I can't believe it is time to leave. This week has been so emotionally riveting for all of us. In the midst though it has been amazing how God works. Obviously the crushing pain I felt for the people had to subside in order to function, I had to be able to breathe and refocus... This is what God knew... I was reading and listening to music, and something flooded over me... the garment of praise in my heaviness.. incredible. How can this happen? How can I be at peace? I have seen things that will forever be etched in my mind, I have been broken for a people that I had never met, I had seen depravity defined only by satan himself I had looked into the eyes of desperation that convulsed my soul new scars..... and then again I realize the call, Be a voice for the voiceless, take care of the oppressed, seek justice...
Restore innocence to the broken...
Here I am Lord, send me
In Him,
Kris
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Do they Know?
i step into this church almost in a surreal state. we walk up flights of winding stairs with wooden banisters, the chandeliers are massivce and beautiful. i hear the excited chatter mounting..then we step to the final platform to 75 to 100 college kids. all dressed to the max. they all looked as if they could have been on any cover of any fashion magazine...all hanging out and catching up with their friends. i imagine very much like we do at home. the church you can see right off is different then others here. new and cutting edge, much like the trendy churches in america. instantly i am in a parrallel world. we enter the area of worship and the place fills with young adults...all looking vogue, probably close to 500 end up pouring in. again i am in a state of unbelief. i am struck by the unbelievable contrast. one city yet so different. i can't help but wonder why, or maybe better how could they not know? do they know? as the worship begins i see hands lifted high worshiping...again i think, how can this culture be this way? do they understand what is happening a few blocks away? Have they seen how others in this city live? my judgement rises....how can they allow this to happen and go on about their perfect rich lives while women and children are being tortured and are dying..........my heart turned cold at the reality....why were we here? i wanted to scream at one point, scream do you realize!?!?!! and then i was flooded with a still voice that said remember how I see the earth I created...these are my children as well, you are here to show them. my mind began to real with the possibility. what if this young generation stopped the violence...what if they caught the vision? what if we all caught that vision...God's vision? It dawned on me that we are no different then these people. we sit in our comfortable lives while devestation happens all over..why do i look at it here with such indignation for what hasn't been done in reality what are we all doing to fullfill our mandate. Our call is not an option, how have we made it one? we are all called to help the oppressed period. we are all supposed to fullfill this call. if we do then Gods love can be made real..it was worth Him sending Jesus to die........how much is it worth to you?
In Him,
Kris
In Him,
Kris
Sunday, July 26, 2009
All for Redemption
I haven't really written or journeled much since we have been here. It takes me a while to process things. Most times I have found I won't start to truly process until I get back to the states. I don't know why- maybe it's my way of emotionally detaching so I can continue doing the work that needs to be done here, or maybe there is just not enough time for me to process one tragedy before I am slammed with another. Whatever the reason, I sit here thinking about day 1- and a girl who stole my heart.
Her name is Maria- she is 20 years old... my age. Our first interview. I rememberher first walking in and sitting on the couch- arms crossed... dressed in all black... and I wondered if that was a depiction of how her heart felt. Before she even spoke I could look in her eyes and see something was wrong- something had been taken from her, hurt her deeply. And I instantly wanted to save her. As we set up the camera and she began to tell her story, I am completely certain there is no way that I could have imagined something so horrific. My age... it kept flashing through my mind... my age. This girl was just like me, at the same point in life I find myself at- yet we could not have been more world's apart. As I watched her sit there, sobbing, pouring out 20 years of heartache, my own heart was shattered. It is rare, if ever, that I feel so much love for someone so instantly- without even knowing them. But in that moment I would have given anything to take her pain for her. I would have given all I had to protect her and show her she is loved, and make sure she never has to go there again- cost is no object. Rape. Abuse. Rejection. Property rather than a part of humanity. Suicide attempts. Hearing a mother tell you to try and kill yourself better next time because you would be doing a favor to society. I can't imagine being a mother and saying that to your child. Bought. Sold. Bought again. What part of your soul dies every single time... And again it flashes. My age...
I don't understand how these things can go on. But in the midst of hearing such horror, I also saw strength. This girl was a fighter- she won't ever give up. That gives me hope. Each part of this girl's story felt like a blow to my chest... my with every single one, all I could hear was Jesus saying "But my love is stronger..." And even in the midst of such depravity, I know it's true. His love is stronger than rape, abuse, rejection, all of it. And so in the midst of it all, I still see that He is good. His love is strong enough to heal anyone and everyone. It makes all things new, covers all, even this.
As much as it hurts to hear a story like Maria's, I also consider it such a gift. It confirms my calling. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am called to fight for these girls every day for the rest of my life. And I will. It's a fire deep in my soul to see them free. It's such a girft to me to be able to be cut by something that matters. Because those cuts turn to scars that remind you of the grace of God, what He feels, and what He sees when He looks at us. I wonder if what I feel for Maria is a small taste of the deep, unfathomable, relentless love that Jesus has for us. We are broken, slaves to the fall, drenched in our sin sith seemingly no hope. But when God sees our helpless state, He takes it for us. I only wish I could take Maria's pain for her. But Christ actually does- for you, for me, for us all. That's beautiful. Redemption is beautiful. And that is what I cling to.
"For the glory of it all, He came here. For the rescue of us all, that we may live. For the glory of it all. For redemption from the fall. For the glory of it all..." -David Crowder
Grace,
Ashley
Her name is Maria- she is 20 years old... my age. Our first interview. I rememberher first walking in and sitting on the couch- arms crossed... dressed in all black... and I wondered if that was a depiction of how her heart felt. Before she even spoke I could look in her eyes and see something was wrong- something had been taken from her, hurt her deeply. And I instantly wanted to save her. As we set up the camera and she began to tell her story, I am completely certain there is no way that I could have imagined something so horrific. My age... it kept flashing through my mind... my age. This girl was just like me, at the same point in life I find myself at- yet we could not have been more world's apart. As I watched her sit there, sobbing, pouring out 20 years of heartache, my own heart was shattered. It is rare, if ever, that I feel so much love for someone so instantly- without even knowing them. But in that moment I would have given anything to take her pain for her. I would have given all I had to protect her and show her she is loved, and make sure she never has to go there again- cost is no object. Rape. Abuse. Rejection. Property rather than a part of humanity. Suicide attempts. Hearing a mother tell you to try and kill yourself better next time because you would be doing a favor to society. I can't imagine being a mother and saying that to your child. Bought. Sold. Bought again. What part of your soul dies every single time... And again it flashes. My age...
I don't understand how these things can go on. But in the midst of hearing such horror, I also saw strength. This girl was a fighter- she won't ever give up. That gives me hope. Each part of this girl's story felt like a blow to my chest... my with every single one, all I could hear was Jesus saying "But my love is stronger..." And even in the midst of such depravity, I know it's true. His love is stronger than rape, abuse, rejection, all of it. And so in the midst of it all, I still see that He is good. His love is strong enough to heal anyone and everyone. It makes all things new, covers all, even this.
As much as it hurts to hear a story like Maria's, I also consider it such a gift. It confirms my calling. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am called to fight for these girls every day for the rest of my life. And I will. It's a fire deep in my soul to see them free. It's such a girft to me to be able to be cut by something that matters. Because those cuts turn to scars that remind you of the grace of God, what He feels, and what He sees when He looks at us. I wonder if what I feel for Maria is a small taste of the deep, unfathomable, relentless love that Jesus has for us. We are broken, slaves to the fall, drenched in our sin sith seemingly no hope. But when God sees our helpless state, He takes it for us. I only wish I could take Maria's pain for her. But Christ actually does- for you, for me, for us all. That's beautiful. Redemption is beautiful. And that is what I cling to.
"For the glory of it all, He came here. For the rescue of us all, that we may live. For the glory of it all. For redemption from the fall. For the glory of it all..." -David Crowder
Grace,
Ashley
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Open My Eyes to Things Unseen
The dichotomy of this city riddles me. As we are driving to film some of the most impoverished parts of the city I am struck by all of the people busily going about their day, seemingly unaware of what is around them. These people seem much like us in the states- nicely dressed, clean, hustling in and out of stores... then we turn down a street. I think I literally sucked in air.. we were going to one of the places in the city called the garbage dumps. Looking ahead, I see houses and houses and houses made out of tin, stacked on top of each other. The stench of trash and rotting waste fills our nostrils. We park. My soul is screaming at this point- I look around at the people cluttered everywhere and as my feet hit the pavement littered with trash, this strange sensation came over me. I felt almost like an intruder. Like here I am, my nice jeans, my nice shirt, my nice jacket, and I want to see how they live. I almost felt dirty. Like who am I. The entire team began to look around and explore. I stood almost frozen. I had never seen anything even remotely comparable to this. The feeling of nausea came from the pit of my being- not because of the poverty, more so because of the vulnerability. There were children everywhere, no shoes, and again I was easily able to insert one of my children at any moment. They smiled grinning behind rotten teeth almost begging for our attention. I was still frozen. The people that we came with were obviously very comfortable there- they laughed and joked amongst each other and to some of the men that lived there. It all sounded like buzzing to me. The sounds were drowned out by the screaming in my head. Why do these children have to live in these conditions? Again, not because they have nothing but because I felt the presence of darkness so thick. Maybe it's because I had heard the stories previously of how children are stolen everywhere in this country. These children seem like sitting targets to me. I wanted to load them all up in the van and take them to a safe place. But where? There is no place safe here. That hits me like a ton of bricks. Even if I could get every child out of this situation, then what? I wanted to run- again the burden of what God has given MAG to do rushed over me. In my desperation He spoke. Break my heart for what breaks yours, I had prayed. Open my eyes to things unseen. Show me how to love like you. This is what I had begged. And this is what He has begun to do.
In Him,
Kris
In Him,
Kris
age twelve....what does that number bring to mind....middle school, maybe a first crush, maybe a great vacation with family... probably not survival. sara sits next to me, i feel the confusion of her drug...she huffs paint thinner as do most the street kids...a coping mechanism. she explained that it helps make her not hungry, or cold, or feel anything for that matter. her life is one of the day to day. she dodges the police because they are not protection, they are violent to the kids on the street she explains...they see them as dirt to clean up or abuse whichever they deem fit. all of this seems awful but then comes the blow... she looks intently around the court yard...seemingly halfway attentive to what is around her yet very aware of the person she is looking for...her husband she calls him. the 21 year old boy that she is "married" to. i ask her what she looks forward to and she smiles, and says next year she wants to start a family...the breathe left my body and my mind began to spin...i looked at this little girl, her nails were filthy, her clothes were the same every day, her ears were caked in wax, and her smell....paint thinner..my heart rips inside as i pull her into my arms...this is akward for her she squirms a bit and then smiles her glassy eyes only partially aware of her surroundings..
these are the kids that are at risk everywhere here...the poverty is so thick and the survival a mandate..
everyday sara survives...at 12. this takes me awhile to come to grips with..i am stunned by the differences in her and my own daughter...i want to help her, but how?
how so we begin? i asked God show me what you see, break me for what breaks you...it is working...
In Him,
Kris
these are the kids that are at risk everywhere here...the poverty is so thick and the survival a mandate..
everyday sara survives...at 12. this takes me awhile to come to grips with..i am stunned by the differences in her and my own daughter...i want to help her, but how?
how so we begin? i asked God show me what you see, break me for what breaks you...it is working...
In Him,
Kris
Friday, July 24, 2009
Psalm 34:18
I have never had to emotionally detach myself from someone as quickly as I did them... it wasn't anything they did to me or said against me, it was their very way of life that disturbed my soul... I was so uncomfortable.
When we first arrived I thought they were drunk... for some reason that would be permissable to me but perhaps that is hindsight in comparison to what was actually going on... when Courtney enlightened me that they were huffing soaked rags of paint thinner I immediately shut down and needed to get away. Every fiber in my body wanted to scream out, to take their paint thinner and thier rags and throw them away, but what good would any of that done?... This was their way of life... They had no home, no money, no food... all they had was their poison to become numb to it all... I understand the allure of numbness but I had infinitely less problems to get away from... They put me to shame...
I wonder if the others are as emotionally detached as I am? I hope so just so I can look at myself in the mirror and not see the callous monster I used to...
One kid got hit in the face with a soccer ball and cowered down in pain right in front of me... But I made no effort to comfort him. (HIM? "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.") Why didn't I help him? Noone else did but since when, as a Christian, has that justified anything? I think it was because I was already doing so well emotionally detaching myself that I didn't want to ruin that by helping a 13 year old boy. (While that wasn't in the forefront of my mind it was no doubt subconsciously holding me back.) I was very cognicent that my countenance could have been mistaken or confused for disgust but it was a face of hopelessness, one shared with these children, only with them you had to search behind their glazed eyes to get a glimpse of it.
The vision of them slowly killing themselves will forever be etched in my mind... I can still smell them on me. Sweat... dirt... paint thinner... hopelessness... they reeked of despair and it was contagious. I felt like a shadow of a person among them.
I decide to type this down, hoping to transfer all memory of it with it so I never have to think about them again. What does it matter? In eight days I will be home and the street children will become nothing more than an afterthought... if only this could be true... emotional scars like this endure, not to drive us into depression but to ensure we continue with a passion that is just as real as the day we lived it.
-bryan
When we first arrived I thought they were drunk... for some reason that would be permissable to me but perhaps that is hindsight in comparison to what was actually going on... when Courtney enlightened me that they were huffing soaked rags of paint thinner I immediately shut down and needed to get away. Every fiber in my body wanted to scream out, to take their paint thinner and thier rags and throw them away, but what good would any of that done?... This was their way of life... They had no home, no money, no food... all they had was their poison to become numb to it all... I understand the allure of numbness but I had infinitely less problems to get away from... They put me to shame...
I wonder if the others are as emotionally detached as I am? I hope so just so I can look at myself in the mirror and not see the callous monster I used to...
One kid got hit in the face with a soccer ball and cowered down in pain right in front of me... But I made no effort to comfort him. (HIM? "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.") Why didn't I help him? Noone else did but since when, as a Christian, has that justified anything? I think it was because I was already doing so well emotionally detaching myself that I didn't want to ruin that by helping a 13 year old boy. (While that wasn't in the forefront of my mind it was no doubt subconsciously holding me back.) I was very cognicent that my countenance could have been mistaken or confused for disgust but it was a face of hopelessness, one shared with these children, only with them you had to search behind their glazed eyes to get a glimpse of it.
The vision of them slowly killing themselves will forever be etched in my mind... I can still smell them on me. Sweat... dirt... paint thinner... hopelessness... they reeked of despair and it was contagious. I felt like a shadow of a person among them.
I decide to type this down, hoping to transfer all memory of it with it so I never have to think about them again. What does it matter? In eight days I will be home and the street children will become nothing more than an afterthought... if only this could be true... emotional scars like this endure, not to drive us into depression but to ensure we continue with a passion that is just as real as the day we lived it.
-bryan
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day of rest...
we took a sabbatical today...we drove to Antigua which is an incredibly beautiful city that used to be the capital of Guatemala.... the cobble stone pavement was beautiful as was the the view of this city nestled in the middle of mountains and volcanos. great to get out ot the city and into the country..our team really needed the time. i think however, i saw a much different picture. again i was struck by the beauty on the outside, but the depravity on the inside...children everywhere begging. the looks on some of their faces was too much at times. being a mom i guess it touched me different the rest of the team, but all these chidren seemed to be exploited, just in a different way. a little girl with no arms dressed in a pink dress hobbled over to us to beg, the desperation in her eyes was soul wrentching. another little boy so dirty, begging for us to buy his stuff.....i know that this is the point, to make our hearts go out so we are propelled to give, and i know that we are supposed to politey say no thanks and walk away like i see tons of people able to do....but really??? i don't want to be able to not be torn for this. this is the loss of a childhood, a loss of the ability to be taken care of and laugh and giggle and run and play. dang it just shook me. then the pinnacle heart shatterer happened, a woman about 18 or 19 came up with her baby. she began saying something in spanish and pointing to her child. she lifted his little onesie and he had the medical condition that sometimes babies are born with where his belly had an open hemmorage and his organ was outside of his body. the mom had no money to get the bag and medicine to clean it and allow for safe draining. i was stunned...i stood there and a range of emotions shook through my core like a tornado. this would never happen in the U.S. this baby so in need of surgery...so dirty and vulnerable to infection....a momma desperate to get her baby help. she explained that she had no husband and her mom had just died..we asked her if we could purchase the stuff there that she needed and she had us follow her to the pharmacy...the bag and meds cost us under 20 U.S. dollars....we purchased her some formula and gave her more money to get clothes for the baby, and then we walked away....i was shaken again my core rocked..we walk away??? how?? i know that i can't save everyone in the world, but i also can't just brush off and keep trucking like this woman and baby never happened..someone on the team asked if i felt better because we helped her and i thought....really? no i wanted to shout i don't "feel" better! this baby is hurting and we took care of a minimal need....that is a big stretch to going about my way and feeling like i did something extra special...this is our mandate to help the widow to take care of the poor to protect the oppressed...i don't see this as optional....i pray i can find this baby medical care while i am here. i want try and help him....i am glad i feel this..i get to feel a small part of my very big God, we are the hands and feet of Jesus...i think He would feel the weight of these people..and i know He has never walked away...
In Him,
Kris
In Him,
Kris
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Experiences so far
Hey everyone, its Jon again,
We have been here in Guatemala for a few days now and already experienced a lot. Physically things have been very easy so far for us. We were able to hire a driver to take us around the city in his car, we have an amazing interpreter who has been such a help for our interviews, and we have gotten to know Carlos and his team very well already. Carlos is an incredible man who has given his life to help women trapped in prostitution and people that are living in the streets, and it has been such a blessing to get to see what he does.
However, many of the stories we have heard and the things we have seen have been very hard to handle. Some of the girls we interviewed have gone through things I cannot imagine, and they would be unbearable to hear without their stories of transformation in Christ and a new beginning. I don't think it would be possible to be "prepared" for what we have seen so far, if "being prepared" means to not be shocked and crushed by it. We also saw children living on the streets in a very different way than people that are homeless in the United States. I was so overwhelmed by what we saw that I couldn't do anything, I couldn't even pray while we were there or after we returned to the house.
The thing that struck me the most about the people living in the streets was that it wasn't poverty, it was complete depravity and an image of evil and sin. Not sin as in committing sinful acts, even just being trapped in their sin, but I can imagine that the way we saw them living is the same way that God views us in our sin. He has paid the price for it and offered freedom from it, but yet we still return to filth when He has given us so much more. Money, jobs, and places to live would not solve the problem we saw, it is rooted so much deeper and requires a transformation to fix it.
Today we visited Antigua, which is the old colonial capital and is very beautiful. It was supposed to be a day of rest from the things we have dealt with so far, but they found us there as well. As the city is a place frequented by tourists, there are many beggars there and poverty is prevelent, though it was not as hard on me as some of the other days. Kris had a very difficult time seeing children living this way and was moved to keep giving away the presents she had bought for her own children. It was awesome to see such love pouring out of her for them and to see their joy in return.
There are a lot of things I am still trying to comprehend and figure out about what we have seen so far, but many of these problems are far more complicated than they seem at first glance and I am having a difficult time understanding how I view them and how I should view them. While it has been tough, I am very encouraged by people's acceptance of us here and what a difference we have seen people like Carlos make in some of these girls lives, and that in Christ there is hope for them. Please keep all of us in your prayers and we greatly appreciate them.
Jon.
We have been here in Guatemala for a few days now and already experienced a lot. Physically things have been very easy so far for us. We were able to hire a driver to take us around the city in his car, we have an amazing interpreter who has been such a help for our interviews, and we have gotten to know Carlos and his team very well already. Carlos is an incredible man who has given his life to help women trapped in prostitution and people that are living in the streets, and it has been such a blessing to get to see what he does.
However, many of the stories we have heard and the things we have seen have been very hard to handle. Some of the girls we interviewed have gone through things I cannot imagine, and they would be unbearable to hear without their stories of transformation in Christ and a new beginning. I don't think it would be possible to be "prepared" for what we have seen so far, if "being prepared" means to not be shocked and crushed by it. We also saw children living on the streets in a very different way than people that are homeless in the United States. I was so overwhelmed by what we saw that I couldn't do anything, I couldn't even pray while we were there or after we returned to the house.
The thing that struck me the most about the people living in the streets was that it wasn't poverty, it was complete depravity and an image of evil and sin. Not sin as in committing sinful acts, even just being trapped in their sin, but I can imagine that the way we saw them living is the same way that God views us in our sin. He has paid the price for it and offered freedom from it, but yet we still return to filth when He has given us so much more. Money, jobs, and places to live would not solve the problem we saw, it is rooted so much deeper and requires a transformation to fix it.
Today we visited Antigua, which is the old colonial capital and is very beautiful. It was supposed to be a day of rest from the things we have dealt with so far, but they found us there as well. As the city is a place frequented by tourists, there are many beggars there and poverty is prevelent, though it was not as hard on me as some of the other days. Kris had a very difficult time seeing children living this way and was moved to keep giving away the presents she had bought for her own children. It was awesome to see such love pouring out of her for them and to see their joy in return.
There are a lot of things I am still trying to comprehend and figure out about what we have seen so far, but many of these problems are far more complicated than they seem at first glance and I am having a difficult time understanding how I view them and how I should view them. While it has been tough, I am very encouraged by people's acceptance of us here and what a difference we have seen people like Carlos make in some of these girls lives, and that in Christ there is hope for them. Please keep all of us in your prayers and we greatly appreciate them.
Jon.
Day 2
So burdened: The weight of what we are doing is astounding. We interviewed a girl today who was 16 and pregnant with her 3rd child. She was abused/sold/abused and sold again- mostly before age 13 then turned to making money for her family however she could. Then we went to see the street kids. I can't really put into words the pain that ripped through my heart and soul as my feet hit the broken pavement. At once we were flooded with children 12 and up,smiling and laughing but behind glassy eyes from the paint thinner that is so easy for them to get. Children that should be safely tucked in their family's love, surviving unspeakable conditions. The smell of paint thinner was so strong that I had to continue getting ouside of their excited clutter so I didn't pass out. Some kids were worse, not able to hold a sentence, stumbling and falling all over- so easy for me to insert one of my kids, same ages but worleds apart. The depravity is so deep, almost a smog over the lost innocence of these children- so vulnerable to further violence because they are just everywhere. I know God is in this. I asked Him, break my heart for what breaks yours. Mission complete on day 2. I am ruined forever. I will forever carry these people in my heart and soul- not in a pitiful sad way, but in a voice for those with none. I want to show them How Great is our God. I want to show them there is so much beauty from the ashes- that God still wants them, even if it seems that no one else does.
In Him,
Kris
"These are God's children, and to refuse them is to refuse God." -Carlos Toledo
In Him,
Kris
"These are God's children, and to refuse them is to refuse God." -Carlos Toledo
Be Careful what You Ask For...
We started early. We had four interviews- one a former sex slave, second a gentleman who rescues street kids, third the head of child human rights of Guatemala, forth a program head of an inter city organization that educates on safe sex. Interview one rocked my world. This beautiful 20 year old woman in front of me, speaking of such an unbelievable life- one thing after the other- one pain, one humiliation, one trial after the other. Flesh and blood in front of me. I had read story after story before ,but to have this woman sitting in front of me who had lost so much of herself, to touch someone who was riddled with so much pain... totally beyond my comprehension. Beyond my ability to process, beyond my ability to ever go back. A Holy anger rose inside of me that I have yet to feel- somehow though a beautiful picture of God's amazing grace.
In Him,
Kris
In Him,
Kris
Monday, July 20, 2009
Day 1
We have had no trouble getting what we need information wise. It seems people that are combating trafficking in Guatemala are more than ready to shrae story after story- I wonder why. Why do they do it. They are in danger and are willing to risk their lives to fight but aside from God, what is the purpose, what is the point, what is their story? Did they have a part of themselves, taken or stolen or broken? Did this create in them a passion to free others? As my heart begins to weave itself into these people's lives- I sit and ponder so much. My thoughts this morning are of God's love for his people. I know I love this culture and this country but God loves them so much more. So much that He chose to send a people group from thousands of miles away to relate that love. The presence of evil is so prevalent- a country so beautiful but entrenched in violence, poverty, lust of power, and sexual immortality. I wonder if that is how God sees us aside from Christ. His beautiful creation on the outside but inside so polluted and corrupt. Mainly as I sit here, I think how could I not fight for the rest of my life for people who can't? Again and again I am shown that this is not God's short term passion for my life but yet a lifetime journey in the making.
In Him,
Kris
"For it is for freedom that we have been set free. Stand firm therefore and do not submit to the yoke of slavery."-Galations 5:1
In Him,
Kris
"For it is for freedom that we have been set free. Stand firm therefore and do not submit to the yoke of slavery."-Galations 5:1
Sunday, July 19, 2009
so we are here.....what an incredible day already. God has totally come through already. We had 2 interviews as soon as we got here. it has been go time since the first minute, but wow how awesome. more to come operating on three hours of sleep in the last 20 lol.
p.s. did i mention the volcano in the backyard??? GORGEOUS!
p.s. did i mention the volcano in the backyard??? GORGEOUS!
Departure Report
After waking this morning at what Kris described as "not a real time" ( somewhere around 3 a.m.) and fitting 8 people and all of their luggage into the suburban, driving across Orlando and paying its many tolls to get to the airport, being hassled by TSA agents, and waiting for 4 hours, our trip is about to begin!
A few days ago, as I was praying about our trip, I got to see a small glipse of how big God is and it is something we all know about, but it was still amazing to me. The fact that He has gone before us to prepare people and situations for our arrival, and is still over there, yet is here with us now and will be traveling with us today is wild to me. He obviously can be everywhere all of the time, but it is neat to see it in particular situations in your life.
It still seems a bit surreal that we are about to be doing something totally different than I have ever experienced before, and I don't expect it to become real until after we land. I travelled to Nicaragua last year and the culture and poverty there didn't strike me very hard, but I think some of the things I will see on this trip will be difficult for me to handle. Seeing women being exploited is something that enrages me, and though we will be doing things that hopefully will bring change in the future, during our time there we cannot do anything to stop it. A feeling of helplessness about injustices committed right in front of you is hard to accept.
I know that God will use us on this trip to further His kingdom and rescue these people, and I hope that it will come quickly. I am really not anxious about our safety there as God is completely in control of everything that will happen, regardless of what it is or how we see it. I appreciate everyone that is praying for us and the people over there, and I know that we will have many experiences to share when we return.
Love you all, Jon.
A few days ago, as I was praying about our trip, I got to see a small glipse of how big God is and it is something we all know about, but it was still amazing to me. The fact that He has gone before us to prepare people and situations for our arrival, and is still over there, yet is here with us now and will be traveling with us today is wild to me. He obviously can be everywhere all of the time, but it is neat to see it in particular situations in your life.
It still seems a bit surreal that we are about to be doing something totally different than I have ever experienced before, and I don't expect it to become real until after we land. I travelled to Nicaragua last year and the culture and poverty there didn't strike me very hard, but I think some of the things I will see on this trip will be difficult for me to handle. Seeing women being exploited is something that enrages me, and though we will be doing things that hopefully will bring change in the future, during our time there we cannot do anything to stop it. A feeling of helplessness about injustices committed right in front of you is hard to accept.
I know that God will use us on this trip to further His kingdom and rescue these people, and I hope that it will come quickly. I am really not anxious about our safety there as God is completely in control of everything that will happen, regardless of what it is or how we see it. I appreciate everyone that is praying for us and the people over there, and I know that we will have many experiences to share when we return.
Love you all, Jon.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Here we Go..
So hard to believe we are on our way today. This week has been to say the least full:) I can't wait to see what God is going to do. As i was thinking about the days ahead this morning, a rush of awe and wonder washed over me. I have watched our team prepare and finalize everything and tie up all the little things left with amazing insight. God is already at work....i pray for a peace and wisdom unknown by man's standards..thank you for journeying with us!
In Him,
Kris
In Him,
Kris
Friday, July 17, 2009
Freedom- Nothing Less
One day left!
As I get ready to leave the country again, I can’t help but remember and think about the last time I was about to get on a plane to visit a country and meet a people that I knew virtually nothing about. It is the most surreal feeling in the world to sit in an airport and wait on a plane that will take you to a place that is so beyond anything you have ever known. New culture, new people, new everything… it’s the most exciting and terrifying feeling ever.
I remember last summer, sitting in an airport, waiting on a plane to go to India and Pakistan and writing a prayer on my journal that basically said, “God, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing or getting into, but if you can use me, then do it.” God used that tirp to completely wreck my heart and soul for people enslaved that summer. People enslaved to false religions that captivated every single aspect and crevice of their lives… people enslaved to poverty dying a little more every day on the sidewalks… people enslaved to disease, like AIDS and leprosy… women enslaved to men as property instead of human beings…my heart wanted freedom for them- nothing less.
I met this girl in Pakistan, and God completely devastated my world with one person. She was about my age, and was going to college to be a teacher. I got to hang out with her for about three days, and talk about Jesus and what He meant to me- and I got to listen to her talk about Islam and what she believed. We became quick friends, and talked and laughed and ate and shared together. By the end of three days, I felt like I had known her a lifetime. She cried as we said our good-byes… and I walked away from her with a burden for her soul like I had never had for anyone else before. I didn’t just see a girl who was just like me, living a half a world away. I saw a soul in the chains of Islam. I wanted freedom for her- nothing less. And I came back to the states not just with the burden for one girl, but with a burden for a nation- for a people that just did not know or have any concept of freedom at all. And I began to beg God like I have never begged God for anything before- for one nation, one people. It changed my whole world. And all it took was one girl…
As I have been preparing and thinking about Guatemala, it’s crazy to me because the Hispanic culture has never been my heart or passion. Since last year, I have developed a love for Pakistan and for the Middle East and for that culture. I have seen the oppression in those areas and want nothing less than freedom for them. In fact, if you had asked me a few months ago, Guatemala and anywhere in the South/Central American region would have been the absolute last place I wanted to go. But it is amazing how God can turn your heart to different people and different things. And I find myself so excited- I can’t wait to go there and to meet people and hear their stories and build relationships with them. Researching Guatemala and reading stories about the poverty and the slavery and the oppression that is taking place there has completely turned my heart to them. I want freedom for them…nothing less. I have no idea what to expect or what God is going to do in the life of my heart and my team member’s heart’s. But I have no doubt that God is up to something big. I cannot wait to see what He will do in and through each and every one of us. But if God can use us, to set one soul free- then it will be worth it all. It will be worth everything.
Please pray for us as we leave. But don't just pray for us- pray for the poeple of Guatemala. Pray for every girl that is being sold for sex. Pray for the government and that laws would be put into place to prevent these kinds of crimes. Pray for every person in that country that has no hope, no peace, no life...
Pray for freedom for Guatemala- nothing less.
Grace,
Ashley
As I get ready to leave the country again, I can’t help but remember and think about the last time I was about to get on a plane to visit a country and meet a people that I knew virtually nothing about. It is the most surreal feeling in the world to sit in an airport and wait on a plane that will take you to a place that is so beyond anything you have ever known. New culture, new people, new everything… it’s the most exciting and terrifying feeling ever.
I remember last summer, sitting in an airport, waiting on a plane to go to India and Pakistan and writing a prayer on my journal that basically said, “God, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing or getting into, but if you can use me, then do it.” God used that tirp to completely wreck my heart and soul for people enslaved that summer. People enslaved to false religions that captivated every single aspect and crevice of their lives… people enslaved to poverty dying a little more every day on the sidewalks… people enslaved to disease, like AIDS and leprosy… women enslaved to men as property instead of human beings…my heart wanted freedom for them- nothing less.
I met this girl in Pakistan, and God completely devastated my world with one person. She was about my age, and was going to college to be a teacher. I got to hang out with her for about three days, and talk about Jesus and what He meant to me- and I got to listen to her talk about Islam and what she believed. We became quick friends, and talked and laughed and ate and shared together. By the end of three days, I felt like I had known her a lifetime. She cried as we said our good-byes… and I walked away from her with a burden for her soul like I had never had for anyone else before. I didn’t just see a girl who was just like me, living a half a world away. I saw a soul in the chains of Islam. I wanted freedom for her- nothing less. And I came back to the states not just with the burden for one girl, but with a burden for a nation- for a people that just did not know or have any concept of freedom at all. And I began to beg God like I have never begged God for anything before- for one nation, one people. It changed my whole world. And all it took was one girl…
As I have been preparing and thinking about Guatemala, it’s crazy to me because the Hispanic culture has never been my heart or passion. Since last year, I have developed a love for Pakistan and for the Middle East and for that culture. I have seen the oppression in those areas and want nothing less than freedom for them. In fact, if you had asked me a few months ago, Guatemala and anywhere in the South/Central American region would have been the absolute last place I wanted to go. But it is amazing how God can turn your heart to different people and different things. And I find myself so excited- I can’t wait to go there and to meet people and hear their stories and build relationships with them. Researching Guatemala and reading stories about the poverty and the slavery and the oppression that is taking place there has completely turned my heart to them. I want freedom for them…nothing less. I have no idea what to expect or what God is going to do in the life of my heart and my team member’s heart’s. But I have no doubt that God is up to something big. I cannot wait to see what He will do in and through each and every one of us. But if God can use us, to set one soul free- then it will be worth it all. It will be worth everything.
Please pray for us as we leave. But don't just pray for us- pray for the poeple of Guatemala. Pray for every girl that is being sold for sex. Pray for the government and that laws would be put into place to prevent these kinds of crimes. Pray for every person in that country that has no hope, no peace, no life...
Pray for freedom for Guatemala- nothing less.
Grace,
Ashley
Sunday, July 12, 2009
We are a week away from traveling to Guatemala and my excitement has been building with each day. I'm not quite sure what to expect. I have been to Haiti multiple times but I have never been to Central America. I am most excited for the opportunity to use my español skills with native speakers.
As some of you know, for the first half of the summer I was working with TEAMeffort, a youth mission camp, in St. Pete. Well, the ministry I was doing there was incredible: working in Wimauma (the Hispanic community in the area) at a church and organizing a VBS. The kids were so much fun and God opened my heart for those children whose hearts have been hardened. So why am I back in Tally when I was supposed to be doing that until August? Although my time there was well spent, God revealed some things to me with the staff and how the camp was run and ultimately showed me in every way that staying with the camp would not be a healthy environment. Don't get me wrong, God taught me a lot like loving those who are not so easy to love, drawing the day's strength from only Him, and the importance of trusting His will. And that is why I am so excited for Guatemala.
It was not always planned that I would go with The Mag Project. It was kind of short notice actually. But I believe that God has a purpose in everything that He does. I know that the camp didn't work out for a reason, and that was because of Guatemala. Like I said, I don't know what to expect but I'm just going with an open heart ready to learn and love all God will bring before me.
I love you guys and can't wait to tell you all the wonderful stories!
Courtney
As some of you know, for the first half of the summer I was working with TEAMeffort, a youth mission camp, in St. Pete. Well, the ministry I was doing there was incredible: working in Wimauma (the Hispanic community in the area) at a church and organizing a VBS. The kids were so much fun and God opened my heart for those children whose hearts have been hardened. So why am I back in Tally when I was supposed to be doing that until August? Although my time there was well spent, God revealed some things to me with the staff and how the camp was run and ultimately showed me in every way that staying with the camp would not be a healthy environment. Don't get me wrong, God taught me a lot like loving those who are not so easy to love, drawing the day's strength from only Him, and the importance of trusting His will. And that is why I am so excited for Guatemala.
It was not always planned that I would go with The Mag Project. It was kind of short notice actually. But I believe that God has a purpose in everything that He does. I know that the camp didn't work out for a reason, and that was because of Guatemala. Like I said, I don't know what to expect but I'm just going with an open heart ready to learn and love all God will bring before me.
I love you guys and can't wait to tell you all the wonderful stories!
Courtney
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Adventure Unfolds
So funny how nothing ever goes as planned.....i am sitting in a hotel after driving to New Orleans to get our passports. Neither Steve nor i have been out of the country so we didn't have one...due to trouble receiving my birth certificate we decided it was best to expedite...and then further the passport office locally said no dice you need to drive to New Orleans where you can get same day service...NOT LOL.
After sitting with SIX children waiting patiently for lunch and paying 349.00 they politely said we will mail your passport on Monday....hahahhahaaha! Yep
SOOOO it will still be Monday till i can get our plane ticket:) Lessons in patience are always full of adventure for us!
I can't believe we are only 7 days out! This time next week we will be headed out of the country. TO a place that only God really knows whats in store. I am really in awe of the people He has put in our path and the path He has chosen ahead. I am still coveting your prayers! Thanks for taking the adventure with us!!!
After sitting with SIX children waiting patiently for lunch and paying 349.00 they politely said we will mail your passport on Monday....hahahhahaaha! Yep
SOOOO it will still be Monday till i can get our plane ticket:) Lessons in patience are always full of adventure for us!
I can't believe we are only 7 days out! This time next week we will be headed out of the country. TO a place that only God really knows whats in store. I am really in awe of the people He has put in our path and the path He has chosen ahead. I am still coveting your prayers! Thanks for taking the adventure with us!!!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hey guys,
I can still hardly believe that we are a little over a week away from our departure date. It has been an amazing journey these last few months as we have prepared for this trip. God's hand has been all over this through it all- from hotel rooms, plane tickets, destination changes, contacts, team members and fundraising, God has opened doors and put everything into place. It is amazing how much He has provided. I can't wait to see how He is going to work in the days to come.
As we get ready to leave, please keep us in your prayers. In case you don't know our team, I would like to introduce you to them. Please pray for us all. :)
Team Guatemala!
-Kris Spell
-Steve Spell
-Leshay Brannan
-Jon Gunder
-Matt Lombardi
-Courtney Sengstock
-Ashley Burdeshaw
-Bryan Nadeau
I would also ask that you would pray that God would provide more financial support for us as well. There have been so many people that have given to make this possible, and for that I thank you so much. However, we still need more money. So I would ask that if you or anyone that you know would be willing to donate to our team, please do. We would all appreciate it so much. Again all your gifts are tax deductable and can be sent to:
The Magdalene Project
930 Thomasville Rd. Suite 106
Tallahassee FL 32303
Thanks so much for your support!
8 days and counting...
Grace,
Ashley
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Destination: Guatemala
Hey guys,
If any of you have not gotten the chance to see this video that was made for our trip, please check it out. I know it says we are going to Cambodia, but the video was made before our trip changes. So just mentally insert Guatemala when watching. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDedUOB8r-w
Thank you guys so much for all your prayers, support, and encouragement. It means so much to me and the rest of the team. Please keep praying for us as we continue to get ready to leave the states.
9 days and counting...
Grace,
Ashley
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
10 days and counting.....
so wow! My team and I are leaving in 10 days! Seems quite surreal actually. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in us as a team and through us to love on His people.
The subject matter at hand is very heavy and so as we prepare i am burdened by the depravity of man, and in awe of the goodness of God in man...it is such a contrast. literally black and white. i am in awe of the use of us to do His incredible work. such a flawed being to act out such a perfect will. i am humbled as i am faced with this opportunity to touch the heart of God in the poverty of people. the opportunity to project hope to such unbelievable brokenness. to walk out my faith on a dimension yet to be discovered. to be transformed into the image of Him in a whole new way....dang! i covet your prayers..thank you for embarking on this journey and listening to the heart of my team..
In Him,
Kris
The subject matter at hand is very heavy and so as we prepare i am burdened by the depravity of man, and in awe of the goodness of God in man...it is such a contrast. literally black and white. i am in awe of the use of us to do His incredible work. such a flawed being to act out such a perfect will. i am humbled as i am faced with this opportunity to touch the heart of God in the poverty of people. the opportunity to project hope to such unbelievable brokenness. to walk out my faith on a dimension yet to be discovered. to be transformed into the image of Him in a whole new way....dang! i covet your prayers..thank you for embarking on this journey and listening to the heart of my team..
In Him,
Kris
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
