Author's Note
The following contains unbelievable tales from a missions trip I took part in during the summer of 2008 with an organization known as Castillo del Rey (King’s Castle).
A few years ago the Lord called me to be a missionary in Nicaragua for at least two years. That calling has become my passion and purpose, which is why I decided to take part in Castillo del Rey’s annual summer missions trip called World Warriors.
What your about to read is a series of journal entries that I recorded during this trip. I wrote thirty-nine entries over a period of forty-seven days in which my team and I traveled through El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, and back through El Salvador again.
I assure you everything you’re about to read is completely true. None of which I have written to you was made up. These are actual occurrences in my life and this is my sincere testimony. The following events are extremely personal and have changed my life. If you do decide to read this journal, please take the time to finish what you started and read it all the way through.
My goal is to share what God has done with whoever is willing to listen or read. Something so great must be told. I hope to open people’s eyes to see how God moves and the miracles he can do. I want to show people what our God is all about. I also hope to show you that age is not a barrier and how God can use average people to make a difference in our world.
Please note that I take no glory in this. My goal is not to exalt myself, but instead it is to merely share what God can do and to glorify his name.
Believe me, the things you’re about to read will amaze you. I appreciate the time you’ve given to reading, or even just the time taken to consider reading my testimony.
Thank you and
God bless,
Amanda Barnett
A few years ago the Lord called me to be a missionary in Nicaragua for at least two years. That calling has become my passion and purpose, which is why I decided to take part in Castillo del Rey’s annual summer missions trip called World Warriors.
What your about to read is a series of journal entries that I recorded during this trip. I wrote thirty-nine entries over a period of forty-seven days in which my team and I traveled through El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, and back through El Salvador again.
I assure you everything you’re about to read is completely true. None of which I have written to you was made up. These are actual occurrences in my life and this is my sincere testimony. The following events are extremely personal and have changed my life. If you do decide to read this journal, please take the time to finish what you started and read it all the way through.
My goal is to share what God has done with whoever is willing to listen or read. Something so great must be told. I hope to open people’s eyes to see how God moves and the miracles he can do. I want to show people what our God is all about. I also hope to show you that age is not a barrier and how God can use average people to make a difference in our world.
Please note that I take no glory in this. My goal is not to exalt myself, but instead it is to merely share what God can do and to glorify his name.
Believe me, the things you’re about to read will amaze you. I appreciate the time you’ve given to reading, or even just the time taken to consider reading my testimony.
Thank you and
God bless,
Amanda Barnett
6-9-08
10 am
LAX airport
This journal is of my World Warriors missions trip. Please read it. I’m writing these entries for whom ever decides to read about my trip and testimony. I’m writing at terminal 27a for my flight to Texas. I’m exhausted. I got hardly any sleep last night and I have a small cold.
I’m extremely excited, but nervous. Scared I suppose. I know God’s word says not to fear, but what can I say, I’m human. I have met one of my new family members. Her name is Julia, a new friend. Thank God I’m not alone in LAX.
11:50
Flight to Texas
I’m finally on my way. I love airplanes. I’ve been reading the bible a lot this morning, seeking comfort. God gave me the book of Job. One scripture I just read is Job 26:6-14, which says:
“Death is naked before him
And destruction has no covering.
He stretches out the North over empty space,
He hangs the earth on nothing…………
...Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
Psalm 145:3 says God is unsearchable. His ways are so much higher than our, which is why I need to trust in Him. I pray I bless Him and bring Him glory by being obedient to what he’s trying to tell me.
He will direct my paths and give me strength. I claim those promises. I pray for miracles and salvation, joy and freedom. Overall I only hope I can return to him what he has given me, love.
7:30
Texas airport
My flight from Lax was delayed for about an hour because of weather. I was freaking out. I seriously though we were going to miss our next flight, but God has a timing for anything and everything.
Our flight out of Texas was delayed for three hours. Praise God. Everyone’s here now. Most of their flights were delayed too. My new family. I still can’t remember all our names, but its amazing… we’ve all done so much with our lives, good and bad, and now we’ve all come together with a common passions for god. It’s a beautiful thing. I’m excited to see what God will do through us and in us.
LAX airport
This journal is of my World Warriors missions trip. Please read it. I’m writing these entries for whom ever decides to read about my trip and testimony. I’m writing at terminal 27a for my flight to Texas. I’m exhausted. I got hardly any sleep last night and I have a small cold.
I’m extremely excited, but nervous. Scared I suppose. I know God’s word says not to fear, but what can I say, I’m human. I have met one of my new family members. Her name is Julia, a new friend. Thank God I’m not alone in LAX.
11:50
Flight to Texas
I’m finally on my way. I love airplanes. I’ve been reading the bible a lot this morning, seeking comfort. God gave me the book of Job. One scripture I just read is Job 26:6-14, which says:
“Death is naked before him
And destruction has no covering.
He stretches out the North over empty space,
He hangs the earth on nothing…………
...Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
Psalm 145:3 says God is unsearchable. His ways are so much higher than our, which is why I need to trust in Him. I pray I bless Him and bring Him glory by being obedient to what he’s trying to tell me.
He will direct my paths and give me strength. I claim those promises. I pray for miracles and salvation, joy and freedom. Overall I only hope I can return to him what he has given me, love.
7:30
Texas airport
My flight from Lax was delayed for about an hour because of weather. I was freaking out. I seriously though we were going to miss our next flight, but God has a timing for anything and everything.
Our flight out of Texas was delayed for three hours. Praise God. Everyone’s here now. Most of their flights were delayed too. My new family. I still can’t remember all our names, but its amazing… we’ve all done so much with our lives, good and bad, and now we’ve all come together with a common passions for god. It’s a beautiful thing. I’m excited to see what God will do through us and in us.
6-10-08
7 am
Castillo del Rey base, El Salvador
Getting to know my team is a lot easier than I thought it would be. I got to talk to some of them on the plane ride and bus ride to the base. My cold is getting worse though. On the plane, my throat was burning, I felt like someone was trying to stick their fist sown my throat. Daniel and Natalie prayed over me, and to my amazement, the pain stopped. I’ve seen miracles of healing happen to other people, but not myself. It was awesome.
When our plane landed, I stepped into the tunnel leading to the actual terminal and smelt the air. Home. As we started to go though customs and immigration my voice went away. The pain never came back, but I now officially sound like a guy. Oh well… I just can’t wait until I can sing again.
I was so overjoyed when I saw our Castillo del Rey bus. All the memories of last year came flooding back to me. We had a two hour bus ride to their base. It was wonderful. Our bus driver is seriously amazing; he can fit our bus though any type of forest. I love it. It’s a lot nicer in El Salvador than I remember Nicaragua to be.
We’re starting “boot camp” today…exciting. We already ate breakfast. Same lame food as last year... nasty beans, smelly eggs, pre packaged toast and somewhat fresh fruit. I don’t know how long we’ll be training, but I pray my cold is gone before we actually go into the field.
12:35
Base, El Salvador
We just had lunch. The day has been pretty exhausting already and we haven’t even done much. We ate breakfast and had down time for a half and hour, them we had a devotional. Our leader, Liz, read Isaiah 40:30-31 which pastor focused on the Sunday before I left and I’ve held dear to my heart for a long time. It says:
“Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up on wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
So we wait on him with expectations. Now I’m off to learn more dances and skits! I’m excited!
7pm
Base, El Salvador
Drained, but extremely overjoyed. Our dances are awesome. I learned on of them last year, it’s called mi rey Jesus (my king Jesus), but most of the ones we learned were new.
At one point it started raining…it was absolutely beautiful. I started to realize how much I missed rain. California doesn’t get rain, and when we do, it pours, there’s no such thing as a nice drizzle. Then I heard the most amazing thunder. I totally stood in awe, getting drenched with the biggest smile on my face.
We started learning skits… they are brilliant. God’s going to do so much this summer. One of the dramas really stuck out to me. Basically it’s a young boy whose mom leaves and his father’s an abusive drunk. The boy asks if there’s a special place where he can smile, where he can be happy too. Jesus comes and yeah…. You get the picture.
Another one is of the crucifixion, and Jesus looks back at the man whipping him and says, “this blood is for you.” Simon carries his cross and Jesus says it to him too. When he dies, the rest of us do our movements and pretty much tell the audience the blood is for them.
We’re about to head up to the “prayer tower”. I can’t wait to see what God will do.
Castillo del Rey base, El Salvador
Getting to know my team is a lot easier than I thought it would be. I got to talk to some of them on the plane ride and bus ride to the base. My cold is getting worse though. On the plane, my throat was burning, I felt like someone was trying to stick their fist sown my throat. Daniel and Natalie prayed over me, and to my amazement, the pain stopped. I’ve seen miracles of healing happen to other people, but not myself. It was awesome.
When our plane landed, I stepped into the tunnel leading to the actual terminal and smelt the air. Home. As we started to go though customs and immigration my voice went away. The pain never came back, but I now officially sound like a guy. Oh well… I just can’t wait until I can sing again.
I was so overjoyed when I saw our Castillo del Rey bus. All the memories of last year came flooding back to me. We had a two hour bus ride to their base. It was wonderful. Our bus driver is seriously amazing; he can fit our bus though any type of forest. I love it. It’s a lot nicer in El Salvador than I remember Nicaragua to be.
We’re starting “boot camp” today…exciting. We already ate breakfast. Same lame food as last year... nasty beans, smelly eggs, pre packaged toast and somewhat fresh fruit. I don’t know how long we’ll be training, but I pray my cold is gone before we actually go into the field.
12:35
Base, El Salvador
We just had lunch. The day has been pretty exhausting already and we haven’t even done much. We ate breakfast and had down time for a half and hour, them we had a devotional. Our leader, Liz, read Isaiah 40:30-31 which pastor focused on the Sunday before I left and I’ve held dear to my heart for a long time. It says:
“Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up on wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
So we wait on him with expectations. Now I’m off to learn more dances and skits! I’m excited!
7pm
Base, El Salvador
Drained, but extremely overjoyed. Our dances are awesome. I learned on of them last year, it’s called mi rey Jesus (my king Jesus), but most of the ones we learned were new.
At one point it started raining…it was absolutely beautiful. I started to realize how much I missed rain. California doesn’t get rain, and when we do, it pours, there’s no such thing as a nice drizzle. Then I heard the most amazing thunder. I totally stood in awe, getting drenched with the biggest smile on my face.
We started learning skits… they are brilliant. God’s going to do so much this summer. One of the dramas really stuck out to me. Basically it’s a young boy whose mom leaves and his father’s an abusive drunk. The boy asks if there’s a special place where he can smile, where he can be happy too. Jesus comes and yeah…. You get the picture.
Another one is of the crucifixion, and Jesus looks back at the man whipping him and says, “this blood is for you.” Simon carries his cross and Jesus says it to him too. When he dies, the rest of us do our movements and pretty much tell the audience the blood is for them.
We’re about to head up to the “prayer tower”. I can’t wait to see what God will do.
6-11-08
7 am
Base, El Salvador
Last night was absolutely amazing… I don’t know how I’m going to put it into words. We went to the prayer tower, which is amazing. They’ve had a constant prayer and fasting chain for the nations up there for over ten years. We went up as a team to pray and lay down any burdens or distractions.
All I could think about was my family in Buena Park. I’m desperate for their salvation, but I have to leave that behind for now. Then I began to ask God for a sign, something, anything to let me know I belonged here, in the missions field.
A lady started screaming out, “the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same spirit that called you here and lives in you.” I broke down and began to cry. I felt humbled, more prepared, less scared… peaceful.
We went into another room for a service. Worship was amazing. My voice was gone and I couldn’t sing but that’s ok because I don’t understand Spanish worship songs anyways, but I did feel the power in that room. After the service, which was awesome, the pastor called up the different missions teams one at a time to be prayed over. It was beautiful. The prayer was so strong and powerful. He left the altars open…. I went there, broken, and cried out in tongues, at a loss of words like I am now.
I can’t describe last night. I wish I could, but god’s presence is truly indescribable.
Base, El Salvador
Last night was absolutely amazing… I don’t know how I’m going to put it into words. We went to the prayer tower, which is amazing. They’ve had a constant prayer and fasting chain for the nations up there for over ten years. We went up as a team to pray and lay down any burdens or distractions.
All I could think about was my family in Buena Park. I’m desperate for their salvation, but I have to leave that behind for now. Then I began to ask God for a sign, something, anything to let me know I belonged here, in the missions field.
A lady started screaming out, “the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same spirit that called you here and lives in you.” I broke down and began to cry. I felt humbled, more prepared, less scared… peaceful.
We went into another room for a service. Worship was amazing. My voice was gone and I couldn’t sing but that’s ok because I don’t understand Spanish worship songs anyways, but I did feel the power in that room. After the service, which was awesome, the pastor called up the different missions teams one at a time to be prayed over. It was beautiful. The prayer was so strong and powerful. He left the altars open…. I went there, broken, and cried out in tongues, at a loss of words like I am now.
I can’t describe last night. I wish I could, but god’s presence is truly indescribable.
6-12-08
7am
Base, El Salvador
So much happened yesterday! After breakfast and a quick devotion, we had a surprise activity. We were going to need our bathing suits on and our most valued possession. I took my earrings because they represent my trip last year, and my calling for the future.
We went to the top of this huge hill where the leaders were waiting for us. We all gathered around this pile of filthy, smelly mud. Garret, one of our leaders, asked us one by one if we would be willing to put out valuable possession in the mud pit. I said no. those earrings are symbolic to me, so for me to throw them into a mud pit would be like throwing away my calling.
He told us we were going to get in pairs of two and cover each other from the neck down in mud. As he told us this, he was covering his own arms in mud. He asked, “Would you hug a poor little boy if he came up to you all muddy like this?” That’s why we were doing that exercise, to step out of our comfort zones, so we were prepared to love anybody with humility and a humble heart.
After my partner and I were completely filthy, we prayed together in the mud for God to give us our reveal to us our spiritual gifts and to take away all the crap within us. We all got into the bed of a truck and drove down to the lake to wash it off. It was really humbling, and fun.
We went straight from the nasty lake water to lunch, soaking wet. I felt more filthy after I got out of the lake than before I went in. I was so happy to take a shower after that.
Then we really started learning more skits and dramas. We learned on drama in particular that was really amazing. Its done to the song “from the inside out” by hillsong, but in Spanish. It goes through the story of Noah, Jonah, the pool of Bethsaida, and the crucifixion and resurrection. The choreography is absolutely beautiful. I’m really excited. I want to record it and bring it back to CLC in English.
Our practice for that went really late and then we had to teach it to the Masters’ Commission students. I was so drained. Ten we went to the lake for a bonfire. Garret spoke about a lifetime of service and how important dreams, visions, and callings are.
At the end he asked everyone who’s received a calling to go on one side and those still waiting on the Lord to go on the other side of him. I kneeled along with a group of others who feel a calling on their lives. I called on God to revive me and renew my passions for Nicaragua. I started to doubt again… “Why am I here?” I kept thinking.
One of my leaders, Lacey, began to pray over me. She prayed for spiritual gifts to help me through my ministries and for peace to come into my life. She told me I’m here for a reason, and told me god was going to use me on this trip. She began to thank God for my passion for Nicaragua.
When she left, I was crying. I began to thank God for my confirmation. There was lightning behind the mountains on the other side of the lake. As I stood in awe I realized something amazing. I know I’m called to Nicaragua for two years, but God knows so much more. He has even better things for me because his ways are so beyond mine. I’m not even capable of imagining God’s plan for me.
Base, El Salvador
So much happened yesterday! After breakfast and a quick devotion, we had a surprise activity. We were going to need our bathing suits on and our most valued possession. I took my earrings because they represent my trip last year, and my calling for the future.
We went to the top of this huge hill where the leaders were waiting for us. We all gathered around this pile of filthy, smelly mud. Garret, one of our leaders, asked us one by one if we would be willing to put out valuable possession in the mud pit. I said no. those earrings are symbolic to me, so for me to throw them into a mud pit would be like throwing away my calling.
He told us we were going to get in pairs of two and cover each other from the neck down in mud. As he told us this, he was covering his own arms in mud. He asked, “Would you hug a poor little boy if he came up to you all muddy like this?” That’s why we were doing that exercise, to step out of our comfort zones, so we were prepared to love anybody with humility and a humble heart.
After my partner and I were completely filthy, we prayed together in the mud for God to give us our reveal to us our spiritual gifts and to take away all the crap within us. We all got into the bed of a truck and drove down to the lake to wash it off. It was really humbling, and fun.
We went straight from the nasty lake water to lunch, soaking wet. I felt more filthy after I got out of the lake than before I went in. I was so happy to take a shower after that.
Then we really started learning more skits and dramas. We learned on drama in particular that was really amazing. Its done to the song “from the inside out” by hillsong, but in Spanish. It goes through the story of Noah, Jonah, the pool of Bethsaida, and the crucifixion and resurrection. The choreography is absolutely beautiful. I’m really excited. I want to record it and bring it back to CLC in English.
Our practice for that went really late and then we had to teach it to the Masters’ Commission students. I was so drained. Ten we went to the lake for a bonfire. Garret spoke about a lifetime of service and how important dreams, visions, and callings are.
At the end he asked everyone who’s received a calling to go on one side and those still waiting on the Lord to go on the other side of him. I kneeled along with a group of others who feel a calling on their lives. I called on God to revive me and renew my passions for Nicaragua. I started to doubt again… “Why am I here?” I kept thinking.
One of my leaders, Lacey, began to pray over me. She prayed for spiritual gifts to help me through my ministries and for peace to come into my life. She told me I’m here for a reason, and told me god was going to use me on this trip. She began to thank God for my passion for Nicaragua.
When she left, I was crying. I began to thank God for my confirmation. There was lightning behind the mountains on the other side of the lake. As I stood in awe I realized something amazing. I know I’m called to Nicaragua for two years, but God knows so much more. He has even better things for me because his ways are so beyond mine. I’m not even capable of imagining God’s plan for me.
6-13-08
7am
Base, El Salvador
Yesterday was amazing. We got up, prayed, ate, changed, and did a surprise activity. We all met and waited for Liz, who’s always late, and got divided into two teams. We had to make our way through a small, dark, smelly, suffocating pipe (that used to be a sewer drain) as a team. We had to start together and end together either crawling or scooting on our butts and only the leader was allowed to have a flashlight. It was a really helpful exercise though, because it really taught us the importance of communication.
Then we ate and had drama practice where we learned even more dramas. After eating once again, we were told we were going to do another team building activity. We separated and had a moment of prayer. I finally had my voice back, a little, so I started singing for the first time in like three days. I started singing Rescue.
We stopped and gathered for instructions, and someone started playing Rescue in the training room. I was so excited. God is awesome. The first song I sing when I get my voice back randomly starts playing. God gave me a blessing just to show me how cool he is.
Then the activity began. It was already dark and cold. We were not allowed to speak and were blindfolded. They put our hands on a team member’s shoulders and someone else’s hands on our shoulders in a blind line. It was silent. They told us never to let go unless instructed to. The leaders began to walk the line around the territory over tough terrain and hills and everything and then we stopped.
They took us one by one through a playground in the silence. When I got to the bottom of the slide, a leader took my hand and said, “Though you stumble you do not fall, the Lord takes your hand.” She put me back into the line and I heard music playing in the background. It was the song “breath” and all I could hear was, “I’m lost without you.”
We began to walk again and came to a stop somewhere else. As I was waiting in the silence God revealed something to me that kind of shocked me but blessed me. I’m not going to write it down because it’s between me and God and I’m not to sure what he meant by it. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to handle that blessing, I began to cry. The person in front of me put their hand on mine and patted my hand as it rest on their shoulder. It was comforting. It helped me realize how much of a family we really need to be during this trip.
I heard people praying and crying out from the prayer tower. I heard a lady cry out, “Nicaragua! Nicaragua!” I began to cry once more, but this time in desperation for a revival within the nation.
They lead us through one more thing. They lead us up a steep slope and to and edge. They told me to jump. I was expecting a much shorter fall but I guess it’s that way with life, you have to be willing to trust Jesus no matter how far the jump.
10:30 am
Base, El Salvador
Today is different. We’re fasting together and instead of dramas and dances were being taught about the Holy Spirit all day. We’re having a break right now. During our first session, Don read Acts 1:4, 1:8, 1:15, 2:13, 2:17, 2:38-39, 2:43, 10:38, John 3:3-8, 1:32-33, 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 3:16l and 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. It was really good for us all to get into the word as a team. I’ve just realized that I haven’t written everyone’s names yet:
Julia, Daniel, Erin, Natalie, Kristen, Megan, Joe, John, Johnathin, Emmett, Dalton, Elizabeth, Krystal, Lacy, and Carlos and his family. Liz Triplett is our main leader. We’re also working with Liz’s parents Don and Terri, who are the people who started Castillo Del Rey. I also get the privilege to work with their other two daughters and some of their grandchildren in the near future.
Base, El Salvador
Yesterday was amazing. We got up, prayed, ate, changed, and did a surprise activity. We all met and waited for Liz, who’s always late, and got divided into two teams. We had to make our way through a small, dark, smelly, suffocating pipe (that used to be a sewer drain) as a team. We had to start together and end together either crawling or scooting on our butts and only the leader was allowed to have a flashlight. It was a really helpful exercise though, because it really taught us the importance of communication.
Then we ate and had drama practice where we learned even more dramas. After eating once again, we were told we were going to do another team building activity. We separated and had a moment of prayer. I finally had my voice back, a little, so I started singing for the first time in like three days. I started singing Rescue.
We stopped and gathered for instructions, and someone started playing Rescue in the training room. I was so excited. God is awesome. The first song I sing when I get my voice back randomly starts playing. God gave me a blessing just to show me how cool he is.
Then the activity began. It was already dark and cold. We were not allowed to speak and were blindfolded. They put our hands on a team member’s shoulders and someone else’s hands on our shoulders in a blind line. It was silent. They told us never to let go unless instructed to. The leaders began to walk the line around the territory over tough terrain and hills and everything and then we stopped.
They took us one by one through a playground in the silence. When I got to the bottom of the slide, a leader took my hand and said, “Though you stumble you do not fall, the Lord takes your hand.” She put me back into the line and I heard music playing in the background. It was the song “breath” and all I could hear was, “I’m lost without you.”
We began to walk again and came to a stop somewhere else. As I was waiting in the silence God revealed something to me that kind of shocked me but blessed me. I’m not going to write it down because it’s between me and God and I’m not to sure what he meant by it. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to handle that blessing, I began to cry. The person in front of me put their hand on mine and patted my hand as it rest on their shoulder. It was comforting. It helped me realize how much of a family we really need to be during this trip.
I heard people praying and crying out from the prayer tower. I heard a lady cry out, “Nicaragua! Nicaragua!” I began to cry once more, but this time in desperation for a revival within the nation.
They lead us through one more thing. They lead us up a steep slope and to and edge. They told me to jump. I was expecting a much shorter fall but I guess it’s that way with life, you have to be willing to trust Jesus no matter how far the jump.
10:30 am
Base, El Salvador
Today is different. We’re fasting together and instead of dramas and dances were being taught about the Holy Spirit all day. We’re having a break right now. During our first session, Don read Acts 1:4, 1:8, 1:15, 2:13, 2:17, 2:38-39, 2:43, 10:38, John 3:3-8, 1:32-33, 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 3:16l and 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. It was really good for us all to get into the word as a team. I’ve just realized that I haven’t written everyone’s names yet:
Julia, Daniel, Erin, Natalie, Kristen, Megan, Joe, John, Johnathin, Emmett, Dalton, Elizabeth, Krystal, Lacy, and Carlos and his family. Liz Triplett is our main leader. We’re also working with Liz’s parents Don and Terri, who are the people who started Castillo Del Rey. I also get the privilege to work with their other two daughters and some of their grandchildren in the near future.
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