The World Race - Nicole Juhasz

Family and Friends

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I would like to thank each one of you for your support and prayers throughout the past year. It has been a great year and it couldnt of been possible without your help. Your financial support that you gave made it possible for me to continue on throughout the entire time and provided for my daily needs. Your prayers kept me safe and gave me the strength to continue on.

This chapter of my life may be over, but a new one has already begun. Presently, I am living in Sodus, MI with my parents until I start my job at the beginning of the year and then moving to Sterling Heights, MI. If you are interested in hearing more about my trip feel free to contact me to set up a date.

E-mail or phone: Nicolencj@aol.com/248-941-5048

*** Attention Monthly Supporters***

I thank you for your financial support that you have offered to me this past year and would just like to remind you to have your monthly donations stopped so that your funds could help someone else in need.

A Single White Rose- Part 1

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I never knew how much power a single rose would have until the night a stranger walked up and presented one to me and then walked off. It happened while we were still in Kiev, Ukraine on the last worship night.

My teammate Cat and I were just coming back from our last team dinner when the rose was presented. Instantly, it brought a confused look on my face, but then quickly turned into a smile. I felt so special and loved. I kept praising God and thanking him for this little gift.

In the middle of my thanking and praising, God spoke to me and said to pass on the love. This little rose brought me so much happiness and instead of taking it home with me, I was being asked to give it away for someone else to enjoy.

I told him that he would have to tell me who I should give it to, and I anxiously looked and waited as we stepped closer and closer to the hostel we were staying at. A few woman walked by, but I knew it wasnt them. And then I seen her in the distance, she was an older looking woman sitting alone. She was on a bench in park with a couple of bags that sat beside her.

Presenting the rose felt weird at first, but I knew she was the one. As I approached her I held the rose out. She looked at me very confused, pushed the rose away, and said something I couldnt understand. I placed it into her hands and just walked away. I wanted to see her face, but just kept walking straight ahead. Cat, however, looked back and reported that the woman had a smile on her face stretching from ear to ear.

I dont know what the day was like for this woman and how much this rose meant to her, but God did. God sees, hears, and knows everything. Sometimes we are asked to do things that we dont quit understand, but God has a plan for everything and is looking for people to be used by him. To be used to spread his love.

A Single White Rose- Part 2

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

That night at worship God spoke to be a lot about love and how much it is hoarded around the world, when its meant to be spread. Love is like a bouquet of flowers. Most bouquets are received, brought home, and placed in a vase until they wilt and die. Often, love in the same way is received, brought home, placed in a vase until it wilts and dies.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

- 1 John 3:16

Love is a gift and it has been freely given. The choice is yours what youre going to do with it. Whether you choose to hoard it or spread it doesnt change Gods love for you. Nothing changes Gods love, the only thing that changes is whether or not youre going to accept it or not and what youre going to do with it.

Vision Behind INOP

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

International Night of Prayer was something God laid on my heart back in January. Below is a video that shares a little more of my heart and why this night is special to me!!!

International Night of Prayer

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

God is searching for a generation to stand in the gap for the widows, the fatherless, and the oppressed. He is calling and waitingfor someone. We want to be that someone, and we want you to be that someone.

On Friday, October 29, 2010, believers across the world are going to pray and fast for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, an awakening, and a revival.

How can you get involved? You can start with inviting others to join in on this night. Spread the word by re-posting this blog and sending out e-mails to everyone you know - friends, family, churches, and organizations. If you want to do more, then start with planning your own night.

Need more information? If you would like an e-mail to send out or a promo video, or if you have questions about what is happening, please send your requests via email to: Internationalnightofprayer@gmail.com

International Night of Prayer (blogs) from Glenalyn Hunt on Vimeo.

Watch Out Eastern Europe...

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Re-post:Just couldn't do a better job introducing the new team...

Team

Unshakeable

Just 7 ordinary individuals

Who are actually extraordinary

..and definitely weird.

Hebrews 12:25-29

See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice SHOOK the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, Yet once more I will SHAKE not only the earth, but also the heaven. This expression, yet once more, denotes the removing of those things which can be SHAKEN, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be SHAKEN remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be SHAKEN, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Team Unshakeable has been thoroughly wrecked this year there is no way we could ever deny who the King of this earth is.

Out of a desire to chase after seeing Gods Kingdom on earth, and living daily to fight for that- we chose to go under the name unshakeable. The only truth we have in this world that cannot be shaken is eternal life through Christ Jesus.

So the last 2 months of this crazy World Race will be us pushing one another and challenging each other to show this world who our God is.

Alsoits month 9 so no one can fault us for acting a little insane

Meet The UnShakeables!!

Biggest Fear

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Its been three weeks since leaving Africa and it wasnt until last night that I finally allowed myself to reflect about my time there. I havent written any blogs lately because in truth I had no idea what to say. I had no idea what my heart was feeling. It was hard for me to share my heart in my prayers better yet in my blogs.

Thankfully, God broke me last night and for the first time in while I was able to fully cry out to the Lord. I was able to share my struggles and share what broke my heart. Anger has been bubbling up inside of me for a while and it was last night as I sat on the balcony of our home as worship music played that I told God the things that has been breaking my heart and pissing me off. Tears rolled down that have been waiting to be released for months. In the end I was able to dance before the Lord because I knew that God was crying there with me.

Just a few of the things that break my heart:

- the hard hearts in the world

- the people who know the truth, but are choosing to live for themselves

- the religion

- the false teaching

- the false doctrines

- Satan and his lies

- addictions

- prostitution

- the lack of joy

- the hopelessness

- the care of the sick

- the treatment of the poor

- the corrupt governments

- the hypocrite Christians

- the oppression

- the people held in bondage

I know this anger is a righteous anger from the heart of God.

I know that something needs to be done.

I know that I cant just sit back and watch.

Nine months ago I quit my job and left for an 11-month mission trip. I was awaken, the battles of good and evil became apparent. I left thinking I was going to change the world and instead the world changed me.

I have only two months left before I head home. The biggest fear that resides in me is that the change that has happened will turn void and I will be the same as when I left.

Saying that this wont happen is the easy part, not allowing it is the hard part!!!!!!!!

Stepping Back In Time

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the most part, people dont typically get reminded of their grandparents home while staying in Kenya. However, walking into our home of Wentagd, Kenya gave me flashbacks of my visits to grandpa and grandma Millers house. The smell of the burning karosine lamp was the first notion. Looking around the room entailed a full-size bed in a corner and a nightstand at the end of the bed where the lamp and a box of matches rested. An old quilt lay on the bed. Decorations of the room were no existent. There was not a picture in sight. The simple yet complex access to immediate light was nonexistent. There was no electricity in sight. Some could say that grandparents living in these conditions are ones who never stepped out of their time and into the present time.

From the time my mother was born in 1941 till their death my grandparents lived with the Amish, faith. This does not mean that I am or have I ever been Amish in my lifetime. It does mean, however, that my mother at one time was until the age of sixteen. My mother is one of 14 children. Of the 14 children five of her siblings still choose to live this faith. Much of my time growing up was spent at their homes as well as my grandparents home. It was time of helping and watching as part of my family lived a life without electricity and the technology of today. Instead of cars a horse and buggy was driven. Instead of a washer and dryer, clothes were hand washed and then hung to dry. Karosine lamps were used to light up a room and clothes were sewn not bought. Gardening and canning is a huge part of their life as well as farming in one-way or another.

My grandpa died in 2000 and my grandma passed a few months before leaving for the race. Family gatherings were never quit the same. My grandparents always had a way of getting people together. Before my grandmother passed away I had the opportunity to pray with her.

Memories of those days are such a blessing from God and who would of thought God would of used Kenya to bring me such joy. Oh how a sweet aroma can come from a lamp.

Healthcare-Part 1

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Before coming on the race I worked in an excellent hospital as a radiation therapist for two years. I worked every weekday from 7am till 4pm treating 30-40 patients daily. I loved my job. Each patient that walked through our departments doors was treated with high quality care. Not one person was turned away. Each person was treated the way the doctor prescribed to his or her various cancer treatments.

The healthcare in the states werent perfect by any means. And I dont know exactly how the new health care bill will affect the healthcare when I get back to the states, but I do know that anything is better than the healthcare of what I have seen around the world.

In the Philippines I only heard of the care given. In Africa I was able to walk the halls of their hospitals and see with my own eyes of the healthcare received. Whether being told of the healthcare or being able to see it first hand I can truly praise God for the care that is given in the states. My heart breaks for the people around the world who are in need of care.

In the Philippines healthcare was only given if the money was accessible. If a person had no money to give than no treatment was received. People are turned away on a daily basis due to lack of funds. The Philippines is full of people living under the poverty level. Some have a daily struggle to provide a meal or home for themselves or their family. Back in March I was blessed to be able to be involved in the feeding program of Kids International Ministry in HSad, Philippines. One of the biggest locations that we went was a gymnasium that proved the homes of over a hundred families. Sheets and blankets separated each family as disease and infections ran rampent there. Hungry rats rooming around bit children on a daily basis. It was not a safe place for any one to live a life.

God blessed me by opening up an opportunity to work with the nurse, Lydia at the ministry. I enjoyed cleaning out sores as well as infections, and passing out vitamins. One day I remember a woman walking up to Lydia and pointing at her breast. I knew immediately what she had. My stomach turned. It was breast cancer. It was an advance stage and was breaking through her skin. With no care she would have no hope.

It was on this day I learned just how big of a heart Lydia had. Through a round about way I learned that through Lydias pocket this woman was going to get treatment. Hope is never lost even if the fairness of the world isnt there.

Injustices happen every single day. Quit talking about them and do something about them.

World Race Suggestion

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the biggest suggestions that I have for anyone signing up for The World Race is to make it your own. Other peoples experiences are just that, it is theres not yours. Live up to your potential and strive for what God has placed in front of you. Make it your own.

Experiences in the countries will be different for each individual. One person will love the country you hated while others will hate the one that you loved. Ministries will pass you by in a flash. It may not be what your hearts desire is, but it is what has been entrusted to you for that month. Meals may entail beans and rice on a day-to-day basis, but at least something is there to fill your tummy.

Stepping into this year I had expectations. I didnt realize I had these expectations until they werent met. I took other peoples experiences and claimed them over myself and sadly was disappointed. Learn from my mistakes and claim your experience to be just that, yours.

This is a year that God has called you to. Ask him what he wants from it. Claim it and then chase after it.

Arrival

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Stepping off the plane in Nairobi, Kenya created a different variety of emotions among the entire squad. A few people were crying while others had mixed emotions of nervousness and being tired. It is now the 6^th month into the race; a huge part of the emotions we are experiencing is the pure exhaustion of the race and then the great unknown of Africa.

Thankfully, the first week in Africa was a time of debrief. During this time we were with the entire squad and it was a time of relaxation. We stayed at Milimani Backpackers Hostel, which was amazing. Once arriving at the hostel we were greeted with a huge welcoming sign. We were greeted with smiling faces and sincere hearts.

I would recommend staying at this hostel for anyone staying in Nairobi. The atmosphere is very relaxing with cozy room accommodations and a cozy fireplace outside in the dining area. All I need is a few gram crackers, a chocolate bar, and two huge marshmallows to created a delicious smore.

*** Pictures will be posted when better internet is available***

Kenya Ministry-Part 1

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

During debrief time we were able to hear about what our ministry for the month would be. Excitedly everyone waited to hear the news; we were going to be working in a Massai tribe community. Yes, the tribe that is seen on the discovery channel wearing jewelry all over their body doing jump competitons during their tribal activities.

It seemed like everyone was excited and ready to take on the month, besides the unknown living conditions that could only be assumed. The final details were to be figured out in the days to come.

TIA is a common expression while in Africa and it stands for this is Africa. Meaning things dont run exactly how you would assume and so this is just a common reminder to yourself to not get stressed out and realize where you are. This phrase is used more often than not.

For our team this phrase started being said before we even got to our ministry site. Megan our team leader was responsible for contacting our contact, which was Pastor Jackson and arrange all the travel necessary to get to our ministry site, however, this was more difficult than imagined. We ended up finding out through a long process that the pastor was sick and instead of telling us this he tried to save face and not tell us. Through a long process we ended up finding this out about him and finding out that we wouldnt be able to get to our ministry site until ten days after we were suppose to begin our ministry.

However, through the workings of God and his overall plan, not all things were so bad.

Kenya Ministry-Part 2

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Instead of going to our ministry site with the Massai tribe the first ten days we ended up working along side our team leaders, Megan, church. It was no quincidence by any means.

A few days in to our stay in Nairobi before having difficulties with our ministry contact we as a team decided to go to a restaurant and have lunch together. After ordering and while waiting for our food Megan commented that the guy sitting at the table next to us facing away looked like a guy she knew at her home church. Time and time again we told her that she should just go up and ask if he was. It took her awhile before she ended up going up to him and lo and behold it ended up being him. He was in Nairobi because they had an office there.

His name was Mark. He was there with his wife. They both lived in Kenya for a couple months out of the year working with the church and the ministry that they had dreamed of years ago. The ministry is a home for girls. The girls were either taken their because they were promised to be married to a man decades older or was found out to be expecting to go through a common procedure done in Africa tribe called FGC or Female Genital Circumcision. The girls at the site range from 10 to 18 years old. The girls were usually taken to the site because the chief of the tribe was told about the girls situation and then would contact Mark. The marriages between the young girls were typically arranged to pay off debt that the parent has established and the circumsion used to be done as part of the tribe traditions, but it is now illegal for this procedure to be done. The procedure is very dangerous and many girls die due to blood loose. The girls home hasnt been around very long, but there are many plans in store for the home.

In addition to their involvement with the home Mark and his wife were there in Kenya to run a 14-day mission trip with some people from their church. They were going to be doing a soccer camp, vacation bible school, and renuvation at the site of the girls home.

After Megan explained more to the dream the team thought that being able to work with Mark and his team would be a good opportunity and at the time it was just a dream, but due to the situation with our initial contact our dream came true. For the first ten days we worked alongside the mission trip team from Christ Community Church located in Greenly, Colorado. Each of us did what we felt most capable to do and what God laid on our hearts. David and Jonathan worked at the girls home doing construction around the compound. Leyna, Glenalyn, and Cat worked with the vacation bible school. Megan and I ended up working at the soccer camp.

After the time in Kitengela, Kenya we loaded up our packs went to Nairobi. We spent the day their celebrating Jonathans birthday, eating good food, and surfing the internet. Later that day we ended up meeting with our initial contact and heading off to Narosoora in order to catch start our second ministry of the month.

Tanzania Bus

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Monday night about 7pm Chriss team as well as our team loaded into two Matatus and headed out for the bus station to start our 16-hour drive to Mwanza, Tanzania, our next ministry location. Getting to the bus station was breeze it was only a short drive from where we were staying.

Everyone including me seemed a bit nervous arriving. We all heard about our fellow squad mate who was grabbed earlier that week. The culprits ended up grabbing her in order to take her camera. Her team leader then attacked them, however, as the bag reached the ground another culprit ended up picking it up and running off with it. Praise the Lord Emily and everyone else was not harmed in any way. I would love to see the culprits face once he realized he just stole a broken camera.

As you have heard the bus station isnt the safest place and so everyone had good reason to be a bit anxious. Thankfully our 2 hours of waiting there were no mishaps and we safely loaded up all our bags and piled into the bus to begin a long journey.

The ride was bumpy as we fully experienced the African roads all night long. People tried to make best of the time on the bus sleeping, reading books, or watching movies. Overall it was a tiring travel day, but all is well as we arrived at our sleeping quarters with no lost bags and tired faces.

During our travels we would be randomly stopped due to weight issues for the bus. During one of our stops we were fortunate enough to be by the Serengeti and were able to see a group of baboons along the side of the road getting their fill on food alongside the road.

Falling Through A House

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the ministries we were involved in while in Cambodia was to help repair a house for a widow and her son. The construction involved repairing the roof, the steps, and half of a floor. We also constructed two of the four walls. The ministry lasted a total of only 6 days. The first day we started with the floor. Our job was to take bamboo that was cut in half lay them on the base of the floor and nail them to the supporting logs of wood that layed perpendicular. The first day seemed to go quite well and before we knew it dinnertime was here and we decided to close up shop.

The rest of that day went as normal where we made our mile walk to the caf where we would get our dinner, then shortly after eating we would start our walk home in order to make it home before 8pm. This was then the time we would take our showers and plug in our computers before the two hours of electricity ended. Once everyone had his or her showers we would gather together for feedback. Feedback consisted of my team and I coming together to talk about the day and then pray for anything that we felt called to pray for.

The next day was the day we set out to finish the floor and then start on the next project. We started around 9:30am. Megan and I were diligently working on the floor, while the other team members were getting the bamboo ready to be used. Megan and I were nailing each piece of bamboo as we were directed. We would switch off and on depending on who had the best angle to hit the nail into the supporting wood. Recalling the event I remember holding the piece of bamboo down and Megan nailing the nail when all of a sudden the floor under me broke and I went down. I tried to grab on what ever I could and thought I had a good grip, when that part of the flooring broke as well.

I landed with cuts and bruises all over my body, but thankfully not hurt to bad. No broken bones or gushing wounds we decided to get back to work.

We stabilized the floor a bit better so no one else would have this same experience. We switched two of the supporting wood posts with more solid wood and then continued nailing the bamboo down. Afterwards the floor looked pretty good. I will say I appreciate our cement floors back at home a lot more. The effects of the fall were felt a lot more the next day.

Looking back on the night before the fall I recall praying specifically for the stability of that floor. I remember praying for the safety of the widow and her son. I prayed that if the floor werent stable enough for them to show us so that they could have a safe home. I guess I should have also prayed for my teams safety as well.

God has a sense of humor so beware of what you pray for!!!!!!

A New Love

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Coming into this month I was a bit disappointed having to teach an entire month of English. Last month in Cambodia part of our ministry was teaching English, I did not enjoy any part of it. It made me wonder why people sign up to teach English in other countries around the world. I thought I would never be one of those people.

However, things started to change in Thailand. I dont know what was so different this month compared to last month, but I rather enjoyed teaching English to the varies schools throughout the month. It took probably about two and a half weeks for me to enjoy it, but just a few days ago after teaching a class it came to my realization that teaching English has become quite enjoyable to me. I actually started looking forward to the next opportunity.

I know this months ministry was placed in my hands to instill this new love because looking back I was not excited for the month. In the months to come if teaching English is a part of the ministry I will have a new outlook than I did this month.

I miss the children already in those schools!!!!

Living In Asia

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I love traveling around the world learning all the different cultures. Traveling with the World Race is a lot different than traveling the world on vacation. Most people who travel to different culture arent able to truly experience a culture. Typically, they get off a plane hop in their taxi; arrive at the hotel or for some the resort. They travel the country going to the common tourist attractions, attend cultural events like dancing rituals, visit museums to learn the history, and attend a native buffet to try all the food in one sitting.

Living among the locals, however, is a total different experience. Typically, before living among the locals we learn all the cultural norms for the country, to limit the possibility of offending someone. We learn what to do and what not to do. Some of these things may seem strange, but in order to respect the culture you try your best to hold up to the set standards unless they go against something you believe in, of course. Often, in order to not offend someone you shake off everything you grew up with and try your best to fully experience the culture that is in front of you.

Living in Asia the past three months I have learned to:

- - Remove my shoes before entering a house

- - Look for donation boxes in order to go to the restrooms in public locations

- - Ask whether the markets are barter markets or at price markets

- - Not show the bottom of my feet (very disrespectable)

- - Build roofs, walls, and floors with bamboo

- - Ask whether the water from the faucet is drinkable or not

- - Not touch the top of childrens head (the head is very sacred)

- - Love white rice (not really)

- - Love all the parts of a chicken in my soup

- - Look for a comfort location (typically the coffee shop)

- - Carry a roll of toilet paper at all times

- - Interpret what is being said in a language I can not understand

- - Eat the fat thats on meat (its regarded as a delicusee)

- - Use a squatee

Swimming With Dolphins

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In elementary school I wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals. Throughout the years in elementary school I would continually change my favorite animal because they were so amazing to me and it was hard to choose just one. Every time I learned something new about an animal it would always be amazed and would decide that that animal was now my favorite.

Growing up my family and I would always go to Sea World. It is probably one of my favorite memories that we did, besides going camping. Watching the whales and dolphins swim around and do tricks always amazed me. Since I was a young age I heard that there were places that allowed you to swim with dolphins; however, the cost always kept me from doing it. That was until I was in Thailand and the opportunity came up for a price of only $12 US dollars. My team and I jumped at the opportunity and went on a little drive. Before we knew it we were swimming with four different dolphins.

It was an enjoyable experience and I was quite amazed at how strong of a swimmer they were. I would recommend going if you ever get the chance.

Please Pray

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My team leader has an amazing blog and it needs to be read by as many people as possible. Please read and forward to all that you know.

I met Aubrey when I was 10. My family moved to Greeley, Colorado and that summer I joined a competitive soccer team. She was one of the first people my age that I met. I played my last game of soccer with Aubrey our senior year at Greeley Central High School. Many of my fondest memories of soccer include Aubrey.

We had a tournament in Vail, Colorado one summer. Aubrey and I took two mountain bikes, mischievously, on an a little trip around the Vail golf course until a man on a golf cart came and told us we had to get off. That was all Aubrey and I could talk about for about a month. I remember laughing so hard my entire body hurt. Aubrey had such a great way of making people laugh and smile. She was such a happy-go-lucky girl and I admired her love and zest for life. Since graduating, I haven't talked to Aubrey, which saddens me. What I have seen is that she worked really hard to get through college at CU, she continued to pursue her love for art, and is teaching and enjoying yoga (thanks facebook). I wish I could sit down with Aubrey and catch up.

But today when I was sitting in the coffee shop in Chanthaburi, Thailand, I read that she had gone missing. She has been traveling around in Asia, teaching yoga and learning eastern culture and thought. She left from Kathmandu on a journey and has not returned. It is now May 11, 2010. She was supposed to return to Kathmandu on May 1^st.

The Lord has been stirring something fierce in my heart ever since I read the news. I do not know much about Aubrey and where she is spiritually. All I know is that the Lord has spoken pretty loud and clear to me that I need to pray. I need to respond in love. I need to get the message out that she hasn't been heard from in 10 days. I need to get people praying for her protection and her safe return home. I wrote an email to Aubrey's parents today at 16:35 (Thailand time). In that email I prayed for her safety and that the Lord would have Aubrey contact her family within 24 hours. My prayer is that Aubrey will in fact email or call someone back in the states by 16:35 May 12, 2010 (Thailand time). I am praying. I am believing. The Lord is telling me that I need to pray, not only for Aubrey's safe return, but also for His glory to be known in this situation. He is telling me that if we pray, His Kindom will come! I'm praying in faith...

Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you."

Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours."

John 16:23-24 "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete."

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Aubrey's missing. Will you intercede on her behalf? She needs your prayers. She needs His hope. The love of the Lord is pursuing her with a force that is to be reckoned with. I pray against the strongholds that are preventing Aubrey from seeing and experiencing His love!

"Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Team Changes-Part 1

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The month of April was a huge transition month for the M squad. Everything that was became shaken. It was time for team changes. The announcement that this would happened came at the beginning of the month and four weeks later the reality of it all happened.

There are several reasons that team changes happen and to list them all would be impossible. The best thing is to keep in mind that it is in Gods hands. Three people within the squad rose up and became squad leaders. We went from having eight teams down to seven. One team was split up entirely, while others had a few replacements. Some teammates were given the opportunity to lead while others were asked to step down from their positions. Overall the transitions seemed to go smoothly besides a couple tears as members left their old teams.

With this I am sad to say that I had to say a farewell to my wonderful group of ladiesthe Arete ladies. I grew to love them and didnt even know how much until I had to say goodbye. I loved getting to know each of the ladies. I will miss them more than they know, but I am excited to see how much God will show them in the months to come.

Love you ladies!!!!!

Team Changes-Part 2

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With that said I am proud to be able to introduce my new team. I am excited to get to know each one on a different level. I see so much in this team and am excited to spend the next seven months with them.

Team POSTOFFICE

Allow me to introduce each person:

- Leyna

- Cat

- Glenalyn

- Me

- David

- Jonathan

- Megan (Team Leader)

Please check out each of my new teammate's blogs.

Please pray for us and come along as we deliver the good news to the nations!!!!

Thailand Team/Ministry-Part 1

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The month of May was also a month of transitions. The month is focused on man ministry and women ministry. This means that the ladies and the men would split off for an entire month and do different minitries. I am excited to be with all girls again and am excited that the men get to be with just the men.

Due to the overwhelming amount of girls on the squad we were all split into three different ministries. This month I will be working with the girls on my team as well as the girls on the team Current. Even though we are two different teams we decided to come together and work as one. Our new team name is

Again for the first Time"

Please allow me to introduce each new team member:

Front Row: Lindsey, Amy, Katie, Me, Leyna

Back Row: Cat, Megan, Kathryn, Kristi, Glenalyn

(Right to Left)

Thailand Team/Ministry-Part 2

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Overtime you come to realize there is no reason to get excited about any ministry you are told about. At least not until you arrive at the contact's home and talk with them again and even then it may change.

Coming into the month of May. The tension was high among the girls. Some were expecting to work in the sex trafficking ministry, while others were hoping they wouldn't be. This is no easy ministry. In fact it is one of the tougher ministries on the world race. Expectations were high as many assumed that since we were in Thailand and that is all that is talked about that this would be the ministry this month.

However, the expectations of this month were shot down and instead we were given ministry information about a church in Chanthaburi. Many ladies were devastated, myself included; however, I was also relieved. Working in the bars would have been a stretch for me, but I knew that God would help me through it so I was up for the challenge.

Instead we were told that we would be working with a church, teaching bible studies, going to hospitals visiting patients, teaching soccer, and working at a leper colony. Hearing the list of ministries made my heart skip a beat and shed a little tear. Wow, I would be able to do so many different minitries and each one of them was a part of my heart. I love soccer, love doing bible study, love working with patients, and have always wanted to help in a leper colony.

Before leaving on this mission trip God told me that the ministry would not be about me and asked if I would be willing to hold a dying person so that they wouldn't feel alone? I told Him it would be hard, but I would do it and I thought that this month may have been what God was talking about. I tried not to get my hopes up because like I said before don't get excited about a ministry until you are at talking with the contact face to face. However, this month no matter how often I told myself not to get excited, I did.

I decided to look up more information about leper colonies. I wanted to learn as much as I could so I wouldn't go in dumbfounded. On the way to the city of where our ministry was I shared with my team all the information I found and shared with them my desire to work with them.

I am sad to say that each thing on the ministry list turned out to be wrong. This month would instead be a month of teaching English. We would be teaching English at schools, churches, camps, and homes. You give us a location and we will be there. I can't say that I enjoy teaching English, but I can say that I am going to be learning to love it!!!!

Passions

Tue, 4 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Passions aren't made to waste away. They were put on your heart to make you step into the fullness of life. To allow you to live. Far to often we step away from our passions to live the life that is expected of us to live. We choose to often to lay them down and just dream about what could be.

Why do we do such a thing?

Why do we allow society to shape how we live our life?

One of the biggest things I have learned these past four months is how I have put God in a box. I have put the passions of my heart aside because there would be no way of meeting such a passions.

However, God has awakened these passions. The ones that I have even placed in a box He has met. Passions that I even forgot I had.

The question is: What passions have you limited God on in your life???

What's Instore

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived in Thailand on the 23rd of April. The walk across the border was no easy task. My entire life was attached to my back as I crossed the border. My pack increased in weight after each step. It is a crazy concept to think that God has asked me to leave everything behind in the world that I know. God has taken me on a journey. A journey that takes only 11 months, but that lasts a lifetime.

I have seen God work in so many ways. He has worked through me, through my team, and through my squad. I am excited to see what he has instore for us the remaining 7 months. I am excited to see how God is going to speak to us and through us. It has been 4 months, but it is just the beginning.

There Is So Much More For You

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Evangelism is a hard concept to wrap my head around. How do I explain in words what the Lord has done for me? It is hard enough for me to put words together for a blog better yet to put words together to explain Him...my God...my Father...my Lord...my friend.

He loves and adores you and longs for more of you...yes you. He can never get enough of you. You could never have done anything to make Him not love you. His love is more than human love...you cannot run away from it. He has already given up everything for you. He is patiently and eagerly waiting for you. The question is how long are you going to make Him wait? How long are you going to deny a never-ending love? A love that isn't developed based on performance or acts of deeds, but a love that is true.

The bible is more than a book of good morals and values. It is the living Word of God. It speaks Truth. A truth that can set you free. It is God sharing His heart with you.

His voice is more than a whisper in the wind. It is the love of a Father repeatedly saying:

- "I Love You"

- "I'm waiting for you"

- "I want more of you"

- "I already forgave you"

We will never understand the fullness of God. If our minds could comprehend Him then what kind of God would we be serving. He is bigger than you and me...so much bigger...and in that you can find rest. You can find rest in knowing that God is in control and no matter where you are in life He is always their longing for more of you.

He is my rock and my shield. He can be yours too!!!!!

Things I Do in Cambodia

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Things I Do In Cambodia That I would Never Do In America...

1. Walk in public restrooms without shoes.

2. Wear blazing hot pants in the heat of the sun while doing construction (can't show those knees off)

3. Stand on my toilet

4. Take pants completely off in order to squat to go to the restroom (don't want to splash)

5. Connect a fan to a car battery

6. Make an effort to connect with people who gather together in groups to laugh and point at you.

7. Walk up to a house and have the woman of the household pull down her son's pants (thinking I was a doctor)

8. Kill a spider with my shoe, and then start eating cereal with out even washing my hands.

9. Go to the restroom washing with only water

10. Sweat profusely all over my body.

11. Walk a 20-minute walk to eat breakfast.

12. While walking to and from meals yelling the famous word "hello" back from hundreds of children along the walk.

13. Eat what looked at first like small meatballs (ended up being private parts of some animals)

14. Fill a plate full of chicken intestines (thought it was just chicken meat...yuck!!!)

15. Not think about having toilet paper in the bathroom while, experiencing diarrhea. That is until finding out that the water isn't working.

Putting into Action

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What kind of world would it be, if the scripture we read and the messages that we hear were played out? Would the world be as it is today?

Reading scripture is one thing and living out scripture is another. The later cannot be done without the first, but the first can be done without the later. What use is it if what you read isn't being displayed? What you hear isn't being played out? And what you preach isn't being practiced?

Philippine Ministry Site

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have landed in the Philippines over two weeks ago. Since then we have been working for a ministry called K.I.M (Kid's International Ministry). The ministry site is huge compared to some of the ministry sites we have been placed in. Previous ministry sites have struggled to house the six of us thats on my team, but this ministry site has been able to house the 70 world racers that are working alongside my team as well as other guests from around the world.

The site that we are staying at is in Manila and was the first site founded. K.I.M. has been running since 2005 and has made a huge impact in individual lives as well as the surrounding community. They are connected with several different ministries in the surrounding areas and takes an interest in the needs of the people as their main focus. Part of their ministry is an orphanage that they run with children from the Philippines that have their own story as why they are there. There has been encouraging stories as well as disheartening stories from these children. The orphanage is run with much discipline for the children in regard to having the children do chores on a daily basis and having responsibilities to help prepare them for the future.

Other ministries that K.I.M is involved in include working with young boys on the streets through Children's Garden, feeding children affected by the typhoon in September, ministering to street children, bring church to surrounding communities, etc. The ministries that they offer and help aid are astounding. Please feel free to check out their website for more information. They are always willing to host people and offer them the opportunity to volunteer any ministry.

http://kidsinternationalministries.org

The street feeding has been my teams main focus this past month!!!!

Culture-Part 1

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have been living in the Philippines for over two weeks and have learned a lot about their culture. Below are just a few facts about what I learned from the culture on the internet, but please stay tune in part 2 where I will discuss more of the things that I have learned first hand.

The culture of the Philippines reflects the history of the Philippines. The complexity of the culture was created through the blending of several diverse cultures. Philippians have a Malay heritage mixed with Spanish, American and other Asian cultures.

Spanish colonization in the Philippines occurred from 1565 to 1898. Most of that time the islands were governed from Mexico and later directly from Spain. As a result, there is a significant amount of Spanish and Mexican influence in Philippine customs and traditions. Hispanic influences are visible in traditional Philippine folk music, cuisine, festivals, religion, and language. Due to the Spanish influence most Filipinos practice the Catholic faith or claim to have that faith.

Later, the Philippines was a territory of the United States from 1898 until 1946. American influences are evident in the use of the English language, and in contemporary pop culture, such as Fast-food, music, film, and basketball.

Asian ethnic groups such as the Chinese and Japanese have been settling in the Philippines since the colonial period and their influence is also present in the popularity of gambling games and other Asian cuisine.