Back tracking a bit. . .
Alan (who arrived home on Tuesday) was back in the office! So good seeing him safe and well. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers! He told us stories about his trip to Nigeria. The church he works with over there as outgrown it's building! Now they are building the biggest church in the world! It will hold 85,000 people - counting the overflow areas and the multiple services they are expecting around 300,000 to attend! He said that they literally "run" to church and because their level of faith is so high miracles happen regularly. Crazy miracles - like people getting raised from the dead and limbs growing back! How I would love to see that happening here and back home in the States! I strongly believe, if we can get our lifestyles in check and get our mindsets in the right place we will be seeing that soon.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
Wednesday night Jaclyn spoke. For being her first time EVER to preach a message I was quite impressed. She taught on peoples originality's - their gifts and their talents. Not to let those God-given opportunities He initially gives YOU pass by onto another out of fear and disobedience. A very timely and challenging word.
Yesterday was relaxing day. (sigh) I love those days :)
Junior Youth went really well. Had near a dozen kids at it. Still praying for the right person to come along that I can pass this on to as my heart is more for the older teens. Still I know for the time being I am to be working with both age groups so I am learning what I can working with the younger ones. The Loft Youth was extreme! Loads of teens showed up and (trumpets please) Rachel gave her heart to the Lord tonight!!! It was beautiful <3 So proud of her!
Today was really difficult. My mind didn't take a break once, as a tornado of thoughts were constantly spinning over and over in my head. So many kids, so little time. It was an actual deja vu morning for me. . . different country, different people, but same scenario. And impacted me in the same way - bringing a sense of urgency to my dream and calling out here.
Sorry I know I am talking gibberish. . .
Today at 10:30am I went to a funeral. A funeral for a young man just 24 years old who was murdered last week. A young man that unfortunately I didn't get the pleasure in meeting. But a man whom was dearly loved by all the young people we minister to on a Friday night. My first year in LA was the same, as a young man, Ray Ray, was murdered. I never met him but I attended his funeral to be there for his sisters and family that I loved more than anything. It was then God began to break my heart for the youth of Los Angeles - likewise, it was Dee Corr's funeral that began such a stirring inside of me for the youth of Belfast.
My dream to open a youth drop in centre began to mentally come together. I have been writing out every thought concerning it and waiting for God to physically put the resources together to make this dream become reality.
Street Reach tonight was full of teens (several blocked because of the funeral). But I got to sit and visit with loads of them. Some I've known for months, others I just met. . . Oh please God bring in the volunteers! Bring in the money needed! Bring in the creative ideas! Bring in the workers for the harvest is ready!
Most importantly today, I have found my purpose and calling in being out here. I desire to move back home one day, but if this project takes a lifetime to fulfill so be it - "He never promised it would be easy, but He did promise it would be worth it."
-J
01/15/1988 - 03/15/2012
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