Things are turning

For many years, America and England were great contributors in missions around the world especially to Africa. It seems we have forgotten and moved away form that strong desire to spread the Gospel that we once had and have lagged behind the very nations we poured so much into. Here is an interesting article on how those whom we have reached out to see the need America and England have to be reached with the Gospel themselves.

What Africans Prayed Last Week for America

Last term

The unavoidable last term has arrived and I must say I've embraced it more willingly than expected. There are two desires that constantly fight within at this stage in the training. One that feels an inadequacy to leave here while the other is set for the battle ahead. How does one bring these two in to a healthy balance. Ah yes, the ever faithful peace of God. It is a delicate time to truly fine tune my senses onto what God is directing me to do. There is much to learn academically here, but more importantly, is what God is speaking personally to our lives. It is that personal vision that will take us somewhere, to the very will of God. It always amazes me how Paul was superior in academics concerning the scriptures and the law, yet God trained him for years on learning God's leading. That is where I find myself now, digging deeper in the word, but more so, walking higher up the mountain of His presence, and I will climb that mountain, with my hands wide open.

Bind us together

Another semester has concluded, but an end is far from sight. As December 14 crept closer and closer, the unavoidable bittersweet moment was about to smack us all in the face. The day came and we made the best of it. This week we closed off with our class on the restoration books. It is one of my favorite eras in the bible to study, including the prophets who played such an essential role in the completion of this era. The restoration era also speaks to us about the restoration of the church itself. In the last days, the church will be restored to its original glory that God had intended it to be. It will be a glory that remains and as we have a vision for it, we must work to bring maturity about in our lives and the church.

After class was done, we spent a lot of time together, taking pictures and telling stories. We also enjoyed a night at tinsel and lights down in Waverly and dinner together afterwards. The night before we had thrown a surprise party for the graduates as a last good bye. We spent the night sharing favorite memories, singing favorite songs and playing silly games. Its hard to see the grads leave, but I know its just another step in their calling and I'm very happy for them. They were such a special group of individuals who left an indelible mark in my life. Our prayer in the end is the Lord would bind us together. That the friendships we made would be a strength to each other in the days to come. Who knows what nation we will see each other in next, but for now, I must focus on my last semester.

Virginia

Last weekend a few of us decided to take a spontaneous trip to Virginia. it was certainly last minute but well worth it. There was a team leaving from here for an outstation in Virginia, but 3 of us had a strong desire to be with them and visit the church. So we got our things ready and prepared for the trip the night before. It was a long 7 hours to and fro but we made the best of it. Being with the Virginia church felt a little like home being that they are a hispanic church. We enjoyed delicious hispanic food and got to spend some time with the people form the church. They were so great, we enjoyed every bit of it. there was a real sense of freedom in the building. As the different students ministered and shared, there was a lot of focus on letting God move in our hearts and removing those obstacles that hinder us. Its so important to remove things like rebellion and hardness of heart in order that God may move more freely in and through us. so many leave the path or do not enjoy the fullness of God because of this. This takes a constant checking and allowing the Lord to search us. I am so thankful He cares and desires to remove those obstacles so that we may behold Him more closely.

Outstation

It's Thanksgiving once again and things have slowed down here at school. Its a good time to reflect and catch up on some hw and personal reading that has been neglected. This past weekend, a team went up to Wooler, Canada to minister in Ps. Paul Webbs church. As always, I love road trips, and this one was quite an adventure. Saturday night we spent time with the youth there, a small yet lovely group. David shared and Laura gave a testimony. Both were encouraging messages. David touched on wisdom and some keys that well help us along our walk with God. Afterwards we played a few games and just spent time with everyone telling jokes and stories. Sunday morning, we all participated in a special,  Leah led worship, Pedro shared a testimony and I shared the message. After hearing everyone speak, I feel God was reminding me the importance of knowing Him and walking it out. As we walk in what He has given us, we can both learn more and know Him more. Seeing some of things God is doing this semester, it is safe to say that God is refocusing our attention to Him and not so much on our works.
It was great to be with everyone there and get to know new people. Afterwards the Webbs took us to a Canadian Air force museum where we got to hear some war stories and see many of the planes that were reconstructed that were actually used during war.

You hear, O Lord

Psalm 10:17  You hear, Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.

November is the month to remember the persecuted church in prayer. There are many countries that do not allow the spreading of the gospel and hand out great punishment for it. Nevertheless, there are those faithful few who continue spreading His name with great boldness. Take some time today, this week, this month, this year, and pray for them. Not just for safety, but for boldness and grace to reach all those who have not heard the name of Jesus yet. May this be something we keep in mind not just in november, but everyday. 

Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

The Exodus

This past week was filled some surprising events, moments of testing and times of stressing. In the end it was a great week where much personal growing occurred. This week we studied the book of Ruth, Colossians and Philemon, all small books but packed with such great lessons for us all. Ruth portrays not only a love story but typifies our salvation as we are redeemed from the world into the heavenly kingdom. Colossians teaches us truths about holiness and how it depends on our relationship with Christ and not on our own works. We ended with Philemon which brings out God's heart for restoration. It was a great blessing to journey through these books and just have God speak to each one of us through them. On top of that I had my chapel preaching on wednesday. This was definitely a special chapel where God met with us intensely. The worship lasted a bit longer than usual, but so many prophecies came forth we did not want stop the move of God. God was definitely calling us to draw nearer and press higher up His holy mountain. It was a time of refreshing and encouragement for each of us I believe. The preaching that followed was on that very thing that God was speaking to us, to press into His glory, as Moses cried out at the beginning of his journey with Israel after being freed from Egypt, Exodus 33:18: "please, show me your glory."I believe God will continue to show us more of who He is as are hearts come humbly before Him, for knowing who He truly is, will be necessary for the times that are coming.