Taiwan #5

Just a fast update with where we are/where we've been. The past few days we have been staying at an AIDS orphanage in Taipei (the capital city). We helped out and kept about 15 children under the age of 2. One day we even took the to the park and the night market. We also visited the older adult branch of the organization which was so sad because those patients are very sick. Yesterday, we took a two hour bus ride to Taichung. It's another pretty large city but is also more spaced out. Here, we are staying with our host missionary family. They are from America but have 3 daughters all college age or up who were all born and raised here. Most of them are fluent in Chinese. The house is wonderful though, and very much closer to home. We are spending our time here at an English Christian school which is like a boarding school for children whose parents work in China, Taiwan, etc. They all speak English (obviously it's an English school). So it's just about hanging out, forming relationships, and loving on teens. Today we are also going to a halfway house which has some teenage boys. Unfortunately, I am home today because my eyes are so allergy infested that I can't open them outside or in light. I am trying several different remedies and hoping prayer surpasses them all. Maybe I will get some time to just pray and read. Either way, it's no fun being in Asia while confined to indoors. I would really appreciate your prayers for healing. If we have faith, He is more than able to heal. If we agree, He will answer. So please join me in praying these allergies out so I can be effective and at my best to be used to glorify Him in the small amount of time I have left. I appreciate all you who are following the blog. Know I am also praying for you. I know many of you are going through times of change, seasons, and new beginnings so you are each on my heart. I love you! Brandy

Info... Taiwan.

Just in case you wanted to see a picture of the people I have been speaking of, my facebook profile pic right now is of Olga, Dada, Me and Lindsay. That's all for now. Love you.
Brandy

Salvation in Taiwan.

I have so much to write about. I have seen three miraculous things but I have to tell you about the one that kept me up last night. The last thing we did yesterday was head to the Taipei Night Market. After dinner and shopping, we headed home on the MRT. Cindy Lee's friend who we had been trying to reach all night finally called us while we were headed home on the train. We decided to go meet her anyways. This friend named Olga is the manager over all the Timberland stores in Taiwan (she's a big deal). She's also a mentor and Christian friend of Cindy's. We met her at one of her stores and this beautiful woman was shining at the first glance. After introductions, the very first thing she asked was if we would pray for her store manager. We had just gotten to the store and thought we would look around but God had bigger things in store. She introduced us to the most precious, naturally beautiful 29 year old friend named Dada. This had to have been the most divine appointment I have ever been apart of. Dada is an unbeliever but said it was ok that we pray for her. Olga wanted so bad for her to know Jesus and felt like the Lord brought us there for that specific purpose. So, she took all of us to the back of the store to a small "warehouse closet". Me, Olga, Cindy and Dada all fit in a little nook while the rest of the team lined the walls. Without knowing anything about her except she was not saved, and with prayer completly by translation, I laid my hands on Dada. As we prayed, the Holy Spirit flowed out of both me and the translator. I just prayed so hard bc I knew this was way to coincidental to not have purpose. I　ｐｒａｙｅｄ　ｂｏｌｄｌｙ　ｉｎ　Ｊｅｓｕｓ’　ｎａｍｅａｓｋｉｎｇ　ｆｏｒ　ｓａｌｖａｔｉｏｎ　ａｎｄ　ａｌｓｏ　ｒｅｌａｙｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｗｏｒｄｓ　ｔｈｅ　Ｌｏｒｄ　ｌａｉｄ　ｏｎ　ｍｙ　ｈｅａｒｔ　ｔｏ　ｔｅｌｌ　ｈｅｒ　ｈｏｗ　ｍｕｃｈ　ｓｈｅ　ｗａｓ　ｌｏｖｅｄ．　Ｉ　ｔｏｌｄ　ｈｅｒ　ｔｈａｔ　ａｔ　ｓｏｍｅ　ｐｏｉｎｔ　ｍｏｎｅｙ，　ｍａｎ’ｓ　ｌｏｖｅ，　ａｌｃｏｈｏｌ，　ａｎｄ　ｓｅｌｆ　ｗｏｕｌｄ　ｎｏｔ　ｂｅ　ｅｎｏｕｇｈ　ｔｏ　ｓａｔｉｓｆｙ　ｔｈｅ　ｅｍｐｉｔｎｅｓｓ　ｉｎ　ｈｅｒ　ｈｅａｒｔ，　ｂｕｔ　ｔｈａｔ　ｉｎ　ｈｅｒ　ｏｗｎ　ｔｉｍｅ　Ｇｏｄ　ｗｏｕｌｄ　ｂｅ　ｔｈｅｒｅ　ｔｏ　ｄｏ　ｊｕｓｔ　ｔｈａｔ．　Ｈｅ　ｓｐｏｋｅ　Ｈｉｓ　ｓｏｖｅｒｅｉｎｔｙ　ｔｏ　ｍｅ　ｔｈｒｕ　Ｒｏｍａｎｓ　９：１６．　Ｉ　ｊｕｓｔ　ｋｎｅｗ　ｔｈａｔ　Ｈｅ　ｗａｓ　ｒｅａｌｌｙ　ｓｔｉｒｒｉｎｇ　ｈｅｒ　ｈｅａｒｔ．　Ｗｈｅｎ　Ｉ　ｆｉｎｉｓｈｅｄ　ｐｒａｙｉｎｇ，　ｍｙ　ｔｅａｍ　ｌｅｆｔ　ｂｕｔ　ｍｅ，　ｄａｄａ，　ｏｌｇａ，　ａｎｄ　ｃｉｎｄｙ　ｓｔａｙｅｄ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｒｏｏｍ．　Ｉasked about her life and she informed me that she lives with her boyfriend and wants to try church. At this time, the Lord moved me to share a little bit of my story and then just that He wants her to be loved, satisfied and complete. My heart raced as she cried and the translators went back and forth. Even though it's completely agaisnt Asian culture, I wrapped my arms around her and told her Iｌｏｅｖｄ　ｈｅｒ．　Ｗｅ　ｌｅｆｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｃｌｏｓｅｔ　ａｎｄ　ａｌｌ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｔｏ　ａ　ｔｅａ　ｓｈｏｐ．　Ｉｎ　ｔｈａｔ　ｔｅａ　ｓｈｏｐ，　ｌａｓｔ　ｎｉｇｈｔ　ａｔ　ｍｉｄｎｉｇｈｔ，　ｖｉａ　ｔｗｏ　ｔｒａｎｓｌａｔｏｒｓ　ａｎｄ　ａ　ｐａｓｓｉｏｎａｔｅ　ｇｒｏｕｐ　ｏｆ　ｂｅｌｉｅｖｅｒｓ，　ｔｈｅ　Ｌｏｒｄ　ｇｏｔ　ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ　ｃｈｉｌｄ　ｂａｃｋ　ｉｎ　Ｈｉｓ　ａｒｍｓ．　

Ｄａｄａ　ａｓｋｅｄ　ａｂｏｕｔ　ｏｕｒ　ｒｅｌｉｇｉｏｎ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｈａｄ　ｇｒｏｗｎ　ｕｐ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｐａｒｅｎｔｓ　ｗｈｏ　ｐｒａｃｔｉｃｅｄ　ｓｏｍｅ　ｔｙｐｅ　ｏｆ　Ｔａｉｏｉｓｍ　ｂｕｔ　ｓｈｅ　ｗａｓｎ’ｔ　ｂｅｌｉｅｖｉｎｇ　ａｎｙｔｈｙｉｎｇ　ｒｅａｌｌｙ．　Ｔｈｅｎ　ｓｈｅ　ｓａｉｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｎｅ　ｔｈｉｎｇ　ｔｈａｔ　ｌｉｔｅｒａｌｌｙ　ｍａｄｅ　ｍｅ　ｂｕｓｔ　ｉｎｔｏ　ｔｅａｒｓ．　ｔｈｅ　ｏｎｅ　ｔｈｉｎｇ　ｔｈａｔ　ｈａｓ　ｂｒｏｋｅｎ　ｍｙ　ｈｅａｒｔ　ａｌｌ　ｙｅａｒ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｓａｉｄ　ｔｈａｔ　ｗｈｅｎ　ｓｈｅ　ｈｕｒｔｓ，　ｓｈｅ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｇｏ　ｏｕｔ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｈｅｒ　ｆｒｉｅｎｄｓ　ａｎｄ　ｈａｖｅ　ｄｒｉｎｋｓ　ｕｎｔｉｌ　ｓｈｅ　ｉｓ　ｄｒｕｎｋ．　Ｉ　ａｓｋｅｄ　ｈｅｒ　ｉｆ　ｔｈａｔ　ｒｅａｌｌｙ　ｓｏｌｖｅｄ　ｈｅｒ　ｐｒｏｂｌｅｍ　ｏｒ　ｈｅａｌｅｄ　ｈｅｒ　ｐａｉｎ　ａｎｄ　ｓｈｅ　ｒｅｓｐｏｎｄｅｄ，　Ｎｏ．　Ｉ　ｔｏｌｄ　ｈｅｒ　Ｉwas crying becuase Iｈａｄ　ｂｅｅｎ　ｔｈｅｒｅ　ｂｅｆｏｒｅ．　Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｔｒｉｅｄ　ｆｉｌｌｉｎｇ　ｔｈａｔ　ｖｏｉｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ａｌｃｈｏｌ　ａｎｄ　Ｉpromised her that just like now, it will never heal her pain. I told her that love from a man would not fill it either, I'd tried that too. At this point, my precious friend, Cindy spoke for a few moments about a relationship with Jesus in Chinese. None of us know what was being said, but our spirits and hearts were intertwined. We all just prayed and prayed for salvation. All of the sudden, Cindy turned to us and said, ok She wants to accept Jesus. Astonished, we all laid hands on her and prayed. Cindy told us that she told Dada that she didn't have to make a decision now but that God was always ready for her. But, Dada insisted that she wanted it now. His kingdom came down and grace was at it's best.

I guess tea will forever remind me of this precious moment. At midnight, my new sister, Dada was born. The Lord answered prayer, and even used me in His bigger plan. We also prayed over Olga and the coninuing of discipleship and friendship. When we were leaving, Iｒｅｃｅｉｖｅｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｍｏｓｔ　ａｍａｚｉｎｇ　ｈｕｇ　ｆｒｏｍ　ａｎ　Ａｓａｉｎ　Ｉhad met in a closet just a few hours before. I'll neverfor get the night salvation came at a Tea Shop in Taipei, Taiwan. Glory to my Jesus.

Taiwan #4- More of You and Less of Me

This morning, I titled my journal page "More of you and less than me."
You know those days where you wake up and literally nothing goes right? For example, this morning I woke up late. I had to take a shower which here in Asia means nothing really because you sweat the moment you turn the water off. Therefore, my hair never leaves it's ponytail. Anyways, I was late for breakfast which I ate too much and then felt way too full. You all know it's a horrible thing to feel huge on Sunday mornings. haha. We were to lead church this morning by doing a song and also I would share my testimony. I then heard it had to be only 10 minutes so once again, I was a little frustrated. The morning is almost in action when we were practicing our music in the room and I broke a string on my guitar. UH only 6 min. before the service started and the time we've used to practice, all put to waste. Boy oh Boy. Fortuanately the song really only uses this string like once so it didn't affect the sound. (not that I'm aware of)

With all this craziness, I ran to the throne. Literally, as I was journaling and praying over my morning I just could only ask Him to come help. I needed Him to speak. For some reason, I was just really adamant about them understanding what He wanted to tell them. The Christians here are similar to those in America who are just walking around like mummies in the Church. Dead to the actual life that comes when one walks with Jesus. I knew at this point that I had come to an end of myself this morning. I knew it. My teammates knew it. HE knew it. HE LOVED IT.

The Lord loves to be our strength in our weakest moments. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Good thing, huh? I was able to finish my testimony and play the song. During the testimony, the Lord really went into action in the lives of the people. I was really glad I stepped out of the way to let Him speak. It's a beautiful thing to see His people hear not only with their ears but with their hearts. The woman who was supposed to lead the verse even got a little choked up. hehe.

To close, I want to tell you what the Lord shared through me this morning. Something I too easily forget. HE REALLY LOVES EACH ONE OF US. He doesn't want us to feel lonely, deserted, unloved, scared, fearful, or caught up in things that can't fill that void in our hearts. He is more than enough to feel that void with life. He loves us so much despite our weaknesses and wants us to follow Him. He wants to be with us. And, He wants to use us.

When asked why I come to Taiwan, my response is always this: I want to share with others the LOVE that Jesus has shared with me. It is only when you really know the Father's love for you that you can truly love others. Please grasp that today. How great the Father's love for us...

1 John 4 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. We love because he first loved us."

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galations 5:6
I would encourage you to really love others today. Express Yourself.

Taiwan #3.

Hello to All...
I would try to do something creative and in Chinese, but at this point of exhaustion, I just can't. haha Sorry!! A few things to report: We are in the middle of leading an English camp. We started yester day when we arrived. We have taught these children (1st-6th graders with very limited English) two songs- Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children. I have never played my guitar as much as I have so far (even at Hosanna Home-gosh, I miss you girls). Anyways, we also are teaching them different vocab words needed in the Airport, Train Station, and McDonalds. :) My group is the oldest and I have to say... they are LEGIT! Everyone at the Camp has taken notice. It reminds me why I loved teaching! Social Work vs. Education majors... close call. We went all over town today with the children (40 of them). We went to McDonalds to practice vocab, how to order, and a great lunch. Then we went to a museum and the 5 of us Americans got to hang around together and have a break. Then we went to the airport and taught them vocab needed there. The children went home and then we ate dinner with the youth group (15). We played 3 songs for worship, shared testimonies, and games. So far it's been so super busy! I am exhuasted but having fun. My teammate, Adam's girlfriend is Cindy. Her family pastors this church. I absolutely love her. She's the best translator I've ever had and is the most precious, sincere friend. She loves the Lord and it shows in her every move. I am blessed to spend time with her family. They have hosted us, cooked for us, and about everything my mommy would do I suppose. Tomorrow we are playing How He Loves in church and then sharing testimony. Then we will have a closing ceremonies before we depart to another town for a few days. I would ask that you pray for strength, rest (physically and spiritually), and glory to the one upstairs! Love you all!
Brandy.

Taiwan #2

Due to the lack of time and internet access, here is an email from my team leader to his support team that entails what's going on with us... I will update you later. Love and appreciate all of you!! 

Faithful Prayer Team,
Greetings from Taiwan!! I'm writing to you from our train on the way to Taidong. We are still in transit to our final destination and closing in on 40 hours of travel time from home. It was longer than expected but we are all doing well and thankfully, everyone seems to be displaying a spirit of adventure and flexibility. We arrived on time to the Taipei airport, met up with Adam and Cindy Lee and took a bus to the High Speed Rail station where we hurried to catch the last train of the night going to Kaohsiung. Well we caught the train, it just wasn't ours and by the time the friendly passengers managed to communicate that this train was going back to Taipei, we were already on our way and had missed our train. The HSR company kindly refunded the majority of the ticket cost (even though it was our fault) and we ended up taking a 4 and a half hour bus ride down to Kaohsiung (about 2 hours longer than the HSR would have been). But all was made well because by the time we arrived, breakfast shops were opening for the morning and we were able to dine on the local cuisine which I have missed so much! We then walked a few block to the train station and used the wait to do some work on the english camp that will start this afternoon. We will be working with about 40 youth aged 1st-6th grade teaching them vocabulary for the Airport, Train Station and McDonald's. It should be quite the adventure as we are going to be visiting all of these locations with kids. An unexpected blessing did arise during our flight over. Since the demand for English Teachers is so high, the pastor at the church hosting us (Cindy Lee's Dad) wrote a grant to the government to fund our camp so all of our activities, supplies and everything is being covered by the Taiwanese Government (at least for these first few days) !! If God plans for the rest of this trip are anything like His provisions so far, get ready for some AMAZING stories !!
So we are here, we are safe, we are loving it but we are all ready for a nice, clean shower. Keep up the prayers and I'll be sending out another update before we head back to Taipei on Sunday to visit the Harmony Home Orphanage. Thank you all for your continues support in thoughts and prayers. You're blessing us all every moment that we are here.

His hands and feet,

Ryan 來恩 Jacobi

En Route to Taiwan

Well, I am officially en route to Taipei, Taiwan. Unfortuanately, Big
Bertha is not along for this trip (my computer), and my itouch is
difficult to type on because these nubby thumbs pick up 3 letters at a
time. All of that said, I am unsure how much I'll be able to blog. I
will do my best! I still don't know much of the losgistics but I'll
let you in on my knowledge thus far-
When we arrive in Taipei we will travel to a church/school to do an
English camp for a few days! The first few days we will be staying at
Adams girlfriends house (guy on my team) who Is also the daughter of
the pastor! We will also do a youth night. Then we will go serve in an
AIDS orphanage. We are also doing some college ministry and some other
various activities. One thing you must know when you travel across the
world is flexibility!
I have met my team now, and I would like to cyberlly introduce them to
you so you can be praying for each of us!
-Adam, previously mentioned, is one of my good friends from wetumpka.
He is 24 and is the youth minister at Cains Chapel. He is also a team
leader for us!
-Ryan is our other fearless leader from Pensecola. He is a graduate of
Asbury in Kentucky.
-Ryans sister, Lindsay is also on board from Pensecola. She currently
attends the University of Alabama, so rivalry has already taken place!
-Josh is on board who is in School at West Florida. He has served in
both Peru and Nicaragua.

So, that's us! But, more importantly we are travelling with the Holy
Spirit who has appointed and called each of us to vessel Him to Asia.
I am expecting Him to be the real teammate that matters! And, I pray
that the Lord allows us to leave a part of Him there. That emphasiZes
that we will see someone come to salvation! The bible says that in His
resurrection, our Savior gifted us with the Holy Spirit that would
live and guide our lives. Oh, how I love that same Spirit!
My prayer is similar to that in Haiti- I want to see His glory;
healing, miracles, salvation, prophecy, whatever He allows me to see.
Yes, I have seen so much of His power but like Moses, I want to see
more( Exodus 33:18) more of your glory, Lord, more of YOU! I am really
excited to escape the reality I live in and spend some time with my
preious Jesus. I will end with the same prayer Paul sent to Ephesus:
"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given
me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for
which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it
fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:19-20

Thankful for all of you, and covet your prayers! Love..
Brandy

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!

New Brendle in the House....

Dear All Blog Readers,

I formally introduce to you...

Mr. Brooks Ellis Brendle

April 09, 2010

6 lbs. 11 oz.

Since about Christmas time, I have really come to a new place of love and appreciation for my family. Now that Blair's home, I come to Wetumpka almost every weekend to spend time with her and my parents. Going to three different colleges and having friends of all ages seems to sometimes get lonely. I am one of those people who really hates change and would rather hold tight to people than to let them go. Over the past year, this letting go process has had a toll on me and it's just hard. It's not bad, but people really are in your life for seasons. If I could change that, I would do it in a heartbeat. Of course I have friends that I keep up with, but it's never really the same as living everyday life together. This really formed a new view for me for my family. Family: the people who will always be family. And not to mention, the Lord has blessed me with so many, wonderful incredible family members both nuclear and extended. Christmas was great having everyone home and seeing my entire Brendle family. Then, my cousin on the Sharker side got married so that whole side of the family united in Atlanta for a wonderful time. My weekends at home have been so fun getting to play in the snow, watch movies, and just hang out with my sister. I have also been able to see my Pop more and with his health conditions, I have absorbed up any time that I can with him. And then, Easter weekend may have been one of my favorites yet. I got to spend time with my family, Uncle Kent and his family, my sister's incredible World Race friends who feel like family,and Grandbuddy & Thomas who always bring a good laugh. And with that, I came home this Friday to a new baby cousin who is one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen. I just am so thankful for my family and they mean so much to me. Knowing that we all have a short time on Earth, I just love the time with each of them. So.. here's for bragging rights.

Gray Gray and Cate Scott playing their second softball game!

Easter 2010

Snow day..

Atlanta for Jamie's wedding...

Haiti: The Work.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35).”

Haiti: The Children.

Haiti- School Board

This was on one of the blackboards in the school classroom. The students haven't been in school since January 12, the day of the earthquake. The government is afraid to send them back because of the damage. However, this is the verse of the day on the 12th. The verse in English reads, "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" -Hebrews 13:6

HOPE.

Hope for Haiti

The past few days have been incredible. I love Haiti. I love the people. I love the language. I love the food (except for the goat served two nights ago which I couldn't believe I tried but fortunately didn't like.. don't be mad Billy and Almon). I love the spirit. I love the culture.

Yesterday we painted all morning and then headed to another town for the afternoon. Repatriote is the city that we went to. The people there were greatly impacted by the earthquake. A church that branches off the church that we stay at was just demolished. I was shocked. I have pictures I will post later. The people there said since they are a town out of the middle of no where, they feel like everyone has just forgotten about them. We took about fifty jugs of water that we had used and passed it out the to people there who are living in tents. The huge smiles of gratitude blessed my spirit as I gave something as simple as water. People came from all over to receive. It was really cool because when we ran out of water, the people weren't greedy or anything. We just hung out for a bit and loved on them and prayed with them.

Matthew 10:42, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." This reward is here. It is the fulfillment I find in Jesus. It is the hope that one day I will be singing "Holy Holy Holy" in Heaven with these people.

The rest of the afternoon consisted of a tap tap ride through the city. I wish there were a way to explain the destruction to you. I feel like Cooper Anderson didn't give you justice by video and I certainly can't by blog. Buildings are just pancaked to the ground. Six or seven stories worth just came straight down flat. It is crazy. No one has even gone into these buildings since because it's so dangerous. Every corner you turn and there's mass destruction. Pray for these people. One thing is this, these people have hope. Haiti is not dark. I thought this place would be dark full of witch craft and weird things. Yet, this place is beautiful. I had such a misconception. Even in the midst of horror, these people are back to life. That's incredible.

Today, the Lord has really answered our team prayer for the Holy Spirit to move. We went to the clinic today and prayed over anyone who came forward. So many hurting people here. Many came forward for prayer due to the fear they have and anxiety they face since the earthquake. One young man came forward and told us he had been hearing voices telling him to do such horrible things. We told him that when Jesus lives in your heart, he silences these voices. He asked to receive Jesus and we prayed over him. It was so powerful to be a part of it. Yall, he was really and truly receiving salvation for the first time. (All these prayers via translator). Another woman came forward with her precious 7 year old child who the Lord just broke me for. We prayed and prayed. ALL morning long. One thing I read this morning before the day began was, Acts 316: "It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes thru him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." We prayed for healing in Jesus' name. He is moving and is so powerful. Later in this chapter in verse 26 it says, "When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

May that be an encouragement to all of us believers. He first and foremost came to heal our spiritual sickness. He came to turn us from an eternity of damnation and Hell. He came to not only wipe our sins away so we can enjoy Heaven and his promises, but JESUS CHRIST rose from the dead so that we can have an open means of communication with our Father in Heaven. So that we can even pray to Him for anything. The great divide is now fulfilled that we can ask and receive, praise and glory, and hear and see. Praise and Glory to Jesus for all these things.

Quick Story...

Hey again. I just wanted to write this real fast. Today, I heard of some earthquake stories. One hit me pretty hard because earlier today I watched some of the kids sing in the church here at Blanchard. During the earthquake, a church collapsed in another city nearby killing an estimated 23 children who were in there for choir practice. Another story was a man who is in graduate school and he and his professor got caught under the rubble and couldn't get out. Some other professors came and got the professor out but told the man they would come right back for him. they didn't. He spent the whole night passing the time by singing and praying out to God. The next day he saw a little girl and got her attention. She crawled down and helped in start getting out. When she got him to the point of visibility, some other people began to help as well. When he finally got out of the rubble, he asked the people where the little girl went so he could thank her. The people turned to him and said, umm there was never a little girl here sir. He said that is when He knew God was completely in control. Just two stories that impacted me today and I thought you may want to read. More to come... Keep Haiti in your prayers, there is definitely a need.

We Are Here!!!

Hello all who are following my Spring Break 2010.

We are here in Blanchard, a compound about 10 minutes away from the airport. Yes, Blair- we rode a "tap tap." In fact, we stopped at a gas station and were sitting outside and I tapped the top as I was telling my team what you told me about the origin of it's name. The driver heard me and came back there and said, "Yeah?" And I told him I was telling them why you called it a tap tap. Because, you "Tap Tap" and he started dying out laughing. The fly-in was good, a bit rushed. We didn't sleep at all the night before we arrived at the airport at 6. SO we went about 36 hours without sleeping. Anyways, we arrived... two guys right out of college from Georgia are the ones leading us this week so they picked us up excited that it was 5 college kids to hang with all week. They showed us around and then settled us in. The compound we are staying at is awesome. It's really nice from what I have seen and we even have indoor showers/pottys! The compound serves as a school and a church. School hasn't been in session since the earthquake (government decree). In fact, in one of the classrooms the date is the exact date of the earthquake on the chalk board which was a strange thing. We had a great dinner last night by our Haitian cook. Today we went to church at 6AM which was all in french and I could actually understand a good bit of it. I really really enjoy speaking to people because I pretty much understand them, especially when they slow it down for me. There is internet access but it is limited. I think we will start working today. I know we are doing alot of work on the schools trying to get them ready for when school resumes. Keep us in your prayers. We are asking for more and more opportunities to meet the people and hear their stories and try to encourage them. The culture here is very very poor. It is similar to rural Mexico and Nicaragua. I feel like with the opportunity to see many different nations, that now poverty is poverty. However, people are also people. And that my friends, is what I LOVE! So I am excited to report some stories and miracles as they come. Expectant. Tired. but Encouraged. Woooooo Hooooo Spring Break... gettin KRUNK~! Loves!!

p.s. over the doors of the church is painted, "Sortons pour Servir" which means, Leave in order to (or to) Serve or Go out Serving. I liked that.

HAITI: en route...

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am for this opportunity. I am sitting here writing at 3 AM ATL time with one hour before we depart for the air port. This night has consisted of an amazing time of prayer, visioning, dreams, worship, encouragement, and stirring. This is the most unique group of people that the Lord predestined to go together to Haiti. 3 girls. 2 guys. 5 hungry, thirsty, and expectant young adults being consumed by the Holy Spirit. The Lord has revealed to us that this trip is nothing ordinary. He is preparing our hearts for miracles, healing, oppression, and an awakening bigger than we can comprehend. I have never been with a group of people so in-tuned to the Lord's voice. We are stepping in confidence that with the power of the Holy Spirit we will see the power of the Lord in miraculous ways in Haiti. We will see this nation rise up in faith. We will witness miracles. We will be stretched beyond our comfort and have to rely on the Spirit, the Comforter. We have not played one game or any activity other than worship and pray over one another since we arrived. I am really beyond words at this point. I am already blown away and humbled to the Lord's guidance and will for each one of the people around me. Acts 2 has become the key chapter in the bible that we are focusing on. We are praying, seeking, and recognizing the Holy Spirit and the power He has in our lives. We depend and rely on Him. I am praying that this week especially, the five of us are known by the Acts 2:42-47 fellowship of believers:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of break and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Isaiah 26:8 "Yes Lord, walking in the way of your truth, we eagerly wait for name and renown are the desires of our hearts."

Please also pray for my teammates: Katy, Nathan, Wilson, and Tori.

Katy's blog- www.kwcrane.blogspot.com

Spring Break in HAITI

I wish I had more energy to write about the exciting trip to Haiti but for now I must keep it simple. You see, I was handed the stomach flu for the second time this semester. If you don't know what that is, I will politely tell you it is an overflow in every direction of your body. It's miserable. And somehow, I have gotten it twice in the same semester, the semester to which I am taking 19 hours of classes. In the midst of stress, I have a peace that in two days I will be on an airplane with some of my greatest friends to completely surrender myself to the work of His hands in Haiti. I am so thankful for those of you who gave a financial contribute. I still haven't reached the $600 mark, but I am confident that what I received was exactly His plan for me. Every amount that I opened, I want you to know that I did not pray for it to bless my trip, I did not pray for Him to bless you for giving, but I prayed something that isn't prayed enough. I prayed and asked HIM to be BLESSED. I asked HIM to be blessed by your obedience to give. I asked HIM to allow me to continue to bless Him as I prepare by heart and mind for Haiti. Obedience and giving isn't about us. It's all about HIM! Take some time today and remind yourself of that. As much as we ask Him on our normal day to bless us (bless this food, bless this day, bless this conversation, bless this trip, bless this opportunity, bless this business deal, bless this tithe) how many times do we ask for HIM to be BLESSED? If the word is true in 2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness," then what more should we really ask for Him to Bless. Take today and offer it to Bless HIM! Thanks so much for all of you who gave and will continue in prayer... I'll keep ya posted!

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.

Distracting the Real Goodness?

Ever tried to eat your favorite dessert right after you put a strong mint flavored piece of gum in your mouth? You love that dessert so much but it doesn't taste quite as good because that mint flavor still roams in your mouth, distracting the real goodness.

The Lord wants us to grow in our spiritual lives, our new lives in Christ. We have tasted and know the Lord is good. Continue to crave that goodness. Desire Him. Desire being holy, being pure. You can't grow in purity and in your walk with Him if you are harvesting any bitter or hard feelings toward others. Lay it at His feet, get that taste out of your mouth.

1 Peter 2:1-3

" Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

snow day @ home.