September 23,
Youth Church, Joy Fellowship Church
My friend Levi, is the youth pastor at his church and each Sunday Morning he holds a Bible study for the youth. I was privileged to be able to be a part of this particular morning when the Lord moved.
Levi shared on the names of God and the power in praying specifically to each of God's names, which led to a open discussion in what we each needed to call on God for in this season.
One of the young men, Eli, shared his addiction to Tobacco and asked for prayed and accountability. This guy looked tired, fighting addictions since his mom had passed away just a year earlier leaving him to finally put full trust in God.
We all prayed for him and as we did the Lord gave me a picture of him in a jail cell, with chains around his feet, yet they were not attached to him. Once Eli saw he was actually free he busted down the cell door and ran around the prison freeing everyone else! I then had him confess with his mouth that he was free so the Devil and all of Hell would know they have no power over him!
PRAY that Eli keeps walking in freedom and find satisfaction in Christ.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
RICHARD
September 15
Bus bound for Asheville, NC
A full bus forced me to sit next to an older man, dressed in bright colors and smelling quite strongly of marijuana. I was extremely tired but every time I closed my eyes he would start talking so I came to the conclusion I would just have to go without a nap.
Richard introduced himself as a man who was private and soon after he began spilling out his life story...
He had been in Ohio at his sister's in Cincinnati after not having seen or talking to her in over 40 years, The family tracked him down because they're parents had passed away and they wanted him to have his part in the inheritance. While he was visiting she told him that all growing up their father rapped her and his older sister, and Richard never had known. Of course back in the 50's sexual abuse wasn't heard of and the woman were taught to stick by their husbands, leaving the men to do what they wanted while the family faked a smile. He could hardly stand to think of it and expressed such hated for his parents, that his dad was "such a pig" and that his mom knew and let it happen.
He told me at a very young age he started stealing, by age 12 he'd robbed jewelry stores and stolen cars, therefore he wasn't home much, at least not enough to catch on. After years of stealing he finally got caught for armed robbery and was locked up for 19 years. Once he got out he settled into a new town and never contacted his family, until now...
He didn't take much from his parents, he mentioned they were wealthy but he didn't want anything from them, especially now so all he took was he his old stolen jewelry. He even pulled out a bag of watches to show me and gave me a couple of them. "I'm not like I used to be so I figured I might as well give this stuff away.."
So now I'm rocking a 'vintage' gold watch he stole back in the 60's :)
Richard and I talked a bit about his world view as well; I shared the gospel with him and my testimony but he was persistent in telling me the only logical solution is reincarnation, that I was blessed because I'd been a good person in my other lives... But as all 'new age' believers say, "You believe what you believe and I'll believe what I believe and someday we'll make it to Heaven." As I tell everyone else, "I'll pray for you and I believe the Lord will prove himself to you, like he did to me."
PRAY restoration for his sisters, that Jesus would heal their heart wounds and fill them with His abounding love. Pray Richard is confronted with the Truth of the Gospel, of Jesus, that he needs a savior and that he would fully commit his life to God that he might be able to minister to his sisters and forgive his parents.
Bus bound for Asheville, NC
A full bus forced me to sit next to an older man, dressed in bright colors and smelling quite strongly of marijuana. I was extremely tired but every time I closed my eyes he would start talking so I came to the conclusion I would just have to go without a nap.
Richard introduced himself as a man who was private and soon after he began spilling out his life story...
He had been in Ohio at his sister's in Cincinnati after not having seen or talking to her in over 40 years, The family tracked him down because they're parents had passed away and they wanted him to have his part in the inheritance. While he was visiting she told him that all growing up their father rapped her and his older sister, and Richard never had known. Of course back in the 50's sexual abuse wasn't heard of and the woman were taught to stick by their husbands, leaving the men to do what they wanted while the family faked a smile. He could hardly stand to think of it and expressed such hated for his parents, that his dad was "such a pig" and that his mom knew and let it happen.
He told me at a very young age he started stealing, by age 12 he'd robbed jewelry stores and stolen cars, therefore he wasn't home much, at least not enough to catch on. After years of stealing he finally got caught for armed robbery and was locked up for 19 years. Once he got out he settled into a new town and never contacted his family, until now...
He didn't take much from his parents, he mentioned they were wealthy but he didn't want anything from them, especially now so all he took was he his old stolen jewelry. He even pulled out a bag of watches to show me and gave me a couple of them. "I'm not like I used to be so I figured I might as well give this stuff away.."
So now I'm rocking a 'vintage' gold watch he stole back in the 60's :)
Richard and I talked a bit about his world view as well; I shared the gospel with him and my testimony but he was persistent in telling me the only logical solution is reincarnation, that I was blessed because I'd been a good person in my other lives... But as all 'new age' believers say, "You believe what you believe and I'll believe what I believe and someday we'll make it to Heaven." As I tell everyone else, "I'll pray for you and I believe the Lord will prove himself to you, like he did to me."
PRAY restoration for his sisters, that Jesus would heal their heart wounds and fill them with His abounding love. Pray Richard is confronted with the Truth of the Gospel, of Jesus, that he needs a savior and that he would fully commit his life to God that he might be able to minister to his sisters and forgive his parents.
ANDRE
September 13
Metro Station. Venice, Virginia
Waiting to be picked up from the Metro in Virginia I saw a homeless man holding a sign asking for help. At first I avoided him but the Lord convicted me and told me not to just give him money, but that he also wanted me to talk to him...
After fighting it for a minute I was finally obedient.
I handed him the cash I hand and asked his name, "Andre" he replied, I asked him if I could pray for him [realizing I didn't have a lot of time I wanted to get to the point.] After praying for him he expressed how thankful he was that someone cared enough to stop and talk which made me feel sick, I wasn't stopping out of love, but by the obligation I felt by the Lord...
He went on to share his story, he had recently gotten out of jail and wasn't able to find a job with a felony on his record. He told me later she had cheated on him while he was in jail and gotten pregnant, she was now 8 months pregnant and he was begging to make sure she didn't have to sleep on the streets. He told me they'd be taken care of once the baby was born they'd get into a family home but for now he was stuck.
In the eyes of the average american we'd see this as pathetic and ignorant but the Lord showed me something in his story.
As Christ is the bridegroom, and we are the bride, we mess up constantly and prostitute ourselves to idols and conceive unrighteousness yet, God will not leave or forsake us. TRUE God doesn't have felonies on his record but He did pay the price for our sin despite our unfaithfulness.
Andre has the love of the Father but is blinded from the truth.
I sat talking to Andre for awhile and he explained he'd been to church and knew the right answers but it was apparent he didn't have a relationship with His Creator.
PRAY Andre, his girlfriend Chelsea, and they're unborn baby are taken care of, but more than that, that they would encounter the truth and love of the Father.
Metro Station. Venice, Virginia
Waiting to be picked up from the Metro in Virginia I saw a homeless man holding a sign asking for help. At first I avoided him but the Lord convicted me and told me not to just give him money, but that he also wanted me to talk to him...
After fighting it for a minute I was finally obedient.
I handed him the cash I hand and asked his name, "Andre" he replied, I asked him if I could pray for him [realizing I didn't have a lot of time I wanted to get to the point.] After praying for him he expressed how thankful he was that someone cared enough to stop and talk which made me feel sick, I wasn't stopping out of love, but by the obligation I felt by the Lord...
He went on to share his story, he had recently gotten out of jail and wasn't able to find a job with a felony on his record. He told me later she had cheated on him while he was in jail and gotten pregnant, she was now 8 months pregnant and he was begging to make sure she didn't have to sleep on the streets. He told me they'd be taken care of once the baby was born they'd get into a family home but for now he was stuck.
In the eyes of the average american we'd see this as pathetic and ignorant but the Lord showed me something in his story.
As Christ is the bridegroom, and we are the bride, we mess up constantly and prostitute ourselves to idols and conceive unrighteousness yet, God will not leave or forsake us. TRUE God doesn't have felonies on his record but He did pay the price for our sin despite our unfaithfulness.
Andre has the love of the Father but is blinded from the truth.
I sat talking to Andre for awhile and he explained he'd been to church and knew the right answers but it was apparent he didn't have a relationship with His Creator.
PRAY Andre, his girlfriend Chelsea, and they're unborn baby are taken care of, but more than that, that they would encounter the truth and love of the Father.
Friday, September 21, 2012
IGLESIA CRISTIANA
September 9
Daniela's Church
I was the only white person in the entire church that Sunday! I was a bit intimidated but still expecting the Lord would speak despite the language barrier, and He did!
Worship was entirely in Spanish but I could feel the presence of God so strongly, tears were rolling down my face. After worship I was releaved to see a translator when Pastor Rafael started preaching. His message was based on the idea of bearing fruits - the very idea Polus Digital [the marketing company I will be working for, see 'JOB OPPORTUNITY' post] is founded on. "Are you sewing fruit of appearance or fruits of repentance?"
I was so blown away by how 'spot on' the message was that I told Daniela I wanted him to pray for me. She told me he didn't speak English so she offered to translate and then said, "He actually has a marketing degree, he markets for our church!" HOW COOL!? With the help of Dani I explained my job opportunity and that his message was confirmation and I asked for him to impart some knowledge and wisdom into me! He prayed and as he did he got a Word from the Lord for me, "You have abandoned everything for me, but it has not been lost, I have it kept safe and in due time I will give those things potential and bring them back to you." This man just prophesied the very name of my core group I had at Teen Mania just months before! RECKLESS ABANDONED!
[For those of you who don't know] This past year I mentored a group of 5 women and wasgiven the title, Core Advisor, they were called a core. We lived together for a year while in the internship and the Lord gave me the vision and name Reckless Abandoned for our core. Based on Hebrews 12:1-2.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Last year we learned to forsake all for Christ's namesake and now this man who had never met me was telling me this Word from God!
I was completely amazed, if you've read the other posts you realize it just keeps getting better!
PRAY for Pastor Rafael and Daniela's church to stay steadfast and united in their pursuit of God's glory. Blessings and favor in the name of Jesus!
Daniela's Church
I was the only white person in the entire church that Sunday! I was a bit intimidated but still expecting the Lord would speak despite the language barrier, and He did!
Worship was entirely in Spanish but I could feel the presence of God so strongly, tears were rolling down my face. After worship I was releaved to see a translator when Pastor Rafael started preaching. His message was based on the idea of bearing fruits - the very idea Polus Digital [the marketing company I will be working for, see 'JOB OPPORTUNITY' post] is founded on. "Are you sewing fruit of appearance or fruits of repentance?"
I was so blown away by how 'spot on' the message was that I told Daniela I wanted him to pray for me. She told me he didn't speak English so she offered to translate and then said, "He actually has a marketing degree, he markets for our church!" HOW COOL!? With the help of Dani I explained my job opportunity and that his message was confirmation and I asked for him to impart some knowledge and wisdom into me! He prayed and as he did he got a Word from the Lord for me, "You have abandoned everything for me, but it has not been lost, I have it kept safe and in due time I will give those things potential and bring them back to you." This man just prophesied the very name of my core group I had at Teen Mania just months before! RECKLESS ABANDONED!
[For those of you who don't know] This past year I mentored a group of 5 women and wasgiven the title, Core Advisor, they were called a core. We lived together for a year while in the internship and the Lord gave me the vision and name Reckless Abandoned for our core. Based on Hebrews 12:1-2.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Last year we learned to forsake all for Christ's namesake and now this man who had never met me was telling me this Word from God!
I was completely amazed, if you've read the other posts you realize it just keeps getting better!
PRAY for Pastor Rafael and Daniela's church to stay steadfast and united in their pursuit of God's glory. Blessings and favor in the name of Jesus!
YOUTH NIGHT
September 7
Connection 24:7 Youth Group
Daniela's youth group had gotten cancelled so some of the people decided to gather in a basement, not to loose the night. The leaders and myself decided we'd pray, worship and then let the Spirit lead from there. Everyone started to come in but as they did I met Valerie, a college student who began to tell me about when he Dad was asked to leave the church when she was 16, even after 4 years I could see the pain in her eyes and she shook her leg nervously as if to keep back the tears. She told me she packed a box of stuff with her church dance team 'things' among other things, and she said she hasn't opened the box since.
It was at that moment the Lord told me, "She needs to open that box and deal with the pain, that I might heal her of it." We continued to talk and she told me how she knew she was called to do international business and eventually she wanted to be involved in supplying third world countries [Africa specifically] with basic needs, but doing it with the government's money, "Government funded missions," she called it. I affirmed her in that and told her about South Africa and my experience doing missions there.
We finished talking as they gathered us around to pray, we all started praying for requests and in no time it became rapid fire prayer, which lead to worship. I got on my face in awe of all God was revealing to me and then he gave me 2 words for Valerie, first, that she needed to open that box, second, that her calling is anything she can gain by works.
I went to Valerie and gave her the words and as I began to pray for her I prayed, "Lord there is something she's afraid of, break it in the name of Jesus and paralyze her from moving until she confronts it." It was defiantly the Holy Spirit speaking, I finished praying and then went back to my corner to worship.
Worship lulled out and they gathered us back to pray. "We're going to pray for each other, anyone who can't pray in tongues go in the middle so we can pray and you can receive." Valerie reluctantly came forward only by the nudges of her friends. Daniela told me to pray for her, so I and a few others began praying in the spirit that she too would receive the gift of tongues. As we were praying I felt some God's power and goodness." She turned to me and said, "This is my fear! Tongues, this is what you were praying for earlier!! I'm terrified!" "Okay Valerie, there is no fear in Jesus, perfect love casts out fear, begin to pray out loud so the devil can hear how dumb he is and there won't be anything to stop you from receiving this gift!"
She started praying out loud and within a few words spoken in true faith, her words turned into her prayer language! From then on she kept praying in her tongue as tears rolled down her face. God is completely purposeful in all things.
PRAY Valerie continues to pray with power and realizes fear is only a lie. Pray she opens the box and deals with the pain the church caused her. Pray she relies on God alone to fulfill HIS purpose in her life and she understands His grace abounds.
Connection 24:7 Youth Group
Daniela's youth group had gotten cancelled so some of the people decided to gather in a basement, not to loose the night. The leaders and myself decided we'd pray, worship and then let the Spirit lead from there. Everyone started to come in but as they did I met Valerie, a college student who began to tell me about when he Dad was asked to leave the church when she was 16, even after 4 years I could see the pain in her eyes and she shook her leg nervously as if to keep back the tears. She told me she packed a box of stuff with her church dance team 'things' among other things, and she said she hasn't opened the box since.
It was at that moment the Lord told me, "She needs to open that box and deal with the pain, that I might heal her of it." We continued to talk and she told me how she knew she was called to do international business and eventually she wanted to be involved in supplying third world countries [Africa specifically] with basic needs, but doing it with the government's money, "Government funded missions," she called it. I affirmed her in that and told her about South Africa and my experience doing missions there.
We finished talking as they gathered us around to pray, we all started praying for requests and in no time it became rapid fire prayer, which lead to worship. I got on my face in awe of all God was revealing to me and then he gave me 2 words for Valerie, first, that she needed to open that box, second, that her calling is anything she can gain by works.
I went to Valerie and gave her the words and as I began to pray for her I prayed, "Lord there is something she's afraid of, break it in the name of Jesus and paralyze her from moving until she confronts it." It was defiantly the Holy Spirit speaking, I finished praying and then went back to my corner to worship.
Worship lulled out and they gathered us back to pray. "We're going to pray for each other, anyone who can't pray in tongues go in the middle so we can pray and you can receive." Valerie reluctantly came forward only by the nudges of her friends. Daniela told me to pray for her, so I and a few others began praying in the spirit that she too would receive the gift of tongues. As we were praying I felt some God's power and goodness." She turned to me and said, "This is my fear! Tongues, this is what you were praying for earlier!! I'm terrified!" "Okay Valerie, there is no fear in Jesus, perfect love casts out fear, begin to pray out loud so the devil can hear how dumb he is and there won't be anything to stop you from receiving this gift!"
She started praying out loud and within a few words spoken in true faith, her words turned into her prayer language! From then on she kept praying in her tongue as tears rolled down her face. God is completely purposeful in all things.
PRAY Valerie continues to pray with power and realizes fear is only a lie. Pray she opens the box and deals with the pain the church caused her. Pray she relies on God alone to fulfill HIS purpose in her life and she understands His grace abounds.
MARCUS
September 7
Bus ride to Virginia
For the first time the Lord put a man next to me on the bus, a 27 year old black man, with dreads, baggy pants and a flat bill, [I wasn't really intimidated after ministering in Harlem.] He was heading to D.C. to "visit a friend" and he made small talk which eventually lead to talking about religion [as always...]
Marcus believes "He is God, because God created him and therefore we're all partly God [some truth.] He doesn't believe Jesus was bore of the virgin Mary or that we even had a need for a savior. "Karma," was the way you live life, always reincarnating to a better or worse life depending on the way you live. "This is Hell,... there is no heaven... and the Bible is just a book."
After a while I decided to stop throwing out my Christian beliefs because he wasn't buying it, I mustn't have been very discreet, "You probably don't think I'm worth arguing with do you? You think I'm too stuck in my ways to even waste your words??" I didn't see that coming... "Do you want to hear what I believe? Okay!" I proceeded in explaining how the Devil was cast into Hell and when the fall of man happened in the Garden of Eden we gave Satan dominion of the earth therefore, this world is fallen and we ALL need a savior. I explained Christ coming of a virgin and dying on the cross to pay for the sins and then he ascended into heaven, sending us the Holy Spirit to live inside of those who accept it, which is the power that raised Christ from the grave.
"You know your stuff... you should teach or something..." He said it all sounded good and if He was able to experience God like I had told him I had he'd believe all of it too.
PRAY Marcus has a encounter with the living God who loves him that he will wake up from his slumber and open his eyes to the truth.
Bus ride to Virginia
For the first time the Lord put a man next to me on the bus, a 27 year old black man, with dreads, baggy pants and a flat bill, [I wasn't really intimidated after ministering in Harlem.] He was heading to D.C. to "visit a friend" and he made small talk which eventually lead to talking about religion [as always...]
Marcus believes "He is God, because God created him and therefore we're all partly God [some truth.] He doesn't believe Jesus was bore of the virgin Mary or that we even had a need for a savior. "Karma," was the way you live life, always reincarnating to a better or worse life depending on the way you live. "This is Hell,... there is no heaven... and the Bible is just a book."
After a while I decided to stop throwing out my Christian beliefs because he wasn't buying it, I mustn't have been very discreet, "You probably don't think I'm worth arguing with do you? You think I'm too stuck in my ways to even waste your words??" I didn't see that coming... "Do you want to hear what I believe? Okay!" I proceeded in explaining how the Devil was cast into Hell and when the fall of man happened in the Garden of Eden we gave Satan dominion of the earth therefore, this world is fallen and we ALL need a savior. I explained Christ coming of a virgin and dying on the cross to pay for the sins and then he ascended into heaven, sending us the Holy Spirit to live inside of those who accept it, which is the power that raised Christ from the grave.
"You know your stuff... you should teach or something..." He said it all sounded good and if He was able to experience God like I had told him I had he'd believe all of it too.
PRAY Marcus has a encounter with the living God who loves him that he will wake up from his slumber and open his eyes to the truth.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
JOB OPPORTUNITY
September 6
5:00am
Carla and I were just walking up the steps to her apartment after ministering on the stoop that night when we decided to finish watching the rest of the "Father of Lights" documentary [of miracles of God.] We ended up talking through most of it because we were so excited of all God had just done in the past hours.
I couldn't believe that 3 days before I had never met her and now it was like we'd known each other for years. It was only because she was a friend of a friend willing to let a stranger come live with her for a few days that we had experienced all that we had that night.
We went on talking more about how she ended up in New York City, graduating Women of the Year from Virginia Tech she came to the city to be an apprentice. She since has built a branding and marketing company that she runs by herself called Polas Digital, with a vision based on the parable of the sower, to plant seeds of righteousness in the business world.
I loved it and told her about my year at Teen Mania working in Development and then we went on talking about my trip and our families and on from there. We kept agreeing and finding common interests in the most random things, we are such kindred spirits.
"This is just divine Carla, if you ever have a job opportunity or anything, call me I'd love to be a part of what God is doing in NYC." She smirked and said, "That's funny because I'm looking to hire in the next month, I've been taking a class on how to hire and make this company official and I have had it prophesied over me that Polas Digital will be a 'real' company in 2012." She went on to say, I've been praying for someone like you to come work for me who understands this is God's business and can be spirit lead." By then my jaw was on the floor, "Carla I would love to but I haven't been to school and I just have a year experience..." She laughed and said, "I was in college 4 years and I haven't used anything I learned the Lord Literally built this company on my obedience, not by my knowledge, I trust your love for God much more than a degree."
She told me to pray because I was basically hired, I would be able to stay at her apartment until I could afford a place of my own and she was ready to have me as soon as I was done with my trip.
My mind was blown I never ended up going to bed that night I was up praying and journaling it all, and began to put all the pieces together.
First, Rene, my friend, said when he was looking for a place for me to stay in NYC the Lord told him I was supposed to stay with Carla, and in the end she was the only one willing to take me in.
Second, everyone I had met everywhere else I'd been people would always just say, "Thanks for coming good to meet you etc." BUT literally every person I met while in New York would say,"So good to meet you, when are you coming back?!" confused I would reply, "Never I guess..." Yet it kept happening over and over...
Third, I called my mom to tell her and she told me growing up I always talked about going to New York City. I didn't believe her but she insisted I always would talk about the city. When I shared that with Carla she told me she said the same thing when she was a little girl!
Since then I've gotten plenty of other confirmation and I know this is what the Lord has for me next.
5:00am
Carla and I were just walking up the steps to her apartment after ministering on the stoop that night when we decided to finish watching the rest of the "Father of Lights" documentary [of miracles of God.] We ended up talking through most of it because we were so excited of all God had just done in the past hours.
I couldn't believe that 3 days before I had never met her and now it was like we'd known each other for years. It was only because she was a friend of a friend willing to let a stranger come live with her for a few days that we had experienced all that we had that night.
We went on talking more about how she ended up in New York City, graduating Women of the Year from Virginia Tech she came to the city to be an apprentice. She since has built a branding and marketing company that she runs by herself called Polas Digital, with a vision based on the parable of the sower, to plant seeds of righteousness in the business world.
I loved it and told her about my year at Teen Mania working in Development and then we went on talking about my trip and our families and on from there. We kept agreeing and finding common interests in the most random things, we are such kindred spirits.
"This is just divine Carla, if you ever have a job opportunity or anything, call me I'd love to be a part of what God is doing in NYC." She smirked and said, "That's funny because I'm looking to hire in the next month, I've been taking a class on how to hire and make this company official and I have had it prophesied over me that Polas Digital will be a 'real' company in 2012." She went on to say, I've been praying for someone like you to come work for me who understands this is God's business and can be spirit lead." By then my jaw was on the floor, "Carla I would love to but I haven't been to school and I just have a year experience..." She laughed and said, "I was in college 4 years and I haven't used anything I learned the Lord Literally built this company on my obedience, not by my knowledge, I trust your love for God much more than a degree."
She told me to pray because I was basically hired, I would be able to stay at her apartment until I could afford a place of my own and she was ready to have me as soon as I was done with my trip.
My mind was blown I never ended up going to bed that night I was up praying and journaling it all, and began to put all the pieces together.
First, Rene, my friend, said when he was looking for a place for me to stay in NYC the Lord told him I was supposed to stay with Carla, and in the end she was the only one willing to take me in.
Second, everyone I had met everywhere else I'd been people would always just say, "Thanks for coming good to meet you etc." BUT literally every person I met while in New York would say,"So good to meet you, when are you coming back?!" confused I would reply, "Never I guess..." Yet it kept happening over and over...
Third, I called my mom to tell her and she told me growing up I always talked about going to New York City. I didn't believe her but she insisted I always would talk about the city. When I shared that with Carla she told me she said the same thing when she was a little girl!
Since then I've gotten plenty of other confirmation and I know this is what the Lord has for me next.
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