Taiwan ... 9 days.

In just 9 days, I will be getting on a plane to head off to Taiwan. The next two weeks will be quite stressful; I can take it. Last night my precious Mom and sister met me in Auburn and together we served the graduate ladies of Hosanna Home. I have been working on a slideshow for their gift and we watched that after dinner. I am still in love with this ministry as much as I was the day I started. It is incredible the way the Lord will break your heart for where you are. It's funny to think that a little over a year ago, I wrestled with the fact that Jesus loved me. Now, I grasp and cling to the fact and it allows me to pour out and love so many others who are in desperate need. I thought I went out to Hosanna to serve these women. I have received haircuts, prayers, encouragement, countless meals, hugs, laughter, fun times, and plenty of memories. You always are blessed more in return. I am going to be gone while these ladies leave in June, July, and August and the Lord keeps reminding me that even though I want to hold their hands as they walk out the door, His hands are bigger than mine and they are holding them forever. He is also reminding me that it is Him IN each one of the ladies that draws me to them. I am so excited to meet the women in Montana where I am working this summer. First I am excited about being back in Asia. Honestly, I don't know what to think/how to feel/what to say. I just never thought I would be back again. I am excited but I am depending on the Lord to prepare my heart in His timing. I am a little under the weather and finals are this week so I would appreciate your prayers to just persevere through this and then my journey for the summer will begin!

Fancy That.

This summer at Kamp, the Lord introduced me to one of my favorite verses of all time. This Fall, Shane & Shane (Contemporary Christian group) wrote a song titled "My Portion," clearly singing the words to my favorite verse. This Spring, I burned a CD for one of my sweet ladies at Hosanna Home. She put the CD in the player and said, "This one is my favorite song of all on here." She flipped through until she got to this very song, "My Portion." I told her it was my favorite as well and explained to her that I had fallen in love with a verse over the summer. I read her the verse which is exactly the words to this song. Later that night, she was rushed to the hospital for a possible heart attack. She is doing fine now but the Lord reminded me how he used this coincidence to encourage her on the very night her heart would weaken her. The verse is found in Psalm 73:26:

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Fancy that.

I could use YOUR help!!

There is one way you can get involved in this Holiday Season at Hosanna Home. A few of the girls, me, and some staff members are taking a mission trip to Mexico Dec. 15-22. The ministry that runs Hosanna Home, Harvest Evangelism also has a partnership with a church in Mexico. We will be painting, building, and constructing homes and porches. We will also be hanging out and ministering to children on the streets and people in need. The girls and I from Hosanna Home have to raise a certain amount to build a porch for a family. They are already underway praying and asking for support. So, to do my part, I thought I would ask my community, YOU. If you feel led to support this trip, you can mail me or I can come meet you, any financial contribution you would like to do. All checks can be made to Harvest Evangelism. Also, if you have ANY SHOES that you could do without, I am taking a huge stash of them!! Children and adults need shoes there more than anything else. If you would like to contribute, please call and let me know 334-300-5641. If you are mailing anything... 650 Dekalb St. Unit 1311
Auburn, Alabama 36830

I can't wait to let you know how doing ministry alongside some amazing women who have recently come to know the Lord looks like. Women who I thought I was ministering to, will now be working alongside me to further the Kingdom of God in Mexico. WOW! What a blessing that there is none greater or less important in Christ. I love it!

Thanks and love you all!!
Brandy

Pizza Partaay

There's no better place to learn how to cook a pizza than @Hosanna with the best chefs around...

My heart shaped finale.

It's just so exciting!!!!

Me and Wendy in the kitchen

Katie Bug teaching me how to cook...

Abbey and Wendy

Inspired By...

I have finally finished some lyrics I have been working on.... The first is a chorus that I have been playing the past few days on the guitar- It's really a collaboration of what I try to share with my Hosanna Ladies everyday I am there--

"But I know a man who loves with liberty

No weakness or defeat, His strength is mighty.

And in this man, I'm a captive who's set free

No sin, No shame, No guilt will be found on me.

So I choose this man, in Him there's victory

I find healing and life in His grace and mercy.

Forever to this man, All praise and honor be

I'm a new creation and to Him be the Glory."

The second is just some verses I wrote that were inspired by the stories of the Women at Hosanna and the way their lives have resulted in addictions and shame. When you read them, think of cards...

"You've been dealt quite a difficult hand

The Kings abused with the lies they used, left you on shaky land.

The Queens manipulated, they got you in your back

Labelled you a failure with everything you lack.

Always expecting something as they blinded you with love

Those jacks would silence you my dear, with every push and shove.

You became the joker, crumbling inside

Reaching out, you'd try anything just trying to hide.

On the Outside you've done pretty well fitting in with the rest of the deck

But flip your card on over, you see your life is a wreck.

You tried wearing the suit of clubs hoping for the best of luck

But every step forward was two steps back, left you hopeless and stuck.

You battle insecurity, trying to be the prettiest of the girls

In this suit of diamonds, you're worth's in jewels and pearls.

The destruction continues as you attempt to try the spades

Running out of options, all hope begins to fade. "

This past Friday night, I spent 2 hours playing the guitar for the women. One of the interns started crying when we went into the office afterwards. She told me that it is such a blessing for me to come in there and bring in encouragement and allow them to just enjoy a few hours of worship. This intern has become an amazing mentor for me so you can imagine how much this comment meant to me. Here's the real deal- When I, a 21 year old college student spend a Friday night until 11 PM at a drug and rehab center, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with me. At Hosanna, we don't really watch TV, no internet, no phones- just people. We sit around in community and laugh, tell stories, and encourage one another on this journey we call life. This simplicity and time together is what makes my heart beat. Almost every conversation includes Jesus and brings glory to His name. He is why I am there. Every second, every conversation, every laugh, every tear... EVERY MOMENT I pray that HIS NAME is GLORIFIED. I pray that these women see Jesus Christ and the story of redemption HE has brought about in my own life. I never would have dreamed in high school that I would be playing a guitar leading worship in a drug and rehab center on a Friday night. PRAISE GOD that He had bigger dreams than I could ever imagine. Because His spirit now lives IN me, I get to be a part of His story and bring glory to HIS name. All Glory to the King who is changing lives, healing hearts, and redeeming souls.

Share and Tell

An anonymous poem:

"Disappointments- His Appointment,

Change one letter, then I see

That the thwarting of my purpose

Is God's better choice for me.

His appointment must be blessing,

Tho' it may come in disguise,

For the end from the beginning

Open to His wisdom lies.

Disappointments- His Appointment,

No good will He withhold,

From denials oft we gather

Treasures of His love untold.

Well He knows each broken purpose

Leads to fuller, deeper trust,

And the end of all His dealings

Proves our God is wise and just.

Disappointments- His appointment,

Lord, I take it, then, as such,

Like clay in the hands of a potter,

Yielding wholly to Thy touch.

My life's plan is Thy molding;

Not one single choice be mine;

Let me answer, unrepining-

Father, not my will, but Thine."

Wise Instructions from a Hosanna Resident:

"Even when you feel as if you just wanna give up, hold your head up high and keep going. He will continue to make a way for you. Our God is a faithful God who will always do what He says. We have to remember we are His vessels and we are to let His light shine in us. When someone looks in our eyes they should see Christ and it is up to us to continue to let these lights shine forever."

More cardboard Testimonies...

Not sure how much you can read on these but here are some more pictures of the Cardboard Testimonies my friends did at their Banquet. On one side, they identified themselves before they knew Jesus. On the opposite side, they shared what they know is true in Christ.

This is Amy. The front of her cardboard read, "Dope Dealer." She was arrested for possession of marijuana and was using meth. She is an awesome woman and is interning at Hosanna for the last few months of her program. When you go around her, you just know that she's real and she really loves the Lord and wants to serve Him in all she does. 

The "High on Jesus" is Ashley. She is one of my very special friends. She is 25 and was arrested for pot. She is one of the sweetest, kind-hearted people I have ever met. She loves her some Auburn football and just is a joy to be around. After this banquet, this shy and humble servant of the Lord wept uncontrollably. I have never seen her show emotion like that before and it was neat to see the Holy Spirit living and breathing through her.     

The "washed by the blod" is Nikki. Nikki is 22 and has a son at Hosanna, Zander. Her charges are all various drug charges but there's a potential she will be tried in court for being under the age of 21 at the time she got arrested. She is so young but does a great job of raising her son and is so fun and carefree. 

The "bible smoker" is actually from Montgomery, too. Her name is Tasha. Tasha was doing pot and crack I think. She is such a fun person around Hosanna. She keeps it straight and always makes me laugh with her quiet, under the breath jokes. One of my favorite things about her is she wears the button bracelet we made one day and it's just a cool thing for me to see. Tasha is almost done with the program. I think she finishes in December or early Spring. 

This is a picture of me and probably one of my closest friends at Hosanna, Jenny. This woman is one of the most incredible friends I have ever had. Jenny is someone who has taught me alot about addictions, challenges, faith, and serving. I have felt an immediate bond with her since the first day I was there. It's so crazy how much in return she has blessed me and just been so open and trustworthy with me. After some amazing advice and conversations with Jenny and a few other women, the Lord has put it on my heart to celebrate my 21st birthday here at Hosanna with these friends. It's a scary and difficult day for me and there's no other place I would rather be than at Hosanna with women who understand and desire the same things in life and are fighting together to pursue the Lord and trust them with their lives. I have so many more friends and stories to share but this is all for now. Please be praying for these ladies, and for me. The Lord is really evident in their lives and I just want to make sure they know how loved they are by Him. It is such a blessing to hear and see these women on a weekly basis. 

Hosanna Hearts

Tonight the Ladies at Hosanna attended the ministry's banquet for their sponsors. I got the opportunity to go as well. We all had to dress up and the women sang a song. They also did cardboard testimonies (one side-identity before Jesus other side-identity in Christ). The night was so fun so I had to share some pics with you. I spend more than 8 hours a week with these amazing women who have blessed me tenfold. I am in love with what the Lord is doing in their lives and I honestly can say I have never had such an experience. I love it!! Here are the women the Lord is using to sharpen, renew, and challenge me day to day...

Tonight the pastor was talking about the Harvest Evangelism ministry and he said something that really hit home: "The most important thing isn't helping an addiction, you can go to hell sober; it's providing an opportunity to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior."

update 9/18

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire." 

Hebrews 12:28--29

This has been one of the best but hardest weeks I have ever experienced. Monday night was the Passion Launch where 14000 of us connected from 43 nations and over 5000 locations around the globe. The night was amazing filled with awesome worship in the company of some of the most influential Christians in my life. I left the night dealing with some personal issues and just had to surrender some things that I was struggling with to the Lord. The lyrics to Christy Nockels's song rang in my head, "Our mighty fortress is our God. A sacred refuge is your name. Your kingdom is unshakeable, in Him forever we will reign." I set foot on campus on Tuesday with a joy and peace and mission to spread the love of Christ on our campus. Tuesday afternoon was a tough night among the Kanakuk family with news that was released. A few of us spent the entire night in prayer and worship at a friend's house. Wednesday was a day full of questions and strange emotions. I began to ask the Lord so may things. I spend hours in the word and in prayer trying to find a peace in Him. Thursday and Friday I went to Hosanna and continued to hear some crazy stories and testimonies. All of this said, by this time I am beyond exhausted. I am physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally worn out! 

I haven't spent as much time with my friends lately doing things I enjoy because as I progress into the field of social work, I hear so many different issues going on in the world around us. I am seeing first hand addictions, prostitution, physical and sexual abuse, adoption, abortion, and many other poverty and oppression issues. It is seriously difficult to do this everyday. When I come home from school, I just want to get into the word and hear truth spoken over these heart breaking things. The Lord is so incredibly faithful in reminding me of His truth:

* His kingdom cannot be shaken, salvation affected, or ministry destroyed by any human efforts. No matter how much we screw up, we cannot mess up God's plan.

* No matter how messed up a circumstance or a person, God will still receive glory in all things and will work things together for the good of those who love the Lord.

* In Christ, there is a hope and a purpose for life. 

* This world is broken but we are not called to belong to this world. We are not of it, and won't stay here. This was not intended to be our home, therefore it's ok if we don't feel like we fit.

* Our father loves us so much and wants to pour His love into our hearts so that we will know Him more and make His name known. 

This Woman.

This Woman has been in and out of prison for being a meth cook and user.

This Woman has had 3 out of 4 children taken from her and put into foster care.

This Woman's only legal child left is in a foster home until future progress.

This Woman thinks she loves a man who mistreated her, her son, and is stuck in prison. 

This Woman grew up in the same private school system that I did in Montgomery.

This Woman yearns for attention and acceptance from anyone around her. 

This Woman spent an hour weed eating around the place as her chore.

This Woman asked me to teach her how to make the bracelets and anklets I wear.

This Woman is making her son an orange and blue bracelet for their reuniting.

This Woman is my very good friend who I spend time praying for.

This Woman asked a question in bible study yesterday that blew my mind....

"What is that verse about being a new creation? You know the old has gone and the new has come?" 

2 Corinthians 5:17   "Therefore, if ANYONE is IN CHRIST, he is a NEW creation; the old has GONE, the NEW has COME!" 

Jesus Christ is the only God who can offer a brand new start, a brand new chance, a brand new life. Using my life as a testimony, He can completely make someone a NEW PERSON. HE ALONE can make someone new. No matter how hard we try, nothing else can do this. Jesus Christ has the power to transform a troubled, hell raising, disobedient, and prideful teenager into a follower who loves, forgives, and abides in Christ. Jesus Christ has the power to make a man blind from birth be able to see. Jesus Christ healed a royal official's son who lay sick and close to death. Jesus Christ made the lame man walk. AND JESUS CHRIST MADE THIS WOMAN A NEW CREATION, walking and abiding in Him to heal her addiction from drugs and abuse. 

What will He do for you today??

Power

Hosanna Home (Substance and Life-Controlling Program) has a 75% rate of success for women who leave there and never return to drugs/alcohol. That is an astounding number! Most programs do not amount to that at all. I agree with the director that only Jesus Christ can save and heal scars from addictions and abuse. My practicum teacher and I discussed the issue of religion and profession and how you have to keep them separate but when I told her the success rate of this program she was blown away. My answer, is Jesus Christ has the power and provides the strength to conquer these issues forever! Nothing else will ever really work!

2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made PERFECT in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Romans 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."