship & Justice DTS!!!

March - May My outreach in Thailand and Holland was a shock to my worldview. I learned how to love people without the luxury of the use of words. I learned love by action. Ministering to village tribes, loving underprivileged children through sunday school lessons and games, helping mentally and physically handicapped adults with the daily struggles of life, and loving prostitutes. This was what I had the privilege of doing for my outreach...

Leading worship in Thailand? Yay missions!

Lice Checks in the Slums

Riding Bikes - Dutch Style in Ede, Holland

My beautiful team mate, Lorraine from Holland

June - September were my first months staffing. Learning how to disciple people through humility and love, and teaching about identity in Christ through fresh revelation that God daily poured out on me. These months were a precious time of breaking and building up, to propel me into the months to come...

Erica and I psyched for Love feast!

Awaken Crew: I love you all

September - November I co-lead a team of 8 people to Nicaragua and Costa Rica to literally serve wherever there was need. Our three months were lived by the leading of the Holy Spirit, and were focused on loving God and through an overflow of His love, loving others. Our time was a sweet breaking of our pride and physical comfort.

Spa/haircutting/ foot cleaning day in Nicaragua

Me and some of the girlies in Nicaragua

In December I was able to spend a little more time in Kona finishing the DTS and then finally come home to celebrate Christmas with my family.                                                                                                            
                                                                                               Big Brother Andrew! Yeup.

Pappa and Momma York. My Dad loves sushi paraphernalia :)  

Jenny, Philip and Daniel. Beautiful.

Lola Bytyqi was part of the fam for the week!

Amy Solars - Another member of the York Family

David and Sonia York. Awesome.

This year I am committed to staffing the Awaken DTS in Kona in the summer. In the months prior, I will be on the road, visiting Churches and gaining perspective on what the Lord is doing in the church in America, while also doing ministry. At the end of the road trip, I will be in L.A., California to focus primarily on ministry and impartation. At the end of this trip, there is a possibility of going to N K for a couple weeks as well. I can’t believe how the Lord is lining things up already, but I am excited and ready to jump into it again.

Kona, HI

NK

Las Angeles 

I pray you are doing well! I also want to be in contact with anyone who is interested about the possibility of becoming a supporter. I absolutely need prayer as well as financial support. Thank you for your interest in my life! I am thankful for what the Lord is preparing to do this year. I have never had such anticipation for a year to begin and for what the Lord would reveal. God bless!