"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9
While I was in Mexico last fall, I injured my left shoulder/neck muscle. I got back to the states in December and started physical therapy after receiving a medical exam & MRI. For a few months I did therapy several times a week, took meds daily & iced the muscle frequently, hoping it would heal. I just wanted to be able to pick up kids, go climbing, and fully extend both arms in worship again.
After none of the therapy nor medicine seemed to work, God got my attention. I began remembering, hearing of, and witnessing several people with physical sicknesses/injuries/diseases that God completely healed physically.
I remembered the young 13 year old boy on my Guatemala trip in 2010 who prayed for God to heal an elderly man's leg, who was born without a kneecap. As the boy was praying in Jesus' name, he felt a kneecap growing under the Guatemalan's pants! The man got up, after being in a wheelchair his entire life, and began to run and dance and laugh! I have witnessed God heal people weekly in church and at Bible studies of hurt backs/necks, eye diseases, headaches, knee problems, you name it. I have heard of a mission team in South Africa that has only been on the trip for a few weeks and they have officially lost count of all the healings, miracles, and wonders that God has done!
So after getting my attention, I began to believe he could completely heal my shoulder/neck muscle that had been hurting me since last November. It seems like at every church service, bible study, and just hangout with friends, I was getting prayer & hoping God would completely heal me. Every time people prayed for me, I felt the Holy Spirit touch me and I knew he was doing something. I would feel some of the pain leave me, but then it would come back the next day or so.
I began doubting and listening to the enemy's lie that maybe it was because my faith wasn't strong enough. Then I thought of the apostle Paul when he says, "A thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times, I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I concluded that Jesus' power resting upon me, is far better than a healed shoulder. I can give up climbing, picking up kids, and worshiping with both arms raised. But I can't give up Jesus.
So then... I was lying in my bed watching a part of The Passion on Sunday night. The part where Jesus is crucified is so hard to watch, but it still doesn't show what he really went through. The Bible says he was naked, not just in his undies like the movie shows. Imagine being beaten by whips of broken glass, bone & clay while you're naked; nails going into your hands & feet; being separated from God; carrying all the sin of the whole world; and going through hell. I forget too often how bad it really was. As I watched the Roman soldiers nail his hands to the cross, God showed me why his ways are so much higher than mine. As they were preparing to nail his second hand in, they had to stretch his arm to line it up with the hole on the wood. In the movie, they stretch his arm so violently that it comes out of socket and Jesus yells again in agonizing pain.
I felt my heart sink. Who was I, being so silly complaining about the pain in my shoulder, when my pain isn't even a fragment of what Jesus suffered for me? Tears wouldn't stop as God loved on me, whispering, Baby, this is why I didn't heal your shoulder before. I wanted to share more of my heart with you. I wanted you to see this and come closer to me.
The next night I was at a Bible study and the speaker asked if anyone needed prayer for their right shoulder. Mine was the left, so I kept quiet, content with my pain after what God showed me. Then my friend said, "It's the LEFT!" Haha so they began praying. I felt warmth and the Holy Spirit. I was a bit afraid to raise my arm and test it out. I didn't want to be disappointed again. But as I raised it, I didn't feel one bit of pain! I rotated it around, and the usual popping of all my bones was gone!!!! I worshiped the rest of the night, for the first time since November, with both arms fully raised without pain! And now I get to go climbing on Thursday!
I love my Healer.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
He's Extravagant.
A few weeks ago I was having demonic nightmares each night and confused why God didn't take them away for me. With the ache in my gut that grows more each day to be with my kids in Mexico and the slow support raising, I let it get to me. I spent almost an entire week feeling bits of hope slip away from me. I was thirsty and really wanting to hear from God. I asked in Jesus' name and didn't know what else to do.
It wasn't anything I did to deserve to hear his voice. It was his own love that moved him. The one he loves needed hope. That and just my desperation. Like the woman in the Bible who had been bleeding for 12 years. She's able to push through crowds of people to just barely touch the hem of Jesus' garment. "Who touched me?" he says. His love and our desperation moves him.
Being God, he likes to surprise us and answer us in unexpected ways. So the Saturday after that hard week, I got invited to hear a random speaker at some random little church out in Jasper. I went and encountered the one my heart needs there.
I was told to get Judy to pray for me there. I found this sweet Southern stranger and began to hear from God as she prayed for me. She couldn't stop shaking as she said, "I don't think you know how much he's in love with you!" The Holy Spirit told her several things to pray over me. Prayers from the depths of my heart that I had been asking Jesus for in desperation. I think we forget a lot that he sits at the Father's right hand and is continually praying and groaning for us- that his Papa may work all things to our good and pour out his love for us.
After Judy prayed, God got another woman to pray for me. And then a young girl. And then as we were worshiping, their pastor prayed over me. Through each person's prayers, God filled my heart with way more HOPE than I had asked for! He tends to do that. It's just his nature to be extravagant in his giving.
The next morning at church, I was still overwhelmed by how he had spoken and blessed me the night before. The sermon that day was on the Prodigal son and the extravagant love of his Father. After the sermon, there was a call if anyone wanted prayer to go to the front. I thought, I just got so blessed last night, there's no reason I should get more prayer today. And God said, But I'm EXTRAVAGANT. Let me do this again Allie ;)
So I went to the front and received prayer from a lady I had never met. And again, I was so overwhelmed by how much God knows and cares about the depths of my heart, I couldn't stop crying. I'm telling you- God loves to give good things to his kids! He loves it!
So, the story continues...
The next day. Now this has happened the past 2 days- Saturday and Sunday. So as I entered this revival group that I go to on Monday nights I thought, I expect to encounter Jesus here, but there's no reason he should speak to me so powerfully for the third day in a row. We began worship. As we're singing, a girl (that I had never met from Indiana) comes up to me and tells me the sweetest vision that Jesus gave her about him coming to me. I couldn't help but laugh! He is ridiculous! Like he never gets tired of giving! And it is absolutely nothing that I have done to deserve any of this! It's just how he is.
Through these times of hearing from him, he is strengthening my heart in the sweeeeeeeetest way that only he can do. I cannot go to Mexico until he has prepared me. I can't go without him. I don't want to go unless he calls me. I need him and his power.
In Jesus' last words to his disciples before he ascends into heaven, he says, "And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49 He showed me this verse as I was looking over Birmingham today, wondering how much longer he will have me in this city. Ha! He will never stop marveling me!
Jesus is so alive it's crazy.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Yo. Be Encouraged!!!!
2013 has been a growing year thus far.
God really rocked me in 2012, doing WAY more than I EVER expected him to. I spent a season of living like Jonah in 2011, running from him and not wanting to surrender the deepest parts of my heart. After he helped me finally let go and trust him, I traded in my rebellion for obedience. That was the 2nd best decision of my life. Although surrender can hurt, and I had to reap the consequences of running from him for a season, nothing will ever be better than the feeling of obeying him. God is an AMAZING Healer and Restorer. Giving up my "dreams", I got to experience him trade me with new ones. Better ones. He is ALWAYS up to more than we can perceive. He ALWAYS has better gifts for his children. I praise God that his plans for me are bigger than my wildest dreams. He is extremely creative and the farthest from boring you could ever get.
End of 2012, being so faithful to my heart, God confirmed his calling for my life- to share Jesus with the world. For this season to come, and only He knows for how long, He has called me back to Mexico City. Experiencing the need for him in the world's 2nd largest city has driven me to follow him with passion and vision. My heart is for these kids and especially teens that are so hungry for life. Yet like so many, they're searching in all the wrong places and don't realize Jesus offers true everlasting life.
That's why I am pressing on to return and start the youth group in August this year, Lord willing.
Support raising has been challenging thus far. Having to raise $2,000 per month for only God knows how many years can be overwhelming. My friend who is also support raising ($15,000) to spend a year in China, really encouraged me in the process. She said,
"How boring and lame would it be if YOU raised all the money by yourself. Of course God is going to do it all through his Holy Spirit, because he is the one who has called you! This was not your doing, but his. So he has to confirm it and bring in every penny or peso you need." All you support raisers out there, I wanna give a shout out to you and telll you- God has raised 2/3 of this girl's support from people who she NEVER EVEN ASKED. Haha! Now that is how faithful he is. He will seriously provide all you need.
Look at what he's done thus far...
On Sunday during worship my pastor said Psalm 16:11 which has been my life verse for some time.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
I was just telling Jesus that he's all I've ever dreamed of, longed for, and needed. Then my pastor says, "Do you know who's at God's right hand? It's Jesus. Jesus is pleasures forevermore!" What a revelation! For so long I've loved this verse, but now I love it even more! Jesus!
I pray this encourages you! He is so good at making Scripture come alive even after years of knowing a certain passage! ASK HIM to do this for you today.
God really rocked me in 2012, doing WAY more than I EVER expected him to. I spent a season of living like Jonah in 2011, running from him and not wanting to surrender the deepest parts of my heart. After he helped me finally let go and trust him, I traded in my rebellion for obedience. That was the 2nd best decision of my life. Although surrender can hurt, and I had to reap the consequences of running from him for a season, nothing will ever be better than the feeling of obeying him. God is an AMAZING Healer and Restorer. Giving up my "dreams", I got to experience him trade me with new ones. Better ones. He is ALWAYS up to more than we can perceive. He ALWAYS has better gifts for his children. I praise God that his plans for me are bigger than my wildest dreams. He is extremely creative and the farthest from boring you could ever get.
End of 2012, being so faithful to my heart, God confirmed his calling for my life- to share Jesus with the world. For this season to come, and only He knows for how long, He has called me back to Mexico City. Experiencing the need for him in the world's 2nd largest city has driven me to follow him with passion and vision. My heart is for these kids and especially teens that are so hungry for life. Yet like so many, they're searching in all the wrong places and don't realize Jesus offers true everlasting life.
That's why I am pressing on to return and start the youth group in August this year, Lord willing.
Support raising has been challenging thus far. Having to raise $2,000 per month for only God knows how many years can be overwhelming. My friend who is also support raising ($15,000) to spend a year in China, really encouraged me in the process. She said,
"How boring and lame would it be if YOU raised all the money by yourself. Of course God is going to do it all through his Holy Spirit, because he is the one who has called you! This was not your doing, but his. So he has to confirm it and bring in every penny or peso you need." All you support raisers out there, I wanna give a shout out to you and telll you- God has raised 2/3 of this girl's support from people who she NEVER EVEN ASKED. Haha! Now that is how faithful he is. He will seriously provide all you need.
Look at what he's done thus far...
- He gave me every penny I needed for my trip to Mexico this past August- December. On the day my flight left for Mexico, a random family friend gave $300 to make it exactly $5,000!!!! Even after donors had given random amounts, like $427 God made it equal the exact amount down to the penny! Ha!
- Moving back to Birmingham after Mexico, away from my home church in Auburn, God provided me a seasonal home at Hope Culture. This church is starting a youth group now and I'm getting to be a part of it! Only God could provide such perfect stepping stones for my calling in Mexico!
- God has also called me to help lead a Girls' Purity small group, which I know he wants me to also use in Mexico, where so many desperately need Jesus' purity in their lives.
- God is also using this time at home, as I'm currently job hunting, to really bring healing to my familial relationships before I leave for Mexico in August. He is the only one who could have such perfect timing and good gifts for my family and me!
On Sunday during worship my pastor said Psalm 16:11 which has been my life verse for some time.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
I was just telling Jesus that he's all I've ever dreamed of, longed for, and needed. Then my pastor says, "Do you know who's at God's right hand? It's Jesus. Jesus is pleasures forevermore!" What a revelation! For so long I've loved this verse, but now I love it even more! Jesus!
I pray this encourages you! He is so good at making Scripture come alive even after years of knowing a certain passage! ASK HIM to do this for you today.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Jesus wants to share his glory with you!
“But you, Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, the
offspring of Abraham, my friend; you
whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you: ‘You are my
servant, I have chosen you and not
cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will help you, I will uphold you, with my righteous right hand.”
BIGGEST PRAISE: Like I said in the previous blog,
Jesus has made known his plans for me!
Praise the Lord, I'm on track to serving him long term in Mexico City! I'll be going to a training program this January 13-18, 2013 and hope to prepare and raise support to return by April 2013. I know this sounds soon, but the time is so crucial as God has called me to continue all the relationships and roles I was made for in Oasis, our church and community center. He's never been more clear- I was made to show these dear people his love, praise Jesus!
I would be so grateful if you would pray about supporting me long term.
I cannot do this without the body of Christ. I need you. I need prayer warriors as the enemy does not want Jesus to be glorified in Mexico City. I also need the finances to be able to continue serving God in this place. Jesus wants to glorify you in this too. If you would consider supporting me monthly- even if you could only give a tiny amount. Even $5 a month goes farther than you think.
If you would choose to support me prayerfully and/or financially, please email me at Allieebarber@gmail.com and I will shortly send you more info.
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers few!" Who will help us take Jesus to these people?
Isaiah 41:8-10
Sitting in the Miami airport, alone and cold for 6 hours now, I'm thinking about all that God has done and IS DOING, and I cannot help but keep smiling to myself.
Do you realize how faithful our God is?! How he really hears every single prayer and truly desires to fill our hearts up so that we overflow with his love, even in the most forgotten places on earth! God has great plans for you! The more you open up your hands for him to give and take away, the more you will know this awesome Jesus! Your King, who you were made for! The one who's aching for you!
He has called you friend.
He has chosen you.
He will uphold you.
My dear friends and family, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of God's incredible work here! You have supported me, both prayerfully and financially- and in both areas, I would not have experienced this without you. THANK YOU.
In my last few weeks here, God has blown us away.
He has grown our baby church from 13 people at the start in August to about 50 who are hungry for him! We've only poured out our desires for him to save this neighborhood and be an Oasis in the desert... and he has answered us! Praise the Holy Spirit for drawing people in and showing them his sweet presence, love and freedom for their lives!
- He has given me opportunities to speak his name with several dear friends who couldn't understand why I would leave a pretty suburb to come to the Mexi-ghetto.
- He has brought more kids to know him through talking about him in our Zonakids club each Saturday! Praise him for these new children!
- On my last Sunday, my dear Rosa, the very woman I've been praying for so hard to know Jesus, who's husband is confused and a Jehovah's witness- she actually came to church and brought her 2 kids, 2 nephews and a young neighbor with her! The greatest going away gift my heart was so overwhelmed, singing next to them on Sunday! I couldn't get over how faithful the Lord is! She wants to come back next Sunday! We're praying she does!
BIGGEST PRAISE: Like I said in the previous blog,Jesus has made known his plans for me!
Praise the Lord, I'm on track to serving him long term in Mexico City! I'll be going to a training program this January 13-18, 2013 and hope to prepare and raise support to return by April 2013. I know this sounds soon, but the time is so crucial as God has called me to continue all the relationships and roles I was made for in Oasis, our church and community center. He's never been more clear- I was made to show these dear people his love, praise Jesus!
I would be so grateful if you would pray about supporting me long term.
I cannot do this without the body of Christ. I need you. I need prayer warriors as the enemy does not want Jesus to be glorified in Mexico City. I also need the finances to be able to continue serving God in this place. Jesus wants to glorify you in this too. If you would consider supporting me monthly- even if you could only give a tiny amount. Even $5 a month goes farther than you think.
If you would choose to support me prayerfully and/or financially, please email me at Allieebarber@gmail.com and I will shortly send you more info.
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers few!" Who will help us take Jesus to these people?
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
BIG NEWS...
"You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; You have guided them by your strength to your holy abode...
You will bring them in and plant them in your own mountain, the place, O Lord, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. The Lord will reign forever and ever."
Exodus 15:13, 17-18
First, I want to thank the Lord for being as faithful as always, revealing his heart to us here.
Last week, he made my heart jump so high and practically leap out of my mouth! Eating a casual meal with Bob and Shona (my kiwi missionaries) I asked how their meeting went with their Pioneers director, Tim Brown, who had just visited for the weekend. They gave me what I've been begging God for since I arrived here- clarity. They told me they spent the whole meeting talking about how obvious it is that God's designed me for Mexico City and this ministry. How the time is crucial for me to be here- the harvest is now. Not in a few years after I fulfill the American dream of getting a successful job, finding a husband, and cute little apartment. No, the time is now.
Two years ago when I was first here, Shona reminded me of Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may be able to discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
God started our tiny church, Oasis, just a few months before I got here in August. He's used the relationships that we've built through our community center, to really bring the people to church. We have seen the fruit that we so desperately have been asking him for. I cannot say enough, Jesus is faithful to the end!
Originally I thought I would go back to the states (I can't call it home anymore- my home is where he wants me), work for a few years and then come back to Mexico. Aren't we so blessed that our God is way more creative, exciting, and adventurous than that! He's the one that has made me a perfect fit for this place, this team and this ministry. It's amazing how he designed every little thing in my character, for the main purpose of glorifying him here and bringing people to him! It's been entirely his work, not mine.
Since this is a crucial time for our church and community center, and the workers are really few- God has given me clarity and the goal- returning to the states to support raise and go through long-term missionary training, and then return as soon as possible. We're hoping by April of 2013. God will make it clear when he raises the support- both prayerfully and financially that I'll need.
I would ask you to listen to God in this time- if he would have you support me with your prayers and finances. We are the body and your support has been a beautiful picture of Jesus! Would you continue in helping me show this place God's love and glory?
Praise Jesus that we are gaining more and more ground especially with our neighbors- all of the lost kids have started coming more to our kids' programs and last week a few of them prayed to Jesus! More and more people are coming to church and the Spirit is moving- our prayer, worship and the messages!
(Janet, 14 years)
I am still really aching for my friends 13 and 14 year olds, Luis and Janet who have no father, and a disinterested mother. Their 15 year old brother is going to be a dad. God has burdened me for their salvation and I want so badly to see them know him. What a miracle that Lord willing, I'll be able to continue my relationships with them when I return next year! Right now, they are both searching for role models in the wrong places. Pray for God to change this!
I only have about 2 more weeks here. I'll be back to Birmingham on December 18th and cannot wait to see you all! You all deserve HUGE ALLIECAT hugs :)
Thank you again and again for your prayers! I have never learned the importance of prayer like I have here. I daily need
you to ask God to continue his work here. Please continue in this. You are storing up beautiful treasures in heaven when you pray for us here!!!
You will bring them in and plant them in your own mountain, the place, O Lord, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. The Lord will reign forever and ever."
Exodus 15:13, 17-18
First, I want to thank the Lord for being as faithful as always, revealing his heart to us here.
Last week, he made my heart jump so high and practically leap out of my mouth! Eating a casual meal with Bob and Shona (my kiwi missionaries) I asked how their meeting went with their Pioneers director, Tim Brown, who had just visited for the weekend. They gave me what I've been begging God for since I arrived here- clarity. They told me they spent the whole meeting talking about how obvious it is that God's designed me for Mexico City and this ministry. How the time is crucial for me to be here- the harvest is now. Not in a few years after I fulfill the American dream of getting a successful job, finding a husband, and cute little apartment. No, the time is now.
Two years ago when I was first here, Shona reminded me of Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may be able to discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
God started our tiny church, Oasis, just a few months before I got here in August. He's used the relationships that we've built through our community center, to really bring the people to church. We have seen the fruit that we so desperately have been asking him for. I cannot say enough, Jesus is faithful to the end!
Originally I thought I would go back to the states (I can't call it home anymore- my home is where he wants me), work for a few years and then come back to Mexico. Aren't we so blessed that our God is way more creative, exciting, and adventurous than that! He's the one that has made me a perfect fit for this place, this team and this ministry. It's amazing how he designed every little thing in my character, for the main purpose of glorifying him here and bringing people to him! It's been entirely his work, not mine.
Since this is a crucial time for our church and community center, and the workers are really few- God has given me clarity and the goal- returning to the states to support raise and go through long-term missionary training, and then return as soon as possible. We're hoping by April of 2013. God will make it clear when he raises the support- both prayerfully and financially that I'll need.
I would ask you to listen to God in this time- if he would have you support me with your prayers and finances. We are the body and your support has been a beautiful picture of Jesus! Would you continue in helping me show this place God's love and glory?
Praise Jesus that we are gaining more and more ground especially with our neighbors- all of the lost kids have started coming more to our kids' programs and last week a few of them prayed to Jesus! More and more people are coming to church and the Spirit is moving- our prayer, worship and the messages!
(Janet, 14 years)
I am still really aching for my friends 13 and 14 year olds, Luis and Janet who have no father, and a disinterested mother. Their 15 year old brother is going to be a dad. God has burdened me for their salvation and I want so badly to see them know him. What a miracle that Lord willing, I'll be able to continue my relationships with them when I return next year! Right now, they are both searching for role models in the wrong places. Pray for God to change this! I only have about 2 more weeks here. I'll be back to Birmingham on December 18th and cannot wait to see you all! You all deserve HUGE ALLIECAT hugs :)
Thank you again and again for your prayers! I have never learned the importance of prayer like I have here. I daily need
you to ask God to continue his work here. Please continue in this. You are storing up beautiful treasures in heaven when you pray for us here!!!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
"Don't lost heart"- Jesus
"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought to always pray and not lose HEART." Luke 18:1
Our Father is ridiculously faithful. Ridiculously compassionate and overflowing with extreme love. For the whole world. We got to taste just a tiny piece of it and it's completely overwhelming.
My best friend, prayer warrior, and the chic that has brought me more than enough laughs and joy had to leave on Thursday. Wednesday night was probably the sweetest moment God's given me so far. Saying goodbye to all of her friends here was so difficult. The most touching by far was sweet lil George- our 7 year old neighbor who has the most innocent smile in the whole world. This precious kid cried so hard for Beckah, it broke our hearts.
Coming home to pray our last prayer together before she had to leave the next morn, Beckah and I were completely overwhelmed by God's Spirit. Feeling just a fragment of his HUGE heart for George and his entire family (17 precious people total who are all going to hell unless they turn to Jesus, their only Savior) we could not stop crying. I've never felt such a heaviness for any one's salvation in my life like I do for this whole family. I know Beckah would say the same. We both could not (still cannot) believe how faithful and graciously generous God is for giving us a piece of his heart for them. What he's placed in us in nothing that we gained nor created ourselves. It's completely our sweet Daddy wanting to give us good gifts and to share his heart with us.
Every single one of them, our Father is aching for. And there's absolutely nothing I can do to save them, but wait on the Spirit and let him lead them to Jesus. It's hard to wait, but he is so trustworthy.
The parable of the persistent widow has been coming up a lot... I know he hears all our prayers and this lady's story motivates me more and more to keep asking him. This is by far my biggest request if you could join me in praying for this whole family, including:
Amazing how faithful God is. I was sad about having my day off without my best bud, after Beckah left on Thursday. I didn't want to be alone, but didn't know what to do or who to spend it with. I gave it up to him and the very next morning, I woke up to the answer (all 3 of them) literally sitting on my bed at 8am! My sweet neighbors Rosa and her sons Chava and Santana leaned into my confused face full of morning breath and asked me to go spend the day working on constructing their new house. Though I was exhausted and still a bit fluish how could I say no?! We spent the day on a mountain side, shoveling gravel to build their floor, shooting fireworks off the mt and eating lunch over a fire. Though I didn't get to say a lot about Jesus, God gave me a lot of footage with them and used it to really grow our relationship. (They're Jehovah's witnesses) I'm able to call them Papa and Mami as they care so much for me.
God's blessed me with more people to love than I've ever dreamed of. Though the enemy tries to attack with loneliness, Jesus pulls me up and shows me how deeply he can fill my heart. More than any best friend, child, nor man ever could. He is beyond our wildest dreams.
With Beckah gone, it's been really hard going through the day without sharing life, laughing and crying with my girl. But God is using it to grow my reliance on him and also take me into a new season. He's so exciting like that, always bringing new seasons and surprises. I've already been able to spend way more time with our neighbors in just 3 days than I have ever before. And today he gave me an opportunity to tell them why I'm here. He provides all we need and dream of, always in abundance.
Little by little, he's leading me along, showing me glimpses of what he made me for. I belong here with these people. This nature lover has never known such joy in such a polluted, overcrowded city with hardly any trees in sight. That's God for you :)
You are a part of his glory and goodness. Thank you for continuing to pray for his work here and for me. I am so grateful! I can obviously see that you're praying. Please continue, for his glory!
(George, Beckah, Santana, Luis, Chava, me and Carlos)
Our Father is ridiculously faithful. Ridiculously compassionate and overflowing with extreme love. For the whole world. We got to taste just a tiny piece of it and it's completely overwhelming.
My best friend, prayer warrior, and the chic that has brought me more than enough laughs and joy had to leave on Thursday. Wednesday night was probably the sweetest moment God's given me so far. Saying goodbye to all of her friends here was so difficult. The most touching by far was sweet lil George- our 7 year old neighbor who has the most innocent smile in the whole world. This precious kid cried so hard for Beckah, it broke our hearts.
Coming home to pray our last prayer together before she had to leave the next morn, Beckah and I were completely overwhelmed by God's Spirit. Feeling just a fragment of his HUGE heart for George and his entire family (17 precious people total who are all going to hell unless they turn to Jesus, their only Savior) we could not stop crying. I've never felt such a heaviness for any one's salvation in my life like I do for this whole family. I know Beckah would say the same. We both could not (still cannot) believe how faithful and graciously generous God is for giving us a piece of his heart for them. What he's placed in us in nothing that we gained nor created ourselves. It's completely our sweet Daddy wanting to give us good gifts and to share his heart with us.
Every single one of them, our Father is aching for. And there's absolutely nothing I can do to save them, but wait on the Spirit and let him lead them to Jesus. It's hard to wait, but he is so trustworthy.
The parable of the persistent widow has been coming up a lot... I know he hears all our prayers and this lady's story motivates me more and more to keep asking him. This is by far my biggest request if you could join me in praying for this whole family, including:
(sweet George and Sarai- innocent angels)
Luis, Janet, Rosa, Ricardo, Antonio, Lupe, George, Sarai, Chava, Santana, Sergio, Jasmin, and all the rest of them. Amazing how faithful God is. I was sad about having my day off without my best bud, after Beckah left on Thursday. I didn't want to be alone, but didn't know what to do or who to spend it with. I gave it up to him and the very next morning, I woke up to the answer (all 3 of them) literally sitting on my bed at 8am! My sweet neighbors Rosa and her sons Chava and Santana leaned into my confused face full of morning breath and asked me to go spend the day working on constructing their new house. Though I was exhausted and still a bit fluish how could I say no?! We spent the day on a mountain side, shoveling gravel to build their floor, shooting fireworks off the mt and eating lunch over a fire. Though I didn't get to say a lot about Jesus, God gave me a lot of footage with them and used it to really grow our relationship. (They're Jehovah's witnesses) I'm able to call them Papa and Mami as they care so much for me.
God's blessed me with more people to love than I've ever dreamed of. Though the enemy tries to attack with loneliness, Jesus pulls me up and shows me how deeply he can fill my heart. More than any best friend, child, nor man ever could. He is beyond our wildest dreams.
With Beckah gone, it's been really hard going through the day without sharing life, laughing and crying with my girl. But God is using it to grow my reliance on him and also take me into a new season. He's so exciting like that, always bringing new seasons and surprises. I've already been able to spend way more time with our neighbors in just 3 days than I have ever before. And today he gave me an opportunity to tell them why I'm here. He provides all we need and dream of, always in abundance.
Little by little, he's leading me along, showing me glimpses of what he made me for. I belong here with these people. This nature lover has never known such joy in such a polluted, overcrowded city with hardly any trees in sight. That's God for you :)You are a part of his glory and goodness. Thank you for continuing to pray for his work here and for me. I am so grateful! I can obviously see that you're praying. Please continue, for his glory!
(George, Beckah, Santana, Luis, Chava, me and Carlos)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Open more doors. Bring the fruit.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, an account of which I am in prison- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Colossians 4:2-4
As always, thank you for continuing to be faithful and pray for us here. Your prayers are moving God's heart to answer us in powerful ways here! I am so thankful for you.
God answered our prayers and brought a full house of people to our Hallergia Outreach event last Friday. It was amazing seeing so many new faces and families enjoying themselves in Oasis (our community center). We had karaoke and lots of games, but even more importantly...Bob was able to give a short message, in which the Spirit totally spoke. We are praying that God rooted his message in each heart that was present and that he'll continue watering and growing the seeds.
Lately, God's been teaching us all about his harvest- how he's the only one who can grow and produce fruit. We're just his workers, following his lead. He is the Harvester. We must be patient and wait for his perfect timing. He's been giving us pictures of him handing us the fruit. He's holding SO much for us. He just wants us to keep asking, seeking, wanting and persevering and he'll hand it to us. He is an abundant God and Giver!
Beckah and I have had days when the attacks of the enemy are extra hard. Some days we feel drained and without joy, but we know that God is fighting for us and all we have to do is surrender and let him do his thing. He mounts us up on eagle's wings, all for his glory. I've been amazed at how faithful he's been in giving us more hunger for him. His presence is so rich, full of abundance. All we have to do is ask him for more and he answers.
The past several days, I've asked him for specific things such as giving me loveliness, purifying my past (full of lust) and helping me seek him above all...
Would you believe it! Each day I've opened my devotion book to find him literally, word for word, promising me these things! God is so real and living. Here's just an example of what he said yesterday:
I am working my ways in you; the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out the debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession.
- Jesus Calling
Let this encourage you to ask, ask, ask in Jesus' name. His name literally contains so much power.
He's been faithful in bringing two girls my age to church...I've been so blessed seeing him work in them. One already knows him and the other is curious. We're asking him to keep them coming and to keep watering these seeds- especially so they'll stay connected to Oasis after we leave.
Those of you that have prayed for God to continue giving me specific pictures and words for people, and also for boldness to share them, THANK YOU!!! He's growing my trust in him, to rely on him entirely whenever he gives me something to share. Last night during our prayer time, I tried to step out more and ask him for a picture/word for my friend who doesn't know him. He answered (not a surprise!) and though I was so afraid for the awkwardness of sharing/not knowing how to explain in Spanish to this girl that I hardly know, he gave me the courage. He even touched her heart as I told her what he said . I'm praying his words stay with her and that he makes her thirsty for more.
He has also continued honoring me in dreaming big. I honestly never thought my sweet Mama Barber would ever be able to see my life here and understand that God made me specifically for this country. I love my mom to death, but God's obviously made us different and I'm not really sure where I get my sense of adventure. Nevertheless, this dream that I've had for some time...for her to know and see me here, is coming true! Like I learn over and over, God has no limits! My parents and sister are coming tomorrow until Monday to help us do much needed construction at Oasis. I've never been more thrilled and thankful!
Please continue praying:
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, an account of which I am in prison- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Colossians 4:2-4
As always, thank you for continuing to be faithful and pray for us here. Your prayers are moving God's heart to answer us in powerful ways here! I am so thankful for you.
God answered our prayers and brought a full house of people to our Hallergia Outreach event last Friday. It was amazing seeing so many new faces and families enjoying themselves in Oasis (our community center). We had karaoke and lots of games, but even more importantly...Bob was able to give a short message, in which the Spirit totally spoke. We are praying that God rooted his message in each heart that was present and that he'll continue watering and growing the seeds.
Lately, God's been teaching us all about his harvest- how he's the only one who can grow and produce fruit. We're just his workers, following his lead. He is the Harvester. We must be patient and wait for his perfect timing. He's been giving us pictures of him handing us the fruit. He's holding SO much for us. He just wants us to keep asking, seeking, wanting and persevering and he'll hand it to us. He is an abundant God and Giver!
Beckah and I have had days when the attacks of the enemy are extra hard. Some days we feel drained and without joy, but we know that God is fighting for us and all we have to do is surrender and let him do his thing. He mounts us up on eagle's wings, all for his glory. I've been amazed at how faithful he's been in giving us more hunger for him. His presence is so rich, full of abundance. All we have to do is ask him for more and he answers.
The past several days, I've asked him for specific things such as giving me loveliness, purifying my past (full of lust) and helping me seek him above all...
Would you believe it! Each day I've opened my devotion book to find him literally, word for word, promising me these things! God is so real and living. Here's just an example of what he said yesterday:
I am working my ways in you; the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out the debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession.
- Jesus Calling
Let this encourage you to ask, ask, ask in Jesus' name. His name literally contains so much power.
He's been faithful in bringing two girls my age to church...I've been so blessed seeing him work in them. One already knows him and the other is curious. We're asking him to keep them coming and to keep watering these seeds- especially so they'll stay connected to Oasis after we leave.
Those of you that have prayed for God to continue giving me specific pictures and words for people, and also for boldness to share them, THANK YOU!!! He's growing my trust in him, to rely on him entirely whenever he gives me something to share. Last night during our prayer time, I tried to step out more and ask him for a picture/word for my friend who doesn't know him. He answered (not a surprise!) and though I was so afraid for the awkwardness of sharing/not knowing how to explain in Spanish to this girl that I hardly know, he gave me the courage. He even touched her heart as I told her what he said . I'm praying his words stay with her and that he makes her thirsty for more.
He has also continued honoring me in dreaming big. I honestly never thought my sweet Mama Barber would ever be able to see my life here and understand that God made me specifically for this country. I love my mom to death, but God's obviously made us different and I'm not really sure where I get my sense of adventure. Nevertheless, this dream that I've had for some time...for her to know and see me here, is coming true! Like I learn over and over, God has no limits! My parents and sister are coming tomorrow until Monday to help us do much needed construction at Oasis. I've never been more thrilled and thankful!
Please continue praying:
- God would open more doors for us to share his truth with all of our students, especially as our time is coming to an end. Beckah leaves next week and I leave in 6 weeks. Also that he would make what we share clear and give us creative ways to share with our younger adolescent friends.
- For all of the relationships we've made with our friends who are not believers. There are many: Luis, Rosa, Janet, Ricardo, Santana, Chava, Diogenes, and several more. We are so hungry for them to know Jesus. Especially the one household of Jehovah's witnesses that we love. Only he can bring them to himself.
- For his Spirit to continue speaking and leading with dreams, visions, and words for these people. Also, more boldness for us to share these with whoever he tells us to.
- Perseverance, physical and emotional rest, refreshment, wisdom, peace, joy, discernment, compassion, gentleness and ALL the fruits of the Spirit for us to display for his glory.
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