Loving Jesus & Loving Others - Lisa Smith WR 2008

New Blog

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now that I am coming on staff with AIM and returning to Nicaragua, I have started a new blog page. I will be blogging on the new site all of my stories, videos, and pictures from Nicaragua.

Check it out: http://lisasmith.myadventures.org

If you were signed up to receive updates for this blog, you will automatically be receiving updates for the new blog. To follow me on this new adventure, visit my blog and click "Update Alerts".

To help support my ministry in Nicaragua click here.

Join Me in Nicaragua

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am beginning a new adventure as a full-time missionary to Candelaria, Nicaragua. I will be coming on staff with Adventures in Missions and will be going as an AIM-sponsored missionary. I will be moving to Candelaria in January 2010. While in Nicaragua, I will be working alongside New Song Ministries run by Tommy and Linda Gable.
I will be participating in a variety of ministries while working for New Song including: youth discipleship, teaching English, prayer ministry, and hosting short-term missions teams.

My main ministry will be continuing the youth discipleship that my World Race team began last August. I will be conducting small group Bible studies as well as one-on-one mentoring. I am so excited to return to discipling these teenagers and seeing their hearts catch fire for God!

    Since I am a certified teacher, I will be putting that training and gifting to work for the Kingdom. I will be teaching English classes one day per week as part of NSM's community classes.
    I will also be working with the church's prayer ministry. This church once had a vibrant intercession ministry, but it has recently faded out. I will be working with some of the church's prayer warriors to revitalize this ministry. I know that Candelaria can only be transformed through God's love in action and the power of prayer.
    My other ministry will be to the short-term missions teams coming to work with NSM. I will be living in and running a home for short-term teams. This will mean both coordinating logistics for teams as well as serving and encouraging them while on the field. I am very excited about this ministry! My long-term goal is to run a family living home for orphaned, abandoned, and abused kids. The stm home will be a great stepping-stone to my dream.
    I cannot embark on this adventure without your help! I need the prayer covering and financial backing of supporters like you. Please prayerfully consider joining my support team through a one-time or monthly donation. I need to raise a total of $16,898 to pay for my living, travel and ministry expenses for a year. All donations are tax-deductible. You can give online by clicking "Support Me!" (link). Or you can send checks to:

Adventures in Missions

PO Box 534470

Atlanta, GA 30353-4470

*Please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions and put my name on the memo line.

Your giving will help transform Candelaria for God's Kingdom and will bring hope to the lives of hurting children and teenagers. Please join me in Nicaragua!

It Breaks God's Heart... And Mine too!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wrote a blog in December that included this challenge to my blog readers: "GO! Find a corner of darkness that really breaks and captures your heart- whether it be homelessness, AIDS, poverty, orphans, human trafficking, people trapped by idol worship and false religions- and bring Kingdom to that place. Go and show them the beautiful love of Christ that brought you to life and freedom."

So, this is my corner- the part of the world that breaks God's heart and breaks mine more than anything else:

THE ORPHANED

These are the faces of the orphaned kids of Cambodia, Swaziland, and Moldova

THE ABANDONED

These are the abandoned children of Nicaragua, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

THE ABUSED

These are faces of the abused children in Swaziland, Nicaragua, and Moldova

On every continent, in every nation, my heart is for the children and teenagers that have been orphaned, abandoned, and abused. The children pictured above have been orphaned by AIDS or abandoned in trash cans or on doorsteps. They have experienced both physical and sexual abuse. Many of these children have never experienced the love of a family. They desperately need to know that they are loved, protected, and valued.

This is my passion and my heart: to be family for the orphaned, abandoned, and abused children and teenagers of this world.

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families..." - Psalm 68:5-6a

I want them to know that they are loved intimately by their God. I long to see orphans adopted into the family of God. I want these children to find the family they have always desired within the family of God. I want to see this unconditional love transform the lives and sense of self. This is a passion to which I can dedicate my life.

Stay tuned for Part 2: My Heart in Nicaragua

My Heart in Nicaragua

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During my time on the World Race, I saw more and more of God's heart for the nations and understood more of my own heart. My heart is to advocate for and be family for the orphaned, abandoned, and abused children and teenagers. This passion for ministry is leading me to a tiny village called Candelaria, Nicaragua to work alongside New Song Mission (NSM).
I first visited Candelaria in August 2008 with my World Race team. I remember walking the dirt roads of Candelaria and seeing the poverty of this small village. As I began to build relationships with the people, I saw that this is a community controlled by gang violence and fear. The lives of the people are full of brokenness. Here are a few of their stories:

Itzel is a lovely 16-year-old girl. A month before we arrived, Itzel's father left her family. She was absolutely devastated. She felt completely abandoned. My team and I held her hand and prayed over her as she wept because of the pain she felt.

Marlon is a 14-year-old boy. His father physically and sexually abused him. At a young age, Marlon dropped out of school and ran away from home. He was looking for acceptance and family. He thought that he would find what he was searching for in the local gangs. He is now addicted to drugs and has been in and out of jail for breaking and entering. He found very conditional acceptance in the gang.

Their stories broke my heart. However, this isn't the final chapter for Candelaria. Yes, it is a community full of fear and brokenness, but it is also a community being transformed by the grace and love of God! Revival has begun in Candelaria, specifically among the teenagers. During my month in the village, we saw three teenagers accept Christ and eleven baptized. These teens have been transformed by God's grace.

Itzel has found God as her Father. She understands His love and has such an intimate relationship with him. She was baptized while we were in Nicaragua She has been growing in God's truth and love ever since. God is bringing healing to her heart. She now serves as a leader among the youth bringing others to the hope she found in God.

*photo by Katie Rowland

Marlon has discovered unconditional love and family through the NSM church. The church has reached out to Marlon in love and grace. They have even offered forgiveness when he has stolen from them. Through this display of God's love, Marlon accepted Christ and was baptized. He still struggles. He will sometimes give into the temptation to return to gang life, but he sees the love extended from the family of God. That love is slowly transforming Marlon.

God is moving in this village, but there is still so much more that needs to be done. There are so many more broken people who need the hope of Christ. Here are two examples:

    Nubia is a 16-year-old single mom who is pregnant with her second child. She is in and out of an unhealthy relationship with her children's father. She was abandoned by her father and tries to find her worth in relationships with me. She is living on her own with a 2 year old daughter and a baby on the way. She barely has the money to feed her family. She needs assistance to meet her immediate physical needs, skills training that will help her find a job, and most importantly to know her worth as God's beloved.

    Elvin is a precious 8 year old who loves playing baseball. He also lives in a house that is the center of gang activity in Candelaria. He is constantly surrounded by drugs, violence, and stealing. Elvin has so much potential. If someone doesn't reach him with God's truth, he will mostly likely become another teenage dropout and gang member. He needs to be shown a different way to live- the way that leads to abundant life rather than destruction.

    So I am returning to Candelaria in January 2010 to work full-time discipling new Christians and continuing to bring God's love to the broken and hurting of Nicaragua. Please pray for me and consider joining me in Nicaragua.

Remembering Moldova (Video Blog)

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I had always intended to make a video of our time in Moldova, but between finishing the Race and trying to get settled back into home, it fell through the cracks. So, now two months later, I've finally finished a video looking back at our time in Moldova.

Oh Le Le: A World Race Classic (Video Blog)

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone who has been on the World Race knows that you must always be ready to put together a children's program at a moment's notice. "Oh Le Le" became a favorite with kids around the world. I led this song so many times that I was called Oh Le Le Lisa in both Mexico and Cambodia. Children everywhere LOVE this song, but at the end of 11 months Racers are so tired of singing it. Here is a look at Oh Le Le around the world featuring kids from Mexico, Cambodia, Swaziland, Romania, and Moldova.

My Next Steps

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been home from the Race for about a month. Every time I run into someone, it is inevitable that they will ask, "So, what are you going to do now?" While I don't know what I will be doing next month, next week, or even tomorrow, the Lord has given me some specifics for my next steps.
Back in August, during my second month on the Race, I fell in love in a tiny little village called Candelaria, Nicaragua. In fact, there was a big part of me that wanted to quit the Race and just stay there, but God had other plans.

While in Nicaragua, my team and I partnered with New Song Ministries. We fell in love with a group of teenagers whose lives are being transformed by the grace of God. These youth came to know Christ shortly before we arrived or while we were in Nicaragua. We were able to begin discipleship and Bible study with these teens and saw them come alive in their faith. It was a beautiful display of God's glory to watch them get baptized, to hear them praying passionately and powerfully for one another, and to see their hunger for the Word of God. These kids come from homes filled with poverty, brokenness, and abuse, but through Christ they are now full of hope, love, and life.

Here are some of the other ministries through New Song:

A church/community center on five acres
A large organic vegetable garden has been planted
Several hundred children have been sponsored for school each year.
Many new Christians have been baptized, powerful prayer warriors see healings and miracles
Bible training center for rural pastors
A Medical/Dental Clinic is in process of being built, as well as athletic fields.
Christmas gifts given to the children
Drama and crafts, health, and English classes
Young adult and children's ministry
Support and instruction to native leaders
Emergency medical needs met
Food for the most destitute
Rural dental and medical clinics
Support and help to widows
A parsonage has been built
A well has been dug to supply clean pure water for the village community
Vitamins and supplements have been provided
We have various levels of sewing classes, craft classes and apprenticeships
Native evangelists have spread out into the outlying villages and have started several new church fellowships and Sunday Schools and one has been adopted by a church in the US

(List of ministries taken from New Song's website: www.newsongmissionnicaragua.com/ministries)

I fell in love with the teenagers, New Song's ministry, and the village. Ever since we left Nicaragua, I have been praying that I would be able to return. The Lord has answered that prayer...

I will be moving to Candelaria, Nicaragua in January to partner with New Song Ministry. Once I arrive in Nicaragua I will be living in a newly constructed team house on New Song's property. I will be able to continue discipling the teenagers through Bible study and youth services. I also have a vision to start children's programs and tutoring programs.

In the future of New Song Ministries, there are plans to construct a second team house (one for guys and one for girls). Once the second house is completed, I will be living in and running the girls' home. This will be a wonderful opportunity to ignite a passion for missions in others and it will be great practice for the family living home that I hope to run one day. Also, Tommy & Linda Gable (the founders of New Missions) have a vision to start a coffee house/restaurant on the church property which I will run (don't worry I'll be making some delicious coffee drinks, but someone else will be cooking!). I am very excited about all the opportunities before me as I move down to Nicaragua.

I am still trying to work out all of the details, but I will let you know soon how you can partner with me in this ministry. Please pray that the Lord will continue to lead and direct my journey to Nicaragua.

I Have Seen (Video Blog)

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's impossible to sum up all that we have seen in the last 11 months. I have seen the deepest hurts of the world: abuse, starvation, poverty, AIDS, trafficking, and children who are orphaned and abandoned. At the same time I have seen God. I have seen the God who loves unconditionally, offers more grace than I could ever imagine, and pursues His children. I have seen abandoned children adopted into the family of God. I have seen people in hopeless situations find hope in Christ's presence. I have seen prostitutes drawn out of the bars by the love of Christ. I have seen lives completely transformed by the grace of God. I have fallen more and more in love with the God that I encountered in the nations.

Community Living (Video Blog)

Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My beautiful WR family on our last day together The lovely Kiatera ladies... they are my sisters!

My World Race family has changed me this year! I have always loved sharing my home with people and living in community, but this year, for the first time, I learned to live as the Church. I found more abundant life in the community of the early church. This is something that our churches in America have lost along the way.

They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:42-44

These verses in Acts are what we have seen and experienced this year. This community has loved me unconditionally, poured encouragement and truth into me, challenged me to deeper faith in Christ, and has exposed so much selfishness in my life. We have seen the power of prayer, a fuller view of God's love, and the Kingdom of God coming to the nations. Community is one of the most difficult parts of the early church, but it is also one of the most rewarding. God calls us to initmate and redemptive community. Dive into community- it's so worth it!!

Here is a video that my lovely teammate Katie made showing some of the ways that we have been changed through our World Race family.

A Journey of Revolutionary Love (Video Blog)

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm now sitting at my parents' house in West Virginia trying to understand all that God has done during this past year. There will be blogs coming that tell more about who God is, what I have learned this year, and what my next steps will be. However, it's going to take me a little while to process through those things so that I can actually articulate how this year has changed me. In the meantime, here is a video that just shows glimpses of our year. I hope that this will let you see the people and places that have captured my heart and will give you a glimpse of God's heart for the world.

Jesus is SO Good!!!

Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a picture from our last day of World Race ministry

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you who joined me in prayer and to those of you who gave towards this ministry in order for me to finish out this Race. Jesus has once again completely amazed me!! Not only am I now fully funded, but I have an extra $832 in my support account so that I can be reimbursed for some of the initial costs (insurance, flights, etc.). Thank you so much for partnering with me prayerfully and financially. I am so blessed!!!

I am now in Kiev for couple more days just worshipping, fellowshipping, and processing with my amazing World Race family. Expect more videos and blogs looking back over all that God has done this year once I get settled back in at home.

Welcomed In Part 2

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read Part 1 of this story.

     Within deaf culture there are two ways you can say your name. You can finger spell your name or you can give your name sign- this is one motion, usually signifying a prominent physical feature that serves as your name. You cannot make up your name sign; it must be given to you by someone within the deaf community.
    We are sitting in the classroom our first day at the school. Some of the kids ask for my name. I slowly finger spell L-I-S-A. They then asked for my name sign. I had been anxiously awaiting this moment. I was excited about my first experience working in the deaf community and really wanted a name sign. I asked how to sign "I need a name sign." I tentatively tried out my Romanian sign language. The girls just shrugged in response and went on about their business. I have to admit that I was disappointed. However, I later realized that several of the teachers and students still don't have name signs. I no longer felt as though I had the right to ask for one. I had not invested enough time in the deaf community or into these kids in particular to warrant asking for a name sign. I desired to let that desire go.
    I spent the next several days hanging out at the school from 2-8. I just love getting to know the kids and be a part of their lives. I was growing particularly close to one class of students.

After nearly a week at the school, we were sitting with the kids and some asked again, "what is your name sign?" I just shook my head and told them I didn't have one. They looked at me shocked and began staring at my face deciding on my new name. Finally Cristian (the boy pictured above with a shaved head) gave me my new name sign (pictured to the left). I knew at that moment that even though we have had only a short time in Cahul that the kids have really accepted us into their little family. It was the best gesture of love and friendship that they could have shown to me.

I came to give them love and care, but I have been amazed at the way these children care for one another and have poured love back into us. I feel so blessed to have been a part of their lives these last couple of weeks.

Welcomed In Part 1

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When we first walked in, I was a little overwhelmed. In each country I have attempted to learn at least a few phrases in the nation's language so that I can communicate with the people. Here it is a little different. I have discovered that it is much easier for me to pick up spoken language then sign language. So here I am in the middle of a playground full of deaf students mentally practicing "What is your name?" in Romanian sign language hoping that the alphabet is similar and that I can remember how to ask them to sign slowly.

I stand there for a moment trying to figure out how to get started when a small girl comes and grabs my hand and leads me over to a group of children playing frisbee. My concerns about not being able to communicate are wiped away in an instant. I just began playing with the kids and pouring out love to them. These kids have stolen my heart!

The highlight of my day is arriving at the school and having Sorin run up and give up a HUGE hug, giving high fives to the boys from Max's class, and having Chrisitna smile from ear to ear as she leads me off to play the hand clapping games that I taught her earlier this week. I have loved learning small bits of Romanian sign language and being able to talk to the kids a little more.

I have spent every afternoon at this residential deaf school just playing games and getting to know the children. We play games during their free time, sit with them as they work on their homework, eat dinner together, play more games, and have been able to see where they live (the kids are so proud to give you a tour of their room and show you where each one sleeps). We have come in just to be a part of their lives and to show them love. We want them to know that they are loved extravagantly and unconditionally and in that way give them a glimpse of God's heart towards them. They, in return, have really welcomed us into their lives and their families.

Stay tuned for more on our experience here!

URGENT Support Needed!

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This year I have fallen in love with people throughout the nations and fallen increasingly more in love with my God. This year I have been blessed to eat dinner with street kids in Mexico, disciple youth in Nicaragua, hold abandoned babies in Vietnam, love AIDS orphans in Cambodia, build friendships with prostitutes in Thailand, teach the gospel to churches in Mozambique, advocate for abused children in Swaziland, preach in Malawi, fall in love with the gypsies of Romania, and work with deaf students in Moldova. Through all of these ministries God has been giving me more and more of His heart for the world and showing me more of His love for people everywhere. I have been changed this year in so many ways that I can't yet articulate. I know that my entire life is about God, His love, and His Kingdom.

This has been an amazing year! I am forever grateful to be a part of it. And I need your help to finish out this Race. I am still in need of financial support in order to meet my final goal. I need $900 to reach my final support goal. Join me in praying that God will provide the remaining support that i need. Also please pray about joining in this ministry and helping me to reach my support goal. If you would like to make a donation, click here. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

Your Giving Around the World

Thu, 7 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who have supported me this year! I couldn't have made it through this year without your prayers, encouragement and support. I can't thank you enough for everything that you have done for me this year.

I am still in need of more support in order to be fully funded. I still need $1000 to reach my final goal. Please prayerfully consider helping me to meet this goal. If you would like to give towards my ministry, click here.

I wanted you to know that your giving has not only sent me to the nations, but you have invested in Kingdom work all over the world. Kiatera decided at the beginning of the year to tithe our support budget. Each month we have given at least 10% of our budget back into the ministries with which we are partnering. Here is a look at where your money has changed lives around the world:

Central America
In Mexico you helped with repairs at Shekinah, a free pastor training school for Central American pastors.

In Nicaragua you provided for the baptisms of 11 youth whose lives are being changed by the love of God.

In Nicaragua you also started a work-to-school program for young boys that have dropped out of school. Many teenage boys in Candelaria drop out of school and then feel as though they have no other option but to join the local gangs. This program gives these boys safe jobs on the New Song Ministry property, provides mentoring from Christian men, and New Song finds sponsors for the boys to return to school.

South East Asia
    In Vietnam you bought roses that showed Christ's love to prostitutes working in Ho Chi Minh City.
    In Cambodia you provided supplies for a 2-week VBS program for AIDS orphans in Phnom Penh. This VBS program brought laughter, fun, and Jesus into the lives of these children.
    In Thailand you helped in the expansion of a training program for women wishing to leave the bars. Currently the Tamar Center helps girls to leave the bars and then be trained as either a baker or a hair stylist. They are in the process of purchasing a new building and expanding this training program to include more options.
    In Thailand you also hosted a pancake breakfast for young girls living at the Eden House in northern Thailand. This is a restoration home for girls that have either been rescued from or are at risk for human trafficking.

Africa
    In Mozambique you donated Bibles to the churches of Matchovane. These are believers who love God passionately, but because of lack of access to the Word of God, they have very little Biblical knowledge. Your gift is brining truth that these churches desperately need and desire.
    In Swaziland you provided medical care for a young baby with TB and for his mother, Dudu, who is dying of AIDS/TB.
    In Swaziland you also trained teachers from eight carepoints. These go-gos are providing the only education that many of these children will receive. This training taught the teachers new educational techniques, discipline and management, and how to recognize and report abuse.
    In Swaziland you also provided court fees to advocate for the rights of abused children (link to Kiwi blog). Orphans are often seen as a burden to those left to care for them. Many of these children are abused. Currently the government does not have advocates for these children. Abuse cases are not tried in court unless a 3rd party goes to court on behalf of the abused children. Your money is helping to provide court fees for two such children.
    In Malawi you brought the gospel message to remote villages in the country's southern region.

Europe
    In England you bought the Jesus Film in 24 languages to be given to London's ethnic minorities.
    In Romania you provided supplies for VBS, women's Bible study, and English classes for the gypsy people of Viile Tecii. God moved through each of these venues to speak truth to the gypsies that they are loved and greatly valued by their God.
    In Romania you also contributed towards an Easter feast for five gypsy villages.
    In Moldova you painted houses and cleaned yards for the elderly. You also provided food for poor families in southern Moldova.

    Your generosity has made a huge difference in my life and it has also impacted the lives of hundreds of others throughout the nations. THANK YOU!!

Moldova Update

Mon, 4 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moldova Week 1

We are now in Moldova (our last country of World Race ministry). Lindsay, Katie, Amy, Brian, Stacy, and I spent last week in Edinet, a city in northern Moldova. In the mornings we painted and did manual labor for the church and some of the elderly neighbors.

We spent most afternoons doing children's programs at local parks and apartment complexes. We played games, sang songs, and taught interactive Bible stories. Children in Moldova tend to be more shy than most of the countries where we have worked. At our first children's program I frightened all the children away singing Oh le le. :)

Finance Update

With the end of our Race approaching, I am still in need of some support. I need to raise $1200 in order to be fully supported. This support not only enables me to finish my ministry, but it also supports the ministries with which we are working. My team and I have been tithing from our monthly budget. This money has started a work program for teens in Nicaragua, provided teacher training seminars for carepoint teachers in Swaziland, given Bibles to the churches in Matchovane, Mozambique, and met countless other needs in every country where we have ministered. Please consider helping me to reach my final support goal. If you would like to help, click here.

Current Ministry Update

I am currently in Cahul, Moldova. We will be here for almost 2 weeks partnering with New Hope. Through this ministry we will be helping with the church's building project, working with youth, hosting kids' club, sharing the gospel throughout the city, and working at a deaf orphanage. I am really excited about the ministry here, especially the opportunity to work at the orphanage. Expect stories and photos from our time in Cahul to come soon!

Life in Viile Tecii, Romania (Video Blog)

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leaving Viile Tecii was like leaving home again. The gypsy community really welcomed us in to their lives and made us feel like part of their family. I have never felt so immediately welcomed and loved by any people group before. Our ministry was just living life among this beautiful people. We cooked and ate together, worshipped and prayed alongside one another, hosted children's programs, Bible studies and English classes, laughed a lot, and just fell in love with the gypsy people. This video shows glimpses of our life in Viile Tecii.

Easter Celebration Part 2 (Picture Blog)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday morning we had a great Easter service with people coming from several surrounding villages. We met outside worshipping Jesus, celebrating His resurrection, and fellowshipping together.

I loved seeing the families come together and worship together

The highlight of the service was a baptism service. In Romania, baptism is a very big commitment. It is really seen as a turning point of giving over your entire life to Christ. There were five people who had chosen to be baptized: two men from the community, Alex (my 13 year old gypsy sister), and two World Racers Ali and Natalie. The was beautiful to see people coming forward and choosing to take on Christ's death that they might also take on His life.

Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:3-4

As these men and women stepped forward in their commitment to Christ, Jesus was drawing others two himself. Two additional men came forward to accept Christ and to follow in baptism. Just the in last couple of days we have really seen a difference in their lives and actions, especially Ferdinand.

It was beautiful to see God moving in the hearts of His children and bringing new life to this community as we celebrate His resurrection life!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Bonus Photos: Romania has a hilarious after-Easter tradition. Every year on the day after Easter all of the women and girls wait at home. All the men (beginning with small boys in the mornings, teenagers in the afternoon, and adult men in the evening) get dressed in their Sunday best and come to all the houses where women and living. They come and spray the women with perfume in exchange for an Easter egg. Hilarious!

We were practically drowning in a sea of perfume. I had been spray with 15 different perfumes before finishing breakfast!

My two Romanian sisters (Andrea and Alex) held up a different shirt every time another boy came to the door so that all of their clothes for the week would smell of perfume.

I've heard there is another tradition here later in the spring where women go around giving pins to the men in exchange for chocolate... I'm a little disappointed I missed out on that one!

All in a Day's Work (Video Blog)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the tasks of gypsy families is to make daily trips to chop down lumber. This lumber is used to heat the homes and to run the hot water heaters. We have made a couple of trips with our Romanian family to collect lumber. Here is a video of one of our trips.

Easter Celebration Part 1 (Picture Blog)

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week we have been hosting an Easter VBS with the children of Viile Tecii. We have been gathering together to sing, play games, make crafts, and most importantly teach them about Jesus and His death and resurrection.

The children have been so excited to come and participate in the VBS each day! Today, our final day, we had a huge Easter celebration for all of the kids. It was complete chaos, but they absolutely loved it!! Here are some highlights of the big celebration:

FACE PAINTING

The kids were so excited to have their faces painted! They kept running back trying to add more and more paint to their faces.

But of course face painting is NOT just for the kids!!

We tried to play games to keep the kids entertained while waiting to get their faces painted, however they were too excited to stay focused on any of the games they usually love. The only thing that seemed to work in keeping their attention was when I created an accidental dogpile with all the kids piled on top of me. That kept them entertained!

EASTER EGG HUNT

Each kid was allowed to find 3 eggs. They loved hunting for the eggs and then comparing thier egg designs when they were finished.

Just Another Day

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18

Thursday started as any ordinary day. We would be traveling to a local village to visit with people and to conduct a kid's program. Before we left, God laid 2 Corinthians 4:18 on my heart. He was urging me to open my eyes and to look into the unseen. Today was not just another day... today would be a day of His Kingdom life bursting forth in a thousand tiny ways.

As we entered Arcalia, one of the surrounding villages, we took a little detour going to visit a park with beautiful Romanian architecture. Our plan was to spend some time just playing the part of tourist and goofin' off together, but God was working His Kingdom purposes. As we laughed taking classic World Race jumping pictures, we were approached by a group of college students (already half drunk at noon) who were attending leadership training. These are some of the brightest students in Romania and they are hungry for truth. We began singing and joking together, but before I knew it we were sitting together on the grass talking about God's love and diving into tough questions of relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It was amazing to see them questioning and searching for truth! What we saw as a fun detour, the Lord purposed to plant seeds in the heart's of these students, to have them beginning questioning their lives and relationship with God.

As we walked by from the park, we found some of the other girls visiting with Kati, an elderly Christian who has been unable to attend church. She was beaming from ear to ear and kissed both my cheeks as she welcomed me to her home. You could tell that the fellowship of the Body was joy to her heart. Tears streamed down her cheeks as we sang Amazing Grace together. We were also able to spend time with another house-ridden Christian named Ginny. As we entered her bedroom and looked into her eyes, you could see that she was downcast and discouraged. We prayed for her, listened to her hurts, and offered her encouragement from God's Word. Once again, the Lord was bringing new life into the hearts of His people. It was a beautiful moment of Kingdom seeing Krystle sitting beside Ginny holding her hand as the other girls spoke words of encouragement and prayed over her.

As we left Ginny's house, some of the other girls had already begun the children's program. All of the children in the village had gathered together running and playing games. All except one. One little boy just sat silently on Steph's lap clinging to her. He sat there all afternoon without saying a word. As we were leaving, we found out that his mother just abandoned him and his siblings leaving them in the care of an abusive, alcoholic father. Although we had no idea of his situation when we arrived, God used Steph's embrace to show this boy that he is noticed and loved. Once again, the Kingdom of God coming to His hurting children.

We arrived home in Viile Tecii to find the family once again in tears. Their grandma suffered a stroke earlier in the week and has been in the hospital ever since. It's been a really stressful week for them. After dinner we were on the hilltop playing with some of the kids. I suggested to Krystle and to Alex, the 13 year old daughter of our host family, that we roll down the huge hill just like I used to as a child. The three of us tumble down the hill laughing uncontrollably. This may seem like me just acting like a small child (again), but this was much-needed laughter and joy for Alex.

I discovered today that if you open your eyes that the love and pursuit of God is EVERYWHERE... you just have to be willing to look for it. His love takes a million forms a day.

Becoming Gypsy Housewives (Video Blog)

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Life in Viile Tecii, Romania

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is once again one of those moments where I wonder "is this really my life?". We have entered our last continent of the World Race: Eastern Europe. This month we have the privilege to live among the gypsies of Viile Tecii, Romania. I would never have imagined myself living with a band of gypsies, but in the beautiful adventure of following Jesus, here I am.

This village is a strange mix of old and modern. Filling the same streets you will find cars racing by and horse-drawn carts plodding along. We make bread from scratch and use an outhouse, yet we relax in the evenings watching satellite television. It's an interesting dynamic.

I am falling in love with the gypsy people! There is such a sense of family within this community. Kiatera and the Alonzos are living with one of the gypsy families, Habi, Lily and their three children. Our ministry this month is all about just living life with the people and loving them with the love of Christ. That looks different every day! It can mean almost anything, including: cleaning up trash, playing with kids, baking bread together, doing yard work for elderly neighbors, cookouts, worshipping together, working in orphanages, teaching English, or visiting villages. We are truly getting a taste of life in Viile Tecii.

Stay tuned for lots of stories and videos as we dive into life among this band of gypsies.

Romanian Roadtrip (Video Blog)

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Only World Racers have this much fun on roadtrips!!

Africa Through Our Eyes (Video Blog)

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kiatera has a special love for Africa. It is a continent that has captured a huge piece of each of our hearts. I want to invite you to come and to experience Africa through our eyes.

Stories of Restoration

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Malawi was a really difficult month for me in several ways. One of the hardest parts was traveling to different villages every day. It's not only the fact that daily traveling (on top of 9 months of traveling) is tiring, but it's also that being in a different village everyday doesn't really give you a chance to build relationships anywhere. Months that don't provide for relational ministry are always difficult for me.

Even though I didn't get the opportunity to build deep relationships with the people of Zomba, the Lord did allow me to see so many glimpses of His restoration in the lives of people. Here are some short stories that show the Lord's redemption and restoration in Malawi.

Freedom from Bondage

We met Mr. Bayola and his family during our first day of ministry. We were visiting homes in the community with one of the local pastors. We are crowded into the Bayola's home, sitting in the dark, and listening to the rain pound down against the tin roof. We all sat together fellowshipping, sharing testimonies, and praying together. This family is strong in their faith, but had been facing hardships following a serious illness of one of their family members. After our time of encouraging them with scriptures and testimonies, we prayed together for their nephew in the hospital. As we began to leave Mr. Bayola said, "Thank you for coming. We were like a people bound, but now through your testimonies and the Word of God, we are a people freed." The Lord is restoring this family through His truth.

God's Intimate Love
We were in the village of Malosa preaching and teaching among pastors and church members. At the end of our time, I was preaching on the power of prayer. We invited anyone who would like prayer to come forward so that the body of Christ could gather around and pray for them. Blessing quickly stepped forward. She told me (through a translator) about a problem she was having with her eyes. Almost as an afterthought she mentioned that her husband had recently left her after she became a believer. She is praying for a new husband who loves the Lord.
Immediately as I began to lay hands on her and pray for her, she collapsed to the floor. She just wept facedown before the Lord. I could feel God's love resting so strongly upon Blessing. I begin to pray for the Lord to meet with her in His intimate love and just to love her to wholeness. I continued to pray over Blessing for about 15 minutes as she just sobbed, exposing her pain before the Lord, and inviting Him to love her in the midst of those most hurt places.

As I finished praying, Blessing stood and we embraced. We weren't able to communicate at all, but I could see in her eyes that she had an intimate and powerful encounter with the God who loves her. His love is beginning to bring her restoration.

Sparking Fire in Hearts
At most of our meetings with pastors and their wives, I taught on prayer. God has really been giving me a heart for prayer and intercession this year. He is lighting a fire in my heart for prayer and in turn He is giving me the opportunity to spark that fire in others. One day in particular, we were meeting with about 70 pastors and their wives. I was speaking on the power of prayer and the importance of praying as a unified body. We began to pray together on behalf of the church. I look up and one woman in particular was passionately crying out before the Lord. Tears were streaming down her face and she prayed for revival to come to the church.
After the meeting, this woman and her baby climbed into the back of our pick-up truck. As we are bouncing down the dirt roads, she grabs my hand and begins speaking rapidly in Chichewa. The only phrase I can understand is "fire. Fire, fire in my heart!" One of the translators tells me that as we prayed today God was lighting a fire in this woman's heart. It was beautiful knowing that she will remain and spread that fire throughout her home, her church, her village, and her nation.

These are just a few glimpses of the way that God is restoring the people of Malawi and calling them deeper into His love and into relationship with Him. Please continue to pray for these believers and so many more like them.

Top 10 Reasons I Love Africa (Picture Blog)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's hard to believe that three months in Africa have come to an end! This continent has such a precious place in my heart. My time in Africa (both in Kenya in '06 & the past three months) has shaped my future and ignited so many passions in my heart. I know that Africa will always hold a place in my life and my heart. I want to use this blog to try and show some of the reasons that I absolultely LOVE Africa!! So, here goes...

10. The colorfulness of African culture. Both the clothing and the culture carry a vibrancy of colorfulness that can't be matched anywhere else in the world.

9. The incredible beauty of the African bush! Every time we entered a new country I would swear that it's the most beautiful place I've ever been.

8. Exotic animals literally living in our backyard. Yes, we did get to go on safari, but we also saw most of the safari animals again just roaming aimlessly around the countryside.

7. The African sky. Whether it is sunrise, mid-afternoon, sunset, or star-filled nights, there is absolutely nothing that compares to the African sky.

6. Having the opportunity to really become a part of families and communities: eating together, living together, and learning cultural dances and customs.

5. Churches that have such a passion for the Spirit of God and a hunger for His truth.

4. The beauty and strength of African women. These women work the fields, raise children, keep the home, and serve tirelessly. You will almost always see them with a baby on their back, water or other items on their heads, and serving other people. The women of Africa have such a beautiful strength. I really admire them!

3. The joyful worship and dancing that is such a integral part of the church in Africa. My team has said numerous time that we believe heaven's choir will be led by Africans. Their voices blend in the most beautiful harmonies! Some of my favorite moments have been dancing and worshipping alongside my African brothers and sisters.

2. Seeing my team operate in their passions and giftings more than ever before. Kiatera has a special love for Africa! I loved seeing myself and my teammates really come alive in these nations, especially Swaziland. It was beautiful to see Krystle love the go-gos in a way that was powerfully redemptive. To see Katie come alive as she uses her media gifts to share stories of hope from a dying nation. To see Lindsay embody the love of Christ as she walks alongside those who are hurting, starving, and dying. To see my own heart awakening as I was able to advocate for unprotected children and to create even just moments for them of feeling truly safe and loved.

1. Falling in love with the most beautiful children in the world! You cannot help but fall in love with the kids of Africa. I love their joy, laughter, and openness.

Malawi at a Glance

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kiatera spent ten days living in Zomba, Malawi with Pastor Gama and his wife, Rose. We partnered with H.I.M. Ministries.
It was very interesting to see the differences between H.I.M.'s work in Mozambique and Malawi. In Mozambique, we were the very first foreigners to work alongside Matchovane's churches and our training focused on a basic understanding of the gospel. Here is Malawi the church is thriving! We had the pleasure of coming alongside pastors and church leaders to encourage and strengthen them. It was beautiful to see so many strong men and women on fire for the Lord!

A Day in Our Lives

The morning always started with a breakfast of fresh avocados and hot Malawi tea. We would leave the house between 7-9 a.m. to travel to one of the local villages.

    Travel in Zomba means anywhere between 5-19 people crammed into the back of a pick-up truck (but at least we had mattresses to sit on). We would travel 1-5 hours to reach one of the surrounding villages.
    Once we arrived, a chorus of African worshippers and local pastors greeted us. We would meet together for hours of prayer and worship and each of us would preach or share our testimonies. The Lord worked powerfully in these meetings!
    We would arrive home greeted by Mama Rose with afternoon tea. In the evenings we had amazing family style dinners with Pastor Gama and Mama Rose and enjoyed just laughing and fellowshipping together. After dinner was our time to relax: watching movies or the news, reading, journaling, and preparing for the next day's work.

During our short time in Zomba, we were blessed to preach in seven villages to encourage the pastors and strengthen the church. Please continue to pray for the churches of Malawi and H.I.M. Ministries' work in that nation.

The Beauty of Malawi (Photo Blog)

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Zomba, Malawi is one of the most beautiful places on earth!! Words don't do justice to Malawi's people or landscape. Instead I'm going to try and share some of my favorite pictures with you.

Landscape of Malawi is breathtakingly beautiful!

Sunsets light up the evening sky with amazing, vibrant colors

(Photo on Left) My family in Malawi (Photo on Right) Dan & me

The kids in Zomba are precious! Everywhere you go, they follow you around yelling "Azungu! Azungu!" which means white person.

Malawi: Flames of Fire (video blog)

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Malawi means "flames of fire". This month we were able to see the fire of God's Spirit fall among the pastors and leaders of the churches in southern Malawi. We are praying that revival will spread like flames of fire across Malawi! This video shows glimpses of our time and ministry in Zomba.