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.
6-14-08
8pm
San Salvador, El Salvador
Today was our first real day of ministry. We left the base a little bit after breakfast on a Castillo Del Rey bus. We went and picked up a group of kids called “guardians of the vision”. They’re from ages eight to about twelve. They are amazing, anointed, and powerful. We went and did our first three programs. Honestly, we seriously need to practice our dances and dramas, but God still moved.
I think the most touching part of the day for me was honestly on the bus. I read scripture, prayed, and sang out. I felt free. The leaders came by with oils and anointed our hands. I started singing “ready now” as I continued to read scripture. God gave me two verses. One is Psalm 145. The main parts read:
“His greatness is unsearchable,
One generation shall praise your name to another
And I will declare your greatness
And I shall sing of your righteousness
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion
The Lord upholds all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed downs
The eyes of all look expectantly to
And you give them their food in due season
The Lord is near to all who call upon him
To all who call upon him in truth”
That’s not even all of it, but those are the verses that touched me. The other scripture is Isaiah 53, verses three to eight, which reads:
“He is despised and rejected by men,
A man of sorrow and acquainted with grief
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him,
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely He was bourne of our grief
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by god and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement of peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray
We have turned, everyone, to his own ways
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted
Yet He opened not His mouth
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter
And as a sheep before it’s shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment
And who will declare his generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of my people,
He was stricken.”
The scripture really touched me and broke my heart. We need to get back to the heart of the gospel. It’s so simple, but so amazing.
After our programs we came to where I am now. It’s a place called the Casona. It’s like a resting place for Castillo Del Rey and Master’s students…. I think. We ate and actually had free time. We had some totally awesome fellowship. Tomorrow is a mellow day. We’re doing one program here at the Casona for the Guardians and then we’re going to Liz’s house for a free night before we go to Honduras. I get to call home there. I’m excited. This is the first Father’s Day that I’ll actually be able to wish my dad a happy Father’s Day now that we’re in touch.
San Salvador, El Salvador
Today was our first real day of ministry. We left the base a little bit after breakfast on a Castillo Del Rey bus. We went and picked up a group of kids called “guardians of the vision”. They’re from ages eight to about twelve. They are amazing, anointed, and powerful. We went and did our first three programs. Honestly, we seriously need to practice our dances and dramas, but God still moved.
I think the most touching part of the day for me was honestly on the bus. I read scripture, prayed, and sang out. I felt free. The leaders came by with oils and anointed our hands. I started singing “ready now” as I continued to read scripture. God gave me two verses. One is Psalm 145. The main parts read:
“His greatness is unsearchable,
One generation shall praise your name to another
And I will declare your greatness
And I shall sing of your righteousness
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion
The Lord upholds all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed downs
The eyes of all look expectantly to
And you give them their food in due season
The Lord is near to all who call upon him
To all who call upon him in truth”
That’s not even all of it, but those are the verses that touched me. The other scripture is Isaiah 53, verses three to eight, which reads:
“He is despised and rejected by men,
A man of sorrow and acquainted with grief
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him,
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely He was bourne of our grief
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by god and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement of peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray
We have turned, everyone, to his own ways
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted
Yet He opened not His mouth
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter
And as a sheep before it’s shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment
And who will declare his generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of my people,
He was stricken.”
The scripture really touched me and broke my heart. We need to get back to the heart of the gospel. It’s so simple, but so amazing.
After our programs we came to where I am now. It’s a place called the Casona. It’s like a resting place for Castillo Del Rey and Master’s students…. I think. We ate and actually had free time. We had some totally awesome fellowship. Tomorrow is a mellow day. We’re doing one program here at the Casona for the Guardians and then we’re going to Liz’s house for a free night before we go to Honduras. I get to call home there. I’m excited. This is the first Father’s Day that I’ll actually be able to wish my dad a happy Father’s Day now that we’re in touch.
6-15-08
2 pm
Base, El Salvador
I’m so drained… I think I’m getting sick. We went to Liz’s house yesterday. I started to feel sick that afternoon. I fell asleep in a hammock for a while which seemed to help.
I got to make my phone calls. I talked to mama for quit a while. I never got a hold of my dad, but I called Cathy. She was really surprised to hear from me. She said I sounded good, better than usual. I called Bre, but never got a hold of her. I called Danny and talked to him and Joe… awesome. I’m excited to see what happens while I’m gone and when I go home. I also got a chance to use the computer.
We took a really long bus ride to the base. I felt super light headed and nauseous. I fell asleep for most of the ride but it really didn’t help. When we got back, we had to organize our clothes before we went to bed and write our names on everything because we did laundry today.
When we woke up, we immediately began practice. I had a major headache. At one point someone was screaming at me because it was part of the drama and my head just got that much worse. Then I got elbowed in the head really hard. I was in overwhelming pain and could barely breathe. I just woke up from sleeping it off…. But now I’m nauseous again. Ugh…. We have free time for now though… but I’m not sure how much longer it’s going to last… I have no clue how long I slept.
Base, El Salvador
I’m so drained… I think I’m getting sick. We went to Liz’s house yesterday. I started to feel sick that afternoon. I fell asleep in a hammock for a while which seemed to help.
I got to make my phone calls. I talked to mama for quit a while. I never got a hold of my dad, but I called Cathy. She was really surprised to hear from me. She said I sounded good, better than usual. I called Bre, but never got a hold of her. I called Danny and talked to him and Joe… awesome. I’m excited to see what happens while I’m gone and when I go home. I also got a chance to use the computer.
We took a really long bus ride to the base. I felt super light headed and nauseous. I fell asleep for most of the ride but it really didn’t help. When we got back, we had to organize our clothes before we went to bed and write our names on everything because we did laundry today.
When we woke up, we immediately began practice. I had a major headache. At one point someone was screaming at me because it was part of the drama and my head just got that much worse. Then I got elbowed in the head really hard. I was in overwhelming pain and could barely breathe. I just woke up from sleeping it off…. But now I’m nauseous again. Ugh…. We have free time for now though… but I’m not sure how much longer it’s going to last… I have no clue how long I slept.
6-17-08
4:15 pm
Tica Bus
I’m not sure what the date is… I could’ve sworn it was the 16th, but I was apparently wrong. I’m on the Tica Bus for the first time. Basically it’s the Central American Greyhound bus. We’re on our way to Honduras.
Yesterday was really relaxing. Basically we debriefed all day. I kept thinking about my family and friends. I’ve just been wondering about them. We packed at night and left after breakfast today.
We lost and gained a team member today. Megan went home. She felt like she wasn’t ready for this but a new member joined us last night, her name is Emily. I’m trying to make her feel welcome. I’m totally excited! I’m going to Honduras!
Tica Bus
I’m not sure what the date is… I could’ve sworn it was the 16th, but I was apparently wrong. I’m on the Tica Bus for the first time. Basically it’s the Central American Greyhound bus. We’re on our way to Honduras.
Yesterday was really relaxing. Basically we debriefed all day. I kept thinking about my family and friends. I’ve just been wondering about them. We packed at night and left after breakfast today.
We lost and gained a team member today. Megan went home. She felt like she wasn’t ready for this but a new member joined us last night, her name is Emily. I’m trying to make her feel welcome. I’m totally excited! I’m going to Honduras!
6-18-08
11pm
Honduras
Wow…. I’m behind in my journaling. Life off the Tica Bus has been pretty busy but amazing. Once we crossed the border, we finally ate breakfast. It’s been really hard for me to swallow lately, even water.
After breakfast we went to our first program location. On the way there one of our tires burst. We had to get a new one, which totally set us back time wise. I was getting off the bus for something and completely fell down the stairs. I hurt my back and thigh and got really embarrassed. I’ve got some pretty intense bruises.
We did three programs and a night service. It’s so hot! I was sitting down and it looked like I was standing in the pouring rain. Ugh…Two of our programs were at schools; the last one was at some random place.
We ate dinner and did our night service outside at the “Jesus Loves You” church. Lacey gave her testimony before we did two dramas and one skit. Then we did the amazing altar call. The pastor began speaking in Spanish and everyone slowly made their way to the altar and we began to pray with them. The Holy Spirit started to move.
I was praying with one lady with my hand on her head and she began to cry. I wiped her tears and she gave me the greatest hug ever. Afterwards they prayed over our team, and I realized this is my life. I realized that this is all I want and I fell to my knees. God’s going to do something amazing with my life. I was overwhelmed, but in a good way.
After all that we got back on the bus. Some of the nationals heard me singing and they gathered around me. I sand some really simple worship songs that I was pretty sure they knew in Spanish and they joined me. Before I knew it I was leading worship on the bus for a bunch of people whom I could hardly communicate with.
Later on our bus ride, when I was nearly asleep, I heard a horrifying boom. At first I thought it was another tire blowing out, but the window had shattered, but praise be to god… everyone was safe. Now we drive around without a windshield, but we praise God for the protection he’s given us.
Honduras
Wow…. I’m behind in my journaling. Life off the Tica Bus has been pretty busy but amazing. Once we crossed the border, we finally ate breakfast. It’s been really hard for me to swallow lately, even water.
After breakfast we went to our first program location. On the way there one of our tires burst. We had to get a new one, which totally set us back time wise. I was getting off the bus for something and completely fell down the stairs. I hurt my back and thigh and got really embarrassed. I’ve got some pretty intense bruises.
We did three programs and a night service. It’s so hot! I was sitting down and it looked like I was standing in the pouring rain. Ugh…Two of our programs were at schools; the last one was at some random place.
We ate dinner and did our night service outside at the “Jesus Loves You” church. Lacey gave her testimony before we did two dramas and one skit. Then we did the amazing altar call. The pastor began speaking in Spanish and everyone slowly made their way to the altar and we began to pray with them. The Holy Spirit started to move.
I was praying with one lady with my hand on her head and she began to cry. I wiped her tears and she gave me the greatest hug ever. Afterwards they prayed over our team, and I realized this is my life. I realized that this is all I want and I fell to my knees. God’s going to do something amazing with my life. I was overwhelmed, but in a good way.
After all that we got back on the bus. Some of the nationals heard me singing and they gathered around me. I sand some really simple worship songs that I was pretty sure they knew in Spanish and they joined me. Before I knew it I was leading worship on the bus for a bunch of people whom I could hardly communicate with.
Later on our bus ride, when I was nearly asleep, I heard a horrifying boom. At first I thought it was another tire blowing out, but the window had shattered, but praise be to god… everyone was safe. Now we drive around without a windshield, but we praise God for the protection he’s given us.
6-19-08
12pm
Honduras
Today was absolutely amazing. I was totally exhausted when we got up and left for breakfast, but we did a devotion after breakfast that was beautiful. We did four programs today. Emily and I were the first clowns. Those clown jump suits are so heavy and itchy and hot… but it was really fun.
During our first program though, they went and took the us to get a new window to replace the one that broke last night. The bus wasn’t back when we finished the program so we had to walk to the next one. I felt like I was going to die in that suit. I went though two and a half bottles of water within fifteen minutes. The bus finally made it back and took us the rest of the way.
The next two programs were awesome, but the fourth one broke my heart. When they began the altar call, there was one girl that could not stop crying and hugging Natalie. She said she felt lonely and was sick of living that way. She accepted Christ and said she knew she was no longer alone. She told us she felt something she had never felt before; she said she felt like there was electricity coming from her heart.
The next thing she said blessed me so much. She said she wanted everyone to fell that electricity; she wanted to share the way she felt. They prayed with her for about an hour, but I felt like I couldn’t because I was in a clown suit. They gave her a Spanish bible before we left too. It was beautiful. While everyone was praying, I noticed another missionary group here on an independent missions trip. It was awesome.
When we went to eat dinner we began to pray for the girl that we gave the bible to. Dalton received a strong passion for the lost and couldn’t stop praying. The things she had said had changed him. I got off the bus after praying with him, but I couldn’t get Jodi off my mind. I could remember her face and exactly what she was wearing and how her hair was; I remembered how she wouldn’t look at me.
I remember watching her body transform into something monstrous as she screamed on the floor with her sister crying by her side. I remembered how relieved I was when I heard she had been freed. I remember how beautiful she looked the next day. I remember how scared I was during the whole situation, and how much of a blessing it became.
That was the first time I had witnessed any demonic oppression like that. The fist time God used me to cast out a demon. It was the moment I realized how much God can use me and my purpose in life, the reason I’m called to Nicaragua… to bring freedom.
I thought about all of this while everyone was eating dinner. Julia came and prayed with me and we prayed for Jodi. I went to hug her and the chairs we were sitting in began to fall of the edge of the patio we were on. I grabbed her as we screamed. It was hilarious.
When we got back on the bus, I kept singing “peace” by Jennifer Knapp. It goes:
“He’s my light and my salvation, whom then shall I fear.
In the secret place I’ll hide, and pray that I might hear a simple word.
Oh how I would have despaired if you had not come found me there
I can lean against your throne and find my peace, find my peace.”
Honduras
Today was absolutely amazing. I was totally exhausted when we got up and left for breakfast, but we did a devotion after breakfast that was beautiful. We did four programs today. Emily and I were the first clowns. Those clown jump suits are so heavy and itchy and hot… but it was really fun.
During our first program though, they went and took the us to get a new window to replace the one that broke last night. The bus wasn’t back when we finished the program so we had to walk to the next one. I felt like I was going to die in that suit. I went though two and a half bottles of water within fifteen minutes. The bus finally made it back and took us the rest of the way.
The next two programs were awesome, but the fourth one broke my heart. When they began the altar call, there was one girl that could not stop crying and hugging Natalie. She said she felt lonely and was sick of living that way. She accepted Christ and said she knew she was no longer alone. She told us she felt something she had never felt before; she said she felt like there was electricity coming from her heart.
The next thing she said blessed me so much. She said she wanted everyone to fell that electricity; she wanted to share the way she felt. They prayed with her for about an hour, but I felt like I couldn’t because I was in a clown suit. They gave her a Spanish bible before we left too. It was beautiful. While everyone was praying, I noticed another missionary group here on an independent missions trip. It was awesome.
When we went to eat dinner we began to pray for the girl that we gave the bible to. Dalton received a strong passion for the lost and couldn’t stop praying. The things she had said had changed him. I got off the bus after praying with him, but I couldn’t get Jodi off my mind. I could remember her face and exactly what she was wearing and how her hair was; I remembered how she wouldn’t look at me.
I remember watching her body transform into something monstrous as she screamed on the floor with her sister crying by her side. I remembered how relieved I was when I heard she had been freed. I remember how beautiful she looked the next day. I remember how scared I was during the whole situation, and how much of a blessing it became.
That was the first time I had witnessed any demonic oppression like that. The fist time God used me to cast out a demon. It was the moment I realized how much God can use me and my purpose in life, the reason I’m called to Nicaragua… to bring freedom.
I thought about all of this while everyone was eating dinner. Julia came and prayed with me and we prayed for Jodi. I went to hug her and the chairs we were sitting in began to fall of the edge of the patio we were on. I grabbed her as we screamed. It was hilarious.
When we got back on the bus, I kept singing “peace” by Jennifer Knapp. It goes:
“He’s my light and my salvation, whom then shall I fear.
In the secret place I’ll hide, and pray that I might hear a simple word.
Oh how I would have despaired if you had not come found me there
I can lean against your throne and find my peace, find my peace.”
6-20-08
11:40 pm
Honduras
Wow…today was our last full day of ministry in Honduras. It went so fast. I’m exhausted though. Today was absolutely amazing. I think we did about five programs today, or four, I’m, not really sure, but it was awesome.
During one program, there was a little girl, about three years old, who would hardly react to anything that anyone said or did. By the end of the program I was holding her and she fell asleep on my shoulder. I told her over and over again that Jesus loves her and is with her and that I love her. I finally got her to smile. Then my heart was ripped out as an older woman took her from my arms and dragged the girl away. The girl began to fight the lady and cry until the woman put her over her shoulder and stomped off. I felt so torn.
Throughout the day, three of our team members got severely ill. Kristen, then Emmitt, then Dalton. They were throwing up and couldn’t even swallow water. Kristen felt better by the end of the day, but still extremely weak. They ended up taking all of them to the hospital about ten minutes ago for shots. At one point we were all praying one the bus around noon and sang a song that says:
“The enemy has been defeated. Death couldn’t hold you down,
We’re gonna lift our voice in victory, gonna make our praises loud.
Shout out to god with a voice of triumph,
Shout out to god with a voice of praise,
Shout out to God with a voice of triumph,
We lift your name up, we lift your name up.”
When Dalton first got sick, we were at our last program. A lot of us began to pray for healing and protection for our team. At one point Lacey and I were both on our knees with our backs to each other and God gave me a strange vision or glimpse of the spiritual realm or something… I don’t even know exactly what to call it, but there was a demon between us with our backs turned to it. It looked like a demented toddler with sick eyes and horns and discolored skin and a strange, evil glare as he glared at us, almost laughing as we prayed. At the same time there was an angel in front of both her and me, kneeling in front of us, face to face.
Part of me wanted to look back to see if it was true, but I knew I couldn’t, I couldn’t let it see me and I couldn’t look it in the eyes. Part of me wanted to look up and grab onto the angel in front of me, but I knew I couldn’t, so I kept my eyes shut as I cried and prayed, scared, not knowing what would happen. I couldn’t see them, but I knew they were there.
I cried out and said, “Get behind me Satan” and I felt the angels fly over Lacey and I and cover up the demon with their enormous wings. It got really quit, and I couldn’t hear a thing. The angels slowly came back in front of us and all that was left of the demon was a pile of ashes. The angels disappeared as I opened my eyes. I felt so relieved. I began to think of the song Estrella. It says:
“The angels’ wings will cover you tonight
Hallelujah
So rest your head against the breast of Christ
Hallelujah”
After that we began to do a night service. The altar call at the end was absolutely breathtaking. I was praying for a lady and she began swaying back and forth and I thought she was going to fall. She started to walk backwards, somewhat slain in the spirit, and running into stuff so I led her to a chair that she fell into with her hands raised.
I knelt as I held her hand and prayed. Her whole body was shaking and she began to squeeze my hand harder and harder. She finally stopped and started to smile. I broke away from her just in time to see a girl bending over fighting off the hands laid upon her.
I stopped for a second and prayed for her freedom and she began to puke. She fell to the floor and was unconscious. I stayed near by and continued to pray for her. When she finally sat back up I put my hand on the back of her neck. She started to thrust her head and shoulders so I rebuked the returning demons. Soon enough she fell down into my lap and I laid her onto the floor.
I wept for her as she lay there. She came up again but I knew it still wasn’t over so I prayed over her again, placing one hand on her forehead and the other on her stomach. I prayed to God and asked him to take control of her life. I prayed that this would be her last battle.
Finally I claimed it and cried out to her, “This is your last battle” and she slowly fell into my lap again. I held her in my lap as I swayed back and forth, staying in prayer. When she finally sat up again, she hugged me. We sat on the floor hugging and crying for a really long time. She whispered in my ear, “Thank you, thank you. I don’t want to let go. Please don’t let go.” She continued to praise God. When we finally let go, I began telling her how much God loved her and she stopped me. She told me she didn’t understand English and apologized. I was confused. I told her she had just spoken in English as she hugged me. I told her she was praising God in English, with no accent whatsoever; but of course, she didn’t understand a word I was saying to her.
I had someone explain to her that she had just spoken in tongues in English. She looked at me and smiled. A tear rolled down her cheek and she gave me a hug. Her name was Carla. I will never forget her. Tomorrow is our free day. I’m really excited for some down time. Finally, some rest.
Honduras
Wow…today was our last full day of ministry in Honduras. It went so fast. I’m exhausted though. Today was absolutely amazing. I think we did about five programs today, or four, I’m, not really sure, but it was awesome.
During one program, there was a little girl, about three years old, who would hardly react to anything that anyone said or did. By the end of the program I was holding her and she fell asleep on my shoulder. I told her over and over again that Jesus loves her and is with her and that I love her. I finally got her to smile. Then my heart was ripped out as an older woman took her from my arms and dragged the girl away. The girl began to fight the lady and cry until the woman put her over her shoulder and stomped off. I felt so torn.
Throughout the day, three of our team members got severely ill. Kristen, then Emmitt, then Dalton. They were throwing up and couldn’t even swallow water. Kristen felt better by the end of the day, but still extremely weak. They ended up taking all of them to the hospital about ten minutes ago for shots. At one point we were all praying one the bus around noon and sang a song that says:
“The enemy has been defeated. Death couldn’t hold you down,
We’re gonna lift our voice in victory, gonna make our praises loud.
Shout out to god with a voice of triumph,
Shout out to god with a voice of praise,
Shout out to God with a voice of triumph,
We lift your name up, we lift your name up.”
When Dalton first got sick, we were at our last program. A lot of us began to pray for healing and protection for our team. At one point Lacey and I were both on our knees with our backs to each other and God gave me a strange vision or glimpse of the spiritual realm or something… I don’t even know exactly what to call it, but there was a demon between us with our backs turned to it. It looked like a demented toddler with sick eyes and horns and discolored skin and a strange, evil glare as he glared at us, almost laughing as we prayed. At the same time there was an angel in front of both her and me, kneeling in front of us, face to face.
Part of me wanted to look back to see if it was true, but I knew I couldn’t, I couldn’t let it see me and I couldn’t look it in the eyes. Part of me wanted to look up and grab onto the angel in front of me, but I knew I couldn’t, so I kept my eyes shut as I cried and prayed, scared, not knowing what would happen. I couldn’t see them, but I knew they were there.
I cried out and said, “Get behind me Satan” and I felt the angels fly over Lacey and I and cover up the demon with their enormous wings. It got really quit, and I couldn’t hear a thing. The angels slowly came back in front of us and all that was left of the demon was a pile of ashes. The angels disappeared as I opened my eyes. I felt so relieved. I began to think of the song Estrella. It says:
“The angels’ wings will cover you tonight
Hallelujah
So rest your head against the breast of Christ
Hallelujah”
After that we began to do a night service. The altar call at the end was absolutely breathtaking. I was praying for a lady and she began swaying back and forth and I thought she was going to fall. She started to walk backwards, somewhat slain in the spirit, and running into stuff so I led her to a chair that she fell into with her hands raised.
I knelt as I held her hand and prayed. Her whole body was shaking and she began to squeeze my hand harder and harder. She finally stopped and started to smile. I broke away from her just in time to see a girl bending over fighting off the hands laid upon her.
I stopped for a second and prayed for her freedom and she began to puke. She fell to the floor and was unconscious. I stayed near by and continued to pray for her. When she finally sat back up I put my hand on the back of her neck. She started to thrust her head and shoulders so I rebuked the returning demons. Soon enough she fell down into my lap and I laid her onto the floor.
I wept for her as she lay there. She came up again but I knew it still wasn’t over so I prayed over her again, placing one hand on her forehead and the other on her stomach. I prayed to God and asked him to take control of her life. I prayed that this would be her last battle.
Finally I claimed it and cried out to her, “This is your last battle” and she slowly fell into my lap again. I held her in my lap as I swayed back and forth, staying in prayer. When she finally sat up again, she hugged me. We sat on the floor hugging and crying for a really long time. She whispered in my ear, “Thank you, thank you. I don’t want to let go. Please don’t let go.” She continued to praise God. When we finally let go, I began telling her how much God loved her and she stopped me. She told me she didn’t understand English and apologized. I was confused. I told her she had just spoken in English as she hugged me. I told her she was praising God in English, with no accent whatsoever; but of course, she didn’t understand a word I was saying to her.
I had someone explain to her that she had just spoken in tongues in English. She looked at me and smiled. A tear rolled down her cheek and she gave me a hug. Her name was Carla. I will never forget her. Tomorrow is our free day. I’m really excited for some down time. Finally, some rest.
6-21-08
2pm
Honduras
I can not believe what I just did. Today is our free day. We took a long drive to a “surprise” area. Everyone was sure we sere going to the beach, but we came to a waterfall, a huge, breathtaking waterfall.
They said we were going to take a tour of the waterfall; I assumed that meant we were going to get in a boat and get close to it, which would’ve been awesome. When they said tour, they meant tour inside the waterfall. First they took us to the little platform in front of the waterfall and I thought that was it, but then our tour guide started climbing along a narrow edge of a cliff towards the waterfall, and we fallowed.
You could feel the water from the water fall blowing on your face. We came over a ledge and the view made me cry. How can anyone not believe in our creator; but then again, I used to shun those who believed. How could I have been so blind to his glory?
On the other side of the ledge was a pool of water from the falls surrounded by rocks about fifteen feet below me. By the time I got there people were already in the water and telling me to jump in. I thought they were joking, but I had to jump, there was no other way down there.
It was so awesome. Then they guided me even closer to the falls. I was chest deep in water with the pressure of the waterfall coming at me. I could barely see a thing but it felt so good, the water felt so clean.
Our guide kept leading us about the rocks until we had gone through the waterfall and were under an overhanging rock. We could barely see because of the thundering water in front of us. Then they led us into a cave under the waterfall. We had to climb up the narrow cave and at first I honestly didn’t think I would fit, but there was room once we made it inside the cave. We began singing wonderful maker… it was the most amazing worship ever.
Then we had to come back. I had to climb up wet mossy rocks and through water. It was so exciting. We came back over a ledge to the pool of water we had previously jumped into, but now the jump was about five feet higher. After a thrilling jump, we made our way back along the narrow muddy ledge we came on. Honestly, that was the scariest part; climbing up a shinny slippery slope with rushing water a billion feet below us. So I’m exaggerating, but it was intense.
I’m so excited to call home. So much has happened this week. I get to make my calls today. Mama is not going to believe this.
Honduras
I can not believe what I just did. Today is our free day. We took a long drive to a “surprise” area. Everyone was sure we sere going to the beach, but we came to a waterfall, a huge, breathtaking waterfall.
They said we were going to take a tour of the waterfall; I assumed that meant we were going to get in a boat and get close to it, which would’ve been awesome. When they said tour, they meant tour inside the waterfall. First they took us to the little platform in front of the waterfall and I thought that was it, but then our tour guide started climbing along a narrow edge of a cliff towards the waterfall, and we fallowed.
You could feel the water from the water fall blowing on your face. We came over a ledge and the view made me cry. How can anyone not believe in our creator; but then again, I used to shun those who believed. How could I have been so blind to his glory?
On the other side of the ledge was a pool of water from the falls surrounded by rocks about fifteen feet below me. By the time I got there people were already in the water and telling me to jump in. I thought they were joking, but I had to jump, there was no other way down there.
It was so awesome. Then they guided me even closer to the falls. I was chest deep in water with the pressure of the waterfall coming at me. I could barely see a thing but it felt so good, the water felt so clean.
Our guide kept leading us about the rocks until we had gone through the waterfall and were under an overhanging rock. We could barely see because of the thundering water in front of us. Then they led us into a cave under the waterfall. We had to climb up the narrow cave and at first I honestly didn’t think I would fit, but there was room once we made it inside the cave. We began singing wonderful maker… it was the most amazing worship ever.
Then we had to come back. I had to climb up wet mossy rocks and through water. It was so exciting. We came back over a ledge to the pool of water we had previously jumped into, but now the jump was about five feet higher. After a thrilling jump, we made our way back along the narrow muddy ledge we came on. Honestly, that was the scariest part; climbing up a shinny slippery slope with rushing water a billion feet below us. So I’m exaggerating, but it was intense.
I’m so excited to call home. So much has happened this week. I get to make my calls today. Mama is not going to believe this.
6-22-08
8:30 am
Honduras
After we got out of the waterfalls and dried off in the sun, we rode the bus back to the church we’ve been staying in to do a night service. I felt kind of sick though; drained and lifeless, but when the altar call came god gave me the strength to do his work.
I was praying for a girl in a teal and black shirt and a jean skirt. Her hair was in a bun and she was wearing torn up flats on her feet. By the time I came up to her, she was weeping. As I began to pray for her she fell to her knees and eventually to her face.
I kept praying for her until we were the only ones left praying. When she finally sat up she gave me an awesome hug and cried into my shoulder. She said, “thank you, thank you Jesus. I worship you Lord.” Then she kept saying, “I don’t want to let go.”
When we finally stopped hugging my shoulder was soaked. I started talking to her, telling her God had a calling and anointing for her. She stopped me and told me she didn’t speak English. I was so confused. Everything she had just said was in perfect English; she didn’t even have an accent. I had somebody translate that she had spoken perfect English. She cried, smiled, and hugged me.
Overwhelmed, I went and kneeled in the corner. A lady came and laid her hands on me. She sang a song in Spanish and began praying. She was praying the armor of God over me. I could only understand bits and pieces of her prayer but I knew that she was praying the armor of God over me as she placed her hands on my feet, my head, my waist, my hands, and then finally over my heart. When she had finished, I had someone translate what she was saying and she told me that she felt God had a calling for me and wanted to bless me and prepare me for my battle.
Honduras
After we got out of the waterfalls and dried off in the sun, we rode the bus back to the church we’ve been staying in to do a night service. I felt kind of sick though; drained and lifeless, but when the altar call came god gave me the strength to do his work.
I was praying for a girl in a teal and black shirt and a jean skirt. Her hair was in a bun and she was wearing torn up flats on her feet. By the time I came up to her, she was weeping. As I began to pray for her she fell to her knees and eventually to her face.
I kept praying for her until we were the only ones left praying. When she finally sat up she gave me an awesome hug and cried into my shoulder. She said, “thank you, thank you Jesus. I worship you Lord.” Then she kept saying, “I don’t want to let go.”
When we finally stopped hugging my shoulder was soaked. I started talking to her, telling her God had a calling and anointing for her. She stopped me and told me she didn’t speak English. I was so confused. Everything she had just said was in perfect English; she didn’t even have an accent. I had somebody translate that she had spoken perfect English. She cried, smiled, and hugged me.
Overwhelmed, I went and kneeled in the corner. A lady came and laid her hands on me. She sang a song in Spanish and began praying. She was praying the armor of God over me. I could only understand bits and pieces of her prayer but I knew that she was praying the armor of God over me as she placed her hands on my feet, my head, my waist, my hands, and then finally over my heart. When she had finished, I had someone translate what she was saying and she told me that she felt God had a calling for me and wanted to bless me and prepare me for my battle.
6-25-08
7:30 am
Nicaragua
On Sunday, we did a morning church service and an afternoon service. Then we began our four hour drive back to the capital in order to catch the Tica Bus. I love riding the Tica Bus. It’s like our new home. It’s amazing how many ways you can find to sleep on the bus.
I got a chance to call mom, but the phone kept cutting out so we didn’t really get to talk. When I got off the phone I crawled up on top of the luggage in the back and fell asleep on it. Later Erin and Natalie came and joined me and I soon became the pillow. We had some awesome conversations and then fell asleep again.
That bus ride back to the capital was so peaceful. No body really even spoke or did anything. It was relaxing. It’s almost like we all agreed that nothing needed to be said to ruin the moment. We were all so close, a true family. I believe it is such a blessing to be close enough to someone that you don’t need to speak to each other to enjoy each other’s company. I really got to know my team mates better, just by observing them, no words needed.
Our team had way too much fun at the dinner table that night once we got back to the capital. We were laughing at I’m not even sure what and dancing to silent tunes all on top of small food fights and jokes. Then the night took on a different mood as we were going up to the rooms. Natalie fell down the stairs and sprained her ankle. The concern kept us all up a little longer than we had planned, but we eventually got to bed.
After we finally did fall asleep it was like we were up again in an instant. The showers weren’t working so we all reeked as we got on the Tica Bus. Our Tica Bus ride was insane. What was supposed to be a four hour bus ride had turned into a six or seven hour bus ride.
As we got closer to the border, all the cars began to stop. There was a huge line of stopped cars. The bank was on a strike of protest of some sort against the government. They had blocked the rode completely for a few hours, and it was hot.
There are a lot of protests and issues with the government in Nicaragua. They had just elected a communist leader shortly after I had left from my first visit. I honestly didn’t know that Nicaragua had become a communist country. That’s probably a good thing for me to know about my future missions field and home.
As we got to our destination, I was too exhausted and cranky to be excited about returning to Nicaragua at last. As we began driving through the mountains it finally hit me that I was home. I then felt a sense of peace and contentment that had been missing ever since I had left.
It’s so beautiful, but so horrible. The winding street through the mountains was so sickening but yet so exciting. It was so small and narrow and our fat bus was way to close to the edge on those sharp turns. At one point there was a small wooden bridge and my heart stopped…but then the bus went under the bridge, thank God.
We did three programs in different cities in the mountains. All of them were packed with kids. We didn’t get to where we were sleeping until midnight. None of us even bothered to take showers before bed. We made a few trips in the bed of a truck from the pastors house where our stuff was to the church were we were sleeping.
I slept so well, but when I woke up me back ached and I could hardly open my eyes. We took our showers and now everyone’s eating breakfast. I’m fasting today. God really put it on my heart to fast for my family’s salvation. Also, Liz asked me to speak this week. She asked me to give an actual service, here, in Nicaragua. I have non idea what to preach on, but I know God will show me. I’m excited. I’m finally home.
6:30 pm
Nicaragua
Today turned out to be pretty amazing. We did a program at a school. It was insane. The kids could not pay attention. There were so many distractions.
During lunch today Liz asked me to minister at the next program… at the same insurmountable school, only this time, with teenagers. Maybe this is why god had me fast today.
We got to the church about thirty minutes before the students did so I began to pray about the service and over myself. I looked up toward the altar and God let me see his angels once more. Liz and Erin were kneeling at the altar praying, one on each side. John was sitting in the middle reading his bible. Jonathan was standing near a post and Daniel was kneeling in a corner with his back turned to me. There was an angel near each of them. Liz and Erin each had an angel standing behind them and John had an angel casually sitting behind him looking over his shoulder to read the bible with him. Jonathan had an angel pacing near him while Daniel had and angel by his side kneeling on one knee with his hand on Daniels neck. It was magnificent. Erin came up and laid hands on me. I told her about what God had just let me see and we sat together for the short while that we had before the students arrived.
When I went to speak, I felt like I had completely blanked out, but somehow I was still talking. Honestly, I’m not quite sure what I said. I know I told them Jesus was waiting with open arms to take them in and that his blood could handle anything.
The only reaction I received at first was cold stares of hatred, glares of judgment. I asked them to raise their hand if they wanted prayer. Nobody did. I felt like such a failure. I said it again as I told my team members to go out ready to pray with them. I put the microphone down and walked away, hoping that somebody would step out for prayer.
When people began to laugh at us I turned away to pray. I felt so put down and worthless. I cried in disappointment and failure. To my surprise when I turned around there were people praying with each other. There were two girls on their knees weeping as my team members laid hands on them. There were three girls in particular that really caught my attention as we prayed for them in their chairs. They were broken. Something I had said had finally gotten to them. It just took time. I know I didn’t fail, god did use me. He used my words to change someone’s life.
We just finished dinner and now we’re celebrating Emmett’s birthday before we head out to do a night service.
Nicaragua
On Sunday, we did a morning church service and an afternoon service. Then we began our four hour drive back to the capital in order to catch the Tica Bus. I love riding the Tica Bus. It’s like our new home. It’s amazing how many ways you can find to sleep on the bus.
I got a chance to call mom, but the phone kept cutting out so we didn’t really get to talk. When I got off the phone I crawled up on top of the luggage in the back and fell asleep on it. Later Erin and Natalie came and joined me and I soon became the pillow. We had some awesome conversations and then fell asleep again.
That bus ride back to the capital was so peaceful. No body really even spoke or did anything. It was relaxing. It’s almost like we all agreed that nothing needed to be said to ruin the moment. We were all so close, a true family. I believe it is such a blessing to be close enough to someone that you don’t need to speak to each other to enjoy each other’s company. I really got to know my team mates better, just by observing them, no words needed.
Our team had way too much fun at the dinner table that night once we got back to the capital. We were laughing at I’m not even sure what and dancing to silent tunes all on top of small food fights and jokes. Then the night took on a different mood as we were going up to the rooms. Natalie fell down the stairs and sprained her ankle. The concern kept us all up a little longer than we had planned, but we eventually got to bed.
After we finally did fall asleep it was like we were up again in an instant. The showers weren’t working so we all reeked as we got on the Tica Bus. Our Tica Bus ride was insane. What was supposed to be a four hour bus ride had turned into a six or seven hour bus ride.
As we got closer to the border, all the cars began to stop. There was a huge line of stopped cars. The bank was on a strike of protest of some sort against the government. They had blocked the rode completely for a few hours, and it was hot.
There are a lot of protests and issues with the government in Nicaragua. They had just elected a communist leader shortly after I had left from my first visit. I honestly didn’t know that Nicaragua had become a communist country. That’s probably a good thing for me to know about my future missions field and home.
As we got to our destination, I was too exhausted and cranky to be excited about returning to Nicaragua at last. As we began driving through the mountains it finally hit me that I was home. I then felt a sense of peace and contentment that had been missing ever since I had left.
It’s so beautiful, but so horrible. The winding street through the mountains was so sickening but yet so exciting. It was so small and narrow and our fat bus was way to close to the edge on those sharp turns. At one point there was a small wooden bridge and my heart stopped…but then the bus went under the bridge, thank God.
We did three programs in different cities in the mountains. All of them were packed with kids. We didn’t get to where we were sleeping until midnight. None of us even bothered to take showers before bed. We made a few trips in the bed of a truck from the pastors house where our stuff was to the church were we were sleeping.
I slept so well, but when I woke up me back ached and I could hardly open my eyes. We took our showers and now everyone’s eating breakfast. I’m fasting today. God really put it on my heart to fast for my family’s salvation. Also, Liz asked me to speak this week. She asked me to give an actual service, here, in Nicaragua. I have non idea what to preach on, but I know God will show me. I’m excited. I’m finally home.
6:30 pm
Nicaragua
Today turned out to be pretty amazing. We did a program at a school. It was insane. The kids could not pay attention. There were so many distractions.
During lunch today Liz asked me to minister at the next program… at the same insurmountable school, only this time, with teenagers. Maybe this is why god had me fast today.
We got to the church about thirty minutes before the students did so I began to pray about the service and over myself. I looked up toward the altar and God let me see his angels once more. Liz and Erin were kneeling at the altar praying, one on each side. John was sitting in the middle reading his bible. Jonathan was standing near a post and Daniel was kneeling in a corner with his back turned to me. There was an angel near each of them. Liz and Erin each had an angel standing behind them and John had an angel casually sitting behind him looking over his shoulder to read the bible with him. Jonathan had an angel pacing near him while Daniel had and angel by his side kneeling on one knee with his hand on Daniels neck. It was magnificent. Erin came up and laid hands on me. I told her about what God had just let me see and we sat together for the short while that we had before the students arrived.
When I went to speak, I felt like I had completely blanked out, but somehow I was still talking. Honestly, I’m not quite sure what I said. I know I told them Jesus was waiting with open arms to take them in and that his blood could handle anything.
The only reaction I received at first was cold stares of hatred, glares of judgment. I asked them to raise their hand if they wanted prayer. Nobody did. I felt like such a failure. I said it again as I told my team members to go out ready to pray with them. I put the microphone down and walked away, hoping that somebody would step out for prayer.
When people began to laugh at us I turned away to pray. I felt so put down and worthless. I cried in disappointment and failure. To my surprise when I turned around there were people praying with each other. There were two girls on their knees weeping as my team members laid hands on them. There were three girls in particular that really caught my attention as we prayed for them in their chairs. They were broken. Something I had said had finally gotten to them. It just took time. I know I didn’t fail, god did use me. He used my words to change someone’s life.
We just finished dinner and now we’re celebrating Emmett’s birthday before we head out to do a night service.
6-27-08
11:30 am
Nicaragua
After the night service I broke down during the altar call. I went and secluded myself in a corner with my face to a wall and prayed for my family. I’m desperate for their salvation. I wept for them.
It’s so intense here. The people are so hard to minister to. They refuse to show any emotion or reaction to anything. They’re so hard and lifeless. I was praying for a lady in an old beat up church with no supplies and she finally let go. She stared shaking and jumping in circles until she fell to her knees. I was praying for her and out of nowhere she got up and dried her tears. She acted as if nothing had ever happened. She acted like she had never seen me before and didn’t want anything to do with us.
Something similar happened at the night service we did. I was praying for a lady and about twenty minutes after I started she went face down onto the floor, but just like the other lady she quickly got up and showed no emotion.
Why are they so dry? So locked up? So afraid? It breaks my heart. It really hit me hard today that this is my calling. I belong here. We’re leaving for Panama on Monday and I won’t be back for another year. It went so fast. When will I finally be able to fulfill my calling? What will happen after that? All I know is that God’s going to do more than I ever imagined.
After service we came to the church and practiced skits and dances we learned and learned a new one. We didn’t get to bed until two in the morning, but I keep telling myself, “Suck it up missionary”.
The skit we learned is absolutely amazing. It’s a ten minute human video called Puppet Master. It gives me chills. I’m not actually in it, but it’s captivating. It starts with a girl lying lifeless on her knees. Jesus walks in an with the beat of the music he begins to move one arm and then the next like a puppet and then he puts life into her as he picks her up.
She spins off as he controls her and she comes back to him and he gives her the control to the puppet strings, he gives her control over her life. As she moves in her new freedom two demons slowly come in. there’s a sound in the song and one goes down to the floor as she turns her head in his direction and the other stands up. The sound comes again and they switch. It’s really creepy. Finally she’s able to see them and they attack her as they try to get the puppet control.
They try and try but can’t so they back off and Satan is on a chair in the back. He slowly turns around at the sound of thunder. He comes down to torment her. It’s so uncanny. He finally get the control and she falls to the floor as if she’s dead. The demons pick her up and stand her up in front of Satan, who’s on the chair again. They tie up her arms and torture her.
Satan takes the puppet control, and with the beat of the music, he forces her and his demons to the right, then left, then forward, and then back again. As they’re doing this their feet are staying in place as they thrust their bodies back and forth.
Then one of the demons takes a knife and cuts the invisible rope holding up one of her arms. As her arm falls limp to her side he passes the knife to the other demon and he cuts down the other arm. He hand the knife to Satan and he cuts the rope above her head. She falls dead on the floor like she was in the very beginning.
The demons go out into the audience and get up in their faces. They go back to the girl and hover over her with Satan. At the climax of the song the girl lifts her hands and screams out the name of Jesus.
Satan and his demons leave and she falls back to the floor. Jesus comes in and gives her life again and he gives her control of her life again just like he did in the beginning. Satan quickly returns and tries to take control again but Jesus beats him up and kicks him off the stage. Jesus throws the two demons off the stage. He goes toward the girl but she begins to spin, controlling herself as he watches. Eventually she goes back to him and she gives him control.
She sadly walks away until a certain point in the song comes when Jesus throws the control away giving her complete freedom. As he throws it she gracefully leaps in joy and comes running to Jesus and jumps into his arms. He lifts her up and twirls her around in the air. When he puts her down they begin to waltz about the stage and in the very end her embraces her and they hug.
It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s creepy, but amazing. I can’t wait to film it and bring it back to long beach with me. After that we all went to bed, but John and Josh stayed up until four in the morning making up a break-dance routine for the show tonight. I can’t wait to see it. I’m so exhausted. Well, I’m on my way to our first program of the day.
5:45 pm
Nicaragua
Today’s been pretty intense, and it’s about to get better. At one program there was a little girl that I noticed in the very beginning. She looked strange, and just not all there. When the altar call came, I brought her up with me. Kristal came because she noticed her too. Her name is Selena and she’s sick, but we’re not sure of what. Her friend said her mom was insane and died a month ago. When she said that Selena proclaimed, “I have no mom”. I wanted to cry.
At the next program we were praying for a blind woman. She was old, alone, and had no money or food. When everyone started praying, God put on my heart to lead her to the doorway and lift her hands, cover her eyes and pray for healing, and that she would see.
I refused to do it. Everyone had their hands on her and I would look like an idiot. But once everyone started to leave, weird stuff happened. Before I knew it I had no control. I was saying something to her in Spanish that I couldn’t even comprehend and I lead her to the doorway.
Erin asked me what I was doing and honestly, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I felt like I wasn’t moving but I was. I lifted her hands and prayed, but she wasn’t healed. I felt a little let down, but I know God works in mysterious ways.
Now we’re at the church practicing skits and dances for tonight. We’re doing a huge service. Supposable there’s going to be about two thousand people. I’m praying for an awakening.
Nicaragua
After the night service I broke down during the altar call. I went and secluded myself in a corner with my face to a wall and prayed for my family. I’m desperate for their salvation. I wept for them.
It’s so intense here. The people are so hard to minister to. They refuse to show any emotion or reaction to anything. They’re so hard and lifeless. I was praying for a lady in an old beat up church with no supplies and she finally let go. She stared shaking and jumping in circles until she fell to her knees. I was praying for her and out of nowhere she got up and dried her tears. She acted as if nothing had ever happened. She acted like she had never seen me before and didn’t want anything to do with us.
Something similar happened at the night service we did. I was praying for a lady and about twenty minutes after I started she went face down onto the floor, but just like the other lady she quickly got up and showed no emotion.
Why are they so dry? So locked up? So afraid? It breaks my heart. It really hit me hard today that this is my calling. I belong here. We’re leaving for Panama on Monday and I won’t be back for another year. It went so fast. When will I finally be able to fulfill my calling? What will happen after that? All I know is that God’s going to do more than I ever imagined.
After service we came to the church and practiced skits and dances we learned and learned a new one. We didn’t get to bed until two in the morning, but I keep telling myself, “Suck it up missionary”.
The skit we learned is absolutely amazing. It’s a ten minute human video called Puppet Master. It gives me chills. I’m not actually in it, but it’s captivating. It starts with a girl lying lifeless on her knees. Jesus walks in an with the beat of the music he begins to move one arm and then the next like a puppet and then he puts life into her as he picks her up.
She spins off as he controls her and she comes back to him and he gives her the control to the puppet strings, he gives her control over her life. As she moves in her new freedom two demons slowly come in. there’s a sound in the song and one goes down to the floor as she turns her head in his direction and the other stands up. The sound comes again and they switch. It’s really creepy. Finally she’s able to see them and they attack her as they try to get the puppet control.
They try and try but can’t so they back off and Satan is on a chair in the back. He slowly turns around at the sound of thunder. He comes down to torment her. It’s so uncanny. He finally get the control and she falls to the floor as if she’s dead. The demons pick her up and stand her up in front of Satan, who’s on the chair again. They tie up her arms and torture her.
Satan takes the puppet control, and with the beat of the music, he forces her and his demons to the right, then left, then forward, and then back again. As they’re doing this their feet are staying in place as they thrust their bodies back and forth.
Then one of the demons takes a knife and cuts the invisible rope holding up one of her arms. As her arm falls limp to her side he passes the knife to the other demon and he cuts down the other arm. He hand the knife to Satan and he cuts the rope above her head. She falls dead on the floor like she was in the very beginning.
The demons go out into the audience and get up in their faces. They go back to the girl and hover over her with Satan. At the climax of the song the girl lifts her hands and screams out the name of Jesus.
Satan and his demons leave and she falls back to the floor. Jesus comes in and gives her life again and he gives her control of her life again just like he did in the beginning. Satan quickly returns and tries to take control again but Jesus beats him up and kicks him off the stage. Jesus throws the two demons off the stage. He goes toward the girl but she begins to spin, controlling herself as he watches. Eventually she goes back to him and she gives him control.
She sadly walks away until a certain point in the song comes when Jesus throws the control away giving her complete freedom. As he throws it she gracefully leaps in joy and comes running to Jesus and jumps into his arms. He lifts her up and twirls her around in the air. When he puts her down they begin to waltz about the stage and in the very end her embraces her and they hug.
It’s absolutely beautiful. It’s creepy, but amazing. I can’t wait to film it and bring it back to long beach with me. After that we all went to bed, but John and Josh stayed up until four in the morning making up a break-dance routine for the show tonight. I can’t wait to see it. I’m so exhausted. Well, I’m on my way to our first program of the day.
5:45 pm
Nicaragua
Today’s been pretty intense, and it’s about to get better. At one program there was a little girl that I noticed in the very beginning. She looked strange, and just not all there. When the altar call came, I brought her up with me. Kristal came because she noticed her too. Her name is Selena and she’s sick, but we’re not sure of what. Her friend said her mom was insane and died a month ago. When she said that Selena proclaimed, “I have no mom”. I wanted to cry.
At the next program we were praying for a blind woman. She was old, alone, and had no money or food. When everyone started praying, God put on my heart to lead her to the doorway and lift her hands, cover her eyes and pray for healing, and that she would see.
I refused to do it. Everyone had their hands on her and I would look like an idiot. But once everyone started to leave, weird stuff happened. Before I knew it I had no control. I was saying something to her in Spanish that I couldn’t even comprehend and I lead her to the doorway.
Erin asked me what I was doing and honestly, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I felt like I wasn’t moving but I was. I lifted her hands and prayed, but she wasn’t healed. I felt a little let down, but I know God works in mysterious ways.
Now we’re at the church practicing skits and dances for tonight. We’re doing a huge service. Supposable there’s going to be about two thousand people. I’m praying for an awakening.
6-28-08
10 am
Nicaragua
Last night was another amazing night. There actually weren’t as many people as we expected to be there, but it was still a pretty big service. We did two hours of ministry and an hour long prayer movement in the end.
When we started praying I felt worthless. I felt like I had no anointing, no power, no authority. I went and leaned against a wall and cried as I tried to pray. I began to tell God that I felt empty, like I was nothing, like there was no reason for me to be here. I asked for conformation and fell to my face weeping.
Kristal came and began to pray. She prayed for God to encourage me and for me not to forget how he’s used me. I felt another hand on my back as Kristal kept speaking confirmation into my life. God works in mysterious ways, but he gave me confirmation. I can’t believe I let myself feel that way though. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time.
Then I remembered the lady who prayed the armor of God over me in Honduras. She warned me about the battle to come… I will be victorious. I keep singing this song, it won’t leave my mind
“the more I seek you, the more I find you,
The more I find you, the more I love you.
I wanna sit at your feet,
Drink from the cup in you hands
Lean back against you and breath
Feel your heartbeat.
This love is so deep
It’s more than I can stand
I melt in your peace
It’s overwhelming.”
I find myself fasting for my family once again. It’s also my last day of ministry in Nicaragua. I don’t want to leave yet, I want to stay forever.
Nicaragua
Last night was another amazing night. There actually weren’t as many people as we expected to be there, but it was still a pretty big service. We did two hours of ministry and an hour long prayer movement in the end.
When we started praying I felt worthless. I felt like I had no anointing, no power, no authority. I went and leaned against a wall and cried as I tried to pray. I began to tell God that I felt empty, like I was nothing, like there was no reason for me to be here. I asked for conformation and fell to my face weeping.
Kristal came and began to pray. She prayed for God to encourage me and for me not to forget how he’s used me. I felt another hand on my back as Kristal kept speaking confirmation into my life. God works in mysterious ways, but he gave me confirmation. I can’t believe I let myself feel that way though. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time.
Then I remembered the lady who prayed the armor of God over me in Honduras. She warned me about the battle to come… I will be victorious. I keep singing this song, it won’t leave my mind
“the more I seek you, the more I find you,
The more I find you, the more I love you.
I wanna sit at your feet,
Drink from the cup in you hands
Lean back against you and breath
Feel your heartbeat.
This love is so deep
It’s more than I can stand
I melt in your peace
It’s overwhelming.”
I find myself fasting for my family once again. It’s also my last day of ministry in Nicaragua. I don’t want to leave yet, I want to stay forever.
6-30-08
8:45 am
Flight 710 to Panama
On Saturday we did two programs and said goodbye to the local team as we headed into Managua. We had a three hour bus drive again. The bus is literally like our home. Sleeping on the bus has become an art form. It’s gotten stuck so many times that I haven’t even written about it… it’s amazing.
We got to the Castillo Del Rey base around eleven o’clock at night and crashed out really late. I had to re-pack my bag because it was so disorganized. On Sunday, we slept in until eight, which was a treat. It was our free day in Nicaragua. We went to a volcano. It was remarkable. We stood on a pathway above the opening of a volcano. I was in awe and wonder as I breathed in smoke from the very center of the earth.
After we ate lunch and went to Lake Nicaragua, which is three times bigger than El Salvador. It was beautiful. We went shopping around a little market place too.
When we got back to the base I finally realized it’s the same place I went to last year. The same place I learned the dances and skits, the place where I fell in lone with Nicaragua and Castillo Del Rey. The same place the Global Passions team I came with last year will be coming in four days.
We’re on our way to Panama now. But we had to leave a lot of stuff in Nicaragua so I cut my luggage in half. I called mama last night too. It was great to talk to her and tell her everything that’s been happening. She said when she talked to my aunt, Cathy, that Cathy said I sounded happy when she talked to me. That shows me that she somewhat accepts the fact that I belong here. Praise God. That tiny glimpse of approval from her made me so happy. God keeps putting it on my heart to fast for them.
Flight 710 to Panama
On Saturday we did two programs and said goodbye to the local team as we headed into Managua. We had a three hour bus drive again. The bus is literally like our home. Sleeping on the bus has become an art form. It’s gotten stuck so many times that I haven’t even written about it… it’s amazing.
We got to the Castillo Del Rey base around eleven o’clock at night and crashed out really late. I had to re-pack my bag because it was so disorganized. On Sunday, we slept in until eight, which was a treat. It was our free day in Nicaragua. We went to a volcano. It was remarkable. We stood on a pathway above the opening of a volcano. I was in awe and wonder as I breathed in smoke from the very center of the earth.
After we ate lunch and went to Lake Nicaragua, which is three times bigger than El Salvador. It was beautiful. We went shopping around a little market place too.
When we got back to the base I finally realized it’s the same place I went to last year. The same place I learned the dances and skits, the place where I fell in lone with Nicaragua and Castillo Del Rey. The same place the Global Passions team I came with last year will be coming in four days.
We’re on our way to Panama now. But we had to leave a lot of stuff in Nicaragua so I cut my luggage in half. I called mama last night too. It was great to talk to her and tell her everything that’s been happening. She said when she talked to my aunt, Cathy, that Cathy said I sounded happy when she talked to me. That shows me that she somewhat accepts the fact that I belong here. Praise God. That tiny glimpse of approval from her made me so happy. God keeps putting it on my heart to fast for them.
7-2-08
6:30 am
Panama
The plane ride was intense. We had some major turbulence and I got scared of flying for the first time. Panama actually reminds me of Long Beach and L.A., but none of the buildings seem finished and there are a lot more trees and Spanish.
Our first day here we just hung out tat Kiko’s apartment. Kiko is a missionary that’s worked with Castillo Del Rey for a while and is studying to become a medical missionary. We got to use the computer so I sent a really long e-mail to my aunt and uncle.
Throughout the day, a lot of people were sick, really sick. It was a major attack. I even began to feel nauseous but sleep seemed to restore everyone along with some major Pentecostal healing. We were ready to leave in the morning by six and headed out for our first program.
We did two programs at a school, one for younger children and one for the high school students. We also did one at a church before that with youth from the Christian school. We did another program after that and then a night service.
At the Christian school in the morning, we did puppet master. Then Garret spoke about freedom. When he did an altar call, the reaction was shocking. The teenagers were so ready to receive their freedom. I began praying for a girl and she fell into my arms and cried into my shoulder as we swayed back and forth together. The same thing happened with another girl as I moved across the room.
At our first program at the school there was another amazing altar call. The kids are so full of love here. I was hugging a girl and six other kids came and made it into a mega-hug. One of the girls fell to her knees so I kneeled with her. The other six girls kneeled with us as well.
At one point I was praying alone and I could feel the presence of God all around. I opened my eyes and there were about five kids waiting in front of me for prayer.
Kids amaze me. They recognize the Hoy Spirit and they go to it. They cling onto it. They will seek prayer time and time again, always hungry. They amaze me.
At the next program at the school, our program was a little more of a struggle because it was focused more towards youth. The altar call was once again breathtaking. You can really tell the difference in the different countries and the kids living there by watching how they respond and love each other.
One girl began weeping. She was crying the type of cry when you want to scream into your pillow you don’t know why. She didn’t have a pillow, but she screamed over and over into my shoulder and chest for about half an hour and she wept and shook until she was physically and emotionally drained.
Our night service was also amazing. Instead of doing a program we did four major dramas as Liz spoke about each one. It was powerful. During the altar call though, all I could do was pray for my youth group back in Long Beach. I miss them. I wonder what phase they’re in right now and how they’re doing. For the first time on this trip, I began to feel homesick.
Panama
The plane ride was intense. We had some major turbulence and I got scared of flying for the first time. Panama actually reminds me of Long Beach and L.A., but none of the buildings seem finished and there are a lot more trees and Spanish.
Our first day here we just hung out tat Kiko’s apartment. Kiko is a missionary that’s worked with Castillo Del Rey for a while and is studying to become a medical missionary. We got to use the computer so I sent a really long e-mail to my aunt and uncle.
Throughout the day, a lot of people were sick, really sick. It was a major attack. I even began to feel nauseous but sleep seemed to restore everyone along with some major Pentecostal healing. We were ready to leave in the morning by six and headed out for our first program.
We did two programs at a school, one for younger children and one for the high school students. We also did one at a church before that with youth from the Christian school. We did another program after that and then a night service.
At the Christian school in the morning, we did puppet master. Then Garret spoke about freedom. When he did an altar call, the reaction was shocking. The teenagers were so ready to receive their freedom. I began praying for a girl and she fell into my arms and cried into my shoulder as we swayed back and forth together. The same thing happened with another girl as I moved across the room.
At our first program at the school there was another amazing altar call. The kids are so full of love here. I was hugging a girl and six other kids came and made it into a mega-hug. One of the girls fell to her knees so I kneeled with her. The other six girls kneeled with us as well.
At one point I was praying alone and I could feel the presence of God all around. I opened my eyes and there were about five kids waiting in front of me for prayer.
Kids amaze me. They recognize the Hoy Spirit and they go to it. They cling onto it. They will seek prayer time and time again, always hungry. They amaze me.
At the next program at the school, our program was a little more of a struggle because it was focused more towards youth. The altar call was once again breathtaking. You can really tell the difference in the different countries and the kids living there by watching how they respond and love each other.
One girl began weeping. She was crying the type of cry when you want to scream into your pillow you don’t know why. She didn’t have a pillow, but she screamed over and over into my shoulder and chest for about half an hour and she wept and shook until she was physically and emotionally drained.
Our night service was also amazing. Instead of doing a program we did four major dramas as Liz spoke about each one. It was powerful. During the altar call though, all I could do was pray for my youth group back in Long Beach. I miss them. I wonder what phase they’re in right now and how they’re doing. For the first time on this trip, I began to feel homesick.
7-5-08
10:30 am
Panama
It’s amazing what can happen in thee days. God is amazing. On Wednesday we went to a school to minister to four hundred students. We broke them up into three programs, one after the other. It was awesome. It was like the healing room. Those students didn’t leave the same. When the next group would come in, they’d walk in laughing at how people were weeping and worshiping. They didn’t understand but they soon found themselves at the altar.
After the third program, the principle wanted us to do two more. We skipped lunch and kept going totally unprepared, but God supplied. At one program I was praying for a girl who was leaning over in her seat. She began weeping as she lifted her hands. When she sat up, I realized she was pregnant, and very young. She dedicated her life, and her child, to God. It was amazing. I began to cry as I realized something; if God had not saved me when he did, I might have been in her situation.
We went to that school the next day and did three more programs. God totally changed that school. We’re not having a whole free day here, but were splitting up our days so that there’s time for some free time. They took us to the Panamanian mall on Thursday, but we were all to exhausted to care. After that we took a two hour drive on the smallest, most crowded bus I’ve ever been on in my life. We went to a youth camp to start off their first night. It was a three night Christian summer camp with about four hundred youth, and we were asked to start it.
There were so many distractions; it was hard to get their attention. When we were doing the last two dramas, the people who weren’t in them went outside and prayed, including myself. It was the most intense prayer time I’ve ever had. We were fighting… fighting for them.
The sermon was focused on the power of the Holy Spirit, so the altar call was for anyone who wanted to receive the Holy Spirit. The altar was filled with hungry youth. We brought the intensity from outside with us and started laying hands on people as we watched them be baptized left and right.
After an hour there were about two hundred people still waiting to receive the gift of the spirit. We started the most amazing prayer line I’ve ever seen. Each team member paired up with another team member and we formed two lines facing each other. Each student walked between the two lines as we laid hands on them. Before they could go through the line, we had them say,”Lord, I want to be baptized in your Holy Spirit” in order to let us know that this is what they desired. Then they would slowly make their way through the line, stopping at every pair of people waiting to pray for them.
We did this intense prayer line for over three hours. People were being baptized, slain, and brought to their knees constantly. Every single teenager who went through that line had received the Holy Spirit and had spoken in tongues before we finished.
I surprised myself. I found myself praying a lot in Spanish, but what surprised me is that I understood it. And I don’t think I’ve spoken in tongues for that long of a time period in my life, or let alone prayed for that long of a time period in my life. I was getting so tired, and my body was aching. I wanted to sit down and get a drink of water, but God made it clear that you either have spiritual discipline or you don’t; so I stood, and I prayed like I had never prayed before. The more I prayed the more strength I received.
When we were done, I nearly collapsed. We finally went to eat at 1:30 in the morning. Then we began our two hour bus ride back. I really didn’t get to sleep on the bus though. I was crammed into the weirdest position and couldn’t move for two hours. It was also the same time that I realized my friend Timothy was leaving California to go to Nicaragua. I began praying for him and his team as I stayed awake.
We finally got to bed around four in the morning, but we had to get up at five. God is my strength… I was able to get up and do the insane dances that we do the next day, but only through him.
We were doing a program, and by the time we did the altar call, I felt like I could barely move. I layed down and prayed as my legs, back, and neck throbbed. I was trying to convince myself to move, but I could barely open my eyes. When I did, I saw a hand coming towards my face. As soon as the hand reached me, I felt revived and I sat up. I felt normal, strong. It was John who had prayed for me and I thanked him.
After we did another program at the same place, they played some worship music as our team had their own worship session. They put on Frontlines’ song I Call you Jesus. I worshiped like never before, and within that I received the other half of my revival. Then they played Believe which says;
“You know how to hold me close
Say exactly what I need to hear.
I believe every word
It’s getting closer
Believe it’s coming
Around the corner
You’re gonna make it
Take a look at all the places that He’s brought you from
It’s the impossible
Believe it’s possible
You won’t believe where I came from
Believe in grace”
It made me realize something once again. The impossible is possible. My life being changed the way it was seemed like the impossible, but by the grace of God, here I am. I fell face down on the floor and praised and wept.
Since it was the Fourth of July, they took us out to a nice dinner and afterwards and movie theatre. We saw The Hulk, but I slept through most of it. Then we pulled an all nighter creating a forty-five minute drama for tonight. It’s still not done. I got to bed around five in the morning and got up at eight and waited in line for a much needed shower. I’m so drained. I’m pushing myself to the limit, and I can feel it getting closer.
Panama
It’s amazing what can happen in thee days. God is amazing. On Wednesday we went to a school to minister to four hundred students. We broke them up into three programs, one after the other. It was awesome. It was like the healing room. Those students didn’t leave the same. When the next group would come in, they’d walk in laughing at how people were weeping and worshiping. They didn’t understand but they soon found themselves at the altar.
After the third program, the principle wanted us to do two more. We skipped lunch and kept going totally unprepared, but God supplied. At one program I was praying for a girl who was leaning over in her seat. She began weeping as she lifted her hands. When she sat up, I realized she was pregnant, and very young. She dedicated her life, and her child, to God. It was amazing. I began to cry as I realized something; if God had not saved me when he did, I might have been in her situation.
We went to that school the next day and did three more programs. God totally changed that school. We’re not having a whole free day here, but were splitting up our days so that there’s time for some free time. They took us to the Panamanian mall on Thursday, but we were all to exhausted to care. After that we took a two hour drive on the smallest, most crowded bus I’ve ever been on in my life. We went to a youth camp to start off their first night. It was a three night Christian summer camp with about four hundred youth, and we were asked to start it.
There were so many distractions; it was hard to get their attention. When we were doing the last two dramas, the people who weren’t in them went outside and prayed, including myself. It was the most intense prayer time I’ve ever had. We were fighting… fighting for them.
The sermon was focused on the power of the Holy Spirit, so the altar call was for anyone who wanted to receive the Holy Spirit. The altar was filled with hungry youth. We brought the intensity from outside with us and started laying hands on people as we watched them be baptized left and right.
After an hour there were about two hundred people still waiting to receive the gift of the spirit. We started the most amazing prayer line I’ve ever seen. Each team member paired up with another team member and we formed two lines facing each other. Each student walked between the two lines as we laid hands on them. Before they could go through the line, we had them say,”Lord, I want to be baptized in your Holy Spirit” in order to let us know that this is what they desired. Then they would slowly make their way through the line, stopping at every pair of people waiting to pray for them.
We did this intense prayer line for over three hours. People were being baptized, slain, and brought to their knees constantly. Every single teenager who went through that line had received the Holy Spirit and had spoken in tongues before we finished.
I surprised myself. I found myself praying a lot in Spanish, but what surprised me is that I understood it. And I don’t think I’ve spoken in tongues for that long of a time period in my life, or let alone prayed for that long of a time period in my life. I was getting so tired, and my body was aching. I wanted to sit down and get a drink of water, but God made it clear that you either have spiritual discipline or you don’t; so I stood, and I prayed like I had never prayed before. The more I prayed the more strength I received.
When we were done, I nearly collapsed. We finally went to eat at 1:30 in the morning. Then we began our two hour bus ride back. I really didn’t get to sleep on the bus though. I was crammed into the weirdest position and couldn’t move for two hours. It was also the same time that I realized my friend Timothy was leaving California to go to Nicaragua. I began praying for him and his team as I stayed awake.
We finally got to bed around four in the morning, but we had to get up at five. God is my strength… I was able to get up and do the insane dances that we do the next day, but only through him.
We were doing a program, and by the time we did the altar call, I felt like I could barely move. I layed down and prayed as my legs, back, and neck throbbed. I was trying to convince myself to move, but I could barely open my eyes. When I did, I saw a hand coming towards my face. As soon as the hand reached me, I felt revived and I sat up. I felt normal, strong. It was John who had prayed for me and I thanked him.
After we did another program at the same place, they played some worship music as our team had their own worship session. They put on Frontlines’ song I Call you Jesus. I worshiped like never before, and within that I received the other half of my revival. Then they played Believe which says;
“You know how to hold me close
Say exactly what I need to hear.
I believe every word
It’s getting closer
Believe it’s coming
Around the corner
You’re gonna make it
Take a look at all the places that He’s brought you from
It’s the impossible
Believe it’s possible
You won’t believe where I came from
Believe in grace”
It made me realize something once again. The impossible is possible. My life being changed the way it was seemed like the impossible, but by the grace of God, here I am. I fell face down on the floor and praised and wept.
Since it was the Fourth of July, they took us out to a nice dinner and afterwards and movie theatre. We saw The Hulk, but I slept through most of it. Then we pulled an all nighter creating a forty-five minute drama for tonight. It’s still not done. I got to bed around five in the morning and got up at eight and waited in line for a much needed shower. I’m so drained. I’m pushing myself to the limit, and I can feel it getting closer.
7-7-08
9 pm
Costa Rica
Yesterday was intense. We did a few programs and then got ready to ride the Tica Bus to Costa Rica. During our last program I got really sick and needed Imodium to say the least. I felt like throwing up after that.
Our Tica Bus left at eleven at night from Panama City to San Juan, Costa Rica. It was a fourteen hour drive. I still felt nauseous, but I fell asleep really fast. I didn’t wake up until I got to the border. I felt dead. We were at the border for over an hour as they checked bags and passports.
I was next in line to get my papers checked and I puked. It was about an hour until I could wash my mouth out… it sucked. Now most of us are on our way to bed except four of our team members who stayed behind and had to take a later bus. I’m still a little sick, but I’ll recover.
Costa Rica
Yesterday was intense. We did a few programs and then got ready to ride the Tica Bus to Costa Rica. During our last program I got really sick and needed Imodium to say the least. I felt like throwing up after that.
Our Tica Bus left at eleven at night from Panama City to San Juan, Costa Rica. It was a fourteen hour drive. I still felt nauseous, but I fell asleep really fast. I didn’t wake up until I got to the border. I felt dead. We were at the border for over an hour as they checked bags and passports.
I was next in line to get my papers checked and I puked. It was about an hour until I could wash my mouth out… it sucked. Now most of us are on our way to bed except four of our team members who stayed behind and had to take a later bus. I’m still a little sick, but I’ll recover.
7-9-08
8 am
Costa Rica
Whoa, I’ve got a lot to write. After going to bed I tossed and turned all night. I finally got up to use the bathroom. As soon as I stood up I knew I was about to vomit. I ran outside towards the sink. I missed, but my second one made it to the sink. It was about to in the morning. I found a water bottle, toothbrush, and toothpaste to cleanse my mouth. I cleaned up what missed the sink and nearly collapsed on the floor. I was miserable.
I woke up again feeling nauseous but once again weak and dead. We were driving to a new city where we’re ministering about an hour away. We stopped at a gas station to use the bathroom, but there wasn’t one so we kept going. There was a tour bus in front of us, and out of nowhere it went off the rode and into a bolder on the side of the mountain. It was appalling.
We came to a stop and a lot of us got off the bus to try and help. We pulled people out of the totaled bus and threw luggage off the bus. What happened was the breaks had gone out and as they started to go off the rode the driver jumped off and told everyone to brace themselves. If he wouldn’t have jumped off the bus he certainly would’ve died.
Some people had broken bones and had gashes in their head. One man lost his thumb and we could see one man’s skull. I searched for supplies on the bus to use. We pulled water, baby wipes, the first aid, sheets and pillow off our bus to help. We gave them our water bottles as smoke came from the bus into their lungs.
We used the first aid and baby wipes to prevent bleeding as much as we could. We used pillows to prop people upon. Mine got covered in blood and I no longer have a pillow. We held up sheets to keep them out of the sun to keep them as calm as possible.
No one died. It was about half an hour until an ambulance finally arrived. The most important thing we did though was pray. You could totally feel god’s presence and peace there. It was amazing. We prayed for them and even with them. One man accepted Christ right there.
If we hadn’t stopped to try and find a bathroom, we wouldn’t have been right there to help. Praise God. He diffidently had a divine appointment for us.
When we finally did get to our destination, we split up and did two separate programs and then came together for another one before our night service.
I felt like throwing up the whole time. It was bad, but I still danced and did the programs. When we got to the church for the night service, I was done. I was waiting by the bathroom for the hurl that never came. I finally just laid down in the back of the service and crashed out.
I woke up throughout the service, wishing I could be part of it. I know it was amazing. They did puppet master and I heard the prayers during the altar call and got mad. Why did I have to feel so dead? I was frustrated beyond belief. I couldn’t eat dinner so I went straight to bed. I feel better now. I’m excited to get back into the ministry. We’re doing street ministry with a huge local team. It should be awesome.
Costa Rica
Whoa, I’ve got a lot to write. After going to bed I tossed and turned all night. I finally got up to use the bathroom. As soon as I stood up I knew I was about to vomit. I ran outside towards the sink. I missed, but my second one made it to the sink. It was about to in the morning. I found a water bottle, toothbrush, and toothpaste to cleanse my mouth. I cleaned up what missed the sink and nearly collapsed on the floor. I was miserable.
I woke up again feeling nauseous but once again weak and dead. We were driving to a new city where we’re ministering about an hour away. We stopped at a gas station to use the bathroom, but there wasn’t one so we kept going. There was a tour bus in front of us, and out of nowhere it went off the rode and into a bolder on the side of the mountain. It was appalling.
We came to a stop and a lot of us got off the bus to try and help. We pulled people out of the totaled bus and threw luggage off the bus. What happened was the breaks had gone out and as they started to go off the rode the driver jumped off and told everyone to brace themselves. If he wouldn’t have jumped off the bus he certainly would’ve died.
Some people had broken bones and had gashes in their head. One man lost his thumb and we could see one man’s skull. I searched for supplies on the bus to use. We pulled water, baby wipes, the first aid, sheets and pillow off our bus to help. We gave them our water bottles as smoke came from the bus into their lungs.
We used the first aid and baby wipes to prevent bleeding as much as we could. We used pillows to prop people upon. Mine got covered in blood and I no longer have a pillow. We held up sheets to keep them out of the sun to keep them as calm as possible.
No one died. It was about half an hour until an ambulance finally arrived. The most important thing we did though was pray. You could totally feel god’s presence and peace there. It was amazing. We prayed for them and even with them. One man accepted Christ right there.
If we hadn’t stopped to try and find a bathroom, we wouldn’t have been right there to help. Praise God. He diffidently had a divine appointment for us.
When we finally did get to our destination, we split up and did two separate programs and then came together for another one before our night service.
I felt like throwing up the whole time. It was bad, but I still danced and did the programs. When we got to the church for the night service, I was done. I was waiting by the bathroom for the hurl that never came. I finally just laid down in the back of the service and crashed out.
I woke up throughout the service, wishing I could be part of it. I know it was amazing. They did puppet master and I heard the prayers during the altar call and got mad. Why did I have to feel so dead? I was frustrated beyond belief. I couldn’t eat dinner so I went straight to bed. I feel better now. I’m excited to get back into the ministry. We’re doing street ministry with a huge local team. It should be awesome.
7-10-08
5 pm
Costa Rica
Yesterday was awesome, but strange. We worked with about two hundred local Castle members. We did a random street ministry in the town center. We went on all different sides of the park and stopped streets at random moments to do our dances and dramas. When we weren’t stopping traffic we were passing out tons of tracks and balloon animals.
One man accepted Jesus in his stopped car as we prayed with him. Some wept, children smiled and laughed. It was awesome and powerful. We made the news…. Wow. After a few hours of that, we prepared for a night service.
We had extra time before the service so we had our own mini service. We prayed for a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Eventually it ended up to where all the people being prayed over were surrounded by a circle of kneeling Warriors interceding for them.
During our night service, I went up to the altar for worship. I was seeking an anointing, a touch, and power that I felt I had lost somehow. I fell to my knees begging for a fresh start and strength. When I opened my eyes the altar was filled. People were weeping and praising and my team members were raying over everyone including each other.
I fell face down on the floor, still begging for that touch from anyone as a sign. No one touched me. I waited. I know I don’t need a touch from a human hand as a sign, but that’s what I was waiting for; but it never came.
I looked up again and saw everyone either being prayed for, or praying for somebody. Everyone except for me. I felt so alone. I wrapped my arms around my knees and cried, feeling like the outcast.
Erin came and hugged me. She didn’t say anything, she just hugged me. When I finally opened my eyes we were the only ones at the altar. I hugged her back and moved to the side. Honestly, I still felt like the odd one out, the out cast, secluded. God put on my heart to read my scripture in order to receive his touch. I read throughout the whole service in silence, in waiting, and honestly, somewhat in doubt.
I went to bed that way, and woke up in that same state of mind. I wanted that fresh anointing, and I was sick of feeling alone. The whole day seemed to get worse. I felt persecuted for everything, like I was doing everything wrong, like I was just in the way.
On the bus, Erin asked me how I was. We were the only two on the bus and I told her, “All right, but my day has kind of sucked.” She gave me a hug and I began to cry as she prayed joy over me. Carlos came on the bus, my father figure on the trip, and hugged me as well. He told me Jesus loves me and then he told me that I make his day, which is somewhat an inside joke between us.
I began to lighten up, but I still felt extremely stressed out. We were at a program and I was praying in a circle with some other team members. God put on my heart a word for each of them there so I touched each of them and spoke out, realizing that in that moment I had received the touch I had been waiting for.
Kristal laid her hand on me and thanked God for my obedience. After that we had some down time before lunch was ready so we began praying and worshipping in our individual time with God.
I kneeled and worshiped, becoming silent. Emily came and kneeled next to me and prayed for my family’s salvation and for my strength. Then she began praying that I would recognize my anointing, that even though I can’t see it or it’s results, she prayed that I would know it’s there and that it’s blessing somebody. She prayed that I would have confidence and that whenever I ask for a sign I would find it in him.
It’s funny how God works. We did another program and had some down time and now were getting ready for another service. I felt at peace at last. I feel somewhat foolish for letting myself think for an instant that I was alone. I thank God for his grace.
Costa Rica
Yesterday was awesome, but strange. We worked with about two hundred local Castle members. We did a random street ministry in the town center. We went on all different sides of the park and stopped streets at random moments to do our dances and dramas. When we weren’t stopping traffic we were passing out tons of tracks and balloon animals.
One man accepted Jesus in his stopped car as we prayed with him. Some wept, children smiled and laughed. It was awesome and powerful. We made the news…. Wow. After a few hours of that, we prepared for a night service.
We had extra time before the service so we had our own mini service. We prayed for a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Eventually it ended up to where all the people being prayed over were surrounded by a circle of kneeling Warriors interceding for them.
During our night service, I went up to the altar for worship. I was seeking an anointing, a touch, and power that I felt I had lost somehow. I fell to my knees begging for a fresh start and strength. When I opened my eyes the altar was filled. People were weeping and praising and my team members were raying over everyone including each other.
I fell face down on the floor, still begging for that touch from anyone as a sign. No one touched me. I waited. I know I don’t need a touch from a human hand as a sign, but that’s what I was waiting for; but it never came.
I looked up again and saw everyone either being prayed for, or praying for somebody. Everyone except for me. I felt so alone. I wrapped my arms around my knees and cried, feeling like the outcast.
Erin came and hugged me. She didn’t say anything, she just hugged me. When I finally opened my eyes we were the only ones at the altar. I hugged her back and moved to the side. Honestly, I still felt like the odd one out, the out cast, secluded. God put on my heart to read my scripture in order to receive his touch. I read throughout the whole service in silence, in waiting, and honestly, somewhat in doubt.
I went to bed that way, and woke up in that same state of mind. I wanted that fresh anointing, and I was sick of feeling alone. The whole day seemed to get worse. I felt persecuted for everything, like I was doing everything wrong, like I was just in the way.
On the bus, Erin asked me how I was. We were the only two on the bus and I told her, “All right, but my day has kind of sucked.” She gave me a hug and I began to cry as she prayed joy over me. Carlos came on the bus, my father figure on the trip, and hugged me as well. He told me Jesus loves me and then he told me that I make his day, which is somewhat an inside joke between us.
I began to lighten up, but I still felt extremely stressed out. We were at a program and I was praying in a circle with some other team members. God put on my heart a word for each of them there so I touched each of them and spoke out, realizing that in that moment I had received the touch I had been waiting for.
Kristal laid her hand on me and thanked God for my obedience. After that we had some down time before lunch was ready so we began praying and worshipping in our individual time with God.
I kneeled and worshiped, becoming silent. Emily came and kneeled next to me and prayed for my family’s salvation and for my strength. Then she began praying that I would recognize my anointing, that even though I can’t see it or it’s results, she prayed that I would know it’s there and that it’s blessing somebody. She prayed that I would have confidence and that whenever I ask for a sign I would find it in him.
It’s funny how God works. We did another program and had some down time and now were getting ready for another service. I felt at peace at last. I feel somewhat foolish for letting myself think for an instant that I was alone. I thank God for his grace.
7-11/12-08
Midnight?
Costa Rica
That night service was absolutely wonderful. It was all ordinary until the altar call. I was praying for a young girl and she fell on the floor shaking almost like she was having a seizure. I knew right away that it wasn’t the works of a healthy spirit and I began to rebuke it as I laid hands on her. Other people came and began to pray as well. She shook more and more until she was all out on the floor.
I took her shoes off and as well as my own keeping in mind that we are on holy ground and claiming it as his property. As we continued praying, she suddenly stopped thrusting her body and began laughing. She was freed. It was beautiful.
Erin and I looked at each other and smiled and rejoiced as we continued to pray. Scripture says that when a demon leaves, it will try to return with more. It certainly did. Out of nowhere she began thrusting her body again. I claimed the promises of the scriptures over her and soon enough she began laughing in her revival and triumph until she was finally able to sit back up.
As we were leaving, there was a girl scrunched up at the exit with people laying hands on her as she screamed. Erin and I joined and prayed over her. The people praying over her carried her to the altar and continued to pray as she began to puke out the unwelcome enemy. She finally received her freedom, along with her new faith and desire for the Holy Spirit. I gave her my salvation bracelet and left for dinner.
I slept well that night. I feel like that is what I’m called to do; to bring freedom to the captives, to cast out demons with boldness. I woke up with energy and made others smile, praising and rejoicing over his works.
Today, or yesterday, I’m not quite sure at the moment, was another amazing day. With all that joy and energy, my day started off right to say the least. We didn’t necessarily do programs. We went all around the village we’re in and did good deeds and prayed with people. We ended up cutting down bundles of bananas, cutting lung jungle style grass with machetes, doing laundry and offering a lot of prayer.
We were split into five groups. The group I was in prayed for a single mom who had just been relieved from Leukemia, and another family who’s father figure drank a lot and other situations of the like.
We were hading to the church to eat lunch and we ran into another miniature team. They were all excited and told us to come quickly and that a lady had just been healed. We hurried to her house and this is how the story goes:
A lady had been in a coma (I don’t know how long) and she came out of it before we got there but had become paralyzed. She couldn’t really move much at all, but the team didn’t know all that, they just assumed she was ill. They said a quick prayer for her and left to do some yard work for the family. Before they even got to the yard a little girl called them back screaming for them to hurry. When they got back the lady was weeping and walking and jumping.
That’s when my group showed up. She was a Christian, but she didn’t really have a strong faith. We asked her if she wanted to accept Christ and to my surprise, she hesitated. She said she didn’t’ think her husband would approve.
We invited her to the program we were about to do and she came. Her smile was radiant. She even got all dressed up. That program was intense. The ground was extremely rocky and painful, but I kept saying to myself, “Jesus was flogged for you, you can at least handle this pain.” So I did.
When we did From the Inside Out I wanted to cry at the point when we show the “healing” scene. I looked at the lady who had just been healed. She had the biggest smile and a few tears trickling down her neck. I began to cry. It was awesome.
We did and altar call, but we did it in a prayer line again. It was powerful and awesome. Natalie was my prayer partner during the prayer line. At one point when there was no one between us to pray over, God let me see his angels again. There was a line of angels behind each of our lines so as we enclosed the people, the angels enclosed us. Each angel was holding a sword up at an angle forming what I can only describe as an arch as their swords crossed over us. It was magnificent.
After our program, we divided up into four groups. We all have to sleep in different places tonight, different houses. Two groups of girls and two groups of boys. When I got to my destination, we crammed our bags into one room and got sleeping arrangements ready in the other room. I was overwhelmed and honestly kind of stressed. Now I’m waiting to get my shower in. I’m exhausted and now my head hurts.
Costa Rica
That night service was absolutely wonderful. It was all ordinary until the altar call. I was praying for a young girl and she fell on the floor shaking almost like she was having a seizure. I knew right away that it wasn’t the works of a healthy spirit and I began to rebuke it as I laid hands on her. Other people came and began to pray as well. She shook more and more until she was all out on the floor.
I took her shoes off and as well as my own keeping in mind that we are on holy ground and claiming it as his property. As we continued praying, she suddenly stopped thrusting her body and began laughing. She was freed. It was beautiful.
Erin and I looked at each other and smiled and rejoiced as we continued to pray. Scripture says that when a demon leaves, it will try to return with more. It certainly did. Out of nowhere she began thrusting her body again. I claimed the promises of the scriptures over her and soon enough she began laughing in her revival and triumph until she was finally able to sit back up.
As we were leaving, there was a girl scrunched up at the exit with people laying hands on her as she screamed. Erin and I joined and prayed over her. The people praying over her carried her to the altar and continued to pray as she began to puke out the unwelcome enemy. She finally received her freedom, along with her new faith and desire for the Holy Spirit. I gave her my salvation bracelet and left for dinner.
I slept well that night. I feel like that is what I’m called to do; to bring freedom to the captives, to cast out demons with boldness. I woke up with energy and made others smile, praising and rejoicing over his works.
Today, or yesterday, I’m not quite sure at the moment, was another amazing day. With all that joy and energy, my day started off right to say the least. We didn’t necessarily do programs. We went all around the village we’re in and did good deeds and prayed with people. We ended up cutting down bundles of bananas, cutting lung jungle style grass with machetes, doing laundry and offering a lot of prayer.
We were split into five groups. The group I was in prayed for a single mom who had just been relieved from Leukemia, and another family who’s father figure drank a lot and other situations of the like.
We were hading to the church to eat lunch and we ran into another miniature team. They were all excited and told us to come quickly and that a lady had just been healed. We hurried to her house and this is how the story goes:
A lady had been in a coma (I don’t know how long) and she came out of it before we got there but had become paralyzed. She couldn’t really move much at all, but the team didn’t know all that, they just assumed she was ill. They said a quick prayer for her and left to do some yard work for the family. Before they even got to the yard a little girl called them back screaming for them to hurry. When they got back the lady was weeping and walking and jumping.
That’s when my group showed up. She was a Christian, but she didn’t really have a strong faith. We asked her if she wanted to accept Christ and to my surprise, she hesitated. She said she didn’t’ think her husband would approve.
We invited her to the program we were about to do and she came. Her smile was radiant. She even got all dressed up. That program was intense. The ground was extremely rocky and painful, but I kept saying to myself, “Jesus was flogged for you, you can at least handle this pain.” So I did.
When we did From the Inside Out I wanted to cry at the point when we show the “healing” scene. I looked at the lady who had just been healed. She had the biggest smile and a few tears trickling down her neck. I began to cry. It was awesome.
We did and altar call, but we did it in a prayer line again. It was powerful and awesome. Natalie was my prayer partner during the prayer line. At one point when there was no one between us to pray over, God let me see his angels again. There was a line of angels behind each of our lines so as we enclosed the people, the angels enclosed us. Each angel was holding a sword up at an angle forming what I can only describe as an arch as their swords crossed over us. It was magnificent.
After our program, we divided up into four groups. We all have to sleep in different places tonight, different houses. Two groups of girls and two groups of boys. When I got to my destination, we crammed our bags into one room and got sleeping arrangements ready in the other room. I was overwhelmed and honestly kind of stressed. Now I’m waiting to get my shower in. I’m exhausted and now my head hurts.
7-15-08
4am
Tica Bus, Nicaragua
I have a lot of writing to catch up on. The last place I wrote about was insane. As I was waiting for my shower, I realized the place was roach infested to the max. I shook as cockroaches surrounded me in the icy cold shower. I stood under the water for nearly fifteen minutes waiting for a roach to get off the faucet so I could turn the shower off and get out. Then I went to the bathroom, a roach was swimming around in the toilet. Lovely.
I wrapped myself up so tight in my sheet that I was stiff the entire night. Erin woke up in the middle of the night and something huge was crawling on her arm. She went to grab it and chuck it and it took up her whole hand. Eww….
Since we didn’t sleep to well, the next day was a challenge, and I had to be the clown. At our last program, the kids were all over me. At the end of the program I picked up one girl and swung her around in circles as I held her tight in my arms and sang to her. When I put her down, there were three other girls waiting to be swung by the clown.
At one point I was holding two six year old girls in my arms, one resting on each hip. I thought my arms were going to fall off. Then, a girl jumped on my back and climbed up on my shoulders. I don’t even know how she got up there so fast or how I managed to keep holding those two girls. Within a matter of seconds, the girl was laughing and yanking my pig-tails out as I screamed for help. I was exhausted. We made a long bus ride back to the church where I puked at two in the morning in the beginning of the week. Oh I remembered it well. The next day was our free day, and it was sweet! We took a four hour drive up to Baldi Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Natural hot spring pools and Jacuzzis with an all you can eat buffet. Yes, a buffet. I finally had the freedom to eat what I wanted, and when I wanted. I had the option of saying no to food. I felt so free.
The place was right next to an amazing active volcano. One side of the volcano was covered in forest life but the other side was pure black and smooth where the lava had flown and will flow next time it erupts. It was awesome.
At the hot springs, the top pool of water was about 105˚F. The water got cooler and cooler as it trickled down into a series of other pools. There were water slides and jets in some and the most amazing sort of flowers I’ve ever seen in my life.
At one point I had an ice cold strawberry smoothie in my hand as I lay next to a water fall in water that was nearly scorching. I’ve never felt so relaxed and pampered in my life. My fingers and toes are finally clean.
After our four hour bus ride back, we went to some of the Triplett’s apartments and ate Papa John’s pizza. I’ve missed pizza so much. I called my mom and crashed out after sorting laundry that they were going to do that night.
We had to get up at three in the morning to get to our Tica Bus on time, and it was the most annoying day ever. Only half of the laundry got done. All my clothes except the pajamas I was wearing were in the laundry pile. A lot of jeans and shirts got washed, but none of mine. I had no clean clothes. Everyone else did but me. I reeked and I was getting a sinus infection. Oh joy.
We got on the Tica Bus from Cost Rica to Nicaragua and my day got worse. I had no snacks for the trip, which sucks. People were passing snacks around and sharing but I always seemed to be the one who never got anything. We finally stopped at the border and we got chicken for lunch. I took a few bites and went to buy some bus snacks. I was finally next in line and people started screaming for me to get on the bus. I went to get the rest of my chicken to take with me but someone had thrown it away. Needless to say, I was cranky and needed some alone time, which is impossible to get on this trip.
We finally got to Nicaragua and ate and went to a house to sleep. There was a pile of stuff in the corner and at first I thought it was the stuff we had left behind when we went to Panama. I’ve only known one other person to wear what I refer to as “Jesus shoes”, and that’s Nikki, a girl from the Global Passions team that I worked with last year and that my friend Tim went with this year. I asked whose stuff it was and it was the Global Passions team’s donations. How awesome! I knew by Nikki’s shoes that the Global Passions team had been here. One of the ladies that had worked with them told me who went. I was excited to hear some familiar names.
On the way to bed, some of the girls and I got into some serious devotion time as we took turns reading awesome scripture. It was great. We got up at three again to catch the next Tica Bus (that I’m currently sitting in) from Nicaragua to Honduras. Then we’re going from there to El Salvador.
Tica Bus, Nicaragua
I have a lot of writing to catch up on. The last place I wrote about was insane. As I was waiting for my shower, I realized the place was roach infested to the max. I shook as cockroaches surrounded me in the icy cold shower. I stood under the water for nearly fifteen minutes waiting for a roach to get off the faucet so I could turn the shower off and get out. Then I went to the bathroom, a roach was swimming around in the toilet. Lovely.
I wrapped myself up so tight in my sheet that I was stiff the entire night. Erin woke up in the middle of the night and something huge was crawling on her arm. She went to grab it and chuck it and it took up her whole hand. Eww….
Since we didn’t sleep to well, the next day was a challenge, and I had to be the clown. At our last program, the kids were all over me. At the end of the program I picked up one girl and swung her around in circles as I held her tight in my arms and sang to her. When I put her down, there were three other girls waiting to be swung by the clown.
At one point I was holding two six year old girls in my arms, one resting on each hip. I thought my arms were going to fall off. Then, a girl jumped on my back and climbed up on my shoulders. I don’t even know how she got up there so fast or how I managed to keep holding those two girls. Within a matter of seconds, the girl was laughing and yanking my pig-tails out as I screamed for help. I was exhausted. We made a long bus ride back to the church where I puked at two in the morning in the beginning of the week. Oh I remembered it well. The next day was our free day, and it was sweet! We took a four hour drive up to Baldi Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Natural hot spring pools and Jacuzzis with an all you can eat buffet. Yes, a buffet. I finally had the freedom to eat what I wanted, and when I wanted. I had the option of saying no to food. I felt so free.
The place was right next to an amazing active volcano. One side of the volcano was covered in forest life but the other side was pure black and smooth where the lava had flown and will flow next time it erupts. It was awesome.
At the hot springs, the top pool of water was about 105˚F. The water got cooler and cooler as it trickled down into a series of other pools. There were water slides and jets in some and the most amazing sort of flowers I’ve ever seen in my life.
At one point I had an ice cold strawberry smoothie in my hand as I lay next to a water fall in water that was nearly scorching. I’ve never felt so relaxed and pampered in my life. My fingers and toes are finally clean.
After our four hour bus ride back, we went to some of the Triplett’s apartments and ate Papa John’s pizza. I’ve missed pizza so much. I called my mom and crashed out after sorting laundry that they were going to do that night.
We had to get up at three in the morning to get to our Tica Bus on time, and it was the most annoying day ever. Only half of the laundry got done. All my clothes except the pajamas I was wearing were in the laundry pile. A lot of jeans and shirts got washed, but none of mine. I had no clean clothes. Everyone else did but me. I reeked and I was getting a sinus infection. Oh joy.
We got on the Tica Bus from Cost Rica to Nicaragua and my day got worse. I had no snacks for the trip, which sucks. People were passing snacks around and sharing but I always seemed to be the one who never got anything. We finally stopped at the border and we got chicken for lunch. I took a few bites and went to buy some bus snacks. I was finally next in line and people started screaming for me to get on the bus. I went to get the rest of my chicken to take with me but someone had thrown it away. Needless to say, I was cranky and needed some alone time, which is impossible to get on this trip.
We finally got to Nicaragua and ate and went to a house to sleep. There was a pile of stuff in the corner and at first I thought it was the stuff we had left behind when we went to Panama. I’ve only known one other person to wear what I refer to as “Jesus shoes”, and that’s Nikki, a girl from the Global Passions team that I worked with last year and that my friend Tim went with this year. I asked whose stuff it was and it was the Global Passions team’s donations. How awesome! I knew by Nikki’s shoes that the Global Passions team had been here. One of the ladies that had worked with them told me who went. I was excited to hear some familiar names.
On the way to bed, some of the girls and I got into some serious devotion time as we took turns reading awesome scripture. It was great. We got up at three again to catch the next Tica Bus (that I’m currently sitting in) from Nicaragua to Honduras. Then we’re going from there to El Salvador.
7-16-08
8am
El Salvador
Tica Buses are surprisingly exhausting. You get to sleep on the bus but you never really seem to get any rest. When we got off the bus, we went to the Castillo Del Rey casona to eat dinner. We were all delirious and out of control.
The girls went to sleep at Liz’s house and the guys stayed at the casona. I took the longest shower I’ve taken on the trip and slept in a BED. A real bed. A bed that was better than Mama’s bed. It was amazing. I’m excited for this week. It’s going to be huge. On Saturday we’re working with AIM teams and Master’s Commission students at a huge event. But it’s going to be dangerous because of all the tensions between the gangs here in El Salvador. This weeks going to be intense
El Salvador
Tica Buses are surprisingly exhausting. You get to sleep on the bus but you never really seem to get any rest. When we got off the bus, we went to the Castillo Del Rey casona to eat dinner. We were all delirious and out of control.
The girls went to sleep at Liz’s house and the guys stayed at the casona. I took the longest shower I’ve taken on the trip and slept in a BED. A real bed. A bed that was better than Mama’s bed. It was amazing. I’m excited for this week. It’s going to be huge. On Saturday we’re working with AIM teams and Master’s Commission students at a huge event. But it’s going to be dangerous because of all the tensions between the gangs here in El Salvador. This weeks going to be intense
7-17-08
9pm
El Salvador
Yesterday was wonderful, as was today. El Salvador no longer allows ministry teams like Castillo Del Rey into schools. We’ve been doing a lot of street ministry though. The children here are precious. It brings me the greatest joy to play with them and dance with them.
Today was hard. I had an allergic reaction to something and my day was miserable. I felt like the insides of my cheeks, bottom lip, and the roof of my mouth were shredded and swollen.
El Salvador
Yesterday was wonderful, as was today. El Salvador no longer allows ministry teams like Castillo Del Rey into schools. We’ve been doing a lot of street ministry though. The children here are precious. It brings me the greatest joy to play with them and dance with them.
Today was hard. I had an allergic reaction to something and my day was miserable. I felt like the insides of my cheeks, bottom lip, and the roof of my mouth were shredded and swollen.
7-18-08
10pm
El Salvador
I was really tired when I woke up because I stayed up late talking on the phone with my mom and my friend Danny. I fell asleep at the Casona after breakfast again. I seem to always fall asleep at the Casona. All of a sudden I was woken up and rushed to the bus in a daze. I reached for something on the bus and my hand felt really strange. I looked at it and my left ring finger was as fat as my thumb and red.
I got Kristal because she’s sort of the doctor and she gave me a Benedril because we assumed that it was an allergic reaction to some sort of bug bite. About thirty minutes later the swelling was worse and I couldn’t feel my finger. She gave a small white pill and some cream to put on it.
The combination of medications made me extremely drowsy. I made it through one program and fell asleep on the bus. Apparently I slept through a whole program and a thirty minute bus ride. When I did wake up, the bus was shaking severely and it was completely empty.
I sat up and looked out the window and saw literally over a thousand people around the bus. Then I realized there were people on top of the bus. I sat dazed for a moment, still heavily medicated until I realized what was happening. They were doing a program on top of the bus.
I got off the bus, still confused, and stepped out into the crowd towards one of my leaders. A man came up to me and asked me to marry him as he handed me a headless chicken. I thought I had gone insane. My leader sent me back onto the bus as she took the chicken from me.
I looked out the window again and most of the people in the crowd were holding headless chickens. It was the weirdest thing. They’re getting ready to elect and new leader and one of the guys was promoting himself by handing out headless chickens to his voters or something of the sort, I’m still not quit sure.
I fell asleep again and woke up for the next program. I didn’t have enough energy or sanity to dance so I stayed on the bus and prayed. One thing that we’ve been doing is splitting up into two different teams. One team will stay one the bus and pray as the other team does the program.
At our last program my team was supposed to stay on and pray, so I remained on the bus once again. I was praying over the program and stopped to look around because it was all to quiet on the “prayer” bus. One girl was sleeping, one was listening to her I-pod, one guy was putting anti-itch cream on his bug bites and some people were looking out the window watching the program.
There were only two other people actually praying with me. I broke. I told them we had to keep fighting and interceding for the lost and that we couldn’t give up and give into the distractions.
Everyone prayed for about ten minutes and then soon returned to what they were previously doing. I was disappointed. I began to cry and pray over my team. I prayed for our passion and burden to be renewed. I prayed that we would remember why we are here. I prayed that we wouldn’t slack off just because it’s our last week here, but for us to give more effort and I prayed for our unity.
I was weeping by the time everyone else got back on the bus. Liz asked what was on my mind, so I told her that I felt like we had lost our passion, our fire and desire, like we were getting lazy. It’s heartbreaking.
She began to tell me that we were tired and that it was bound to happen, but not to focus on what’s wrong with the team but to stay passionate as an individual and to inspire them by action. My heart still aches. We’re fasting together tomorrow. Hopefully that will spark that kindling flame and renew the sense of unity.
El Salvador
I was really tired when I woke up because I stayed up late talking on the phone with my mom and my friend Danny. I fell asleep at the Casona after breakfast again. I seem to always fall asleep at the Casona. All of a sudden I was woken up and rushed to the bus in a daze. I reached for something on the bus and my hand felt really strange. I looked at it and my left ring finger was as fat as my thumb and red.
I got Kristal because she’s sort of the doctor and she gave me a Benedril because we assumed that it was an allergic reaction to some sort of bug bite. About thirty minutes later the swelling was worse and I couldn’t feel my finger. She gave a small white pill and some cream to put on it.
The combination of medications made me extremely drowsy. I made it through one program and fell asleep on the bus. Apparently I slept through a whole program and a thirty minute bus ride. When I did wake up, the bus was shaking severely and it was completely empty.
I sat up and looked out the window and saw literally over a thousand people around the bus. Then I realized there were people on top of the bus. I sat dazed for a moment, still heavily medicated until I realized what was happening. They were doing a program on top of the bus.
I got off the bus, still confused, and stepped out into the crowd towards one of my leaders. A man came up to me and asked me to marry him as he handed me a headless chicken. I thought I had gone insane. My leader sent me back onto the bus as she took the chicken from me.
I looked out the window again and most of the people in the crowd were holding headless chickens. It was the weirdest thing. They’re getting ready to elect and new leader and one of the guys was promoting himself by handing out headless chickens to his voters or something of the sort, I’m still not quit sure.
I fell asleep again and woke up for the next program. I didn’t have enough energy or sanity to dance so I stayed on the bus and prayed. One thing that we’ve been doing is splitting up into two different teams. One team will stay one the bus and pray as the other team does the program.
At our last program my team was supposed to stay on and pray, so I remained on the bus once again. I was praying over the program and stopped to look around because it was all to quiet on the “prayer” bus. One girl was sleeping, one was listening to her I-pod, one guy was putting anti-itch cream on his bug bites and some people were looking out the window watching the program.
There were only two other people actually praying with me. I broke. I told them we had to keep fighting and interceding for the lost and that we couldn’t give up and give into the distractions.
Everyone prayed for about ten minutes and then soon returned to what they were previously doing. I was disappointed. I began to cry and pray over my team. I prayed for our passion and burden to be renewed. I prayed that we would remember why we are here. I prayed that we wouldn’t slack off just because it’s our last week here, but for us to give more effort and I prayed for our unity.
I was weeping by the time everyone else got back on the bus. Liz asked what was on my mind, so I told her that I felt like we had lost our passion, our fire and desire, like we were getting lazy. It’s heartbreaking.
She began to tell me that we were tired and that it was bound to happen, but not to focus on what’s wrong with the team but to stay passionate as an individual and to inspire them by action. My heart still aches. We’re fasting together tomorrow. Hopefully that will spark that kindling flame and renew the sense of unity.
7-21-08
?
El Salvador
It’s been far too long since I’ve written. First of all, Saturday was absolutely amazing. Amazing! We fasted and prayed all morning in preparation for the big event, which is called Armada.
The stage and theatre were huge! There were about four different AIM teams along with all the interns and Master’s Commission students. We all got together and prayed. It was powerful. Eventually the Master’s Commission students, interns and our team began praying over all the other teams. It was awesome. People started coming. More and more and then even more. I’m not sure how many people were there, I’m really no good with estimations, but there must have been thousands of people.
We started the event with all the Castle members doing some dances. It was so cool. We had a reggeatone artist perform there, which is probably what drew most people to the event. Then we had a worship session and someone preached and before I knew it, it was time for the altar call.
People began flooding the altar for prayer. The altar call was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. I was praying for a girl and she fell back so gently that I felt like I was dreaming. I went to pray for another girl and as soon as I lifted my hand she fell back. I hadn’t even touched her yet.
I turned around just in time to catch another girl and see a bunch of people fall before God like dominoes. I stood still and silent as I watched God move, in complete awe. I made eye contact with on of my closer friends on the team. We were both balling. We hugged each other and when we broke apart and saw people being freed and slain left and right. I felt like I was in some cheesy Christian movie or an insane dream of some sort. It was awesome. We continued to pray until the altars were cleared. We went out to eat afterward and broke our fast with a gift from heaven called pupusas.
I was so happy when we got back to the house. I wanted to use the phone so I stayed up but never got the chance, but it’s a good thing I was up. One of the girls went to turn off the lights downstairs. When she was coming back upstairs, she missed a step and fell. She smacked her chin on a step. She came running into the room crying as she held her head and jaw, unable to tell us what happened. It was just me and one other girl in the room when she came up.
I asked her a few simple questions to get the answers I needed to make sure she was ok. She bit the inside of her cheek and there was a little bit of blood coming from her mouth. I gave her water to rinse it out. At first I thought she had broken her jaw, but praise God she was fine. The night was hectic though.
Julia ran downstairs to get ice for her jaw while I prayed with her. When it was just the two of us in the room later she was still crying, so I asked her if they were tears of pain or sorrow. She went into the bathroom. I left her alone for a while and then I went and hugged her. She cried into my shoulder and told me the real reason behind her tears. She woke up with no damage.
Sunday was awesome. We actually went to a church service. It was at the dream center property. It was held under a tent at the time because they hadn’t built it yet.
I saw tons of different flags hanging everywhere. Then I saw some banners with pictures of faces. They were the same banners we hang at my home church for missions month. I started crying as I thought of home and pictured my beloved church. The service was filled with all the castle members, including the AIM teams.
At one point we went off and helped teach local adults and teens a little bit of English by simply talking to them. It was wonderful. We did some programs and got back on the bus to go back to the Casona for dinner. Our bus ran out of gas so we held a worship service on the bus as we waited for someone to return with gas.
I laid on my back and felt pinned down. I knew God was trying to tell me something, but what? I couldn’t focus; everybody was singing worship songs really loud. I started crying, begging for God to speak to me. Someone had finally come with the gas, but when they went to fill the tank, it already had gas in it. God had stopped the bus; I believe he stopped it for me. I kept trying to hear his voice as I waited in silence.
When we got to the Casona, I knew God wasn’t done with me, so I went off to the side and continued to pray and wait. I fell to my knees and balled, desperate. Kristal came and prayed over me. She prayed for me to hear his voice. She started saying, “fill her with your spirit, more and more.”
At that point, I blanked out completely and toppled over. When I “woke up” I found my head being squished between the wall and my left shoulder. I sat up, slightly confused. I had been slain in the spirit before, but never to the point of unconsciousness.
My face and hair were a wreck, so I made my way to the bathroom to fix myself up, but when I looked in the mirror, I had never felt more beautiful in my life. It was an amazing feeling. I looked and felt different, but not in any explainable way. I went outside and someone told me I was beaming and radiant. I slept so well that night and woke up with a strange calmness and joy that I had never felt before.
Today has been pretty amazing too. It’s our last day of ministry. It’s a bitter sweet day. This is my life, and this is the last day for quit a while that I’ll be working with Castillo del Rey. I still don’t feel ready to go home. I miss my family and church so much but I don’t want to leave yet. I’m not ready to go.
We’re working in the same school all day as different age groups change out. We just got done with our first group. It was amazing. I was praying for the whole program up until the altar call. I went and prayed over child after child. The altar was filled with crying youth, a rising generation. Kristen was praying for two girls. I laid my hand on one of them and she fell back like I had fallen last night.
I kneeled and prayed next to her as the girl Kristen was still praying for fell to my side. I felt the urge to pray healing over her, so I did. When I got up, I began praying for one of the teachers here. She eventually fell back too. God moved so much as we began to pray more and more. When most of the people were gone I saw Natalie crying. I went and placed my arm around her as she cried into my shoulder.
Dalton was kneeling at the altar in front of us and I saw the most beautiful thing. Three students, about nine years of age, kneeled and prayed for him. We’re here to minister to them and here they were praying over our team member.
I went and joined them, as did Lacey. I laid hands on them and wept as I prayed blessings over them. Then they began laying hands on me as I laid hands on them. It was amazing and touching. Then they continued praying over Natalie. I prayed for God to protect and glorify the precious boys and praised God for them.
I began writing in my journal and a crowd of kids came up to me asking what it was. I told them it was a personal journal I wrote about our team. As they passed it around and flipped through the pages covered in a language I wish they could comprehend, I pointed out the different sections for each country, showing them where we had been. It was awesome.
El Salvador
It’s been far too long since I’ve written. First of all, Saturday was absolutely amazing. Amazing! We fasted and prayed all morning in preparation for the big event, which is called Armada.
The stage and theatre were huge! There were about four different AIM teams along with all the interns and Master’s Commission students. We all got together and prayed. It was powerful. Eventually the Master’s Commission students, interns and our team began praying over all the other teams. It was awesome. People started coming. More and more and then even more. I’m not sure how many people were there, I’m really no good with estimations, but there must have been thousands of people.
We started the event with all the Castle members doing some dances. It was so cool. We had a reggeatone artist perform there, which is probably what drew most people to the event. Then we had a worship session and someone preached and before I knew it, it was time for the altar call.
People began flooding the altar for prayer. The altar call was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. I was praying for a girl and she fell back so gently that I felt like I was dreaming. I went to pray for another girl and as soon as I lifted my hand she fell back. I hadn’t even touched her yet.
I turned around just in time to catch another girl and see a bunch of people fall before God like dominoes. I stood still and silent as I watched God move, in complete awe. I made eye contact with on of my closer friends on the team. We were both balling. We hugged each other and when we broke apart and saw people being freed and slain left and right. I felt like I was in some cheesy Christian movie or an insane dream of some sort. It was awesome. We continued to pray until the altars were cleared. We went out to eat afterward and broke our fast with a gift from heaven called pupusas.
I was so happy when we got back to the house. I wanted to use the phone so I stayed up but never got the chance, but it’s a good thing I was up. One of the girls went to turn off the lights downstairs. When she was coming back upstairs, she missed a step and fell. She smacked her chin on a step. She came running into the room crying as she held her head and jaw, unable to tell us what happened. It was just me and one other girl in the room when she came up.
I asked her a few simple questions to get the answers I needed to make sure she was ok. She bit the inside of her cheek and there was a little bit of blood coming from her mouth. I gave her water to rinse it out. At first I thought she had broken her jaw, but praise God she was fine. The night was hectic though.
Julia ran downstairs to get ice for her jaw while I prayed with her. When it was just the two of us in the room later she was still crying, so I asked her if they were tears of pain or sorrow. She went into the bathroom. I left her alone for a while and then I went and hugged her. She cried into my shoulder and told me the real reason behind her tears. She woke up with no damage.
Sunday was awesome. We actually went to a church service. It was at the dream center property. It was held under a tent at the time because they hadn’t built it yet.
I saw tons of different flags hanging everywhere. Then I saw some banners with pictures of faces. They were the same banners we hang at my home church for missions month. I started crying as I thought of home and pictured my beloved church. The service was filled with all the castle members, including the AIM teams.
At one point we went off and helped teach local adults and teens a little bit of English by simply talking to them. It was wonderful. We did some programs and got back on the bus to go back to the Casona for dinner. Our bus ran out of gas so we held a worship service on the bus as we waited for someone to return with gas.
I laid on my back and felt pinned down. I knew God was trying to tell me something, but what? I couldn’t focus; everybody was singing worship songs really loud. I started crying, begging for God to speak to me. Someone had finally come with the gas, but when they went to fill the tank, it already had gas in it. God had stopped the bus; I believe he stopped it for me. I kept trying to hear his voice as I waited in silence.
When we got to the Casona, I knew God wasn’t done with me, so I went off to the side and continued to pray and wait. I fell to my knees and balled, desperate. Kristal came and prayed over me. She prayed for me to hear his voice. She started saying, “fill her with your spirit, more and more.”
At that point, I blanked out completely and toppled over. When I “woke up” I found my head being squished between the wall and my left shoulder. I sat up, slightly confused. I had been slain in the spirit before, but never to the point of unconsciousness.
My face and hair were a wreck, so I made my way to the bathroom to fix myself up, but when I looked in the mirror, I had never felt more beautiful in my life. It was an amazing feeling. I looked and felt different, but not in any explainable way. I went outside and someone told me I was beaming and radiant. I slept so well that night and woke up with a strange calmness and joy that I had never felt before.
Today has been pretty amazing too. It’s our last day of ministry. It’s a bitter sweet day. This is my life, and this is the last day for quit a while that I’ll be working with Castillo del Rey. I still don’t feel ready to go home. I miss my family and church so much but I don’t want to leave yet. I’m not ready to go.
We’re working in the same school all day as different age groups change out. We just got done with our first group. It was amazing. I was praying for the whole program up until the altar call. I went and prayed over child after child. The altar was filled with crying youth, a rising generation. Kristen was praying for two girls. I laid my hand on one of them and she fell back like I had fallen last night.
I kneeled and prayed next to her as the girl Kristen was still praying for fell to my side. I felt the urge to pray healing over her, so I did. When I got up, I began praying for one of the teachers here. She eventually fell back too. God moved so much as we began to pray more and more. When most of the people were gone I saw Natalie crying. I went and placed my arm around her as she cried into my shoulder.
Dalton was kneeling at the altar in front of us and I saw the most beautiful thing. Three students, about nine years of age, kneeled and prayed for him. We’re here to minister to them and here they were praying over our team member.
I went and joined them, as did Lacey. I laid hands on them and wept as I prayed blessings over them. Then they began laying hands on me as I laid hands on them. It was amazing and touching. Then they continued praying over Natalie. I prayed for God to protect and glorify the precious boys and praised God for them.
I began writing in my journal and a crowd of kids came up to me asking what it was. I told them it was a personal journal I wrote about our team. As they passed it around and flipped through the pages covered in a language I wish they could comprehend, I pointed out the different sections for each country, showing them where we had been. It was awesome.
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