Moving forward

For those whom I had not told, I started a new blog, you are welcome to join me there!
ex3315.blogspot.com

Finito

So the end of this two year journey has come to its close, yet it is not an ending as made very clear by those who endeavored before me. Its simply a launching pad, into what? well thats the fun part. Bible school is more than a simple chapter in a book, its become a platform if I may say to which the rest of the chapters will be birthed from. Ps. Tucker told us to always remember "Zion Ministerial Institue." Each word carries its own weight, and the heaviest of course is "Zion" itself. These three words were lonely letters that helped describe to others my physical location. But now, they are a constant reminder of a time where God took me aside by the hand spoke to me in ways I had never experienced before. The last week of convention was both exciting and hectic. Looking forward to graduation but much work and closure was still awaiting. There was still work to be done on the video for graduation, but thankfully it all came through by wednesday and was able to enjoy thursday and friday to its fullest. Graduation came and went, but we soaked all of it in as we sat there, enjoying the events as they unfolded, meditating on the past, the words that had been spoken and yet listening intently to what God was speaking to us that day. Its exciting to look ahead to what God has for us all, times of putting to work what we have learned awaits us.

Special thanks to: Marcos Borrayo-Filming, Leah Anderson- Piano, 

Sarah Kongabel- Keys, David Bravo- Harp, Laura Darley- Ideas.

Concord

This past weekend was one filled with adventure and excitement but most important, an opportunity to share the word of God with fellow believers. We, the fourth semester students, went on an outstation to Concord, New Hampshire to Pastor Gazaway's church. The trip there was an adventure in of itself because of the long drive but also the beautiful scenery. Driving through the snow covered mountains yet sunny skies made the day perfect for driving. The winding roads made us all a little car sick after a while but a quick stop and fresh air helped settle us down. We made it safely to the Gazaway's house and enjoyed a delicious home cooked dinner. Afterwards we went our separate ways to where we were staying for the night.

On Saturday, we went with some of the youth to Boston to walk the city for a little bit. Enjoyed getting to know a little more of Boston. Afterwards we had a prayer meeting and dinner.

Sunday morning I had the privilege of teaching Sunday School. I spoke on the life of the John the Baptist and how his ministry applies to our days as ushering the Lord's second coming. Laura led worship and Leah was on the piano. We all participated in the a special. Cesar gave the main message on being doers of the word. Ken and David shared on healing and believing that God can and has His timing for everything. It was very encouraging to be there and see here my fellow classmates minister in there respective areas. The Lord is doing great things with our class and I'm excited to see what is next. For now, I will be busy with homework and getting ready for Justin and Alyssa's wedding! 

A New Thing

This week has been a week of memorable moments. It has been some of my busiest days thus far but I know there are plenty to come. Last saturday Marcos and I were able to get part of the graduation video filmed and edited. I feel I have accomplished something off my long "to-do" list. Sunday morning I experienced something that surpassed my expectations for what God had in mind for the worship service. We had a great time in the presence of the Lord and after service a few classmates and Sis. Suzette came up to me saying I had prophesied on the cymbal!! I had heard of stories of some who had done it but never experienced it for myself and I remember Ps. Tucker exhorting me to last convention but not even knowing where to begin. The theme for this semester is a "New Thing," it is safe to say that, that day, I stepped into something new, and the congregation as well. As it was described to me, something broke through in the spirit during open worship, and we all stepped in to a new level that most of us had never been in. I am still humbled by the thought, but it happened. It is exciting to see what He will do next. On tuesday I preached what may have been my last chapel message as a student. It was an exhortation of what the Lord had been working in me, a heart to reach out and disciple others, especially those who may be struggling. I closed it with re-enacting John 13, washing Marcos' feet. I think it drove the point across of just how Jesus loved His disciples and was willing to serve at the lowest place to make others better and continue in the faith.

As I was writing this blog I planned to end it here but had in mind the friday night guy's prayer. We the male students, got together on friday night for a time of worship and prayer in the sanctuary. We set aside the hours of 7-1AM to dedicate it to seeking the Lord. I was worried at first that it would just be another night but the Lord was faithful to come. He did exceedingly abundantly more than what I could ask or think. We freely poured ourselves before the Lord in worship and there were times of prophecy and quieting ourself before the Lord. We were all blessed as a whole but more-so individually as the Lord adressed issues and there were many breakthrough's. Its a night that I'm sure none of us will forget, but I do pray that the work the Lord did, will continue to grow in each of us. Amen and amen.

By Marcos B

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.

Convention Fall '12

This past week we had our Fall convention. It was a busy week but had many exciting moments. There was a group that came from my home church in Miami and some that came from our Mexico church as well. It was nice to see some whom I had not seen for a while like Cathy Sharp and the Toppers, it was nice to chat with them for a bit. This convention had a different feel to it, especially with Ps. Bailey passing away and having a new leadership. The overall feel from God was that it was a moment of going into a new move. There were a lot of words of encouragement that came through and words of strength to guide the church into where God is taking us next. Now its just time to continue and prayer and prepare for another week of class.

Birthday

This year, we celebrated our 2nd annual September Birthday Dinner. There are plenty of birthdays in September in our circle so we decided to have one big dinner to celebrate all at once. We enjoyed this event at a restaurant called the "Big Easy." As you might of guessed, it is a New Orleans style restaurant serving traditional dishes such as gumbo and Jambalaya. It is quite a vivid atmosphere as they have a live band playing American Jazz throughout the night serving for good entertainment. We ended the night with a quiet walk down to the beach, enjoying one another's company and bar fights near by, and challenging conversations. It was a great way to celebrate our birthdays and enjoy one last night out with many of my friends before heading back to Waverly.

Cuando Todo Comenzo...

This past weekend, our church celebrated its 16th anniversary. It was the first time we celebrated, making it a memorable moment for everyone.  It was a time of looking back at Maranatha's little beginning and her glorious growth as God takes us to new levels. It was great to get to know a little bit of how she got started, being someone who came quite a while after her beginning.  Those who where there from her inception shared their stories, each person representing a different generation. Some came in as kids, others as teens, others as young adults, others as adults, and each one had a message for every generation sitting in the congregation.  It was a message of loving your church, yes the "church" is the body of Christ, but there should be an identity with our home church, a connection that make her ours, so that we can all grow and help those who are to come. Maranatha is more than a building for those who spoke that day, it is intertwined with their lives, what the Pastors, leaders, and every member invested in them and now in all of us, has helped us all grow in different areas of our lives. It was a day of committing to moving forward in the new plans that God has for this little light house.

Ordinary Life

Dear sister Lyss, :) sorry for the long delay. Here is a small peak at what some of the youths and myself did this weekend.  Today we headed down to Oleeta park where we enjoyed a nice afternoon of kayaking. At times it got intense as boys will be boys, but in the end no one was hurt, and the weather more than cooperated. I'm sure we all got a great workout, and the scenery was great, the flies were hungry and the water was just the right temperature for an afternoon swim, but most importantly, the kids were happy.