Check out what Calvary members are saying about giving to Missions...
Also,here's a recap of Calvary Doing Missions as a Team over the last 6 Years!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
6th Annual Calvary Missions Conference is Here !
Nov 14-16 "EveryWay" Keynote Speaker: Jack Hanes
Other Special Speakers:
Pas Art Sepulveda & Pas Kuna (Guest Worship Leader on Mon night)
Pas Roger Huang
Pas Lorin Carmichael
Rev Rolly Hurst
Rev Jeff Swaim
Rev Abraham & Rev Sarah Liu
Pas Terry Wong
Sunday, October 11, 2009
2009 October Missions Updates iz Hea !
- Check out Missions Opportunities All around the world at http://www.GoAG.org/
- Calvary Short Term Missions Trip: India & Nepal Nov 18 to Dec 04, 2009
- Register for Missions Conference
Missions Opportunities at www.GoAG.org
Experience the call, the mission, and the opportunity to serve. http://www.goag.org/ is the official placement service for Assemblies of God World Missions and they exist to serve you and your desire to live out the call of God on your life. http://www.goag.org/ is continuously adding new content weekly so visit them often for new missions opportunities and resources.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
2009 AG Missions Videos
Check out these Missions Videos from the Assembly of God World Missions Department
http://worldmissions.ag.org/videos/
http://worldmissions.ag.org/videos/
2009 Missions Conference is Coming Nov 14-16 !
We will be having our annual Missions Conference from November 14-16, 2009. Our theme this year is "Everyway". We're so excited to have special speakers such as:Rev Jack Hanes (ImagiNations Church, Australia)
Pas Art Sepulveda (Word of Life Church, Honolulu)
Pas Roger Huang (City Impact, San Francisco)
Rev Jeff Swaim (Convoy of Hope, USA)
Rolly Hurst (World Missionary to the Next Generation)
Pas Loren Carmichael (Hilo Hawaii)
Pas Terry Wong (Calvary AG, Honolulu)
Please pray that God would give us an urgency and burden for missions and supporting missionaries, and also that God would develop and continue to call short term and long term missionaries here at Calvary.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Welcome back World Summit Team !
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with all of us. I know God showed up in a huge way and I trust that you'll continue to allow Him to lead you to where He wants you to go and what He wants you to do.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Meals With A Missionary
Meal With A Missionary is a part of TWMS2 where we get to sit down with missionaries in the field, and have a meal with them and talk to them, ask them questions, and see what God is doing through them in the world.
The first video is of Bob and Jorel, who are missionaries in El Salvador.
The second video is of AJ and Jenny, who are working in Medical Evangelism.
The first video is of Bob and Jorel, who are missionaries in El Salvador.
The second video is of AJ and Jenny, who are working in Medical Evangelism.
The End?
By David Kau
It was sad today was the last day of the conference. God has enlightened me this week. I came to the conference believing my missions field was inner city America. However leaving the conference I am now not as sure.
Today started with a message from Scott Martin. His message was to not wait to do the great commission, just go. After the message he had ask all of us to sign mission pledges card. I did not sign the card, but I will go on a short term mission trip this summer. I could not sign the card because I am honest and I cannot promise I will go on a year long mission trip this year.
For lunch, we sat with a married couple who worked in the medical mission field. I totally did not get anything out of this meeting. However it was still interesting listening to their stories. I know donna, dustin, and kelley got a lot of this lunch meeting.
After lunch, I went to the Eurasia experience. Eurasia is a scary place, because of religious warfare in all of Eurasia. Islam, Hindu, and other religion battle it put in these lands and Christianity is totally unwanted. All of the countries in Eurasia are America haters like Afghanistan and Pakistan. I will pray for the missionaries working in this part of the world.
The next session I went to was the chi alpha. I will be completely honest, I only went to their presentation because I got a free shirt out of it. Chi alpha mission field is the college campus.
At dinner, we met a missionary from convoy of hope. I was really interested in what she had to say. I think it would be awesome if I helped people in need after a natural disaster like a earthquake. I would like to spread the gospel while giving the people in need food and water.
The final service had two very important speaker. The first was John Bueno who is a big time missionary from El Salvador. He has created the world largest christian school in the world. His message is never give up. His church was failing after nine years and he tried everything to grow his church, but nothing worked. He used acts chapter 1-9 to grow his church.
The last speaker was pastor Jules who is a missionary in Iraq. He had many horror stories about doing his mission work Iraq during Saddam reign if terror.
After the three day conference, my heart has changed. I still want to work with inner city youth, but I will apply to convoy of hope for a job. I want to help people in their time of need. I would like to encourage everyone to go in a mission. Let the holy spirit be your guild.
God bless you!
David
It was sad today was the last day of the conference. God has enlightened me this week. I came to the conference believing my missions field was inner city America. However leaving the conference I am now not as sure.
Today started with a message from Scott Martin. His message was to not wait to do the great commission, just go. After the message he had ask all of us to sign mission pledges card. I did not sign the card, but I will go on a short term mission trip this summer. I could not sign the card because I am honest and I cannot promise I will go on a year long mission trip this year.
For lunch, we sat with a married couple who worked in the medical mission field. I totally did not get anything out of this meeting. However it was still interesting listening to their stories. I know donna, dustin, and kelley got a lot of this lunch meeting.
After lunch, I went to the Eurasia experience. Eurasia is a scary place, because of religious warfare in all of Eurasia. Islam, Hindu, and other religion battle it put in these lands and Christianity is totally unwanted. All of the countries in Eurasia are America haters like Afghanistan and Pakistan. I will pray for the missionaries working in this part of the world.
The next session I went to was the chi alpha. I will be completely honest, I only went to their presentation because I got a free shirt out of it. Chi alpha mission field is the college campus.
At dinner, we met a missionary from convoy of hope. I was really interested in what she had to say. I think it would be awesome if I helped people in need after a natural disaster like a earthquake. I would like to spread the gospel while giving the people in need food and water.
The final service had two very important speaker. The first was John Bueno who is a big time missionary from El Salvador. He has created the world largest christian school in the world. His message is never give up. His church was failing after nine years and he tried everything to grow his church, but nothing worked. He used acts chapter 1-9 to grow his church.
The last speaker was pastor Jules who is a missionary in Iraq. He had many horror stories about doing his mission work Iraq during Saddam reign if terror.
After the three day conference, my heart has changed. I still want to work with inner city youth, but I will apply to convoy of hope for a job. I want to help people in their time of need. I would like to encourage everyone to go in a mission. Let the holy spirit be your guild.
God bless you!
David
Thursday, January 1, 2009
TWMS2 - Day 3
Wow, what an awesome last day of TWMS2 here in Cincinnati. God has definitely been speaking to me, and all of us. This is just a good reminder of all the different places that need God. So many are lost. So many are in need. So many do not know Jesus. It can be overwhelming to see so many ministries in need, not just for finances, but also for people to work the harvest fields.
One thing that really hit my spirit was mentioned that people do not need more entertainment. They have enough of that, especially people in America. What people really need is God's words and a touch from the Holy Spirit. People need relationships, and the most important relationship is that with Christ Jesus.
One of the guys that I was talking to is a Chi Alpha intern at one of the biggest campuses in Texas, and he mentioned that he gets asked what they do for their ministries. He answered that people expect to have big events, but much of their ministry is their small groups (cell groups). The key is to build relationships. That is what disciplining is. God was speaking to me on putting more emphasis on relational discipleship more.
God has called all to go to all the world and share His good news with those without. I believe this conference has really opened up my heart for the young people. I believe that is why I am doing ministry in Fusion Young Adults, because of His call. I also believe that God has put in my heart for more campus ministries, because he has shown me what young people can do, what this generation can do, before they start sitting in the "corporate, director, political" chair, and how they can be reached in a simple college chair.
God is still continuing to speak to me about missions. It is awesome that Calvary is a Missions church, because that truly is where the heart of God is. This conference is just the beginning. So much more us to come. Great things are to come. God is going to do miracles through His people, through this generation.
Now it is time for us to come back home, and trust me, we definitely know the importance of what missions is and how it is the heart of the Father to reach others. With us will come the passion for those who need Jesus. Although this missions conference has ended it is just the beginning for what God has in store for reaching the lost and missions.
-Alan-
One thing that really hit my spirit was mentioned that people do not need more entertainment. They have enough of that, especially people in America. What people really need is God's words and a touch from the Holy Spirit. People need relationships, and the most important relationship is that with Christ Jesus.
One of the guys that I was talking to is a Chi Alpha intern at one of the biggest campuses in Texas, and he mentioned that he gets asked what they do for their ministries. He answered that people expect to have big events, but much of their ministry is their small groups (cell groups). The key is to build relationships. That is what disciplining is. God was speaking to me on putting more emphasis on relational discipleship more.
God has called all to go to all the world and share His good news with those without. I believe this conference has really opened up my heart for the young people. I believe that is why I am doing ministry in Fusion Young Adults, because of His call. I also believe that God has put in my heart for more campus ministries, because he has shown me what young people can do, what this generation can do, before they start sitting in the "corporate, director, political" chair, and how they can be reached in a simple college chair.
God is still continuing to speak to me about missions. It is awesome that Calvary is a Missions church, because that truly is where the heart of God is. This conference is just the beginning. So much more us to come. Great things are to come. God is going to do miracles through His people, through this generation.
Now it is time for us to come back home, and trust me, we definitely know the importance of what missions is and how it is the heart of the Father to reach others. With us will come the passion for those who need Jesus. Although this missions conference has ended it is just the beginning for what God has in store for reaching the lost and missions.
-Alan-
Has Someone Failed God?
Today was the final day of the conference. As you can imagine, it was one to remember!
The day started with a challenge from the Conference Host Scott Martin. He challenged us to "give one year, and pray about a lifetime." Praise the Lord that 800 people responded!!! At the beginning of the conference it was prophesied that "it still remains to be seen if this generation will accomplish the job." THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING YES!!!
I want to show you a letter from Missionary David Plymire who labored in Tibet. This was written after his wife and two kids had passed away in the mountains of Tibet.
On January 29, I followed my two loved ones to this lonely spot on the Tibetan mountains. My dear wife and little boy were placed in one grave. Why these dear ones were called away I do not know. I do not question. They were so earnest in trying to evangelize this vast region. It is so very hard in the natural, now entirely alone. For several years we prayed for help. We begged someone to help my wife in the work and to be a companion while I was out among the Tibetans. But no one came. Has someone failed God?
That hit me. Who am I failing when I don't come? A missionary? A person who needs me? Have I failed God by not coming?! Have I failed God by not going?!
WOW!!!
Then tonight we had the pleasure of hearing from the only Pastor of an AG church in IRAQ!!! This man has been underground while Saddam was in power. But now he has finally established an "above ground" church of 700! Most of who are college aged.
Just amazing stories from an amazing man!
He challenged us to give up our ambition, money, and dreams for those of God! It takes Commitment, Crucifixion, Consecration!
One thing that I've been wrestling with daily is this: if the Bible is right and something must die before bringing forth life, like JESUS or a seed...then why is it that so many are unwilling to die? If dying meant life to the nations we died for...then why are so many unwilling to die?
WHY AM I NOT WILLING TO DIE....
TO DIE DAILY TO MY SINS AND VICES
TO DIE TO MY PRIDE
TO DIE TO MY MINISTRY
TO DIE TO MY DREAMS AND MY AMBITIONS....
I tell you what...
I should die..because it will bring LIFE
LIFE TO HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
LIFE TO GOD'S GLORY
LIFE TO GOD'S WORK
LIFE TO GOD'S DREAMS AND AMBITIONS!!!
THEREFORE...I CHOOSE TO DIE!!!
Thanks for reading =) See you soon!
Danford
The day started with a challenge from the Conference Host Scott Martin. He challenged us to "give one year, and pray about a lifetime." Praise the Lord that 800 people responded!!! At the beginning of the conference it was prophesied that "it still remains to be seen if this generation will accomplish the job." THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING YES!!!
I want to show you a letter from Missionary David Plymire who labored in Tibet. This was written after his wife and two kids had passed away in the mountains of Tibet.
On January 29, I followed my two loved ones to this lonely spot on the Tibetan mountains. My dear wife and little boy were placed in one grave. Why these dear ones were called away I do not know. I do not question. They were so earnest in trying to evangelize this vast region. It is so very hard in the natural, now entirely alone. For several years we prayed for help. We begged someone to help my wife in the work and to be a companion while I was out among the Tibetans. But no one came. Has someone failed God?
That hit me. Who am I failing when I don't come? A missionary? A person who needs me? Have I failed God by not coming?! Have I failed God by not going?!
WOW!!!
Then tonight we had the pleasure of hearing from the only Pastor of an AG church in IRAQ!!! This man has been underground while Saddam was in power. But now he has finally established an "above ground" church of 700! Most of who are college aged.
Just amazing stories from an amazing man!
He challenged us to give up our ambition, money, and dreams for those of God! It takes Commitment, Crucifixion, Consecration!
One thing that I've been wrestling with daily is this: if the Bible is right and something must die before bringing forth life, like JESUS or a seed...then why is it that so many are unwilling to die? If dying meant life to the nations we died for...then why are so many unwilling to die?
WHY AM I NOT WILLING TO DIE....
TO DIE DAILY TO MY SINS AND VICES
TO DIE TO MY PRIDE
TO DIE TO MY MINISTRY
TO DIE TO MY DREAMS AND MY AMBITIONS....
I tell you what...
I should die..because it will bring LIFE
LIFE TO HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
LIFE TO GOD'S GLORY
LIFE TO GOD'S WORK
LIFE TO GOD'S DREAMS AND AMBITIONS!!!
THEREFORE...I CHOOSE TO DIE!!!
Thanks for reading =) See you soon!
Danford
Into Glorious Light I'm Running
Although the conference is sadly ending, I thank God that in the end of the conference, a beginning of another one of His works will start in continuation as a result of the conference. God has officially sealed everything He spoke into my heart and transferred what His Spirit has been revealing to me from my head to my spirit. All I feel is glorious freedom. The title of my blog is what it is because that was the song we all danced to at the close of the conference in celebration of what God has done, and it's still running in my spirit.
Tonight's conference speaker was so good not because He gave cool points or because he was used of God to perform signs and wonders, but that his testimony was purely God. He is the pastor of New Life Church in Baghdad, Iraq! President Bush had to talk to the Cabin so that he could make it to our conference tonight. This man's life was clearly not his own, and it clearly belonged to God. He said that God told him not to preach, but to share his stories in Iraq, and his stories caused me to hunger and yearn for the living God. God showed us through his testimonies that God is doing an employment search for good soldiers that will give up their lives and not take it back as their own. He shared the COST-committments, of being a good soldier in this army. God said that there were no qualifications to join this army, but there are committments. These were: 1) Consecration 2) Committment, and 3) Crucifixion.
Again the Lord moved in a powerful way to speak into hearts how to be a servant of Jesus Christ. He explained that we are not the writers, producers or movie stars in the movie we're living in life. He is the writer, He is the producer, and He is the movie star!!! He said that if we truly desire that God be glorified, it is easy to believe in God's power to draw all men unto Him in amazing ways. If God already wants His name lifted high, and the vessel He is using wants the same thing, there is no hesitation on God's part to bring this to pass. The hesitation of God doing this is when we seek the glory, because God will not give His glory to anyone else's name. Amen.
There was another powerful altar time where I sought God's face and sealed even more His Word sown in me at this conference. A word of knowledge was given that we must know the authority of God if we want this generation to cross the Jordan, because without the authority of God, God's job won't be done.
All I can say is, I am committed to die. I am committed to not take my life back. I am committed to serve the commanding officer Jesus Christ in this army to accomplish a great mission in these last days. Tonight's speaker said that he believes this is the generation that will bring the great commission to a close; and if this is true, I must take good orders from my Heavenly Father and follow Him wholeheartedly and sacrificially (although there is no sacrifice compared to His sacrifice).
The conference ended greatly and I know God will contiue to do great things. While I was in the midst of worshipping God with many others at the altar and listening to two other leaders pray and encourage us and share God's words to us, God put into my heart a way that I need to step out in faith, God spoke to my heart to step out in faith about a certain thing, and when I stepped out in faith, He amazingly confirmed everything He is doing in my life and I am not afraid. I cannot wait to see the fruit of this conference in the many that were called, and am excited to see how God will glorify His name through our lives. Although the works of evil will greatly increase in these last days, I know then the works of God will equally increase, and more. I have faith.
Thank you Calvary for planting seeds of a missions heart in me while I was with you. As I return to my current missions field, I will seek God in leading me to light more torches! Amen.
Erin
Tonight's conference speaker was so good not because He gave cool points or because he was used of God to perform signs and wonders, but that his testimony was purely God. He is the pastor of New Life Church in Baghdad, Iraq! President Bush had to talk to the Cabin so that he could make it to our conference tonight. This man's life was clearly not his own, and it clearly belonged to God. He said that God told him not to preach, but to share his stories in Iraq, and his stories caused me to hunger and yearn for the living God. God showed us through his testimonies that God is doing an employment search for good soldiers that will give up their lives and not take it back as their own. He shared the COST-committments, of being a good soldier in this army. God said that there were no qualifications to join this army, but there are committments. These were: 1) Consecration 2) Committment, and 3) Crucifixion.
Again the Lord moved in a powerful way to speak into hearts how to be a servant of Jesus Christ. He explained that we are not the writers, producers or movie stars in the movie we're living in life. He is the writer, He is the producer, and He is the movie star!!! He said that if we truly desire that God be glorified, it is easy to believe in God's power to draw all men unto Him in amazing ways. If God already wants His name lifted high, and the vessel He is using wants the same thing, there is no hesitation on God's part to bring this to pass. The hesitation of God doing this is when we seek the glory, because God will not give His glory to anyone else's name. Amen.
There was another powerful altar time where I sought God's face and sealed even more His Word sown in me at this conference. A word of knowledge was given that we must know the authority of God if we want this generation to cross the Jordan, because without the authority of God, God's job won't be done.
All I can say is, I am committed to die. I am committed to not take my life back. I am committed to serve the commanding officer Jesus Christ in this army to accomplish a great mission in these last days. Tonight's speaker said that he believes this is the generation that will bring the great commission to a close; and if this is true, I must take good orders from my Heavenly Father and follow Him wholeheartedly and sacrificially (although there is no sacrifice compared to His sacrifice).
The conference ended greatly and I know God will contiue to do great things. While I was in the midst of worshipping God with many others at the altar and listening to two other leaders pray and encourage us and share God's words to us, God put into my heart a way that I need to step out in faith, God spoke to my heart to step out in faith about a certain thing, and when I stepped out in faith, He amazingly confirmed everything He is doing in my life and I am not afraid. I cannot wait to see the fruit of this conference in the many that were called, and am excited to see how God will glorify His name through our lives. Although the works of evil will greatly increase in these last days, I know then the works of God will equally increase, and more. I have faith.
Thank you Calvary for planting seeds of a missions heart in me while I was with you. As I return to my current missions field, I will seek God in leading me to light more torches! Amen.
Erin
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end
TWMS2 defintiely ended with a bang! Today was by far the most impacting on my life. One of the "Windows to the world" rooms that we visited was Northern Asia. They imitated people of different religions that are common in that area and spoke on the behalf of them in terms of how they think and practice their religions. Before this, I was ignorant of the degree at which these people practice their religions. They literally give up their lives to the gods that they worship and challenged the Christians. A man portarying a buddhist monk said something that really spoke to my heart.
"You Christians have it easy. You are not afraid of sin! You ask your god for forgiveness and you say he forgives, yet you continue to sin again and again. Us? We are afraid to sin because we know that the measure of sin that we do is the measure of sin that will be released back to us. That's what keeps us from sinning!"
Another man representing the Islamic people said this:
"I hear you Christians talk about your God but you only talk. I don't see the walk. We constantly proclaim that Allah is the only god. We pray 5 times a day. On the month of Ramadan, we pray and fast for the entire month! No water or food passes our lips. How many times do you pray and fast to your god? Are you bold enough to live the lifestyle so that you can reach me?"
These people who practice their religions don't just practice it for fun. They truly believe that their god is the real god and they work so hard to make sure they can find enlightenment or a place in heaven, whatever it is that they believe in. Not only that, but be cause we are Christians, our lives are looked at closely by those around us. We need to make sure we know the Word and our God. But in order to do that, we must first have a relationship with our living God!!
The evening service began a little rocky for me. During the service, I could hear the enemy pouring lies into my head. And the sad thing was that I was believing them. I was being told that I was no good, that I could never be a great missionary for God.. that I could never reach the lost the way God wants me to because I'm so imperfect and am a sinner. The enemy began to pour past sins that I had committed into my mind, which overwhelmed me and tore me apart. I felt so ashamed and I felt so unworthy to be at the conference. What can someone like me do for the Lord? But as the saints passed around the bread and wine for communion, I could feel the blood of Jesus cover me like I've never in my life felt before. Then God spoke and said, "I will remember your sins no more. And as far as the east is from the west, I will remember your transgressions no more." GOD IS SO GOOD. It's in the devil's nature to do what he did to me. The awesome thing about it is that the devil is so predictable. He uses the same tactics over and over again, and unfortunately they work sometimes. But God is awesome and always knows how to comfort.
I could keep going but I think I'll save it for when we return back to Calvary. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers! We love you guys and can't wait to get back home to the sun!
Kelley
"You Christians have it easy. You are not afraid of sin! You ask your god for forgiveness and you say he forgives, yet you continue to sin again and again. Us? We are afraid to sin because we know that the measure of sin that we do is the measure of sin that will be released back to us. That's what keeps us from sinning!"
Another man representing the Islamic people said this:
"I hear you Christians talk about your God but you only talk. I don't see the walk. We constantly proclaim that Allah is the only god. We pray 5 times a day. On the month of Ramadan, we pray and fast for the entire month! No water or food passes our lips. How many times do you pray and fast to your god? Are you bold enough to live the lifestyle so that you can reach me?"
These people who practice their religions don't just practice it for fun. They truly believe that their god is the real god and they work so hard to make sure they can find enlightenment or a place in heaven, whatever it is that they believe in. Not only that, but be cause we are Christians, our lives are looked at closely by those around us. We need to make sure we know the Word and our God. But in order to do that, we must first have a relationship with our living God!!
The evening service began a little rocky for me. During the service, I could hear the enemy pouring lies into my head. And the sad thing was that I was believing them. I was being told that I was no good, that I could never be a great missionary for God.. that I could never reach the lost the way God wants me to because I'm so imperfect and am a sinner. The enemy began to pour past sins that I had committed into my mind, which overwhelmed me and tore me apart. I felt so ashamed and I felt so unworthy to be at the conference. What can someone like me do for the Lord? But as the saints passed around the bread and wine for communion, I could feel the blood of Jesus cover me like I've never in my life felt before. Then God spoke and said, "I will remember your sins no more. And as far as the east is from the west, I will remember your transgressions no more." GOD IS SO GOOD. It's in the devil's nature to do what he did to me. The awesome thing about it is that the devil is so predictable. He uses the same tactics over and over again, and unfortunately they work sometimes. But God is awesome and always knows how to comfort.
I could keep going but I think I'll save it for when we return back to Calvary. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers! We love you guys and can't wait to get back home to the sun!
Kelley
LOVE is the universal language of missions
Words simply cannot express how God moved in my heart last night. I didn't post a blog last night because I was just too consumed in prayer and worship to Him. I almost couldn't believe it! The best part about my encounter with God last night was that it was not mental or emotional, but spiritual. It was from God's Spirit to mine, and it was very real. Learning to not find confirmation of God's presence and love by emotional experiences in our relationship with God has been difficult for me (but I know we all struggle with it), and tonight was the point in my process where I realized how real God can be spirit to spirit, and that God will surely hear those who cry out to Him with all of their hearts. I learned the meaning of sacrificing my flesh at the altar.
I totally didn't expect what I received from God last night. Throughout the day before the night message and altar call at the end, I just had a lot of fun meeting tons of new people from other churches. I even video recorded a testimony of an Indian girl that God touched and set free from Hinduism. I don't have her video uploaded yet, but I promise to post it so that you can hear her amazing testimony! In each session, I learned of the amazing things God is and is going to do in different missions regions of the world. The more I saw how hearts were touched for Jesus and being set free from a separation, a deeper longing and hunger stirred in my spirit to catch His heart that is on fire for us.
Meals with the missionaries were also FANTASTIC. It is so great to hear the hearts of those who are on the missions field (both domestically and abroad) and especially the fruit of their labor, the testimonies. One answer to a question of mine that particularly struck me was from a Chi Alpha campus leader at Stanford University. I asked him the question, "So what is it like witnessing to Stanford University students?"Because in my mind, I thought it might be a tougher campus missons field than others. However, the campus leader's answer was this: "It's a lot more normal than you'd think. They get saved the same way everyone else gets saved, by love." Hence, the title of my blog. I'm learning a lot about how GOD sees His Kingdom vs. how man sees His Kingdom. Many times, we try to build God's Kingdom as we perceive it to be rather than asking God what it truly is. I realized that for the expansion of the Kingdom of God, monetary offerings are not needed. All that is needed for the expansion of His Kingdom is the power of the Holy Spirit working through individual lives in unity with the Spirit. Another thought that God put into my heart was that it's not about giving more money to missions, but to give more of MYSELF TO MISSIONS. By faith, I know and believe that God wants me to give more of myself to missions in a specific way. The way I believe He wants me to give more to missions is by sacrificing my flesh at the altar so that the HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF, and not I, may intercede through me. I am going to seek out the gift of intercessory prayer so that labor pains may come and give birth to NATIONS. I want to give more of myself to missions by dedicating myself as a vessel for the Holy Spirit to use for intercession. I believe that intercessory prayer is the reproductive organ of His Body and it is very vital to God. I want to know God's heart and be right there with Him in His concerns for His people and in His desires for the multitues of lost souls.
So to the best part of last night, the altar call. The message spoke to me so deeply and rekindled something God had birthed in my heart since I got saved. The speaker was a missionary from Sudan, and what God spoke through him was that our fears are the enemy of our faith. He posed the question, "What would you do for God if you were not afraid?" The Holy Spirit shined His light on my fears that were keeping lost ones from coming to KNOW HIM. I realized--I AM CALLED AND I AM CHOSEN. It's about Him and it's "up to me". Another point that the speaker said was that there perhaps was not enough bloody seed being sown to bear fruit. For we have forgotten that a seed must die in order to bear fruit. GOD IS MY WITNESS- I told Him this all night, "FATHER, I would rather be a martyr that a 'famous Christian'". I saw the need in my heart to die to myself. I thank God that He gave us an opportunity to seek Him at the end, which I did not hesitate to take heed to. I walked straight up to that altar and laid right on my face and prayed in the spirit UNTIL I WAS BROKEN. I was desperate to die, and would not allow myself to leave until I died. The Holy Spirit began to break me and I cried out so hard, "Father, GIVE ME THE HEART OF A SERVANT. GIVE ME THE HEART OF YOUR SON JESUS. I DON'T KNOW YOU." In my struggle I kept praying in tongues seeking that God's Spirit would dominate my flesh. God's love is so great, I love Him so much, I thank God for the Truth of His word that He does not condemn me. After some time at the altar as everyone was seeking God just as desperately as I, I saw a girl sitting next to me in tears as well. A complete stranger, but I asked her to pray with me together until we died and she had the same hunger and desire to not leave until she was dead (spiritually). We did and I thank God that I found someone to cry out to Him with. I felt so free in His glorious freedom and so free in His Spirit. At about 1am, her and I went to the 24 hour prayer room and just prayed and sought God's face with others there. She left after a few hours. I can't believe I prayed from 1am to 5am just rawly worshipping God, crying, dancing and singing to Him. There was a song they played "Set us free, I will sing until I'm free, I will dance until the voices go away, until the break of dawn". It was like it wasn't even me praying but the Holy Spirit through me so that I can serve Him better.
The most beautiful thing God told me last night was that He delighted in my desire. He told me that He was enthralled, and that is what I'm seeking after. I DON'T WANT TO BE GREATER THAN JESUS. JESUS WAS A SERVANT, AND THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO BE. I WANT TO BE HONORED AS HE WAS HONORED, and He was not honored by the praises of men. He was honored in His sacrifices.
I left with such a freedom and seal in it. My heart's desire is to know Him and be a sacrifice at the altar that continually burns.
Praise God for His goodness, and I can't wait until I find more of His heart.
Erin
I totally didn't expect what I received from God last night. Throughout the day before the night message and altar call at the end, I just had a lot of fun meeting tons of new people from other churches. I even video recorded a testimony of an Indian girl that God touched and set free from Hinduism. I don't have her video uploaded yet, but I promise to post it so that you can hear her amazing testimony! In each session, I learned of the amazing things God is and is going to do in different missions regions of the world. The more I saw how hearts were touched for Jesus and being set free from a separation, a deeper longing and hunger stirred in my spirit to catch His heart that is on fire for us.
Meals with the missionaries were also FANTASTIC. It is so great to hear the hearts of those who are on the missions field (both domestically and abroad) and especially the fruit of their labor, the testimonies. One answer to a question of mine that particularly struck me was from a Chi Alpha campus leader at Stanford University. I asked him the question, "So what is it like witnessing to Stanford University students?"Because in my mind, I thought it might be a tougher campus missons field than others. However, the campus leader's answer was this: "It's a lot more normal than you'd think. They get saved the same way everyone else gets saved, by love." Hence, the title of my blog. I'm learning a lot about how GOD sees His Kingdom vs. how man sees His Kingdom. Many times, we try to build God's Kingdom as we perceive it to be rather than asking God what it truly is. I realized that for the expansion of the Kingdom of God, monetary offerings are not needed. All that is needed for the expansion of His Kingdom is the power of the Holy Spirit working through individual lives in unity with the Spirit. Another thought that God put into my heart was that it's not about giving more money to missions, but to give more of MYSELF TO MISSIONS. By faith, I know and believe that God wants me to give more of myself to missions in a specific way. The way I believe He wants me to give more to missions is by sacrificing my flesh at the altar so that the HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF, and not I, may intercede through me. I am going to seek out the gift of intercessory prayer so that labor pains may come and give birth to NATIONS. I want to give more of myself to missions by dedicating myself as a vessel for the Holy Spirit to use for intercession. I believe that intercessory prayer is the reproductive organ of His Body and it is very vital to God. I want to know God's heart and be right there with Him in His concerns for His people and in His desires for the multitues of lost souls.
So to the best part of last night, the altar call. The message spoke to me so deeply and rekindled something God had birthed in my heart since I got saved. The speaker was a missionary from Sudan, and what God spoke through him was that our fears are the enemy of our faith. He posed the question, "What would you do for God if you were not afraid?" The Holy Spirit shined His light on my fears that were keeping lost ones from coming to KNOW HIM. I realized--I AM CALLED AND I AM CHOSEN. It's about Him and it's "up to me". Another point that the speaker said was that there perhaps was not enough bloody seed being sown to bear fruit. For we have forgotten that a seed must die in order to bear fruit. GOD IS MY WITNESS- I told Him this all night, "FATHER, I would rather be a martyr that a 'famous Christian'". I saw the need in my heart to die to myself. I thank God that He gave us an opportunity to seek Him at the end, which I did not hesitate to take heed to. I walked straight up to that altar and laid right on my face and prayed in the spirit UNTIL I WAS BROKEN. I was desperate to die, and would not allow myself to leave until I died. The Holy Spirit began to break me and I cried out so hard, "Father, GIVE ME THE HEART OF A SERVANT. GIVE ME THE HEART OF YOUR SON JESUS. I DON'T KNOW YOU." In my struggle I kept praying in tongues seeking that God's Spirit would dominate my flesh. God's love is so great, I love Him so much, I thank God for the Truth of His word that He does not condemn me. After some time at the altar as everyone was seeking God just as desperately as I, I saw a girl sitting next to me in tears as well. A complete stranger, but I asked her to pray with me together until we died and she had the same hunger and desire to not leave until she was dead (spiritually). We did and I thank God that I found someone to cry out to Him with. I felt so free in His glorious freedom and so free in His Spirit. At about 1am, her and I went to the 24 hour prayer room and just prayed and sought God's face with others there. She left after a few hours. I can't believe I prayed from 1am to 5am just rawly worshipping God, crying, dancing and singing to Him. There was a song they played "Set us free, I will sing until I'm free, I will dance until the voices go away, until the break of dawn". It was like it wasn't even me praying but the Holy Spirit through me so that I can serve Him better.
The most beautiful thing God told me last night was that He delighted in my desire. He told me that He was enthralled, and that is what I'm seeking after. I DON'T WANT TO BE GREATER THAN JESUS. JESUS WAS A SERVANT, AND THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO BE. I WANT TO BE HONORED AS HE WAS HONORED, and He was not honored by the praises of men. He was honored in His sacrifices.
I left with such a freedom and seal in it. My heart's desire is to know Him and be a sacrifice at the altar that continually burns.
Praise God for His goodness, and I can't wait until I find more of His heart.
Erin
Don't wait for the "call"..
So you're probably thinking in your head "GASP.. don't wait for the call? What is this girl talking about?"
Well I still remember the time that Ps. Greg Wendschlag spoke in our youth service in 2008. Ps. Greg talked about becoming a mature Christian.. meaning that we didn't have to always "wait" for God to tell us to do something. Mature Christians should already be able to make certain choices on their own. However, I'm not saying that they shouldn't take into account what God has to say. Rather, mature Christians should already be in full connection with God, and they should already know what would please and honor God and what would not.
So what does this have to do with the World Missions Summit? Well, before a missions trip comes along, we always say, "I'll pray and ask God whether I should go to this missions trip or not." There isn't anything wrong with asking God for guidance, but if there is a need in a country with people who are hurting and crying, do we really have to "wait"? We must act simply because there is a need out there in the world. A need for a loving God who extends His mercy and grace on His children through the salvation given through His Son who sacrificed His everything. There isn't enough time for us to be "waiting" for an answer because there are thousands/millions of lives that pass away without hearing the name of Jesus Christ. The cry for help should already stir up the compassion and burden for the loss. God acts when His children cry for help. Shouldn't we?
Well I still remember the time that Ps. Greg Wendschlag spoke in our youth service in 2008. Ps. Greg talked about becoming a mature Christian.. meaning that we didn't have to always "wait" for God to tell us to do something. Mature Christians should already be able to make certain choices on their own. However, I'm not saying that they shouldn't take into account what God has to say. Rather, mature Christians should already be in full connection with God, and they should already know what would please and honor God and what would not.
So what does this have to do with the World Missions Summit? Well, before a missions trip comes along, we always say, "I'll pray and ask God whether I should go to this missions trip or not." There isn't anything wrong with asking God for guidance, but if there is a need in a country with people who are hurting and crying, do we really have to "wait"? We must act simply because there is a need out there in the world. A need for a loving God who extends His mercy and grace on His children through the salvation given through His Son who sacrificed His everything. There isn't enough time for us to be "waiting" for an answer because there are thousands/millions of lives that pass away without hearing the name of Jesus Christ. The cry for help should already stir up the compassion and burden for the loss. God acts when His children cry for help. Shouldn't we?
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