Closer to Kingdom... - Brandy Chaffer

"In the name of Jesus, breathe." - Part 2

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is an update on Trevor, the boy Dan, Matt and Austin had the privilege of praying for after a motorcycle accident.

Feb. 26

A couple of hours after the accident, Matt and Dan went back to the Jinja Public Hospital to check on Trevor. Trevor had been admitted and his mother, Sarah, and close family friend, Nathan, were visiting. Matt and Dan talked to Sarah and Nathan and found out that the family is Christian and Nathan is the family's pastor.

They told Matt and Dan that Trevor had woken up for a little while, but could not hear or speak. But, the doctor said he was hopeful that Trevor would make a full recovery.

Although his cuts have been treated, Trevor's forehead is still badly swollen.

After once again praying for Trevor, Matt and Dan leave.

Feb. 27

Matt's team left the night of the accident to travel to Tanzania, so the following day, Dan and Austin go back to the hospital to visit Trevor. They are greeted by Sarah and Joshua, Trevor's father. They told Austin and Dan that Trevor had woken up for a few minutes and had been able to eat a small amount of food and drink a little bit of juice. They told them that Trevor was able to hear and talk!

Trevor's parents had taken him to another hospital in order to get his head checked, possibly by a CT scan, because the doctor was worried about possible internal injuries to his head.

The cut on Trevor's forehead had been stitched and the swelling had also gone down.

Before leaving, Austin and Dan pray over Trevor once again and promise that he'll continue to be in their prayers.

Feb. 28

Because both Matt and Austin are now traveling to Tanzania, Dan goes to the hospital alone. As he walked through the courtyard of the hospital, he spots Joshua, Sarah and Trevor laying on a mat in the grass.

Trevor is doing a lot better and is expected to be released in only a couple of days. He'd been able to walk outside all by himself, but was still in a lot of pain. And although he's been able to eat and drink, the doctors think there may be something wrong with his jaw since he's only able to open it a little.

Joshua said that the man he had seen up the street on the day of the accident was the driver of the motorcycle. The crowd had found Trevor dead, so they'd begun beating the driver so he had run away. The man was later arrested and caned by the police for killing Trevor.

When the police started asking where Trevor's body was, the crowd told them they didn't know because some Mzungus (white people) had taken him away in a car. They found Trevor at the hospital.

Alive.

Dan found out that Trevor's sister, Precious, had been the only one the locals had decided to take to the hospital since Trevor was dead.

She and her brother had been walking hand in hand from school when they were hit by the motorcycle. She's been released from the hospital and is resting at home.

As Dan is talking to Joshua, Trevor wakes up and sits up on his own strength, but doesn't respond to Dan-- only drools.

Dan prays for Trevor once again and tells Joshua that he'll be back in the morning, before he leaves for Tanzania.

*again, thanks to marissa villa for typing this up! we love you marissa!!*

unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it back to the hospital to see trevor before I left uganda. i called joshua and he told me that trevor was still improving and was going to be released from the hospital soon! thanks for all of your prayers and emails, please continue to pray for trevor! (Dan Snyder)

Raising Victory - Introduction

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dan and I had the opportunity to serve in Pader, Uganda last month for about 10 days with Team Symphony. Pastor JJ is an incredible man who is doing incredible work in a town that has been victim of senseless war. Our entire squad is partnering with Pastor JJ's church, Victory Outreach Ministry, by helping him raise money to build a church. please read about the town, Pastor JJ and his church and PLEASE consider partnering with this outreach. Brandy

Rarely has anyone seen such pride for a plot of land as was seen on the face of Pastor JJ's as he took Team Symphony to the sight of his new church. He pointed this way and that detailing where the church would start, where the pulpit would be. He showed them where he hoped to build his house on the church land, how close it was to his son Samuel's school. He told them how in a few years, with the way the town was expanding, it would be the very center of town with main roads on all sides. He bragged on this piece of property the way proud mothers and fathers do on their children.

Really though it was just a regular plot of land. Like almost any other in Africa. But what you must realize is that Pastor JJ is a man of vision. He sees what can be, and better yet what will be. He has only been in Pader, Uganda for 3 years but has already built up a church that is almost the largest in the town. And we do not mean a church building. We are talking about a church. A group of people who come together to worship the Lord. A group of people who are a light to the community, who are joyful because they have a reason to be joyful. However as most can attest churches need a place to operate.

We come to you on behalf of Pastor JJ and his church. They are in need of about $10,000 to build their new church. They have been meeting in a borrowed building which in the next month will be taken away from them. If there is one thing we have learned for certain these past 7 months it is that there is so much need in this world. It is everywhere, it does not matter what corner of the world we go to.

But to be able identify a need for a group of people and even begin to have the means to meet that - this is a blessing in itself. Northern Uganda is an area that has experienced much darkness in the past 20 years. It is an area that has been plagued by wars and senseless death. Men our own age are haunted by the times that they were forced to serve in armies, that their fathers, mothers and sisters were killed, it is an area in recovery, and in need. What better to invest in than the church? We as Christians claim to know something that others do not. We claim to hold to a truth that is beyond us, and beyond this world. If ever darkness was in need of light it is surely here. If we are in Christ than it is our brothers and sisters in Uganda whom we are asking you to help.

We, the J Squad, have been given the opportunity to raise money for Victory Outreach Ministries in Pader, Uganda. They are in need of a church building. This is not a church building complete with bells and whistles and Sunday school rooms and gyms. This is a building, a one room building for God's people to meet. A building for God's people to come together and worship the lord. A group of people standing as a light to a community amongst much darkness.

Team Symphony had the opportunity to spend a month with Pastor JJ and according to the team they have rarely come across a man with such faith, with such blind obedience to the Lord. Pastor JJ moved his wife away from his and her family 3 years ago to start this church. His wife is the only one working to bring money for the family, she works at a NGO as a maid. The church can not afford to give Pastor JJ a salary. Any tithe or donation that the church is able to give goes to both paying for the church building/property and helping those who are in great need, and believe me there are plenty of these people.

Please help us help this man, this family, this church, and this community. There is a need to be met, please help us to meet it. We know many of you have already supported someone on this trip, but we have no one else to ask. We as a squad are coming together to raise money for this church. You who are reading this are our church, you are the people we stand with and so we ask you to help us. Please help us meet this need, this need which we are capable to meet. Even if we do not raise the complete $10,000, we can guarantee any amount will be a blessing to this church. Please seriously and prayerfully considering donating to a worthy cause, we only have until April, 24^th 2010 to raise the money. PLEASE JOIN US!

(We're trying to publish a video of Victory Outreach Ministries but are having a difficult time publishing it with the slow internet, we will post it as soon as possible)

To donate via the internet click HERE.

Please select "Support a World Race Project" under Choose Program.

Please enter "2010 Feb J Squad"in the Project Field.

If you wish to send a donation by mail, please make your check payable to Adventures In Missions and mail it to:

Adventures In Missions

P.O. Box 534470

Atlanta, GA 303

Please indicate "World Race Project Fund - 2010 Feb J Squad" in the memo section of the check.

Your gift is tax-deductible.

His Heart

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"He's moved by the heart of Jesus, not by the needs of the poor - which is essential."

A visiting Canadian pastor shared this statement with me while we sat under the shade of a Ugandan church (tent) to describe the maturity of his son's faith.

It was a statement I would playback in my mind a thousand times...only to land on the realization...

...that he was right.

I want to be moved by the heart of Jesus.

But if I'm honest...perhaps I'd admit that my journey began...being moved by the needs of the poor.

And if I go back a step further to transparent honesty...perhaps I'd admit that my journey actually began...being moved by my own need to find worth...to find purpose.

But maybe that's ok.

Because at least it got me moving.

And it is easier for God to move an object in motion.

(Holland and I were swarmed by joyous school children who were delighted to carry our water and hold our hands while moving down the country roads of Lira, Uganda)

But when you fall in love with Jesus, you are moved by Him.

Your heart will still break- if not more so - for the fallen world and for the poor, and their need will still naturally move you.

But with the realization of the depths of His love for you...comes the inspiration to move...

...with His very heart beating inside you.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

"In the name of Jesus, breathe."

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

They met for the first time in the Atlanta, Georgia airport back in May 2009. Matt Patch, Austin Anglea and Dan Snyder: instant brothers with much in common. After training camp the three of them had dreams and visions of the Lord using them together. Even though they'd talked about it with each other, none really knew what it could possibly look like.

In November 2009, Matt, Dan and Austin were baptized together in the Jordan River by their brother, Aaron Bruner. As they prepared for the baptisms, they reminisced about the dreams and visions the Lord had given them and how He was going to use the three of them in His Kingdom to do huge things (read Aaron's blog about it here).

It's now Feb. 26, 2010, and the three have gathered in Jinja, Uganda.

Austin was in town purchasing bus tickets for his team as Dan and Matt took a boda boda, or a motorcycle taxi, into town to do some work on the Internet.

Little did they know that God was about to use these three transformed men--one a former teacher/coach, another a former realtor, and the other a former cop--in a mighty way. Just one to three years ago they were living for themselves, living the American Dream, the party life. Today they were living for the Kingdom.

As Matt and Dan rode towards the town of Jinja on the back of the boda bodas, they saw a man surrounded by a group of people, laying on the ground to the left of the road. As the bodas slowed, the man, who was covered in blood, came to his feet. He'd obviously been hit by a car or thrown off of a boda, but seemed OK. The drivers kept moving.

As the boda bodas came around a slight bend in the road, Matt and Dan noticed a motorcycle laying there. Its pieces were strewn across the road. As the bodas slowed, a young girl of about 7 years old came into view. She was wearing a pink dress and her face and arms were covered in blood, but she at least was standing.

But just past her, a group of about 15 people were surrounding something else on the road. The boda bodas stopped in front of the group and a small boy, also about 7 years old, came into view. His body was laying in the middle of the road.

He was lifeless.

"He's dead," they thought.

A man shaked the boy, trying to bring him back to life, but he lay limp.

Dan and Matt pushed through the crowd to get to the boy who had a four inch bleeding bulge on his forehead. His mouth and ear was spilling blood.

Matt prayed as Dan looked around for a ride to get the boy to the hospital.

It was then that Austin arrived on another boda boda that was coming from the other direction. Austin jumped off of the motorcycle and immediately ran to the boy.

"The kid's dead," Dan told him.

Dan told Austin that someone in the crowd was willing to take the boy to the hospital. The two of them and another man carried the lifeless boy's body to the car.

"Do you feel a pulse or see him breathing?" Dan asked Austin.

Austin stopped his prayer mid-sentence, looked up, and simply responded, "No."

As they lay the boy in the backseat of the car, Austin pulled his sweatshirt off and put it under the boy's head. As he did this, the boy's chest started to rise and fall.

He was breathing.

The prayers for the boy continued as Dan, Matt and Austin climbed back on boda bodas. Matt and Dan rode to the hospital to pray over the boy again. The doctor on duty said the hospital didn't have the necessary medicine to stop the bleeding and swelling in the boy's head.

Matt and Dan decided they'd have to buy the medicine. They ran across the street and bought some, ran back, and gave it to the doctor.

They prayed again.

Meanwhile, Austin hopped back on his boda boda along with the boy's friend and the driver on a mission to find the boy's parents. They drove along back roads, through clothes hanging on lines, and finally arrived in the boy's village. His parents weren't home, but they managed to find neighbors who agreed to tell the boy's parents about the emergency.

A few hours later, Dan and Matt were at the hospital again to pray for the boy once more. They found him, his mother, and his close family friend there. They were told the boy, Trevor, and his sister, Precious, were both hit by a boda boda.

And they both survived.

The family is Christian and the family friend who was there is a pastor. Dan and Matt explained what had happened, that Trevor hadn't been breathing when they'd first arrived, but that his breathing came back after they started praying for him.

As they prayed for him again, Trevor began to move his fingers and his eyes started to flutter. His mother, Sarah, thanked God and thanked them for praying for her son.

They promised to keep Trevor and Precious in their prayers, and walked away knowing they'd experienced the miraculous ability of the Lord and prayer.

Austin:
I remember becoming irritated as it was taking a ridiculous amount of time to buy the tickets for the team. But it was no accident for it was the Lord delaying me for what was soon to happen! After my time spent in town I headed back on the motorcycle taxi. I looked ahead and saw a crowd of people and as soon as we pulled up close I saw Dan in the middle taking charge of the situation, and by the look on his face I knew something was wrong. I tapped my driver and told him to stop, I needed off! I remember seeing the boy laying in the middle of the road saturated in blood, Dan looked at me and said, "he's dead." Going up to the boy he was lifeless, as his eyes were open but glazed over, he surely looked dead. There was a man there trying to massage his chest trying to get his heart working. Not knowing what else to do, I put a hand on the boy and began to pray in the Spirit as Dan figured out a car to put the kid in.......we carried Trevor to the car while all three of us continued to pray and then the car pulled off to take the boy to the hospital. As quick as that, it was done.....riding back home on the taxi after we went and told the people in the boy's village, I began to cry thinking about the whole situation, but then I began to think how God aligned the three of us in order to be there for that boy, and I began to rejoice! God has a plan for that boy and he wanted him to live, and how grateful the three of us are to be a part of what God wanted done that day.

Matt:
Once we pulled up I was scared, shocked, and felt useless. I was looking at a lifeless child. A million things started to create a wall in my mind. Then God busted through all of the feelings and said, "hold on, I'm bigger than that... pray." So, I did. I walked away from today realizing that being in God's will is just that... being. I can't do anything. However, in Christ I can do everything. All I have to do is "be". Did I raise the dead today? No. I witnessed the beautiful gift of life that was being stolen given back. Glory be to God. How wonderful and amazing He is to let us be a part of His plan, His miracles... His son Trevor's life.

Dan:

once we pulled up and i saw trevor i thought without a doubt that he was dead...just the way he was laying on the pavement, i could tell. as i got closer and saw his forehead, the blood coming from his ear and mouth and his half opened, glazed over eyes...i just knew he was dead. in retrospect though, i have no idea if he was dead. to be honest, i thought about praying but quickly replaced that thought with, "i've gotta get him to the hospital" and started working to find a driver to get him there. i looked over at matty and saw him praying on the side of the road...and then out of nowhere austy showed up...to think of all the different variables that went into the three of us being there at that exact moment...it's unbelievable. anyways, i didn't think about praying again until i heard austin praying as we carried trevor to the car. i immediately started praying and a few seconds later, after all three of us were praying, trevor started breathing. i didn't realize it as it was happening but god put the three of us in this situation for a purpose...he had aligned it...it blows my mind...three different guys...all doing different things amongst the chaos to help this boy...trusting our god...praying with all that we had...and trevor lived. i know we didn't act any differently then most people would've but the lord put the three of us there for a purpose...to experience his miracles and the indescribable power of prayer...and trevor lived...that's the kind of god i am willing to give my life to.

*As of 2/27, Trevor is still alive but they doctors are concerned about the trauma to his head, please keep him in your prayers*

*thanks to Marissa Villa for typing the details of this story*

Stories of War

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Within the lines and across the expressions...

a story is told throughout the faces of Northern Uganda.

A story of heartache...a story of great loss...a story of survival...

I've spent the past couple months serving throughout Northern Uganda, in Lira, Gulu and Pader - all with different but similar stories to tell. Northern Uganda fell victim to atrocious rebel attacks in a war that lasted twenty years. And as I walk down the city streets, into mud hut villages and shake hands with the survivors, the region seems to be exhaling with the realization of a 4-year peace.

But they are never far from their stories.

Stories of...

...children robbed of their childhood

...boys turned into child soldiers

...girls raped and abused

...parents murdered in front of their children

...grandparents burned inside their homes

Stories of war.

Yet...amazingly interwoven with stories of faith.

Below is one such story, written by Halley Power while we served in Gulu last month.

Children of War

When I was twelve years old, my main concern was surviving middle school. My mind was focused on things like impressing my crush, having my own phone line,and getting my first kiss. I think back to those years and remember how awkward I was. Life was tough on all of us at that age, right? So I thought.

In my last blog, I introduced you to Nancy. Now I'd like to share her story with you.

When Nancy was twelve, her concept of struggle was totally different than mine. In 2003, she was abducted from her home at night, along with 9 other siblings and cousins. The rebels targeted her home after being informed of two things. First of all, a teacher (her father-Santo-also introduced in my last blog) lived there, which to them meant he worked for the government. Second, they were informed that there would be many children there. The rebels came to the house around 11:30 that night. They threatened the bomb the entire house if they weren't allowed in, so the mother opened the door. Santo had left that very day to stay at the university, so he wasn't at home. If the rebels had come one day earlier or later, he would have been killed. Everyone was tied together and taken away. Nancy said she was crying hysterically, but they threatened to kill anyone who cried. The rebels took all of the belongings from the house and dragged the children into the night. The mother was dropped off and allowed to return home because she had Robin (a small baby at the time). Out of the ten children taken from the home that continued with the rebels, the youngest was six. The commander told them that they wanted Santo to pursue them so that he could be killed. The kids were smeared with a black vasaline-type substance so that they could be identified by other rebels in the event of an escape. This marker meant they would be killed on site. They then began their walk to Sudan.

Andrew is Nancy's brother. I've also gotten very close to him. He has a large part in this story, as well. Andrew was ten when the rebels came. The ten children were separated into different groups. Andrew was with some of the other children, but not Nancy. Andrew had a special job. He was basically one of the commander's personal slave. He carried his equipment, gun, and food. They were given very little (if anything) to eat most of the time. Typically, two cups of beans was split between his group of twenty other abductees. The rebels had no regard for human life. If they came across a river that needed to be crossed, someone would be pushed in to gage the depth, which usually resulted in drowning. They were frequently beaten by canes for being "lazy". They were walking to Sudan to train to become soldiers. Yes, I do mean walking to Sudan. At one point, Andrew said he was too tired to keep going. His feet, ankles, and legs were swollen greatly. Running on barely any food, he had enough. He sat down and refused to keep walking. Keep in mind he is ten years old at this time. The commanders threaten to kill him if he doesn't continue. He tells them that they'll just have to kill him because he can't do it anymore. An older abductee (around thirty) had a similar response with exhaustion. Without thought, they killed him with a machete. Andrew guesses they let him live because he was the coveted luggage carrier. He finally got up and continued walking.

Both Nancy and Andrew have a similar escape story, even though they happened two months apart. Government troops ambushed the rebels. Planes flew overhead and dropped bombs. Soldiers on the ground fired guns. The commander that Andrew was tied to was shot in the chest. They both fell to the ground. Andrew grabbed the knife from the rebel's waistbelt and cut himself free. He crawled on the ground until he escaped the gun fire. A soldier eventually found him and took him to safety. In the chaos of the battle Nancy encountered, she ran as fast as she could into the bush. She ran and ran until she finally found help.

Andrew was gone for one year and one month. He was the first to return home. Nancy was gone for one year and three months. Out of the ten that were taken, only six survived. Their sister was killed by a government bomb during an attack. Casualties was not a concern. Three cousins died as well, but I'm not sure of the details. Andrew thinks he was the only person to survive the day he escaped. He said, "God protected me...because I was tied to the commander who was shot, I fell on the ground. The bullets went above me. God must have a special plan for my life". Wow.

If you've seen the movie Blood Diamond, you remember the scene where the African father finds his young son who was abducted and turned into a child soldier. The son doesn't recognize his father. I always thought this part was dramatized in the movie. Who could forget their own father? Andrew could. He didn't remember people. He didn't remember how to have normal conversations. He was used to only following commands. War was all he knew. It took time, but he was rehabilitated and is doing wonderful. He's so intelligent and mature for his age.

Nancy is doing well also. She is nineteen and just passed the exams to continue her education. She wants to be a doctor. She sings in the youth worship group and has been at church almost every day since we've been here. I'm really going to miss my friend. Santo, Nancy, Andrew, and the rest of the family have been so hospitable. We spent time at their home again this week and it was amazing, just like last time (refer to previous blog).

These are faces of Northern Uganda. This nation has been plagued with the longest running war of Africa's history. And it's been personal. Every single person we've encountered was affected. It's their story. And there are so many. These stories are no longer just stories. Nancy and Andrew are representations of the mllions of people that have endured through this conflict. They've all been through so much, but they have hope. They have joy. Last night there was worship time at the church. The last song they sang was one I'd heard before...but never in this light. "Sing for joy to God our strength." I've been in services in which we sang this song. For these people, it has so much more meaning. God has been their strength. And he is their joy. In the midst of the tragedies they've faced, they latched onto the hope of Christ. They glow with joy. Glow. And it's contagious. They give me hope.

If we call to him he will answer us
If we run to him he will run to us
If we lift our hands he will lift us up
Come now praise his name, all you saints of God

Sing for joy to God our strength
Sing for joy to God our strength

Draw near to him, he is here with us
Give him your love, he's in love with us
He will heal our hearts, he will cleanse our hands
If we rend our hearts, he will heal our land.

But perhaps the greatest story is yet to be told...

The story of redemption.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devestated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devestated for generations. Isaiah 61:4

Salt & Light

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I've done some reading lately, a little questioning and a lot of prayer. Talking to God I suppose. About loss, about suffering, about "why?".

And I'm taken back to the garden...where God created...where God gave...

Us...you and me...the whole world.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:26-28

He gave it all...to us.

Although there is a disclaimer worth noting here. He wanted then and still does today...to be in relationship with us. I believe he wanted a partnership. He created the world. He created us. He gave us the world. He beckoned us.

The response lies in our hands...not His.

"Our Christian habit is to bewail the world's deteriorating standards with an air of rather self-righteous dismal. We criticize its violence, dishonesty, immorality, disregard for human life, and materialistic greed. "The world is going down the drain," we say with a shrug. But whose fault is it? Who is to blame? Let me put it like this. If the house is dark when nightfall comes, there is no sense in blaming the house; that is what happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is "Where is the light?" Similarly, if the meat goes bad and becomes inedible, there is no sense in blaming the meat; that is what happens when bacteria are left alone to breed. The question to ask is "Where is the salt?" Just so, if society deteriorates and its standards decline until it becomes like a dark night or a stinking fish, there is no sense in blaming society; that is what happens when fallen men and women are left to themselves, and human selfishness is unchecked. The question to ask is "Where is the Church? Why are the salt and light of Jesus Christ not permeating and changing our society?:" It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world's salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame." - John Stott

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl,. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

World...Meet Gladys!

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Re-posting Melanie's blog below "Stories from Uganda" since she did such a great job storytelling...enjoy!

I just recently finished a book about stories. It left me daydreaming about the stories I will tell my children or grandchildren. My mind then wondered to all the stories I have been collecting on the World Race and, specifically, those from this month in Lira, Uganda. This has been my favorite location, by far! Nothing compares to Africa - to the beauty, the faith of these people, the hospitatity, the joy, etc - I have loved it here and am grieving the fact that I must leave on Monday for Niarobi!

One my favorite days involves my dear friend, Brandy. As squad leader, she gets to travel amongst different teams and, to my joy, was with my team for the first two weeks of January. She sponsors a child, Gladys, through Compassion International and knew that Gladys was somewhere in Uganda. Since our race route changes so often, she was hesitant to tell the Compassion offices that she was coming (for fear of plans changing) and didn't really have much hope of seeing Gladys.

When we got to the orientation meeting with our host pastor, he explained that one of the Compassion projects was run out of this church and it contains 280 children. So Brandy, not really expecting anything, mentions the name of her sponsor child to the pastor. The pastor said that the family name was from this region and asked Brandy to go online and find more information. It turned out that Gladys is from the very district we were staying in!! She was in a different village, but it was only a few miles away. Brandy then very quickly started to fill out the paperwork and we began to pray that things could be speedily processed so she could meet Gladys. Praise the Lord, all was cleared in under a week! So Brandy, Dan, and myself crammed into a tiny Toyota and headed to Autibaton.

I am so grateful that I was able to share this with Brandy and that God wrote that memory into my story. Seeing Brandy and Gladys introduced was one of my favorite World Race moments. However, it was topped later, when, just before it was time to leave, Gladys brought out a huge Rooster, bound by the feet, and presented it to Brandy. They also presented her with this branch full of banana-like fruit. I will never forget the look on Brandy's face when Gladys came out with a crowing Rooster and handed it to her! It was funny in the moment (and still is!) but once we started to reflect on the significance, it is incredible.

The family is very poor and they had to sacrifice much to give these gifts. Gladys is one of four children and lives in a tiny hut with her parents. Though her family has little earthy posessions, she is considered very lucky because both of her parents are living - many have lost parents to HIV/Aids or to the conflict that recently tormented Northern Uganda. Also, she is blessed by the Compassion program that provides food, school fees, and Christian education.

(Allow me to put in a small plug here for Compassion and World Vision. Both of these organizations, and I'm sure many others, are doing incredible work in the lives of children around the world....if you don't already sponsor a child, I suggest you pray about adopting a child! And if you do have a sponsor child, be sure to write letters and send pictures - Gladys, and other children I have met here, cherish these items! Ok, I will get off my soap box now!)

Later that afternoon, we were scheduled to attend a small group. We debated just going back to our house because well, what were we going to do with a live rooster?! But, I had a feeling that the cell group was important so we came up with a plan to lock the Rooster in the church and come back for it after (thankfully, the pastor ended up taking it home for us!).

So Brandy, Hope and I headed to another adventure and had no idea what to expect. What we were met with, we could not have imagined! The 'small group' consisted of about 150 people, 100 of which were children! And, we were not just attending, we were the 'honored guests!' The children had music and skits ready for us! Also, they served us tea and biscuits (which is hard when you are the only one eating in an impoverished village and all the children are looking at you....but you can't not eat and offend....talk about being between a rock and a hard place!). The evening demonstrates how loving and hospitable this culture is. They humbled me and my view of the body of Christ and how God calls us to love one another.

And, to top it off, we were expected to provide the testimonies and the Word of God! Now, after three weeks in Africa, we are coming to expect that if we attend anything, we will be teaching! But this day, we weren't prepared. Hope saved the day with an awesome message and Brandy shared about her day with Gladys. It was an incredibly humbling, strange, fun and memorable evening! And was certainly a nice way to top off an already interesting day!

This is just one day of stories out of many from our time in Lira... stay tuned for more!

What if it was Jesus?

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There was a mattress hanging from the ceiling and bags of feed lining the aisle. Smuggled goods, or at least what we assumed to be, were stuffed under our seats and there were far more people on board than places to sit.

Welcome to the African bus system.

Since that maiden voyage, I've ridden alongside live chickens and in-between everything but the kitchen sink...and realized that it's not likely smuggled goods, but legitimate freight in transit.

I was sitting in the very back, between Michelle who snagged the window seat and a grandmother who had more grandbabies than places to put them. With many hours in front and more dust behind, we set off cross-country...very bumpy country.

All the jarring took a turn for the worse when the grandmother to my left began to get sick on her lap.

Michelle hung her head out the window to my right.

I was stuck in the middle...with puke.

To say my negative thoughts got the best of me is an understatement...when in His perfect timing...God interrupted my thoughts...

"What if she was Gladys' grandmother?"

Gladys is a 6 year old child that I sponsor through Compassion, who lives somewhere in Uganda. (exact location unknown at the time)

Clearly this was not her grandmother...but a pit in my stomach immediately formed nonetheless. I pictured myself walking into Gladys' village and being introduced to her grandmother...who I'd recognize from the bus. How would she remember me? Did I act arrogant and annoyed? Or had I acted with compassion?

Did I live what I preached?

Immediately humbled...I scrounged up a sick bag for her and kept her stocked with tissue and wet wipes the rest of the trip.

When a name becomes attached to a face...things get personal. When you get close enough to allow the faces of poverty...HIV...and hunger to be felt...to be real...to be known...

it changes everything.

Maybe the appropriate question would be...what if it was Jesus?

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. They also will answer, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these you did not do for me.' Matthew 25:42-45

One such face also became a name...introducing Mercy... :)

Everlasting Joy

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As I looked around the Turkish Christmas Eve celebration, I took in the diversity of the crowd who had joined us in spending the holidays so many miles from home. From the Finnish pastor...and the exiled church leader from Uzbekistan...to our new Nigerian and Ghanaian friends...

And it made me question...why...Why have we taken the journey...abandon the familiar...and pursued the unknown.

I just finished reading a must read - The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns (CEO of World Vision) where he tells of a pastor in Cambodia who was suspicious of World Vision's work in their community, convinced that they had their own hidden agenda.

"Why would these strangers help us?" He thought.

"One day I decided to confront them, and I went to the World Vision leader and demanded to know why they were here. His answer took me by surprise. He said, 'We are followers of Jesus Christ, and we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are here to show you that God loves you.' (Stearns p. 71)

I loved the straightforwardness of his response. Often times we seem to hem haw around about our motivations, skeptical of how they will be received. But at the end of the day, I know I am here because Jesus gave me a new heart, a heart that beats like His.

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and given them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19

We hit the ground in Kenya...but two teams immediately headed to Uganda to serve for the month. I have spent the month between those two teams, serving in Lira and Gulu.

The devastation that occurred in this region of Northern Uganda was captured in the Invisible Children documentaries. We have learned not to ask IF someone was affected by the rebel attacks, but HOW -- because it is a safe assumption that ALL have suffered.

With much left to rebuild -- their faith is contagious as they praise God for four years of peace and hope for a future.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations...Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:4, 7

Everlasting joy sure looks good in Uganda! :)

The Necessity of Heartbreak

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just before I came on the race...God took me down a road...I chose to follow out of nothing more than radical obedience..

...and it utterly shattered my heart.

When it was said and done, I wasn't so much hurt by my circumstances...as I was by God.

But in the depths of my soul, I knew better than to question His motives...while I could see nothing of His plan.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

So I chose to trust...to continue to follow...despite my logic, emotion and circumstance.

Why?

I wish I had a more holy answer...but quite frankly...because I was too far in. Really. Nearly 3 years ago, I bet the farm on Jesus...and I'll be gosh darned if I don't see this thing through. :)

"If you give God the right to yourself, he will make a holy experiment out of you. God's experiments always succeed." - Oswald Chambers

But that didn't mean it was easy.

I guess nobody told me that it would be.

But several months and 5 countries later...I'm beginning to understand His purpose, the necessity of heartbreak and the glory of His plan.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:29-32

When the pieces began to come back together, I asked God..."How would you use a small town girl with small town dreams in the Kingdom of God?"

And here is what He told me...

You let her dreams fail her.
You let her heart break.

You show her a broken world

     and introduce her to a plan of redemption.

You let her wrestle -- the world against the truth

     and let her come out with a limp.

And then you let her walk with it...

     because it is in that limp she'll find compassion on the world.

Because of that limp, shell walk in truth...

     because she fought too hard not to.

And then you give her back her dreams...

     but this time laced with grace.

And that same small town girl...

...loves her God-sized world.

KENYA BOUND TODAY!!!

Living West...in the East

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Our race route has been unique from many of the other races...front-loaded by European countries, Westernized cities and arguably easy living conditions. But would it be fair to make the argument that this has actually been more difficult in many ways on the racers than had we been immediately thrown into the slums of Africa? As I mentally begin to prepare for Kenya next month - I'm not sure if this statement is actually true...but our Westernized route has certainly brought it's own set of challenges nonetheless.

Some days I think it would be "easy" to find purpose when you are living among the starving and dieing - surrounded by such need. But purpose can seemingly evade us on the busy streets of Istanbul where every modern convenience is accessible and every need, albeit material, is met.

It's made many of us wrestle with purpose. Purpose this trip...purpose of our lives...purpose of the Gospel. But wrestle as we may...it seems the match always ends up the same way. Jesus wins.

I'm forced to remember the day the lights came on for me in faith. The day I actually came to a genuine understanding of having a personal relationship with Christ and the depths of it's impact on my life...realizing in that moment...this changes everything. I was completely awestruck with revelation and gratitude.

Yet I wasn't physically starving.

But I was dying.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

I live in a right relationship with God today because a few of my John Deere co-workers decided to make their every day lives their mission field. And while it may not have changed the AIDS crisis in Africa...it changed me.

God doesn't play favorites. Not from the orphans in the slums of Africa to the Muslims on the busy streets of Turkey and every farm girl in Illinois in-between. He desires them all.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

I don't have to be well versed...highly educated...or even have the ability to argue theology...I just have to be available to carry the message...the rest is up to Him...All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

(pic by Dan - pondering the deeper things in Ephesus theater) :)

Perhaps the greatest lesson living West...in the East...has been to make ourselves available when it doesn't seem to matter...who knows...but that it just might matter most.

"I know your heart beats for the poor Brandy, and I know you're ready for Africa. But I have this guy from the skater crowd in Turkey and I've been trying to get his attention for quite awhile now. If you'd go to Africa by means of the Middle East, I will orchestrate all of the million details needed for your encounter with him...which will ultimately draw him closer to me...I just need you to show up. Will you go?"

Sometimes I wish His marching orders were so clear. :) But...it all worked out just the same.

30 going on 13

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In my new role, I've had the opportunity to be more intentional about sitting across from a few of my squad mates and revisiting why we came on this pilgrimage. We discussed the 'bait and switch' that so evidently occurred. The age old story of every surprised believer who sets out on their first short-term mission trip to save the nations...and discovers their own salvation. Most of us on this journey had already experienced this revelation through previous missions - and therefore thought we would rise to the occasion of global salvation. And truthfully, we have discovered the amazing joy of bringing His Kingdom to so many unsuspecting places. But...we have also been forced to rediscover ourselves.

When you are taken out of everything familiar...and stripped from every modern comfort...

...from hot showers - to sometimes not having showers at all
...from a closet full of clothes - to wearing the same shirt 5 days in a row

...from radical independence - to never going anywhere alone
...from friends & family - to 40 complete strangers

...from an abundance of food choices - to eating whatever is in budget and shows hope of making you full

...you stop sweating the small stuff...and realize how many of our daily worries should never cause worry at all. You realize that at the end of the day it is still people who actually matter...not what they can do for you. And you realize that a month spent in a country may not change a nation, but you witness it change a life.

After cleaning Grandmother's house yesterday morning (the pastor's mother who lives next to the apartment we currently call home), I spent the evening with the pastor's 13 year old daughter watching the movie 13 going on 30. As we curl up on bean bags in her room, and her mother brings us popcorn (consider this a high luxury evening!) - I took in the joy and innocence of being 13 again...before the world begins to tell you that you are less than who you were created. The time when you had hopes and dreams that knew no boundaries and believed you could become whatever you set out to be. It continued to grow a burden inside me to mentor young girls...to help them discover who they were created to be...deliver them from their deepest fear...and set them free.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Marianne Williamson

(taking being 13 a little too far!)

Thank you for your prayers and support of this journey and a special thanks to everyone who helped send this squad to the field! It's not just an adventure to 'get out of our system' but a lifestyle of high generosity and compassion we've traveled around the world to put 'in our system.' :) With a thankful heart...

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."- Colossians 3:15

We will serve the Lord!

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November = Israel!

After a 3-day debrief in Istanbul, Turkey, where the squad enjoyed a time of fellowship and changes - we set off towards the promised land.

The changes included new leadership and team member placements:

Squad Leaders - Aaron and Caroline (both have finished races before) will be heading home at the end of the month, as their season of leadership on-the-field concludes
Dan Snyder and myself were appointed to take their place.
Don (teammate) was raised as the new Team Leader of my old team, Proclaim i61 - which had a couple members swap as they morphed into their new identity - Team Olur (Turkish word for possible)
The other teams also experienced changes with some new members and leaders as our blogs will soon reflect.

The changes were laced with joys and sorrows - as we left the comforts of the familiar...once again...and journeyed toward the excitement of the unknown.

gBut if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household (squad), we will serve the LORD.h- Joshua 24:15 @

Translated Grace

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

"Since when were missionaries expected to sing?"

It's a question we've all pondered this past month as we've repeatedly taken our places behind the mic. Whether visiting churches in gypsy villages or within the city limits...the question rarely fails to come with expectation..."Will you sing?"

We are a team of 7...

...with two strong-armed men

     ...and five grace-filled women

...with strength enough for the heaviest of manual labor

     ...yet gentle enough to cradle an orphan in our arms

..with ONE beautifully gifted vocalist

     ...and six suffering from a fear of microphones. J

"Good news" I say with a smile..."We're singing again tonight!"

And so we scramble to choose a culturally appropriate song...and usher Shannon towards the mic...in hopes her melody will drown our own. But as the words from Amazing Grace flow from our lips and the congregation joins in their native tongue...the Lord whispers..."My grace translates."

Not knowing the history of our choir debut...one of our Bulgarian contacts sat us down to encourage us...

"Never think you are not making a difference, no matter what you are asked to do or how small your ministry seems. You may not think your presence is making a difference...but it was a group of missionaries...just like you...who I heard sing in front of my church as a little girl...and they changed my life forever. They loved God with all of their hearts...and I decided right then..."I want to love God like that."

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me...
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Crowds Followed

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Through God ordained contacts and appointments, we showed up in a Bulgarian village ...to meet the mayor and help build a park. It wasn't through a church...or done with a hidden agenda...but simply because the opportunity had presented itself...as a place to serve...outside ordinary.

But outside ordinary...landed us inside headlines.

(Shannon pictured - showing the ground no mercy!)

As the holes were dug...and trees were planted...people came. Out of their homes...into the streets...peaking from their windows...

Whispers...

Inquiries...

Commotion...

We kept planting.

"They don't understand why you would do this -- why you would travel around the world to help others -- why you would build their park, when they dont even help build it themselves."

And as I'm riding on a donkey-led wagon full of shrubs...through the village streets and townsfolk...drawing the attention of a parade...I was over swept by the revelation..."This is a small glimpse of what it must have been like when Jesus entered a town...crowds followed."

(myself pictured top left with Kendra & Ashlee on the front of wagon)

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Mark 3:7-10

Video compliments of Ashlee...

Sleeping Double in a Single Bed

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Team Fuel and Team Proclaim i61 (my team) have reunited once again in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria after serving separately for a brief stint in Sofia.

Before entering the city limits, Proclaim i61 took the scenic route by means of a three day detour to Dobromirka where we helped renovate the property of a future women's shelter, owned by Mission Possible.

With visions of chainsaws and backhoes dancing in our heads...we set out to destruct the forest, blocking the prospective amphitheatre. When the backhoe failed to arrive...we got to work with the hand tools provided...leading to perhaps one of the most entertaining days of service yet...

But as we hang our hats in a secluded hostel in Veliko Trunovo, homesickness hangs so heavily in the air...you could cut it with a knife. This coming from a girl who never gets homesick.

Yesterday during the church service, our group of fourteen serenaded the congregation to the melody of "Mighty to Save"...as they joined in perfect Bulgarian. I did so with tears streaming down my face...as the lyrics seemed afresh upon my soul. This coming from a girl who doesn't sing.

There's something painful...yet beautiful about following Jesus...as we worry about our tomorrows...and He comforts our todays...

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."- Psalm 37:4

8 beds, 14 people...sure beats the reverse in the country song...as we sleep double in our single beds. J

Jesus Drinks Starbucks

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I came to Bulgaria...to witness in Starbucks!

I know...I know...you are waiting for the blog entry written from the pits of Africa...believe me so am I...but until then...God has placed my feet on the streets of Bulgaria...and who am I to stop them if they happened to walk into a Starbucks?!? J

We're back in Sofia, the capitol city. And the way God continues to put together the puzzle pieces in this country is nothing short of amazing. We ask...we seek...we pray...and He provides...someone to meet us in train/bus stations...someone who speaks English...someone to look after us..someone obedient to His call.

Have you ever been the answer to someone else's prayers? Perhaps that concept...above all the other mysteries in the world fascinates me most...God uses us.

We're hooked up with Mission Possible for a few days. The director is the brother of the pastor of the first church we attended in Bulgaria (where we attended the wedding).

But today - we enjoyed a much needed day off! So a couple of us maneuvered the bus system to the local Starbucks where we met up with Kali (the girl who originally met us at the train station and walked us to the church). Bulgaria is getting smaller by the day!

Anyway - Starbucks...long story short - on my return trip from the counter, a fellow patron asked me if I could recommend sights in Sofia. Considering it was with a foreign accent, I immediately assumed he was from Bulgaria -- I'm clearly not, so I privately questioned his motive.

But what started out as small talk...effortlessly turned to faith. (Helps when you are on this crazy World Race!)

And out of nowhere it dawns on me..."Oh geez Lord - do you want me to witness to them?" I silently prayed.

Hearing no objections...

45 minutes later...3 twenty-something Jewish guys from Israel knew all about my Jesus!

I doubt I will ever understand, this side of heaven, why God chose to use a farm girl from Illinois to witness to these three unsuspecting lads from Israel - but He did.

No more than I'll ever understand why the God of the universe loves us so much, that He sacrificed his only son - but He did.

And to think they came to Bulgaria for vacation...and went to Starbucks for coffee...

and God met them there...

because He loves them.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Romans 1:16

Trees & Pine Cones

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As our two teams of fourteen stood on a street corner in Petrich, awaiting the next chapter of Bulgaria to unfold...

Here's what we knew: A pastor of a neighboring town's church was coming to get us...by the name of Pastor Mitko.

Here's what we didn't know: Where we were going, what we'd be doing, where we'd be living, if they spoke English.

But with our bags packed in eager anticipation...we waited...we trusted...

And Angel (pronounced Ungle) and Pastor Mitko pulled up to the curb.

So far so good!

As I crawled into the back of Angel's car...I asked the million dollar question..."English?" Since Pastor Mitko (driving the other van) spoke none...it was a relief when Angel said yes...what I didn't expect was how he came about the language...

"Years ago someone gave me a Bible...it was in English...so I translated it word by word into Macedonian." (where he's originally from) "So I know English only for words in the Bible."

Wow!

We were driven to Sandansky, Bulgaria to an Evangelical Baptist Church (or so we're told - Bulgaria uses a Cyrillic alphabet - your guess is as good as mine) where we were given accommodations in the church basement, a variety of service projects to choose from, and Bulgarian women cooking for us during our stay. Praise Jesus!

(Marissa, Hope & Emily - happy for beds!)

One day we were driven to Cold Water - a home for mentally handicapped women. We got up, showered and put on our Sunday's best (which means us girls actually put on make up and wore earrings - a couple of us even sported skirts) - but after a quick conversation with Angel - decided to change into work clothes - not sure yet what the "work" entailed but knew we wouldn't be playing cards with the women as we originally imagined. We then drove to the top of a mountain where the home is located and got out to enjoy the breathtaking view.

The first task at hand was given through broken English...and we began...painting trees!!! That' right...we painted trees - which as best as we could understand would help decrease bugs and disease.

Once completed...we went back for more instruction. And the next thing we knew, blankets were spread out in the timber behind the home and we were shown the act of picking up pine cones. We all looked to the left...and to the right..."Did we understand them correctly? Are we really supposed to be picking up pine cones in the timber?" But as far as we could tell - we were right on track. So we loaded up the blankets (manual wheel barrels) and dumped them across the fence on the property line. We laughed...we joked...we felt foolish...but we continued. Before long...one by one, some of the women began to help us.

When the job was through and the blankets were folded...we walked up to a group of women sitting outside the home. I gently kicked a soccer ball towards one of the ladies...and much to my surprise she hauled back and kicked it right back to me. With a huge look of surprise on my face I clapped and hollered "bravo" (which I believe they know to mean good'). The smile on her face was priceless. Impressed by her improving foot skills a few of us continued in the game of kickball until it was time for us to leave.

We still laugh at the randomness of that mountaintop in Bulgaria thinking..."maybe we were there to set an example...maybe we did it to give those who helped us a sense of purpose that day...maybe we did it because the real instructions were lost in translation...or maybe we did it simply because they asked us to."

Either way...we spent the day painting trees and picking up pine cones as the words of Apostle Paul rolled through my head...

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Unexpected Comfort

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The first 24 hours in a country have proven to be the most emotionally draining. Amidst the travel day(s), our life changes overnight. The only place I have called home may have been packed in a matter of minutes and carried with me - in the case of my tent - or I may have endured a bittersweet goodbye with the comfort of a host family - and the next day be waking up in a new city within nylon walls once again.

20-25 Sept. - Brasov, Romania - The Awakening - a conference with all 4 on-field World Race teams, alumni and staff - over 200 people.

The first night I zipped my tent door closed and collapsed onto my sleeping pad in Brasov - I cried myself to sleep. It might sound silly to those who are tucking themselves in around the world - as I am very aware and eternally grateful for the opportunities set before me. But it isn't the accommodations which I mourn, but the rapid pace in which they change. Physically I tend to make the moves without faltering...it is my emotions which hesitate to adjust. (No sympathy needed - this is a reality of the World Race) J

26 Sept. - Morning train to Bucharest, Romania - later that same night - Overnight train to Sofia, Bulgaria - Our race route changed this month - Egypt was dropped for a variety of reasons, and our squad (J Squad) is now spread throughout Eastern Europe. My team (Proclaim i61) is serving in Bulgaria with Team Fuel - 14 people in all. Two other teams are serving in Albania and the two remaining teams are serving in Montenegro. Since no ministry contacts have previously been setup in these countries and no accommodations have been made, we're ATL'ing (Asking The Lord - listening vs. talking prayer) and going for it. We are pioneering the land, getting a feel for the religion, needs, opportunities, etc. and reporting back to the World Race the potential for future races. We feel like spies being sent into the promised land. J (See Numbers 13:17-20)

(Ashlee on the train to Sofia with a happy border guard (rare) - middle of the night crossing into Bulgaria - a practical jokester - tried convincing me hed lost my passport)

But let me tell you what makes this possible.

People.

God's people.

The body of Christ.

God has pressed on my heart over the past few days this notion of actually being the body of Christ. Seeing it lived out in believers around the world has certainly helped bring this picture into a fuller view. For example - Abundant Life Church in Ireland. The body of believers who attended that church welcomed us with open arms. People cooked for us, helped with our laundry, and hosted us in their homes. And we came to serve!?! It blew us away.

And here we are again...in Bulgaria...only this time we don't have a plan coming in...we have our knees...made wonderfully for prayer. And where did He lead but to the doorstep of Al & Diane Mellinger. Al pulled some strings in order for a gal from another church (Kali) to meet us at the train station at 7am in Sofia...introduce us to the city...and walk us to her church. We immediately jumped into decorating for a wedding which was going to be held during the service. The church leadership welcomed us without hesitation (despite language barriers)...invited the other team leader (Melanie) and I into their pre-service prayer meeting and delivered our team water during the service. Mind you they had no idea we were coming until we arrived. When the bride walked down the aisle (a few hours after we had stepped off the train, with our packs piled in the front of the church) - we were blown away. "Is this really our life"?

Al (mentioned earlier) met us there directly after the service, as he was getting in town, gave us a quick walking tour around the city, and then put us on a bus headed to Petrich (3 hours away, where he and his wife live and serve as missionaries from the US). Since then...they along with two native Bulgarian woman have hosted our two teams...with lodging and food...until we head back to Sofia...to partner for a few days with the original church we attended. Breath...exhale - none of this probably makes sense. But God's provision has left us speechless. In a nutshell - Al & Diane have taken us in, given us an orientation to Bulgaria, allowed us to setup a base camp in their home to scout out contacts for the rest of the month - many they have put us in contact with. Praise Jesus!

(a few of us girls sitting with the lovely Kali waiting for church)

May blessings rain down on Al & Diane (hosting our 4 guys and 3 girls), the lovely Miss Maria (hosting Melanie & I) and Peggy (hosting the remaining 5 girls).

(Melanie, Maria, and I)

Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. Mathew 10:11-12

These homes are certainly worth blessing!

When I used to travel for John Deere, I would pack my slippers as a comfort from home in the hotel rooms. As we were settling into Maria's the first night, around 11pm, after the busy travel day - anxiety and exhaustion were natural companions.

When out of nowhere, through broken English...Maria presents us with slippers...amid the change...unexpected comfort.

Gypsy defined

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What does it mean to be gypsy?

According to thefreedictionary.com a gyspy by definition is:

"A member of a people that arrived in Europe in migrations from northern India around the 14th century, now also living in North America and Australia. Many Gypsy groups have preserved elements of their traditional culture, including an itinerant existence and the Romany language."

Many gypsies reside in Romania. And unfortunately the fact that they are gypsy alone 'earns' them the right to be looked down upon. A comparison has been drawn between them and the view of African Americans in the 1950's throughout the United States.

It's heartbreaking.

What does it mean to be gypsy?

It means that you will be offered limited employment, you will endure daily racial slurs and your kids will be mistreated and neglected at school.

Yesterday my team traveled to a gypsy village outside the city. Many if not all of the street kids Oaza serves are from gypsy descent. We went to visit a family that Oaza is helping to build a home. We got the chance to meet an 11-year-old girl who used to live in one of the group homes of Oaza. She has since then been placed back with her family at her mother's request and ability to provide.

As one might imagine...it was an emotional day...as the realities of poverty often are. But it was a good day. A day to witness...and do I daresay...become...a conduit of God's grace.

Oaza provided the family with clothes, food and supplies...as our American team provided a bit of laughter and entertainment for the village kids.

(Aaron carrying potatoes) (The rest of us carrying supplies)

(fun with a parachute)

Not long ago, I was blessed to hear Gary Haugen from International Justice Mission speak. As he referenced his experience with the genocide in Rwanda and his current work in the human trafficking arena, he asked a profound question...

"Instead of asking, where's God? I ask, where are God's people?"

Perhaps God would ask the same thing.

In Luke 17 when Jesus was asked when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, Here it is,' or There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

(one of the many smiles!)

I can tell you that the kingdom of God is within Oaza...as they choose to be God's grace to these children. Please pray blessings and faithfulness for all of the staff in this ministry.

What does it mean to be gypsy?

On a lighter note...according to another definition it is 'one inclined to a nomadic, unconventional way of life.'

It's official World Racers...we are gypsy!! J

in His hands

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As I prepared my heart to embark on the great adventure of the World Race...anxiety crept into my thoughts in anticipation of the heartbroken and deprived situations I would uncover. I began to question why...why had I been so blessed in this life...all the while innocent children had so little across the world.

Why?

I wrestled until finally I decided to take the matter up with my Father.

And so in prayer I asked...

And I waited...

And He answered...

"Because I always knew I'd send you."

I smiled..."ok then...I guess I'll go!" J

My team was assigned to serve in Romania with Oaza - it is a ministry outreach to the street children of Arad, Romania. They made arrangements to put us up in the residential home with the children. There are currently 10 kids ranging from 7-19 years old. We spend our days painting, cleaning and doing a variety of other construction projects in the house we are living and in two other buildings they hope to renovate. We also get the blessing of spending time with the kids of oaza, building relationships, playing games, and tucking them into bed.

Some nights at the end of the day...I find myself asking why? Why have we been so blessed to serve in this capacity. Given our pasts...our histories of failure and less than moral standard of living we came from...why has God chosen to use us? More so....from a World Race standpoint...why have we been blessed with hot showers...beds...and superb Romanian meals on the table? (while many of our squad mates are enduring bucket showers, enjoying' tent living and roasting their own hog to eat (no idea of the story behind this - but I saw the pictures) Why?

I think God gave my boy Anthony the best response..."You have placed yourself in my hands...and I have placed you here."

In the end...I believe God knows exactly what He's doing...and knows what each team...and each individual needs...in His perfect timing. (This might mean bucket showers for us in the Middle East!?!)

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." Acts 17:26

Delayed Sunday Blessings

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So the question remains...what happened on Sunday?!?

But first I must digress...

When you hear the word Christian...what comes to mind?

Indifference? Someone who is Godly? Perhaps judgmental? Someone who is full of love and grace? Or quite the opposite...and grossly hypocritical?

Take a moment to ponder for yourself...what or who is a Christian to you?

Now let's compare that thought with it's origin in the Word...found in Acts 11:26 where it states "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."

Why? What defined them? How was such a title derived?

I believe first and foremost...it was based on whom the disciples followed. It was not a church or a denomination...it was based on a name...on a man...Jesus Christ.

And what were they known for...that is to say...what behaviors set them apart from the rest of the crowd?

There are many examples to choose from describing these amazing men of God, but I'll settle on Stephen for a moment for proximity sake...found a couple chapters earlier in Acts 6:8..."Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people."

The truth is...the disciples stood out from the crowd...for their love...for their grace...for their boldness and power in Christ.

Pause. Let that settle.

If you are a Christian...may the disciples' example convict you, convict me...

And if you are not...and have been hurt or turned off by a different portrayal of what it means to be a Christian...please know it is quite likely not Jesus Christ in whom you are offended...but a gross misrepresentation of him.

Ok...so...what does this have to do with Sunday?

Because Sunday came with disappointment and not one but two no-show's (who admittedly did not have great church experiences in the past). I kept looking out the window before the service began...and tried praying them both into existence...imagining them walking through the parking lot...but they did not appear in the doorway. J The service was amazing and uplifting and therefore quite difficult to stay down, however - the two men - with two very different backgrounds and upbringings were not far from my heart. "Well God...they are in your hands...I pray that you water the seed which was planted."

Sunday evening - Internet in the hotel/bar once again...as I wrapped up my evening and returned my rubbish (common term for trash in Europe) to the bar...I heard my name behind me. "Missed you this morning...I didn't make it." "I know...you stood me up!" I responded with a smile. (Reference "older local gentleman" from earlier blog) We shared a few entertaining words and then he gave me his email in order to keep up with my journeys...and so I will contact him...in hopes to keep up with his - as I keep telling him God has plans to use him. J

Monday afternoon - A couple hours off after our Ireland Team Debrief - preparing for Romania departure - girls went shopping! Aimlessly walking through a department store, weighing convenience and comfort against the extra weight in our packs when I hear..."Brandy?" I turn around and my heart leaps...as a smile takes immediate residency on my face. "John!" (you'll never know if that's his real name - reference "unnamed man" from same blog) J "I missed you on Sunday!" I laughed. "Yeah, I was busy...but I started reading that book you gave me." (The Gospel of John) We chatted for a few minutes and both went on our way. "Thanks God!" I quietly whispered...as I considered...what are the chances in the entire city of Galway that I would run into him on my last day and be blessed with the knowledge that he's reading the word of God...to form his own opinion of what it means to be a Christian...straight from the source. As I've come to learn...with God...chances are pretty good!

Windy Beautiful Ireland

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After the sun rises on Galway...I'm gently brought to consciousness by the buzzing alarm of my wrist watch. Before I open my eyes...I usually listen to the weather...shielded by my tent. This typically confirms my new greatest fears...WIND and RAIN!!!

My eyes flutter open to a disheveled tent home. Laundry is quite likely hanging from the roof...with my team's breakfast foods under one rain fly and a pile of shoes under the other - all seeking shelter to keep dry.

It is decision time...with the realization that its still cold...its still rainy...its still windy...and I've packed for African summers not Ireland winters...LAUGH or CRY!?!

I take a second to once again get over myself...throw on some running clothes and meet my teammate, Kendra Baird, on her front porch (tent located 3 feet away) to run the shores and streets of Galway before ministry begins.

I kid...I kid...well mostly. It actually isn't winter in Ireland, but I don't think the rain clouds know any different. Apparently we've been "blessed" with an unseasonable amount of rain and wind for August. And to be honest...the sun has shown...at least twice...since we've been here. J Glorious days!! Ireland is truly a very green and beautiful country!

So life on the race...for the most part...is serving in ministry for six days and taking a one day sabbath. This past Friday we enjoyed our sabbath at the Cliffs of Moher - perhaps the only place in Ireland windier than our campsite!!!

Squad vs. Team?

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just over 80 people comprise the August 2009 World Race.

Those 80 people are divided into 2 Squads...(J Squad & K Squad) - Both squads will likely be serving in the same countries at the same time, but in different regions. *In Ireland - K Squad remained in the Dublin area while J Squad moved to Galway.

I am a member of the J Squad - 41 people, Squad Leaders are Caroline Crawford and Aaron Bruner (both have completed races before). They will be staying with us until the November timeframe and then elect new Squad Leaders from within our Squad and head themselves for home.

Our J Squad is divided into 6 smaller teams of 7 people each. Our smaller teams will occasionally serve together, but not guaranteed. *In Galway, we split in half to allow 3 teams to partner together and serve 2 different churches (20 people per church).

My smaller team, Proclaim I61 is a blessing and a true answer to prayer. I whole-heartedly look forward to serving with them this next year. I encourage you to scroll down the left, click on their pictures and get to know my World Race family!

Will Ferrell and Jesus

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As I approached a few young lads in the park with a "hey guys...what's up?"...they excitedly exclaimed..."Will Ferrell just told us about Jesus!" I laughed as I glanced around the park wondering if I just missed a Will Ferrell sighting in Ireland. Not seeing any large crowds forming, I turned my attention back to the boys.

Street evangelism has proven much easier than I ever imagined and do I daresay, even enjoyable. Because the truth is...people are seeking. Even the guy who initially declares himself an atheist may linger...question...and wrestle...as I point towards a building and declare..."if I told you that building...with all of it's intricacies...appeared out of nowhere last night...would you believe me?

Of course not.

Even though we do not see a builder...we know one exists.

Then how can you believe that you...who is extensively more detailed than that building...came from nothing?

And the conversation sparks.

But the most amazing conversations...are those in which God has so clearly gone before you. Here's a picture snapped by my teammate, Ashlee Hillis, as I had the blessing of sharing the Gospel with a man Ill leave unnamed.

As the conversation was coming to a close...he had the most perplexed expression on his face..."I've never let anyone before you share anything like this with me before...but I've been giving it all a lot of thought lately." "I hope to see you Sunday!" I said with a smile. A man who is a recovering drug and alcohol addict (been clean for awhile now), who has been hurt by his experience in the church thus far...is still seeking.

Tonight...as I'm sitting in a hotel/bar (bumming free wi-fi near our camp site), one of the older local gentlemen engaged in conversation. Believe me when I tell you that I was far more concerned with writing a blog than I was witnessing to him...but I have learned when God opens a door...you walk through it. And as he walked out the door later that evening...we said our farewells over a smile...at the thought that we just might see each other at church on Sunday.

I have no idea what Sunday will bring...but that isn't going to stop me from following the likes of Will Ferrell and telling them about Jesus. :)

As it turns out...Will Ferrell was not witnessing in the parks of Galway this week...but my squad mate Colby Long was out in full force. I'll let you appreciate the similarities.

New kind of normal

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I distinctly remember the first time I told someone about the World Race. I was sitting in a coffee shop with a good friend as the rain poured down on the evening. The excitement bubbled from within me as I recalled the details I had discovered earlier that day on the website. Her jaw immediately dropped following my words "The World Race?...You've got to be kidding me!" Turns out she had a college friend who had completed a race a couple years before. I wanted to hear more!

With each story she shared, through following her friends blog...we were both swept away with excitement. "But...I don't think I could get excited about setting up my tent on a night like this" she said as she glanced towards the steady rainfall. "Well...if you put it that way...I really couldn't either."

That was then...

As I write this...Im sitting in Galway, Ireland...in my tent...as the rain pours down.

I'm adjusting to a new kind of normal.

Ireland is beautiful and we've all felt very spoiled by the landscape. Perhaps the abundance of rain keeps us humble.

When I think of ministry...my heart is drawn to the poorest of the poor. I imagine being quite at home in Africa with an orphan in my arms...albeit heartbroken. But Ireland? What would ministry look like in Ireland? But as it turns out alcohol abuse is off the charts and suicide is more the norm than the exception.

Turns out that everyone needs Jesus.

So in Ireland we partnered with a local church and our ministry looks a lot like street evangelism. Those are such scary words aren't they? Does that mean that I'm waiving a banner in the middle of the street hollering at people that they are going to hell? I'm happy to say that it does not. But it does look a lot like getting over myself, and walking up to complete strangers to engage in conversation, to learn about their story...and to share mine.

Sometimes I find myself in a conversation that feels pre-destined...like it was supposed to happen...like it was never not going to happen. Like it was planned all along. :)

"I don't think we met by accident" I said with a smile..."No...no...perhaps not." he said, returning the smile as we parted ways.

I'm definitely adjusting to a new kind of normal.

Walking through fire

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of my favorite faith stories of the Bible is that of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, found in Daniel 3. I have found great encouragement in their reply to the king as they refused to bow down to his idol...

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

They knew their God was able to save them, but they weren't willing to surrender their faith if He didn't.

My teammate, Shannon Morgan found out that her daddy (she's a southern girl) had cancer almost immediately after she was accepted on the World Race. They prayed for healing, as he was a great man of faith and had personally experienced miraculous healings in the past, both in himself and others he had laid hands on. But as the cancer worsened...she took the journey with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fiery furnace. "I know He can heal him...but even if He doesn't...I believe."

When she got the call a couple days ago that her daddy had passed away...the entire squad mourned.

As the fate of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego unfolded, they were thrown into the fiery furnace.

"The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." Daniel 3:22-25

Shannon reflected..."I don't know Brandy...I guess sometimes we just have to walk through the fire in order to allow others to see Jesus walking with us there."

Shannon is a rare light in a dark room with an absolutely beautiful spirit and a faith equal to that of our faith heroes of the Bible.

God grant her and her family the peace and comfort that only you can give...surround them by your love and restore them with your joy.

Shannon and her family felt that it was very clearly God's will for her to be on the race and therefore had sent her off with blessing. Her daddy left this earth with his arms in the air, praising his King. Amazingly Shannon is able to do the same. She is scheduled to return to the race and join our travels to Romania. Please shower her and her family with prayer.

Fully Funded!

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to officially post to the blog the fact that I am FULLY FUNDED for The World Race! I can not tell you what an overwhelming blessing this is. While on the field I wanted nothing more than to concentrate on being the hands and feet of Jesus vs. worrying whether or not my funding was coming in...and my supporters have given me this freedom. Thank you!! I will be forever grateful! I commit to being a good steward of every resource you have given and sincerely hope you will be blessed through your own blessing.

Hello World Race!

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The final goodbye...

Official pack weight...38 pounds!!!

Hello Ireland...

Shoping for two on a 7 Euro a day food budget...

My shopping partner in crime for the day...and fellow team leader Tamica!

We arrived safe and sound in Dublin. Set up our tent site and took a nap. Then we ventured out to grab food for the day. Stopped by the first restaurant and realized that one meal would completely blow our food budget - opted for the local grocery store! :) Hello World Race!!

Closer to Kingdom

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What is the purpose of a missionary? It's a question I've wrested with ever since someone told me that I might just be one. I'm not sure the term fits perfectly just yet, but I'm still making some alterations. :)

Regardless, on August 9th, I plan on boarding a plane to start a journey around the world that will change my life. And I've begun to question...what is my purpose? What exactly am I trying to accomplish? How will I know if I reach my goal?

Ultimately...what is the purpose of a missionary?

I am not sure that I have landed on my answer just yet, but I do know that it has something to do with the Kingdom. Ever since I was a small child I went to bed praying the Lord's Prayer. I don't remember where I learned the words, but I do remember faithfully praying them every night before I went to sleep...

"Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Now give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

As I mull over the words of that prayer so many years later...words like "kingdom" and "on earth as it is in heaven" that were lost on that little girl's pillow...have now taken residency in her heart.

I've been privileged to witness so many glimpses of the Kingdom...here on earth. I've been blessed to see the absolute transforming power of Jesus Christ is so many lives...including my own.

So what you might ask...is my purpose?

Quite simply...one soul...closer to the Kingdom...would be well worth the journey.