Well today i had the time of my life! I started my day by having a prayer in my bed,and one of the things i asked god for was to help me get more close to the chilldren and to help me have the strength to dig the swimming pool. well when we arrived to the vbs location i felt soo happy! i didnt think i would be that good about communicating but luckly there are translaters. So there i was acting for the little children for god,i didnt know how much fun that would be until i did it, and usually i am not that good at acting but i feel so welcome here with my church family, that i wont get juged on what i do or what i wear or anything,thats why i love it here.the little kids dont care what you wear or do. They just love it that your servin god and havin fun. i am soo glad that god choose me to be on this mission trip,the thing that i love is that god doesnt choose random, so he put me on this trip for something. And that is what i am trying to find., so god, give me your eyes!
-caleb batson
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
I was so happy to be in Peru again, and to see Ola Grande! It probably helped that I literally had to run into Ola Grande when we first got here because I had to go to the bathroom so bad...but either way... haha. I am now affirmed to the truth that my Lord led me back here, even when I had other plans. God showed me that He still had Peru set before me, and He got me back here. Even though it was only the first day of work, God is already at work in my heart and in the hearts of those around me, stirring us to do things and say things for His glory. And giving us what we need to do so.
As soon as we left Ola Grande to head to Hannah's home, we were already bombarded with a moment to trust our Lord and His hand in our mission. For some reason our bus had to stop at a check point (I still don't get why because last year we didn't have to...) and we got stopped for awhile. When Amy came back on the bus and said that Mike wanted us to pray, I knew that it was going to be yet another opportunity for God to prove Himself to us. He never lets me down, so as soon as we started praying I was just waiting for Mike to come back in and say that we were free to go. After the third person got to a close, sure enough, Mike came in and told us that we were good. My heart litterally jumped, because I love it so much when Jesus comes through for us, and I know He smiles when He does it, too. We later found out that our bus driver's permit expired May 31 and that our bus was very close to being taken from us...but Mike was prompted to tell us to pray. Lord, thank you for rescuing us again today, in a very tangible way.
Another moment when I saw God's hand today was during our work. Jerry (aka Herry b/c the Peruvians can't pronounce J's) and I didn't have any shoes because they were in our suitcases, so because of safety we got our job switched from constuction to painting at Hogar de Ninos. About halfway through our day, we finally figured out another reason why God decided to have our suitcases take a detour. Jerry, Annessa, Eli and I were painting the top of the orphanage. If we had our shoes we probably wouldn't have had that job today, and it was such a blessing for us. We got to interact with the kids the whole day, and I met two very special boys, Jordin and Michael, who helped us paint...well they helped us paint the wall, their clothes, our faces...haha. I watched as Annessa communicated patiently with them through painting, and I was encouraged. Also, I got to play with the kids a lot and form relationships with them as their joy from the Lord overflowed from their hearts into mine. I was reminded of the beattitudes in Matthew and I watched the poor in spirit be blessed. I love it!!!
I am so excited for God to reveal the other things He has for us to do for His glory this week. I love being a part of what He is doing in Peru, and I am so blessed to be a part of a church that acts out God's word. I love getting to know those He has also chosen to be here and I am encouraged by their stories.
If you want to laugh, listen to this story...
As I am sitting here writing this, there was a waterfall in the lobby! The tube busted out of the water box and Mike got soaked. Hahahahaha just picture it...
He is marvelous, beautiful, glorious, matchless in EVERY way. I love Him and He is the holder and the healer of my heart.
P-nut, AJ, mom, dad, Shelley, lk and hoi, shurl gurl, alis, chris, ashy...I love you and miss you. I can't wait to tell you all He is doing in Peru.
~Kailey Jones
Psalm 37:4
As soon as we left Ola Grande to head to Hannah's home, we were already bombarded with a moment to trust our Lord and His hand in our mission. For some reason our bus had to stop at a check point (I still don't get why because last year we didn't have to...) and we got stopped for awhile. When Amy came back on the bus and said that Mike wanted us to pray, I knew that it was going to be yet another opportunity for God to prove Himself to us. He never lets me down, so as soon as we started praying I was just waiting for Mike to come back in and say that we were free to go. After the third person got to a close, sure enough, Mike came in and told us that we were good. My heart litterally jumped, because I love it so much when Jesus comes through for us, and I know He smiles when He does it, too. We later found out that our bus driver's permit expired May 31 and that our bus was very close to being taken from us...but Mike was prompted to tell us to pray. Lord, thank you for rescuing us again today, in a very tangible way.
Another moment when I saw God's hand today was during our work. Jerry (aka Herry b/c the Peruvians can't pronounce J's) and I didn't have any shoes because they were in our suitcases, so because of safety we got our job switched from constuction to painting at Hogar de Ninos. About halfway through our day, we finally figured out another reason why God decided to have our suitcases take a detour. Jerry, Annessa, Eli and I were painting the top of the orphanage. If we had our shoes we probably wouldn't have had that job today, and it was such a blessing for us. We got to interact with the kids the whole day, and I met two very special boys, Jordin and Michael, who helped us paint...well they helped us paint the wall, their clothes, our faces...haha. I watched as Annessa communicated patiently with them through painting, and I was encouraged. Also, I got to play with the kids a lot and form relationships with them as their joy from the Lord overflowed from their hearts into mine. I was reminded of the beattitudes in Matthew and I watched the poor in spirit be blessed. I love it!!!
I am so excited for God to reveal the other things He has for us to do for His glory this week. I love being a part of what He is doing in Peru, and I am so blessed to be a part of a church that acts out God's word. I love getting to know those He has also chosen to be here and I am encouraged by their stories.
If you want to laugh, listen to this story...
As I am sitting here writing this, there was a waterfall in the lobby! The tube busted out of the water box and Mike got soaked. Hahahahaha just picture it...
He is marvelous, beautiful, glorious, matchless in EVERY way. I love Him and He is the holder and the healer of my heart.
P-nut, AJ, mom, dad, Shelley, lk and hoi, shurl gurl, alis, chris, ashy...I love you and miss you. I can't wait to tell you all He is doing in Peru.
~Kailey Jones
Psalm 37:4
Life lessons
Relationships over finicial gain....that was my lesson for the day. Going into a small peru village and seeing such smiles and such love on such poverty. AMAZING!! The people of this village have close to nothing to speak of when it comes to material but they have so much love for thier neighbors it is inspiring. I have been able to get to know some of the ladies here and have had so much fun doing so, Jeri Dawn, Maryand I are rooming togather and it has been one laugh to another. We finnaly got our laugauge when we got back from our work today. So many lessons in the lauguage not being with us. Of course there is the lesson in re thinking what is truely a need, but the lesson I am taking is it's not about just one of us it's about working together as a team, one of us alone can't do the job that the team can do together. This team has looked out for each other and offered supplies we were missing because of the laugage being gone. Of course there is also the lesson of patience, God will Provide but it may not be on your time. I miss my kids and my husband Doug, but I am having such a good time. I feel like God is truely giving back to me parts of me I have lost along the way and it's only the 2nd night, I can't wait to see what the rest of the week has to hold....
Kristal Benjamin
Kristal Benjamin
What an amazing group of people! Flights were delayed, luggage misplaced, shampoo taken by airport security....and still no complaining. It is an honor to be on my first mission trip with you all!
We just finished up our first day of Vacation Bible School (VBS). I'm still trying to process everything. It is difficult to put such an experience into words. We wandered around the impoverished town and recruited children to come sit in the dirt road to sing, color, and play games with us. They welcomed us with open arms. I want to be like those children. Content, despite awful circumstances. Smiling even. So loving. The language barrier was not as hard as I had anticipated. Of course, it is great to have translators, but a smile and hug go a long way. Due to the misplaced luggage, we did not have most of our VBS supplies. However, it went rather smoothly and was a blast! Praise God! I was nervous about doing VBS and, so far, it has been my favorite service opportunity.
On Wednesday, fifteen of us will be marching in a parade. We had practice today, or should I say marching DRILLS. It was pretty hardcore! The children were way better at the marching than us gringos.
The hostel we are staying at is wonderful. The crashing ocean waves lull us to sleep. In the evening these flying creatures (possibly grasshoppers) come out to play. It is very entertaining to watch everyone jump up and scream when one lands on the dinner table.
Looking forward to another fun filled day tomorrow,
Leah McDonald
We just finished up our first day of Vacation Bible School (VBS). I'm still trying to process everything. It is difficult to put such an experience into words. We wandered around the impoverished town and recruited children to come sit in the dirt road to sing, color, and play games with us. They welcomed us with open arms. I want to be like those children. Content, despite awful circumstances. Smiling even. So loving. The language barrier was not as hard as I had anticipated. Of course, it is great to have translators, but a smile and hug go a long way. Due to the misplaced luggage, we did not have most of our VBS supplies. However, it went rather smoothly and was a blast! Praise God! I was nervous about doing VBS and, so far, it has been my favorite service opportunity.
On Wednesday, fifteen of us will be marching in a parade. We had practice today, or should I say marching DRILLS. It was pretty hardcore! The children were way better at the marching than us gringos.
The hostel we are staying at is wonderful. The crashing ocean waves lull us to sleep. In the evening these flying creatures (possibly grasshoppers) come out to play. It is very entertaining to watch everyone jump up and scream when one lands on the dinner table.
Looking forward to another fun filled day tomorrow,
Leah McDonald
Sunday, June 7, 2009
CrazyFirst Day
We started off on a plane at 11:30 last night running as they held the flight for us. Then we sat there for two hours while they unloaded the suitcases of passengers who did not make the flight. During that time I had fallen asleep and woke up half way through the flight. We landed about 3 hours later - without our check in luggage. We went to our bus that will be driving around the city for the week. At our hostal we settled in and had breakfast, then set out for the fishing village. There we had a late lunch and enjoyed the amazing mountains and ocean. After that we went to Hannah's Home and the orphanage. The kids and a group of us played soccer. They were happy we were there and we were happy to finally be there! We are looking forward to God unfolding the rest of the things He's doing with us here. Its been an awesome first day!! - Elijah Reynolds
the day God smiled on team PERU
Here we are, at the end of Day One on our mission to Peru...and I believe that today, God smiled on this team. I have heard it asked before, what do you get when you squeeze a lemon?...whatever is inside of it. Well, lets just say today we all got squeezed a little bit...and I do believe that God was very proud of what came out.
Our departure went very smooth from KC only to be delayed 2 hours in Dallas....and then to have our seats in Miami close to being given up...as we were running through the airport trying to make that connecting flight. We all made it on...a bit flustered at the thought of them thinking about giving our seats away, and then we sat on the flight for 2 hours...looking back, I do believe God was squeezing us a little bit.
One of many things I like about missions trips is that God strips you of who you think you are to show you who you really are, so He can bring about a change. On arriving SAFE in Lima, thank You God, we only received 3 of our 48 bags...meaning...waiting in another line to individually fill out paper work for each bag...a process that took close to 3 hours, and hoping that they will be delivered as promised tomorrow morning. I have to know that God was smiling...because my team did not complain...they were all troopers...their attitudes were awesome. I think we all realized that that STUFF we brought...well, maybe we dont NEED it as much as we think we do after all.
God showed me that all that preparation I have done in the last week for this team, all the papers and stuff for devotions...they don't need it right now...they just need Him, to be in His presence and Hear His voice.
Today was spent visiting Pucasana, a small fishing village, where we saw breathtaking views of the ocean. We had a great lunch by the water and enjoyed a nice little hike up the mountain to see the ocean. I do believe everyone enjoyed themselves greatly.
We then went to Hannah's Home to for a quick tour along with meeting the Peterson family and Dave Mosemann...missionaries to Peru. It is amazing to see all God has done here in just one year since being here last June. To see that many others have come and served and to see His work accomplished shows me the importance of the Body of Christ and how we each have a part in the bigger picture!
Next...we went to see THE CHILDREN!!! Wow, they have all grown a foot since the last time I was here, just a year ago! It was neat to see their faces light up as they recognized those from our team who have been here before. Adam M, Rob, Dakota, Dawn and many others were playing a game of soccer with the kids...which they loved! One team member told me over and over...I can't believe how HAPPY they are...yes, JOY was bouncing off the walls of that orphanage. If you ever are in need of a good dose of laughter, fun and smiles...Hogar de Ninos is the place to be! They were so much fun to be around! Even little Carlita was making silly faces and sticking her tongue out at us as we drove away, she was so shy last year! What a great way to end the day!
We found out tonight that 15 of our team will be joining the Hogar children in marching in a parade on Wednesday, costumes and all! Erika, mom of the orphanage, was trying to show Mike Stiles the march...lets just say he wont be marching! :) Our marching team will be having practice Monday and Tuesday this week so that they will be "parade ready!"
Construction and VBS starts tomorrow...pray for our VBS team, again I am so proud that they are diving in to the change in plans, seeing as we have none of our VBS materials...its all in the suitcases! They are doing a great job of being ready! I am so proud of everyone on this team. Friendships are being made, walls are coming down and God's presence is evident in each person's life.
We are tired and weary, but I'll close with this...God smiled today here in Chilca, Peru, and to top it off...there was definitely loads of laughter tonight as we were "attacked" literally by crickets at dinner! I've never heard so many screams, arms and legs and even food flying...for some reason there are a ton of crickets here! We all got a great laugh out of it!
More to come! Thanks so much for your prayers! Everyone is safe, healthy and having a blast!
Amy Hayward
Our departure went very smooth from KC only to be delayed 2 hours in Dallas....and then to have our seats in Miami close to being given up...as we were running through the airport trying to make that connecting flight. We all made it on...a bit flustered at the thought of them thinking about giving our seats away, and then we sat on the flight for 2 hours...looking back, I do believe God was squeezing us a little bit.
One of many things I like about missions trips is that God strips you of who you think you are to show you who you really are, so He can bring about a change. On arriving SAFE in Lima, thank You God, we only received 3 of our 48 bags...meaning...waiting in another line to individually fill out paper work for each bag...a process that took close to 3 hours, and hoping that they will be delivered as promised tomorrow morning. I have to know that God was smiling...because my team did not complain...they were all troopers...their attitudes were awesome. I think we all realized that that STUFF we brought...well, maybe we dont NEED it as much as we think we do after all.
God showed me that all that preparation I have done in the last week for this team, all the papers and stuff for devotions...they don't need it right now...they just need Him, to be in His presence and Hear His voice.
Today was spent visiting Pucasana, a small fishing village, where we saw breathtaking views of the ocean. We had a great lunch by the water and enjoyed a nice little hike up the mountain to see the ocean. I do believe everyone enjoyed themselves greatly.
We then went to Hannah's Home to for a quick tour along with meeting the Peterson family and Dave Mosemann...missionaries to Peru. It is amazing to see all God has done here in just one year since being here last June. To see that many others have come and served and to see His work accomplished shows me the importance of the Body of Christ and how we each have a part in the bigger picture!
Next...we went to see THE CHILDREN!!! Wow, they have all grown a foot since the last time I was here, just a year ago! It was neat to see their faces light up as they recognized those from our team who have been here before. Adam M, Rob, Dakota, Dawn and many others were playing a game of soccer with the kids...which they loved! One team member told me over and over...I can't believe how HAPPY they are...yes, JOY was bouncing off the walls of that orphanage. If you ever are in need of a good dose of laughter, fun and smiles...Hogar de Ninos is the place to be! They were so much fun to be around! Even little Carlita was making silly faces and sticking her tongue out at us as we drove away, she was so shy last year! What a great way to end the day!
We found out tonight that 15 of our team will be joining the Hogar children in marching in a parade on Wednesday, costumes and all! Erika, mom of the orphanage, was trying to show Mike Stiles the march...lets just say he wont be marching! :) Our marching team will be having practice Monday and Tuesday this week so that they will be "parade ready!"
Construction and VBS starts tomorrow...pray for our VBS team, again I am so proud that they are diving in to the change in plans, seeing as we have none of our VBS materials...its all in the suitcases! They are doing a great job of being ready! I am so proud of everyone on this team. Friendships are being made, walls are coming down and God's presence is evident in each person's life.
We are tired and weary, but I'll close with this...God smiled today here in Chilca, Peru, and to top it off...there was definitely loads of laughter tonight as we were "attacked" literally by crickets at dinner! I've never heard so many screams, arms and legs and even food flying...for some reason there are a ton of crickets here! We all got a great laugh out of it!
More to come! Thanks so much for your prayers! Everyone is safe, healthy and having a blast!
Amy Hayward
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Peru Blog...
If you are following us on our journey to Peru...you can read about our trip on
We will be updating daily!
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support! We are very excited for what God has for us!
~Amy Hayward~
I will follow HIM
Reading Mike's post I find myself growing more and more excited to get to Peru. I can't wait to see what God has planned for us.... I have been so nervous this is my first mission trip and the first time I have left my family for longer than 2-3 days. My prayers have been that I am able to completly surrendor to what God wants to show me while I am out of "my world" this has really helped calm some fears. I am so excited to be on this team and was on my knees this morning thanking God for giving me the chance to go on this trip there are so many wonderful people going on this trip some I already know and others I can't wait to get to know more. Working togather as the hands and feet of God, talk about forming ever lasting friendships. Knowing this mission and this team was picked from God what is there to fear?
Kristal
freely you have recieved freely give
Kristal
freely you have recieved freely give
Friday, June 5, 2009
He who waits...
I just spent my first day in Peru - laying the groundwork for what is going to be an amazing team. I've learned that you can't have expectations for any mission trip before you arrive because - well they are just not YOUR plans. I can tell you that this will be a unique experience for the entire team - rookies and veterans alike. Put your previous experiences away and be prepared to be stretched like never before. Wait for the Lord to guide your next step - you will run and not grow weary. After hearing what is happening in Peru I can almost go right down the list of team members and tell them exactly why they were placed on this team. Be willing to submit to what you are asked - not by me - but by Him.
Mike S
Mike S
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Gateway Church Sendoff....
God...You are the Leader of this team...and it is very clear to me Your activity in each life. Go before us, lead us, make the path very clear, and please use us to be YOUR HANDS AND FEET!
Thank You that You don't need us, but You want to use us...Use us...Consume us...and let us shine brightly ALL of WHO YOU ARE!
~Amen~
Gateway Church Send-off...May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
I'm Letting Go
Amy D! After reading your post I was reminded of a song that I have been listening to A LOT lately! Check out the words
Or Watch the video
Francesca Battistelli Lyrics - I’m Letting Go Lyrics
My heart beats, standing on the edgeBut my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobatThere’s no turning back
ChorusI’m letting goOf the life I planned for meAnd my dreamsLosing controlOf my destinyFeels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believeSo I’m letting go
This is a giant leap of faithTrusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknownBeyond my comfort zone
ChorusI’m letting goOf the life I planned for meAnd my dreamsLosing controlOf my destinyFeels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believeSo I’m letting go
Giving in to your gravityKnowing You are holding meI’m not afraid
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believeFeels like I’m falling and this is the life for me
My heart beats, standing on the edgeBut my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobatThere’s no turning back
ChorusI’m letting goOf the life I planned for meAnd my dreamsLosing controlOf my destinyFeels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believeSo I’m letting go
This is a giant leap of faithTrusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknownBeyond my comfort zone
ChorusI’m letting goOf the life I planned for meAnd my dreamsLosing controlOf my destinyFeels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believeSo I’m letting go
Giving in to your gravityKnowing You are holding meI’m not afraid
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believeFeels like I’m falling and this is the life for me
Girl you are standing on the edge and soon will be letting go! I can't wait to see what God has for you too!
Our Team...
here's some fun pics of our team from one of our meetings...minus a few that were missing that day!...One more week and we are outta here! God is doing so much...I need to be writing it all down...i am famous for telling that to others...but sometimes I fail to take my own advice!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Viva la vida y Dios!
Carolyn's post just reminded me that it is one week and one day until we leave! I can't believe it's almost here! I've enjoyed reading everyone's inspiring posts! Thanks for sharing. I'm not sure my story is all that inspiring but here it goes. I really enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. I have been blessed with several opportunities to do so in my life. I was itching to travel again last year, and I spent some time online researching volunteer/service types of trips. I wanted to volunteer because #1) I thought it would be more rewarding than doing the touristy thing and I really enjoy helping people, #2) I was looking for opportunities to practice Spanish more and #3) if I'm being completely honest, I thought my husband would be more willing to pay the money for it if it was service-related as opposed to for my own personal enjoyment. I wasn't experiencing much success with my online search, but it was around that time that God began to work in my life again.
I had been going to different churches off and on, but God led me to Gateway. I was amazed at first with the people I was meeting and the overwhelming feeling that God led me to these people for a reason. Then I began to hear about the Peru trip, and I was immediately on board! It was an answer to a prayer that I probably didn't know I should be praying. I think I was still in the mindset of my three earlier reasons for travel, but God quickly changed my perspective! He worked in my life in so many ways on the trip last year. He was pretty honest with me about the things I needed to change in my life, he gave me a fabulous group of people to work with and learn from, and best of all I experienced such joy in what I was doing, not just with using Spanish and playing with kids (two of my very favorite things!) but in doing work for Him!
This year I know more about what to expect, and I'm approaching the trip with a much different mindset, but I hope I am just as equally inspired as last year! This past year I feel I have learned so much on my walk with the Lord, but I have also experienced quite a bit of stress and anxiety over a job at a new school district and some life changes I will be facing in the next couple of years. I pray daily for discernment on what to do, but the answers have not come to me yet. I keep using the analogy that I feel like I'm on a cliff looking over the edge and below are so many different exciting things I could be doing. I want to jump, but I don't know in which direction or even if I should at all. Right now I feel like God's holding me on the cliff. I plan to continue to pray and seek answers, and I hope that in Peru God has some insight for me. Even if he continues to tell me to stay on the cliff! All I know right now is that I am excited to serve him again and to work with all of you! I can't wait to see what he wants to teach me this year and what he has planned for us as a team!
~ Amy D. ~
I had been going to different churches off and on, but God led me to Gateway. I was amazed at first with the people I was meeting and the overwhelming feeling that God led me to these people for a reason. Then I began to hear about the Peru trip, and I was immediately on board! It was an answer to a prayer that I probably didn't know I should be praying. I think I was still in the mindset of my three earlier reasons for travel, but God quickly changed my perspective! He worked in my life in so many ways on the trip last year. He was pretty honest with me about the things I needed to change in my life, he gave me a fabulous group of people to work with and learn from, and best of all I experienced such joy in what I was doing, not just with using Spanish and playing with kids (two of my very favorite things!) but in doing work for Him!
This year I know more about what to expect, and I'm approaching the trip with a much different mindset, but I hope I am just as equally inspired as last year! This past year I feel I have learned so much on my walk with the Lord, but I have also experienced quite a bit of stress and anxiety over a job at a new school district and some life changes I will be facing in the next couple of years. I pray daily for discernment on what to do, but the answers have not come to me yet. I keep using the analogy that I feel like I'm on a cliff looking over the edge and below are so many different exciting things I could be doing. I want to jump, but I don't know in which direction or even if I should at all. Right now I feel like God's holding me on the cliff. I plan to continue to pray and seek answers, and I hope that in Peru God has some insight for me. Even if he continues to tell me to stay on the cliff! All I know right now is that I am excited to serve him again and to work with all of you! I can't wait to see what he wants to teach me this year and what he has planned for us as a team!
~ Amy D. ~
The Ups and Downs
Well here it is just one week and one day to departure! What can I say!? This whole thing started out last year about this time with me telling myself that I could never do a thing like go on a mission trip to an Orphanage! Now here I go on an adventure with the Lord! He has asked me to go with Him on this journey. I continue to battle the 'WANT TO'. I was telling a friend that I feel a little like Jonah right now in the sense that I don't want to go! BUT... I am so excited about going with my Lord to see taste and touch, just experience and learn all that He has for me! I know the saying is that when there is fear that means that you are not trusting. I don't want to have this fear of the 'UNKNOWN' I so much want to embrace every single detail of this journey.
Through these last 5 months I have gone from overflowing excitement and fearless to cowering in fear hoping something will happen that will cause me to have to stay behind from this trip. I am coming out of that cowering in fear to the excitement today, fear fear go away and never come back! I choose today to TRUST Jesus to take care of all my needs, wipe away all my fears and to comfort my heart when it gets broken!
Carolyn
P.S.
Contrary to popular belief, I AM NOT BABY SHOPPING!
Through these last 5 months I have gone from overflowing excitement and fearless to cowering in fear hoping something will happen that will cause me to have to stay behind from this trip. I am coming out of that cowering in fear to the excitement today, fear fear go away and never come back! I choose today to TRUST Jesus to take care of all my needs, wipe away all my fears and to comfort my heart when it gets broken!
Carolyn
P.S.
Contrary to popular belief, I AM NOT BABY SHOPPING!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
God is faithful!
I don't really know where to begin, except to say that I have wanted to go on a mission trip for a long time. No where in particular, but when I started to attend Gateway, the trip to Peru really caught my attention....so after prayer and consideration, Adam and I decided to sign-up. Now I did have doubts along the way....I cannot speak Spanish....What do I have to offer?....I do not like being out of my comfort zone....all of those doubts though, I felt could be overcome. Then the big whopper hit, Adam unexpectedly lost his job. Again doubts overshadowed my mind, as I told myself that it is not too late to back out of the trip. Adam and I continued to pray and he read me a verse that most churchgoers are probably familiar with, from Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths". I had read it many times before, but this time it had a new ring to it! It is so hard for me to not "lean" on my "own understanding", but for this WHOPPER, I would have to rely on God. We continued on with preparing for the trip, filling out paperwork, applying/renewing passports, etc. That was a hard part, paying about $200 to get our passports. Where is the money going to come from?! We might need that money to pay rent! Well, guess what I got in the mail that day? A check for $200 from my parents to go toward our mission trip. God is so good, and I do not know why I am so quick to forget that. I do not know why I am such a doubter! Maybe a week later, Adam and I were informed that an anonymous giver paid for BOTH of our trips in full! As I type this, I am still in shock. Thank you whoever you are! I am constantly being reminded of God's faithfulness and I just pray that my faith continue to grow. I do not want to be a doubter! "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23.
Leah McDonald
Leah McDonald
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Connecting The Dots
.jpg)
Ok,
So today we had our third team meeting and Amy talked about our blog being a place where we can leave our memorial of what God is doing. I have been holding back part of my story, not exactly sure why. I thought that after today's meeting that it is now time to share some more of my puzzle.
In September of 2003 I began a journal of all my emotions and feelings about what I was going through after my second miscarriage. During that time of healing through journaling God was leading me to turn my journal into a book. As you can see by the date I had been at it for a LONG time! There have been two occasions in these last six years when I have thought I had my ending to the book.
Most recently, December of 2008 I was sure that all I needed to do was go through and update it and proof read it from when I had it edited and critiqued in 2006.
In December a friend and I made the commitment to set aside some time to do this completion. She had also been putting off her commitment to write on a different topic. We had both agreed to keep one another accountable to our calling.
It was approximately one month after we made this commitment that the Lord made it very clear that I was to come on this Trip to Peru.
The weekend we had set aside was the one after Valentines day in February.
It was in January that I heard the CLEAR calling from God to this trip. Then it was like a flood gate was opened and God was telling me to keep my heart, eyes and ears open to His voice because NOW is the time HE will show me great and mighty things.
In September of 2003 I began a journal of all my emotions and feelings about what I was going through after my second miscarriage. During that time of healing through journaling God was leading me to turn my journal into a book. As you can see by the date I had been at it for a LONG time! There have been two occasions in these last six years when I have thought I had my ending to the book.
Most recently, December of 2008 I was sure that all I needed to do was go through and update it and proof read it from when I had it edited and critiqued in 2006.
In December a friend and I made the commitment to set aside some time to do this completion. She had also been putting off her commitment to write on a different topic. We had both agreed to keep one another accountable to our calling.
It was approximately one month after we made this commitment that the Lord made it very clear that I was to come on this Trip to Peru.
The weekend we had set aside was the one after Valentines day in February.
It was in January that I heard the CLEAR calling from God to this trip. Then it was like a flood gate was opened and God was telling me to keep my heart, eyes and ears open to His voice because NOW is the time HE will show me great and mighty things.
Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
It was almost like every time I obeyed Him He showed me something new. First it was committing to write the book, then it was answering the call to the trip, then it was doing a Beth Moore study on the Book of Esther where the focus was, "For Such a Time as This", and most recently it was stepping up to lead the organizing of the VBS for the trip and oh let me just tell you how MIGHTY my GOD is!!! If you don't know, I knew NOTHING about VBS before now. God took nothing and brought it to life! Just like the Earth was without form, and void. I was just like that and He took the Spirit and HE moved and now we have VBS! Zachaeus a wee little man, a sinner just like me who comes to know Jesus in a personal way. Just like I know some wee little children will come to know Jesus on this trip and whole houses! I believe my GOD can and wants to do that! John 3:16 God SO loved the WORLD!
It was almost like every time I obeyed Him He showed me something new. First it was committing to write the book, then it was answering the call to the trip, then it was doing a Beth Moore study on the Book of Esther where the focus was, "For Such a Time as This", and most recently it was stepping up to lead the organizing of the VBS for the trip and oh let me just tell you how MIGHTY my GOD is!!! If you don't know, I knew NOTHING about VBS before now. God took nothing and brought it to life! Just like the Earth was without form, and void. I was just like that and He took the Spirit and HE moved and now we have VBS! Zachaeus a wee little man, a sinner just like me who comes to know Jesus in a personal way. Just like I know some wee little children will come to know Jesus on this trip and whole houses! I believe my GOD can and wants to do that! John 3:16 God SO loved the WORLD!
If He can take the formless dark Earth and move the Spirit on it and well, just look outside, So beautiful! He can do all things!
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
...
So there ya go, a few more dots in my puzzle!
...
So there ya go, a few more dots in my puzzle!
When I find my self standing in front of the next challenge I pray I have the courage and strength to say YES again and again and again!
I Love you my Jesus!
I Love you my Jesus!
Carolyn
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Just the Beginning!
In order to paint a small picture of the work that my Heavenly Father has done I have to start this by explaining events that began about 18 years ago!I am not positive of the year BUT it was very shortly before Bill and I married in 1992. I was diagnosed with Endometriosis and Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I was 17 years old at that time and over the following 17 years Bill and I fought the battle of Infertility. During this battle we have encountered the casualties of; one Ectopic Pregnancy (pregnancy/fetus outside the fallopian tube) and one miscarriage. The Lord has grown me and strengthened me SO much through these EXTREMELY difficult battles. He is my ROCK and I KNOW He will get me through ANYTHING!!!That is the short version of my journey. Through a series of events in the beginning of 2007 our battle with Infertility would come to and end!!! I was scheduled for a complete Hysterectomy in April of 2008! I was so relieved....the battle was over...!!!
Two months after my surgery my best friend, Amy Hayward, went on a mission trip to Peru with a group to an Orphanage to minister to their physical and spiritual needs. When she returned and shared the events that took place while she was there, it was all too much for my heart to take! I said, "I could never go there!! My heart could not take it."
WELL…
Over the past several months God has placed a calling on my life to go to this Orphanage this June, and work with these orphans. (More on my blog @ http://www.carolynjohnston.blogspot.com/ beginning with the post titled Extreme Surrender)
A few years back as I continued to struggle with wanting a family I was determined to find God's will for our lives. Was it His will for us to bear our own children? Did God want us to have children at all?
I went to the Word and here is what the Lord gave me:
Isaiah 54:1-3
Isa54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Isa 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
Isa 54:3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
When God showed me this it was like He was saying He is going to give me so many children my house will not be able to contain it.
While I think on this in relation to this trip I wonder if this is not just the beginning of something HUGE in our lives!!!!
Two months after my surgery my best friend, Amy Hayward, went on a mission trip to Peru with a group to an Orphanage to minister to their physical and spiritual needs. When she returned and shared the events that took place while she was there, it was all too much for my heart to take! I said, "I could never go there!! My heart could not take it."
WELL…
Over the past several months God has placed a calling on my life to go to this Orphanage this June, and work with these orphans. (More on my blog @ http://www.carolynjohnston.blogspot.com/ beginning with the post titled Extreme Surrender)
A few years back as I continued to struggle with wanting a family I was determined to find God's will for our lives. Was it His will for us to bear our own children? Did God want us to have children at all?
I went to the Word and here is what the Lord gave me:
Isaiah 54:1-3
Isa54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Isa 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
Isa 54:3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
When God showed me this it was like He was saying He is going to give me so many children my house will not be able to contain it.
While I think on this in relation to this trip I wonder if this is not just the beginning of something HUGE in our lives!!!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Our Journey to Peru....
Team Peru,
It is my sincere prayer that each of you would know that you are not on this team by accident. Each of you have something unique and of great value to bring to the table. I am excited as I already see the Almighty Hand of God working in each of your lives. You all have a story to tell of how God has brought you to this point. A story that will bring God fame and glory...so tell your story, tell it often, tell it well!
my story goes like this...
6 years ago I started on a journey that I never imagined would bring me to this place...i took my first missions trip to Zambia, Africa...3 years and 3 trips back to Africa later...I very clearly heard God's call on my life to serve in missions. I had no idea what that looked like...through a number of circumstances and listening to God's voice...I said yes when He asked me to be obedient and to follow Him, even when it didn't make sense. God brought me to Gateway Church over a year ago and in that process has allowed me to be mentored by Mike Stiles...in the area of mission leading...I am SO GRATEFUL for this opportunity to grow in the gifts God has given me...if you would of known me 15+ years ago...you would of said..."Amy Hayward going to foreign countries?...leading others in that same journey?...yah, right!" I stand as living proof of what happens when you surrender, and obey His voice. His blessing pours out over your life...you are changed...and life as you know it will never be the same.
It is an amazing place to be when you know you are exactly where God wants you...doing exactly what you have been created to do.
My prayer for each of you is that this journey to Peru would be either the start of that for you...or maybe encouragement along that journey for you...I pray that each of you would gain an unsatisfiable desire to know God in a new way...and to diligently seek out what He has made you for...and that in that process...life as you knew it would never be the same.
It is my joy and priveledge to walk alongside each of you on this journey...my heart is to serve you and to see you grow closer to the One Who gave His all for each of us...
I give Him all the glory,
Amy Hayward
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
