Praise The Lord

Well, so munch has gone on so I guess I’ll start wherever I want. This is my blog so if I don't follow perfect chronological order, that’s just how it is.

One of my team members is battling with temptation. He has been struggling for quite a while and he publicly confessed last week. We are all praying that God would show us the next steps to take, whether he stays and receives counseling from our leader, or he goes back to Montego Bay to complete his outreach and get some counseling by the leaders there. This is a very delicate situation, which is why specific details are not important. Please be praying. We are all confident that this will be handled in the appropriate way.

Today we spent the morning praying and asking God what we should do for ministry in the evening. Another student and I both shared Matthew 10; 7-8, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy, [b] drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." So we then decided to go into the city. We then came up with the idea of handing out candies with Jeremiah 29;11, which says," For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. We really are having a hard time coming up with ministry that doesn’t have to do with talking because only one person knows enough French to testify, so we've been spending a lot of time giving. I'm really enjoying this. So many people gave for me to be able to come here and give to Guadeloupe. It rings true when the scripture says, “freely you have received, freely give" I'm blessed to follow this. It is wonderful to make someone smile. Not only are we sharing the Word and giving, we are being blessed. It proves to me that God wants to see us happy. We are filled with Joy when others are provided for, so how happy does that make the Lord? I would guess very happy indeed! While we were out I gave a girl in a bright yellow shirt a candy. About an hour after we handed all the Candy out she appreciated us. She really liked what we were doing she had been interested in Christianity and just recently started reading her bible. Luckily Sandra was there and they had a 20 minute conversation. It turns out that they both have a lot in common and this young woman wants to spend time with us and ask questions. This is a great picture of discipling. We can't wait to share and her from her. Her mane is Serena. We were very blessed God encouraged us this way.

Tonight we are worshiping this year into the next. My friends and I are coming up with a New Years (Weekly) resolution book. We are thinking about 52 unique ways to bless others once a week for 2009 we will do something nice.

I'm feeling restless here. I know things are being done, but I want to do more. I'm getting caught up in activities and planning instead of resting in the Lord, which I understand to be another term for trusting Him. I know outreach is not about doing what we think is actually work, but doing the work the Lord shows us. My passion is to see people disciple, to see people saved. I need patients.

I think Mediating is a way God wants to use me in my family. I have several relatives that are not getting along with each other. Deep and powerful relationships have now become dead. I was up last night crying for the disunity between them. I asked God to use me in this situation not from a humanitarian viewpoint, but out of His desire for peace among my family. I don’t know if this is something I might be called to do for the rest of my life, but my heart breaks for my loved ones on God’s behalf. I know great things could be done through my unique and exciting family, on both my mother’s and father’s sides of the family. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get home. I’m going to continue asking the Lord what to do, but something is going to happen. His peace will be experienced.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

The last week has been more productive for my team and I. We spent a few days rapping journals with verses in them and delivering them to the director’s neighborhood. We gave away book marks that had scripture and information about the house church that the base runs. We pray that people would contact Samuel (the director) and that the books would be a blessing and the scripture in the books would change people and help us gain understanding of God. Its really fun giving things away! On Christmas eve we went to the mall (which was crazy) and handed out chocolate with Luke 2; 13-14 Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. Then on Christmas Eve we received a huge blessing… Two weeks ago my team lead a church service and while we were mingling with people afterward, my friend Tam mentioned to one man that she really loved pineapple. So on Christmas Eve this nice man had no one to spend the Holiday with, so he came over with five large pineapples and a Christmas ham. We were going to have cold pizza, but he blessed us with a feast and we blessed him with fellowship. It was so kind and thoughtful. I don’t know why he and Tam were discussing pineapple two weeks earlier, but God used it to bless. I was so privileged to encourage this man and to give him company. After we ate, we decorated our meeting room and made a lovely Christmas setting we had a giant palm Christmas tree and fun balloons and posters. We made a Christmas living room in about 20 minutes; we read part of the Christmas story, and shared songs. We really like singing in a round so we sang “God rest ye merry Gentlemen” in two groups and it didn’t sound that bad! Later we exchanged favorite Christmas memories. One of my favorite Christmas memories was when my brother and I got a huge Trampoline and my dad set in up on Christmas morning in the snow so we could jump on it that day. He was really sick with a high fever and he still went out, for hours, and built it for us. I also loved the Christmas Eve dinners at Grandma Ethel’s old house. All of my family would be there eating and exchanging gifts. My brother and I would wear our matching pajamas and spend time with the family. It was always so loud and busy and right after we ate we all were itching to run down stairs and start opening gifts. It was such an exciting night. I also love when my mom would bake cookies with us all day, we’d set up the tree and dance to Christmas music1 My friends shared some of there Christmas bests and then we headed off to bed.
The next morning we cooked a large breakfast, sang songs, and finished the Christmas story! We opened our secret Santa gifts and prayed together! It really felt like Christmas. Even though I was sweating to death and sun burnt, the Christmas/Holy spirit was upon us. Later we had an interpretive dance party. Tam and I danced to; “Have a holy Jolly Christmas” we did pretty well. Its on video, maybe I’ll be brave enough to post it on facebook… We cleaned and packed thirty dinners. Later in the evening we went into the city and handed out the meals to the homeless. I had been feeling sad about missing Christmas at home, but when we were serving food I was overwhelmed with Gods peace. I knew I was where he wanted me and I was so happy to be there. We talked and prayed with a few men and just gave food. While we were driving we practically threw a sandwich at guy standing on a corner, he took the meal and smiled. Making someone smile does something crazy in my heart, mind, and spirit. I was crying because this man was blessed, how much happier did that make God? Not only was that man blessed by the meal, I was also. God loves to see us Joyful and we experience true joy when we bring it to others. I was so blessed to celebrate Christmas in this way and I want giving like this to be a tradition for Christmas, and more of a daily practice. We may not speak the language, but people are smiling in Guadeloupe because of Jesus.

As I was thinking about giving, and it made me remember all the times I was given to; my car, my trip, my friendships, my mentors, my church… All those who have supported me, prayed for me, and loved me are receiving the blessing of this ministry. I’m seeing people fed and giving because people gave to me. Jesus gave up his rights and his life so that I could be given freedom. I’m so blessed and so humbled. Thank you to those behind me, enjoy the fruits of this labor, God wants to bless you!!!



I’m not sure when I will be able to have internet access again. Someone on my team is really struggling and because of that my team will be taking a break from ministry and because of this particular struggle we are no longer allowed internet, until the issues is brought forward. We can all get online together but the time is limited. Please pray that God would convict people and our team would be able to move on from this. I can not disclose anymore information, but trust that this problem is serious and is having a strong affect on my team. We are all seeking and waiting. Thank you for your prayers.

So much going on

Yesterday was our first day off on outreach. It was so nice to spend some time resting and tanning at the beach. The safe beaches are free here, which is great compared to Jamaica, where you have to pay three dollars. We could swim without having to keep one eye on our bags the whole time. I really love this nation is so safe and welcoming. I do love Jamaica, but I can’t deny how stress free my public experiences are in Guadeloupe.

On Sunday our team lead a church service our topic was, “Guarding the Heart” We talked about how the words that come out of your mouth are actually in your heart. We lead worship, organized the offering and performed a mime about giving away your heart to Jesus is the Best thing you can do. The service was overall ok, but we had never done anything like that before so it was not as smooth as we would have liked it to be. We did mix things up a bit we had people sit in a circle and interact with one another. I’m really starting to dislike the idea of rows it’s not very exciting and where in the bible does it say we have to sit like that? Why not face each other? Learn together? Instead of star at the back of somebody’s head.

I can’t believe it’s only Ten days until Christmas. My team is doing secret Santa, which I’m not crazy about, but I did pick Ezra. He’s only one so it won’t be hard to please him. I think I’ll take him on a walk and buy him some candy. I’m really blessed by the way my team is getting along. I had quite a lot of apprehensions about this trip and so far it’s been smooth sailing (I hate clichés, but whatever it’s all I’ve got right now). I am sorry to say that one of the students from the team in Antigua is going home, and will not be graduating form DTS. We received an email this morning saying that our classmate had too angry outbursts during his first week of outreach. I wasn’t surprised because he had issues with anger and the leaders throughout our lecture phase, but I was disappointed that both the leaders and he came to the conclusion he needed to go home. My DTS will not be the same when we all meet up. Its such a shame that the issues couldn’t be worked out and that he will not graduate nor receive credit for his work thus far. Please pray for the team in Antigua and the young man leaving. He will be missed, I really wanted him to complete this, he has so much to offer the Lord, but he has so much to deal with. Pray that even though he’s not still apart of Y.W.A.M he would still grow and leave the things of this world behind…actually we should pray that over ourselves and everyone we know. Lord You must increase we must Decrease.

On Friday our team went to a cliff on the end of the island. I have never been to such an incredible site before. We spent the afternoon praying for the nation of Guadeloupe and worshiping. The beauty and peace over this nation is undeniable. How could it not be the Lords Island? I have such overwhelming confidence God is and will do great things here through us. I have no idea what this week looks like except, tomorrow I’m leading worship and running a ministry prep meeting. I can’t believe I didn’t take French in High school, but its okay, Jesus will figure it out. Praise Him… He’s Worthy

We Made it To Guadeloupe!

This week has been so busy and exciting. My last week of class was focused on spiritual warfare and relationships. I spent some time with the other team on Friday night, just as a small farewell until graduation. The whole team spent Saturday packing and relaxing. Tam was baptized in the pool. It was so cool to be apart of the experience I helped her research being baptized because she wanted to be, but she didn’t really understand the concept. We looked up some scriptures and prayed about it. She decided she wanted to express the physical representation of how she believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how he’s changed her life. It was so touching to be apart of her experience and support her. The school of the performing arts doesn’t leave for another two weeks for their outreach so on Saturday they cooked us a lovely meal to send us off.

We said our goodbyes and headed off for the Kingston airport on Sunday morning. We got to see so much of the island; the ocean, rivers, fields; it was incredible how much of Jamaica we hadn’t seen until then. The Kingston airport was really big and I had a frappicinno for the first time in three months, which was truly comforting. Our whole DTS flew to Antigua and spent the night there. On Monday we saw the downtown area and got really close to a curse ship. In Mo bay we just see the ships from afar; I had no idea how gigantic they actually are. It’s like a city on the water. Antigua’s culture was very calm. It was a lot less aggressive than being in public in Mo Bay. People didn’t hassle us for a cab ride they only asked once then left us alone. I saw a building called, “The Patrick A Michael Building.” How crazy is it that a random small island my brothers first and middle names were on a building. It reminded me of just how much I miss him.

Our team said goodbye to the other students and left for the airport. It was so hard to go through yet another farewell. Well, actually it wasn’t that hard I think I was ready to leave them and get outreach rollin’. I will really miss Larissa she’s my DTS B.F.F, for sure. I laugh so much with her and we always get yelled at. I am sorry were not on the same team, but I’m going to visit her in Canada later so it’s all good. We flew out of Antigua had a connecting flight in Dominica and then landed in Guadeloupe at around 7:30. The leader of the base here is Samuel which in French is pronounced “Sam-Well” he’s our tour guide/director here. We made it to the base in about 45 minutes from the airport. It was so weird to drive here because in Jamaica the steering wheel is on the right so I’ve gotten really used to driving on the opposite side of the road, but in Guadeloupe they drive the same way as North Americans so I felt a little more at home. The Y.W.A.M. team here is still in the pioneer stage, they don’t have there own base yet so they rent bungalows from a hotel here. It’s like a tiny paradise get away. I had my first hot shower in 3 months yesterday. Praise Jesus!!! I actually felt squeaky clean! Meaghan prayed I would get a hot shower about a month ago and God answered. It’s funny because all the girls have hot water but the boy rooms are still icy cold like in Jamaica. Thank you Lord!

We’ve been somewhat stuck on our base and limited to what ministry work we can do here because Guadeloupe is in the middle of a large oil strike. When we arrived in the airport we saw a bunch of baggage carts that had been destroyed and were blocking the bus park entrance. This happened during a riot, we’ve been asked to remain close to the base until the strike ends. Samuel traveled home the other evening and got stuck there because the roads we closed due to the rioting. It’s just safer to shut down for a week than try and risk getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Please pray for peace and a safe and speedy journey for Samuel. We can’t do a lot of our ministry because of this situation. I think my team is feeling a little useless and stranded. I know God has a purpose for us and we are trying to enjoy the rest and down time God has given us. I was able to take two hour naps two days in a row. I’m thankful for the rest, but I’m ready to see the nation and experience the culture.

We have done a couple things so far. We have been helping maintain the base with yard work and cleaning. We are helping the DTS with work duties. This base is only 20 people including us so we don’t mind doing dishes, it’s so much easier than washing after 60 people like back in Mo Bay. We are also helping with a youth night the team is hosting here. The theme is Hope. Some of us are learning worship songs in French, I’m helping decorate and Tam is giving a devotional. The staff and students are very helpful and kind here. They are really enjoying seeing new people and making new friends. There are so many different languages spoken and interpreted on this base. Some people from Guadeloupe can only speak the French Creole and some English. There are many people from Switzerland who know French and English. There’s a girl from Finland who knows French and English I’m learning the most random parts of different languages. Learning Spanish in high school has really hindered me from reading French I can’t seem to grasp the pronunciation and grammar, I am however realizing I retained a lot of Spanish, so now I want to go to South America, just one more thing on my list of places to go and serve.

This Sunday our team is leading the service at Samuel’s house church. We are doing worship, a message, and performing a drama. It’s crazy that I’m running the service. In outreach everyone has specific rolls. Tam is the accountant she handles our budget and spending. Sandra is in charge of intercession she looks through our notes and creates categories of what God has been speaking to us. Josiah is in charge of Worship (music and creative) Xavier is our meal guy, He makes sure we’re feed and finds cheap places for us to eat when we’re on the road. I am the ministry prep lady. I run all the meetings to prepare us for the upcoming events. I make sure we practice our skits and organize our programs. Our team has been working really well together. We planned a whole Church service in about 25 minutes! It’s been great! Only 8 weeks until I’m home…wow I can’t believe it.
Psalm 145

Busy Time

Wow. I cannot believe that my classroom phase is over. I can't believe I'm leaving more than half of my team for 8 weeks. This next month in a half is going to fly by. We are all so excited. My job on outreach is to head up out ministry prep time. Our group meets twice a week to practice and create skits and its my job to facilitate this time. I get to organize all our performances and direct most of them. I also get to be the first aid lady for the first couple weeks. I'm really happy because my team is traveling together and we get to spend the night in Antigua with the other team. This is going to be our last sleepover/goodbye party! Please pray for my friend Xavier he is tying to get a visa for the trip and he may join us two weeks later. He's having some major difficulties trying to get into Guadeloupe. we know Gods going to work it out, but we have prayer so we can make a change. We would really love for him to be with us when we leave Sunday, so pray hes going! God is so much bigger than this and we know it's possible. I'm starting to pack and feeling like I'm going home. I think its because Christmas is approaching and i expect to be with family. I will be with family, just in a different form. I'm happy to pend this time with them, I'm going to have a totally unexpected and unique Christmas. I'm going to be refreshed and blessed by my team. We've been trying to learn Christmas songs in French. I found this extra hard because I learned Spanish for three semesters and the two are very different.My team keeps calling me Spanish lady because I put on a thick accent when trying to speak French. I know I'll get better, and I know people there will laugh at me, but its ll good I'm 90% sure we get a translator! I also found out we're doing prison ministry. I think this will be a fun challenge, even though I can't speak the language Gods going to do good things.

I had a review this week and my leaders assessed my performance ad growth thus far in DTS, good news... I passed the lecture phase and they feel I'm prepared for outreach. I've also been asked to join staff. I'm taking this into deep consideration. I really wan to go to college and take the school of performing arts, so with all these options please pray for direction and inspiration. I can't wait to see what God does on Outreach and after DTS!!!!

We have been learning about spiritual Warfare and so many of my questions were answered. We are all constantly in warfare. We are either acting in God's Kingdom or we are serving the World. Today I prayed that the spirit of passivity would be removed from myself and my family. I feel like I'm just going through the motions sometimes. I need to be aware and ask myself about what I'm feeling and why I'm treating others the way I do. We also talked about how we can never be Holier than we are once we are saved. yes, we grow in our Knowledge of God, but he doesn't increase our Holiness. You and the person who was saved ten minutes ago are the same amount of Holiness to the Lord. We can be more Holy than the bible or anyone else severing the kingdom. I've realized that I put pressure on things that I think will make me more holy. I have to read my quiet time, I have to read the bible, I have to pray... I should want to do these things and they should happen naturally. I should be eager to hear and learn what God's inheritance is for me.I've fallen into legalism and make myself feel guilty. I've got to change my expectations and trust more. I'm being made new each day and I'm learning so much, I can't believe how different my life is and how different it will be when i get home. I wait with Joy to see home again, and I'm peaceful and ready to serve Him Here and Now.

Live dear friend