Hey Guys,
This week hasnt been the most exciting on base but still really good. I found myself sleeping a LOT during the evenings and on Friday even though I had the rest I had a MASSIVE headache from the moment I woke til I went to bed. I was prayed over many times but it didnt seem to make it fade for more than a few mins at a time. But the group was getting behind it so unity is hitting and at a rapid rate.
Today Im headed out to Nashville with friends not from the base. Im very excited about that. To see some home friends.
But lets go back throughout the week. It was a very connecting week with my class. We shared our testimonies, and not one of us wasnt real. I feel really good about it because we were all kinda not the most excited about doing it. I feel theres a strong sense of the human nature of well, I only wanna give whats given. Which I totally understand but am praying against. A few weeks ago a friend who was living here said that the word they kept getting for us was "determined". After hearing the testimonies I have to say, I know why.Gods so good!
Ive started to find my way opening and being real with certain people. And can honestly say I have some of the most amazing new friends in life. Im SO stoked that I have SO much more time to get to know them and love on them. Not just the 10 days that Im used to in missions.
Im basically loving every aspect of it except being forced to ALWAYS share my feelings or thoughts on things. Honestly, even when I dont have anything Im being pushed to share. Im super frustrated with that but God will work me through it. Ive been staying in touch with some of my friends from home and theyve been amazing support and help!
Peter Iilyn spoke this week on Repentence. Well, to be honest it was a LOT of stories and I had to search to see the connection to the word. But in the end I found myself humbled and realizing I dont need to put any effort into having God love me but that he does without effort. Not only that but the realization that I too can hurt God was mind blowing. Like our sins against him hurt him. Yes, he forgives, but he hurts too. Ive never seen it in that light before.... makes me have a new loving for him. I summed it up like this... we know he bore the nails for our sins.... and the nails friggin' HURT... why wouldnt our other sins? Kinda knocked me in the gut. But Im so thankful. Peter talked a lot about accepting Gods love and trusting in his voice and will. Some of the stories have me blown away and I hope I can share some of them to the amazingness he had. I bought his book on his fathers story which some of you Ill let you borrow when I come home. Its worth the read!!! :)
Its hard for me to decide what is import in these updates and whats me just being stupid and rambling about. So if theres anything ya'll wanna know more about please lemme know. I'd love to share.
All I can really say is that Im incredibly thankful and blessed! Ill be sending out some newsletters as well, so if youd like one please send me your email or mailing address and Id love to share some of that with you as well!! Im trying HARD to share some pics on here but how I did it before isnt being allowed.
Pray for Tex he has the massive headache I had last night. :) Thanks ya'll :)
Love, Krista June
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Walking with the Lord in DTS
Hey Friends,
Wow, so I apologize from the depths of my heart, not answering you ya'll on fb. The biggest question asked so far is how am I? Well folks, Im STOKED to announce Im SUPER!!! God loves me!! Life here is WONDERFUL! EXHAUSTING but WONDERFUL! I feel Gods called me to be in missions for awhile and that this is just the start. Im thrilled. I was praying today as Bob and Kathy Walker were sharing their testimonies and whelp, I truly feel Im called to the field. How that looks after the Dts Idk, but its in his hands.
This week we heard on relationships from Dean Sherman, and let me tell you... MIND BLOWING! and HILARIOUS! BABY ON THE FLOOR! PLEASE go and check him out! Ive never heard such GREAT talk before in my life in regards to relationships! TRULY makes a difference. We, as a class, have been immatating him all week! lol Youtube him... so funny. Other than that the weeks here have been pretty much filled with laughter, studying, and praying. I can honestly say something that shocked me since being here is how much "Praying" is listed on our "MUST DO" list. Im NOT complaining I LOVE it!!!
The leaders here are wonderful! I was struggling a little at first with trusting everyone, Im not gonna lie. The spirit said to and the flesh said "you know what you know from yourself." and well, I lost in every sense. BUT BUT! Ive caved and have allowed truth to win. So to my knees I fell and we're good now. lol. Ok, so real moment, I literally looked at myself in the mirror last night and asked myself "Who is that person!? Thats NOT Krista June!" and so I fell and gave it all back up and well... in the words of Anna, Freedom. Lol So to say everythings been hunky dory would be a lie. Ive struggled a little with old ways but Im proud to say only in the smallest of ways and only really affected one small group session. But Satan no longer resides here with me. So PTL! :) He is victorious!
My friends here are amazing! We all have a heart for the lord and worship. Im stoked about it. We all came in with simlar goals and we WILL accomplish them. The word that the staff kept getting for us.. before meeting us was "Determined"... when asked to define what that meant it was answered "In every way they will be determined". Which to this point has been very true! We are! but we are EXTREMELY Loving! Im learning so much from each person. Celia- how to have fun and simply laugh to laugh. <--- biggest prayer being answered there for me. Sam (AKA TEX)- how to serve without regret and forgive without records. Sam (London)--- willingness to change for the lord not only impacts oneself but those witnessing it. Beautiful. And Matthew, the comfort zones are just our IDEA of saftey and God intends on wrecking that idea. Also that worship is from the heart nothing else. Im mind boggled by these "mates" of mine. I can sincerely say Ive got EACH ONE OF THEIR BACKS NO MATTER WHAT! Id defend each one as if they were blood. I agree with Tex when he said, "Im most blown away that its only been 2 wks and already we're this close. Like how do we all just get along?" This isnt to say everything has been always smooth. But we're human but the fact that we ALL submit ourselves to humilty and try and help and love on one another and our hearts are PURE and loving changes that fleshlyness to "Lord help us, we need you." We ALL have that heart. And we all wanna serve one another. This is what I Feel at least. Im completely mind blown by these friends.
I suppose I should tell ya'll kinda what our days typically look like. We wake at 7am... probably should be 645 but Celia and I are alike... up late and snooze button it in the morning. lol. 730 alone time with God. 830 depending on the day, either worship, worship AND intercession, or just intercession. 930 class until 1220. Unless Wed. on Wed Celia, London and myself watch the children that live here while their parents are at a staff meeting (Tex and Matt cook lunch with Maddy), lunch and work duty (cleaning kitchen) is basically until 3-330 then depending on the day, back to class, small group, outreach prep, or group reading (which is reading a chapter on the new testiment outloud together).... Fridays are a little different because at 3pm we instead do evangalism training and then we put what we learned into action... but monday- thurs at 530ish we eat and the for the most part we are free for the night... this usually results in playing cards til 11pm. We all love cards and games so its fun. We laugh A LOT! Which is SO GOOD for my soul!
Both wks so far Ive been completely rocked by the speakers. Im not a very good student but Ive taken and had great notes daily and TRULY am interested in it all. I cant believe how much Ive already learned and retained. Im super excited for the reminding time and nervous about whats to come after cause I only have this planned and then Im back running on faith lol. But I can honestly say Im excited for where the roads leading.
I feel like I should do a character outline for each person Ive met and know but I feel thatll hafta wait until tomorrow or another time if I indeed am convicted.
Holy spirit lead us!!
Right now Im asking for prayers for discernment. If anyone needs prayers pls seek me out Id love to. To those whove already, I have been and will continue to! I love you guys!!
Kris
Wow, so I apologize from the depths of my heart, not answering you ya'll on fb. The biggest question asked so far is how am I? Well folks, Im STOKED to announce Im SUPER!!! God loves me!! Life here is WONDERFUL! EXHAUSTING but WONDERFUL! I feel Gods called me to be in missions for awhile and that this is just the start. Im thrilled. I was praying today as Bob and Kathy Walker were sharing their testimonies and whelp, I truly feel Im called to the field. How that looks after the Dts Idk, but its in his hands.
This week we heard on relationships from Dean Sherman, and let me tell you... MIND BLOWING! and HILARIOUS! BABY ON THE FLOOR! PLEASE go and check him out! Ive never heard such GREAT talk before in my life in regards to relationships! TRULY makes a difference. We, as a class, have been immatating him all week! lol Youtube him... so funny. Other than that the weeks here have been pretty much filled with laughter, studying, and praying. I can honestly say something that shocked me since being here is how much "Praying" is listed on our "MUST DO" list. Im NOT complaining I LOVE it!!!
The leaders here are wonderful! I was struggling a little at first with trusting everyone, Im not gonna lie. The spirit said to and the flesh said "you know what you know from yourself." and well, I lost in every sense. BUT BUT! Ive caved and have allowed truth to win. So to my knees I fell and we're good now. lol. Ok, so real moment, I literally looked at myself in the mirror last night and asked myself "Who is that person!? Thats NOT Krista June!" and so I fell and gave it all back up and well... in the words of Anna, Freedom. Lol So to say everythings been hunky dory would be a lie. Ive struggled a little with old ways but Im proud to say only in the smallest of ways and only really affected one small group session. But Satan no longer resides here with me. So PTL! :) He is victorious!
My friends here are amazing! We all have a heart for the lord and worship. Im stoked about it. We all came in with simlar goals and we WILL accomplish them. The word that the staff kept getting for us.. before meeting us was "Determined"... when asked to define what that meant it was answered "In every way they will be determined". Which to this point has been very true! We are! but we are EXTREMELY Loving! Im learning so much from each person. Celia- how to have fun and simply laugh to laugh. <--- biggest prayer being answered there for me. Sam (AKA TEX)- how to serve without regret and forgive without records. Sam (London)--- willingness to change for the lord not only impacts oneself but those witnessing it. Beautiful. And Matthew, the comfort zones are just our IDEA of saftey and God intends on wrecking that idea. Also that worship is from the heart nothing else. Im mind boggled by these "mates" of mine. I can sincerely say Ive got EACH ONE OF THEIR BACKS NO MATTER WHAT! Id defend each one as if they were blood. I agree with Tex when he said, "Im most blown away that its only been 2 wks and already we're this close. Like how do we all just get along?" This isnt to say everything has been always smooth. But we're human but the fact that we ALL submit ourselves to humilty and try and help and love on one another and our hearts are PURE and loving changes that fleshlyness to "Lord help us, we need you." We ALL have that heart. And we all wanna serve one another. This is what I Feel at least. Im completely mind blown by these friends.
I suppose I should tell ya'll kinda what our days typically look like. We wake at 7am... probably should be 645 but Celia and I are alike... up late and snooze button it in the morning. lol. 730 alone time with God. 830 depending on the day, either worship, worship AND intercession, or just intercession. 930 class until 1220. Unless Wed. on Wed Celia, London and myself watch the children that live here while their parents are at a staff meeting (Tex and Matt cook lunch with Maddy), lunch and work duty (cleaning kitchen) is basically until 3-330 then depending on the day, back to class, small group, outreach prep, or group reading (which is reading a chapter on the new testiment outloud together).... Fridays are a little different because at 3pm we instead do evangalism training and then we put what we learned into action... but monday- thurs at 530ish we eat and the for the most part we are free for the night... this usually results in playing cards til 11pm. We all love cards and games so its fun. We laugh A LOT! Which is SO GOOD for my soul!
Both wks so far Ive been completely rocked by the speakers. Im not a very good student but Ive taken and had great notes daily and TRULY am interested in it all. I cant believe how much Ive already learned and retained. Im super excited for the reminding time and nervous about whats to come after cause I only have this planned and then Im back running on faith lol. But I can honestly say Im excited for where the roads leading.
I feel like I should do a character outline for each person Ive met and know but I feel thatll hafta wait until tomorrow or another time if I indeed am convicted.
Holy spirit lead us!!
Kris
I tried to add pics but youll hafta look at FB for those... sorry :( God bless
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The First Days
Hey Guys,
Sorry its taken me a bit to get my stuff in order. Im officially at YWAM and enjoying every moment of it. Im currently in a "Must be alone" state so forgive me if its brief. Im VERY interaverted as many of you know and unless Ive been sleeping Ive been with ppl. And even then... Celia is just 4 ft away. lol. The good news: Celia and I are the only girls. So that means that the room is clean and that I can escape into my room for short times to collect myself.
So Erin and Whitney (my dts leader) picked me up on Saturday and things started instantly. I never thought I could be asked and ask "Where are you from" so much in such a short time. Im loving it. We have 2 from NH... Celia and I. 1 from London, England, 1 Texan and one Wisconsin. Its a complete and total blessing. Im not sure I coulda asked for a better group. Small but good.
Campus life is a little what I expected and nothing of what i did all at once. I both love and hate having someone to talk to all the time. lol... that interavert thing can be a killer at times. But we're basically go go go from 630am-7pm. Its nice to be doing so much and being around so many ppl in love for the Lord.
I think I surpise some ppl so far. The older staff members. Ive spoken with most of them and when it includes times like intercession I seem to take them off guard. I feel in a good way though. One thing Danielle, Brandon and myself spoke about the night before leaving was just being myself. Plain and simple. Ive taken time to remind myself daily that I am who Gods made me to be and be confident in that. Dont change the way I talk or the words I use because others may not understand. But take hold of how he's made me and push forth.
Ive also asked God to reveal to me how he sees the ppl around me and let that take place of the possible first impressions I may have concluded to. And to be completely real... Ive been mind blown like never before. Its the most incredible way to view ppl Ive found.
The biggest thing Ive learned thus far is to trust in myself within the Holy Spirit. As Kathy said on NYE night "you know what youre doing. Youre equipped. Force nothing and listen to him." Ive found myself reminding myself of this often and being blessed just as much so. Ive had to oppertunity to pray over another DTS team... well.. a couple students Id literally met that morning. I gave word and they receieved it without question. I think they too were a littel shocked that someone on their first day of classes would act so "boldly". But not in a bad way. I spoke with them for about an hr ...maybe 2 after and cherish their hearts. Theyre in Cambodia currently. (left that night)
So we are headed to Africa. Though unsure which country we know its touching Lake Victoria. I feel the Lord is saying Kenya. But we'll wait, pray and discover.
So friends, life is really good. Im sorry this is so brief. I know I keep saying Ill update later because Im too tired or too something... but this is really the best I can provide right now. Im SOOO blessed and dont worry... Ill give anyone who wants it a chance to see the entire journey through my eyes when I return home. It may be later than hoped but it will be an option.
Much Love and thanks for all the support,
Krista June
Sorry its taken me a bit to get my stuff in order. Im officially at YWAM and enjoying every moment of it. Im currently in a "Must be alone" state so forgive me if its brief. Im VERY interaverted as many of you know and unless Ive been sleeping Ive been with ppl. And even then... Celia is just 4 ft away. lol. The good news: Celia and I are the only girls. So that means that the room is clean and that I can escape into my room for short times to collect myself.
So Erin and Whitney (my dts leader) picked me up on Saturday and things started instantly. I never thought I could be asked and ask "Where are you from" so much in such a short time. Im loving it. We have 2 from NH... Celia and I. 1 from London, England, 1 Texan and one Wisconsin. Its a complete and total blessing. Im not sure I coulda asked for a better group. Small but good.
Campus life is a little what I expected and nothing of what i did all at once. I both love and hate having someone to talk to all the time. lol... that interavert thing can be a killer at times. But we're basically go go go from 630am-7pm. Its nice to be doing so much and being around so many ppl in love for the Lord.
I think I surpise some ppl so far. The older staff members. Ive spoken with most of them and when it includes times like intercession I seem to take them off guard. I feel in a good way though. One thing Danielle, Brandon and myself spoke about the night before leaving was just being myself. Plain and simple. Ive taken time to remind myself daily that I am who Gods made me to be and be confident in that. Dont change the way I talk or the words I use because others may not understand. But take hold of how he's made me and push forth.
Ive also asked God to reveal to me how he sees the ppl around me and let that take place of the possible first impressions I may have concluded to. And to be completely real... Ive been mind blown like never before. Its the most incredible way to view ppl Ive found.
The biggest thing Ive learned thus far is to trust in myself within the Holy Spirit. As Kathy said on NYE night "you know what youre doing. Youre equipped. Force nothing and listen to him." Ive found myself reminding myself of this often and being blessed just as much so. Ive had to oppertunity to pray over another DTS team... well.. a couple students Id literally met that morning. I gave word and they receieved it without question. I think they too were a littel shocked that someone on their first day of classes would act so "boldly". But not in a bad way. I spoke with them for about an hr ...maybe 2 after and cherish their hearts. Theyre in Cambodia currently. (left that night)
So we are headed to Africa. Though unsure which country we know its touching Lake Victoria. I feel the Lord is saying Kenya. But we'll wait, pray and discover.
So friends, life is really good. Im sorry this is so brief. I know I keep saying Ill update later because Im too tired or too something... but this is really the best I can provide right now. Im SOOO blessed and dont worry... Ill give anyone who wants it a chance to see the entire journey through my eyes when I return home. It may be later than hoped but it will be an option.
Much Love and thanks for all the support,
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Kat walk (<--See what I did there? :))
Wow, another wonderful day with the Lord and his beautiful daughters. I cant say I know what its like to be a man. But I can say that I highly doubt they enjoy the small things like this woman does! :) I thoroughly enjoy being with Gods daughters. Im blessed everytime. Im not saying I dont love you Brothers, I do, 100%, but theres something about not having to have your guard up (For Godly reasons) that make it sweet. Im sure you fellas feel the same way about hanging with the Dudes. Just saying. :)
Anyway, Kathleen had msged me on FB on Sunday about heading out do street walking. She had said that she was talking to a friend about witnessing and I came to mind. Which is totally an answer to prayer bc Id asked God to let ppl know that I love street walking. So I agreed and said Id love to. I knew during the day I was headed to Danielle's to practice a song that we'll hopefully be playing on sunday. So that itd have to be the evening.
Im convinced God is always using every min of every day to teach us for the next. I say this bc as I walked into Danielle's house fear had me nearly paralyzed. "What are you doing here! Turn around, tell her you got lost, anything." (I want to note that I drive by her house nearly once a wk, though I didnt know exactly where it was I knew its where abouts within 100ft... so "lost" was a BAD lie. lol) I knock on the door and again ask the lord, "Really?! Can we just drink coffee and talk? I dont wanna do this!" We talk a little bit and then get to business. I tune my guitar and now the dreaded start has to be. As I told Danielle, the level of talent I have in vocal range is just above a dying baby bird, aka I SUCK! I finish the song and hope she retained it all. I know its VERY unlikely, but Gods done bigger things so why not? She informs me, nope, lets go again. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" was my exact thought. Before I start the second time I remind myself to not make it a big deal. If I just do it like shes not there than itll sound better than if I try and make it better. "Youve already told her you suck. You already are humble about it. Shes not expecting anything good. Just get it out."..... ...... now we're on the 3rd time and I find Im not fearing anymore. What? Hows that Lord? "Child, Im here. its fine." Thats when I realized I wasnt afraid and though I sucked I just had to go for it. And thats what God wants, even if its not played... he always wants us to just Go For it. Trust him.
I shared that to share this. I hadnt realized what it felt like to be afraid and still do something before this song. I mean yea, Ive done things, but not COMPLETELY when in fear. So when Kat txted me and said yea lets meet up at 6 to do the street walking I was totally for it. After all this was WAY more in my comfort zone than the singing. And I felt like he was allowing me back within my box, not knowing that he really wasnt. lol.
We got to Fitchberg and I find fear coming back into me. My mom was VERY scared of fitchberg. She preached to me all the time about not going there. Never alone. Always with a man. She was terrified of it. And so naturally Ive had a little fear whenever there. And here Kat and I are ready and willing to walk the streets, wherever they lead... (shes spinning in her grave at this point.) We walk the man rd for a bit, speak friendly to one woman, but Im just not good at keeping a convo up to bring Jesus into it. And so we bid fair well. Kat and I keep talking and I felt like we should walk down this rd that was darker. I told her that and that it looked dark and kinda scary. She agreed. Thats when I felt the fear.. and God. I said, "Lord, I wanna but, I dont feel its safe." he said, "Trust me. Ill keep you safe. I promise." Im still not sure and kinda hoping Kat says, "Nah, my spirits not right with it." But she doesnt. I hear again, "Trust me. If I kept Daniel safe I will you. dont fret. I WILL keep you safe." I told him with the most sincere heart, "Lord, I want to. Move my feet." I heard, "Be as fearless as you were earlier, with Danielle." And suddenly we were walking down the now darker street and heard, "This was a test. You wont find anyone on this street. But you will find where youre meant to go." So Kat and I kept walking and talking. We then start going down another road to an ATM and right before I saw it I had a quick vision of like toll booth like set up n the person either in the car or booth needing prayer and to be spoken to. I tell Kat this and ask if she knows what it means. She says, "well if this car comes around to the atm I do." And sure enough the car pulls around to it. Looking like stalkers and possibly theives the car doesnt roll down the windows and watches us. We stand and pray. "Intercession is really good too" Says Kat. #agreed. Knowing we're scaring the car we keep walking.
Finding few people but buildings to pray over. Both old folks homes. Which speaks volumes because on the way down Kat had been saying she feels kinda lead to the elderly. So awesome.
At the second home we were outside and it was like a short street almost. Straight and just yea, Idk, perfect. And as Kat was praying I didnt see, but FELT, there were angels literally all lined up and down the street standing together. It was AWESOME! Unexplainable. But awesome! I felt God say, "Theyre in my care." which was great. I know without doubt he was in that place. And was gonna answer our prayers. PTL!
Im finding that the Lord is teaching me that sometimes our EFFORTS alone pls him. Not the results or the numbers of conversions, just that we are willing and WANTING to go out for him is pleasing. I learned a lot about trusting and breaking the bonds of fear today. Im so lucky! He gave me great fellowship and MANY laughs!
Thank you Danielle and Kathleen for being there for God to use you in my life! So BLESSED!
Love,
Kris
Anyway, Kathleen had msged me on FB on Sunday about heading out do street walking. She had said that she was talking to a friend about witnessing and I came to mind. Which is totally an answer to prayer bc Id asked God to let ppl know that I love street walking. So I agreed and said Id love to. I knew during the day I was headed to Danielle's to practice a song that we'll hopefully be playing on sunday. So that itd have to be the evening.
Im convinced God is always using every min of every day to teach us for the next. I say this bc as I walked into Danielle's house fear had me nearly paralyzed. "What are you doing here! Turn around, tell her you got lost, anything." (I want to note that I drive by her house nearly once a wk, though I didnt know exactly where it was I knew its where abouts within 100ft... so "lost" was a BAD lie. lol) I knock on the door and again ask the lord, "Really?! Can we just drink coffee and talk? I dont wanna do this!" We talk a little bit and then get to business. I tune my guitar and now the dreaded start has to be. As I told Danielle, the level of talent I have in vocal range is just above a dying baby bird, aka I SUCK! I finish the song and hope she retained it all. I know its VERY unlikely, but Gods done bigger things so why not? She informs me, nope, lets go again. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" was my exact thought. Before I start the second time I remind myself to not make it a big deal. If I just do it like shes not there than itll sound better than if I try and make it better. "Youve already told her you suck. You already are humble about it. Shes not expecting anything good. Just get it out."..... ...... now we're on the 3rd time and I find Im not fearing anymore. What? Hows that Lord? "Child, Im here. its fine." Thats when I realized I wasnt afraid and though I sucked I just had to go for it. And thats what God wants, even if its not played... he always wants us to just Go For it. Trust him.
I shared that to share this. I hadnt realized what it felt like to be afraid and still do something before this song. I mean yea, Ive done things, but not COMPLETELY when in fear. So when Kat txted me and said yea lets meet up at 6 to do the street walking I was totally for it. After all this was WAY more in my comfort zone than the singing. And I felt like he was allowing me back within my box, not knowing that he really wasnt. lol.
We got to Fitchberg and I find fear coming back into me. My mom was VERY scared of fitchberg. She preached to me all the time about not going there. Never alone. Always with a man. She was terrified of it. And so naturally Ive had a little fear whenever there. And here Kat and I are ready and willing to walk the streets, wherever they lead... (shes spinning in her grave at this point.) We walk the man rd for a bit, speak friendly to one woman, but Im just not good at keeping a convo up to bring Jesus into it. And so we bid fair well. Kat and I keep talking and I felt like we should walk down this rd that was darker. I told her that and that it looked dark and kinda scary. She agreed. Thats when I felt the fear.. and God. I said, "Lord, I wanna but, I dont feel its safe." he said, "Trust me. Ill keep you safe. I promise." Im still not sure and kinda hoping Kat says, "Nah, my spirits not right with it." But she doesnt. I hear again, "Trust me. If I kept Daniel safe I will you. dont fret. I WILL keep you safe." I told him with the most sincere heart, "Lord, I want to. Move my feet." I heard, "Be as fearless as you were earlier, with Danielle." And suddenly we were walking down the now darker street and heard, "This was a test. You wont find anyone on this street. But you will find where youre meant to go." So Kat and I kept walking and talking. We then start going down another road to an ATM and right before I saw it I had a quick vision of like toll booth like set up n the person either in the car or booth needing prayer and to be spoken to. I tell Kat this and ask if she knows what it means. She says, "well if this car comes around to the atm I do." And sure enough the car pulls around to it. Looking like stalkers and possibly theives the car doesnt roll down the windows and watches us. We stand and pray. "Intercession is really good too" Says Kat. #agreed. Knowing we're scaring the car we keep walking.
Finding few people but buildings to pray over. Both old folks homes. Which speaks volumes because on the way down Kat had been saying she feels kinda lead to the elderly. So awesome.
At the second home we were outside and it was like a short street almost. Straight and just yea, Idk, perfect. And as Kat was praying I didnt see, but FELT, there were angels literally all lined up and down the street standing together. It was AWESOME! Unexplainable. But awesome! I felt God say, "Theyre in my care." which was great. I know without doubt he was in that place. And was gonna answer our prayers. PTL!
Im finding that the Lord is teaching me that sometimes our EFFORTS alone pls him. Not the results or the numbers of conversions, just that we are willing and WANTING to go out for him is pleasing. I learned a lot about trusting and breaking the bonds of fear today. Im so lucky! He gave me great fellowship and MANY laughs!
Thank you Danielle and Kathleen for being there for God to use you in my life! So BLESSED!
Love,
Kris
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Backpack Exchange
Yet again God lets me believe I am out to do good and teach but has plans to keep steady in teaching me. Im beginning to ask myself, even on the streets, "Krista June, when will you get it?"
This sat we went out with the intentions of passing out filled backpacks to ppl in need. What I quickly discovered is that sometimes, more times then Id like, Im called to lead. That was the first new thing he'd spoken to me. God kept reminding me as I walked that he is with me and that Im to speak up, even when uncomfortable, and that I need to lead. Not entirely a fan of this, not in the least. But its a good thing to know I suppose.
What I hadnt really been able to find words to is that the mission starts before we walk. Every mission should start with individual prayer. Followed by group, and then the walk. This seems to be like, "well, der, Krista. Thats obvious." But when he spoke this to me I heard him say, "You seek me so despertly while on the streets. You want me to answer you so badly. But while youre in your home, do you speak to me on these peoples behalves? Are they just as real to you there as they are now?" My heart wasnt happy to hear these things, because yes, I do think about these people. And yes, I do pray for them. But what he was trying to tell me was that even those I've not met and encountered, they too need prayer. Ya see, because Im GREAT at praying for those Ive met and come to know. But those Ive not... I tend to see as fictional characters in a book. Which, we clearly know isnt good. So, that was the big lesson I learned.
I also learned that when God tells you to do something. Do it. Even though it doesnt make sense. Just trust. God told me a couple weeks ago to start getting into spanish again. So throughout the last wk or so Ive been racking my brain and trying to remember all I could. Honestly, I didnt do too well. And I shouldve, as he told me to, put time into it more deeply. We ran into a man who barely spoke english. And I could tell he was spanish speaking. Out of no where as Charlie was about to say bye I jumped in with spanish. I dont recall what I said. But it wasnt anything fluent! lol. I found myself quickly racking my brain trying my best to communicate with him. I knew enough, words I couldnt remember throughout the week like, "Corazon" and "Sabes". It was like God was coming into my brain and arranging the language I once kinda knew somethings to. It was crazy. The man went off as if I was fluent and though I didnt understand all the words I knew what he was saying. I wanted to keep talking but we were in a slight hurry and Im not sure Id know enough to have continued on much further. But we gave him a full bag and he was excited. He said he was going to share with some ppl he worked with. Which was awesome. What makes this amazing to me is that Id recalled the language some, just on the spot, under pressure (I DONT think well under pressure) and whats more amazing to me is that I JUMPED in WILLINGLY in the language. lol... Ive NEVER done that unless absolutely needed.
I guess the real conclusion of this was that God knows not just the day we're in but the future as well. The wks ahead. So do whatever he says and trust youll need it.
After we all met up again and I found myself walking with my friend, Tiffany. I was laughing pretty hard and couldnt stop myself. She wasnt doing a thing but standing there and walking. But as her tiny little self was all bundled and equipped for the cold I couldnt stop laughing. She, in typical Tiff fashion, started laughing with me. Trusting that it wasnt anything bad I was laughing at. She kept asking what? But I couldnt answer her. I didnt know why exactly I was laughing. As we were walking it came to me, and I realized it wasnt really that funny, just happy. What I realized was that words Id searched for a long time hit me in spirit. She has a heart that is super large. Always giving and wanting to be a care taker. As I thought of the mission I realized there wasnt anyone better for it. Her husband, Adam, is also the same way. But in an entirely different form (or so it seems). He's more of the "I dont wanna be left out! LETS GO!" kinda man. And Tiff is more "Let me stay behind the scenes" kinda woman. Both remarkable. And what God was telling me was that, the laughing and joy I felt standing there was what the ppl we speak to (then and in the future) feel. My body felt a little uneasy at first, frightened that I didnt give that feeling to others, that only the ppl I walked with let the spirit flow so amazingly. But as we crossed the street and I waved and thanked the van for letting us cross Tiff made a joke to which I replied to sincerely, and as the words left my mouth I concluded to the fact that I too had that joy shine out of me. What I said was, "A lot of ppl dont like me. Im ok with that. For the ppl who dont usually like me dont bc of Christ. And if thats the case ok. bc eventually he'll shine through and change them." At which point a gentlemen whom Id just met turned to me and said, "I can fist pump that." And put out his hand.
I swear God just, everytime, teaches me more about him and myself than I get to to the ppl. It upsets me in some ways because I want to blow your minds with what he's done with his ppl. Adam Haavisto has an amazing story. I encourage you speak with him about Eric (I think was his name.) Gods SO GOOD!
I feel Gods telling me to just write without thinking for a moment so Im gonna...
"I am the Lord of all. I care for all. I dont abandon and I dont foresake. Yes, you. The ones eyes who reads this. Im not leaving you. I love you. Carry your words carefully for they have great meaning and intense outcomes. Change your heart and you change your life. Walk with me and dont be decieved. You are cherished. Held and breathed for. Carry on and dream, but dream in me. For I am the dreamcatcher and maker. Krista, child, you are done."
Whoa, Ok, so I literally just wrote that, didnt reword or change any of it. So I think its meant for some eyes, or myself later in life. lol. Im not even entirely sure what I wrote or if it flows. Ill reread once I publish.
Thanks guys! Love ya,
Kris
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Walking w/the YWAM crew; Cambridge, MA
Good Ol Kate told me about wildfire heading to Boston for outreach. What I didn't know is Id be given a small taste of what my future will look like. As we jump in the car headed for Boston I hear we're headed to the YWAM base in Boston. What I didn't completely put together until we were in their parking was that, we were teaming up with these troopers! #sweet!shipit!
Instantly I felt God rising up in me. I felt the need to introduce myself and just as quickly as God was rising in me I felt "These are my brothers (3 men were walking before me), and I am their sister." WHOA! Never in my life have I felt that without even knowing someone's name. We had some time to spare so they each introduced themselves and I found myself excited and hoping when in Nashville I have a group come to us wanting to witness. They quickly taught us the "Book of no words" as a tool to use while witnessing. As Brandon and I partnered up to practice the first couple pages I knew instantly I wasnt going to be using it in all its entirity but itd be good to have on me. (He rocked it btw. lol) After we learned this we did a tour of the building they are redoing... and let me tell you... its HUGE! And AWESOME! I cant wait to see it when its finished. SO GOOD! Above is a pic of me on the roof that has a pretty cool view.
Shortly after we split into two groups. Myself, Darrel Seppala, Sarah Aho, Nikki Aho, Israel Shaw, Hannah Ketola, Ben Ketola, and others Im certainly forgetting found our way to Harvard Square (Or so Im told thats where we were. Truth be told I was along for the ride til we arrived. lol) along with a number of Ywam'ers. Aaron, the Ywam leader (or one of) asked us women to pair up with a woman from their school. I was instantly paired with a wonderful woman of God, Jenny. Literally just meeting for the first time and already I knew we were paired for a reason. I later, shortly later, discovered why. We pulled out the hand drum and guitar and started worshipping. I saw these two men walking and then just completely stopping. Hanging around trying to listen but not be obvious they were. Jenny then told me she was waiting for hear from the Holy Spirit to lead her where to go. I seconded her. "I am too." Thats when I felt I really needed to speak to these guys. They found a seat beside but not involved within the group. Which I found curious. I started to pray, "Lord, if Im to speak with them pls send Jenny to break the ice. Then Ill know." Not a min later Jenny is walking her way on yonder...breaking the ice. These two men were/are men of God. They heard allalua (how do you spell it? lol) And said they wanted to hear more because they used to do something like that in a school theyd attended and hadnt done it in a few years. I knew INSTANTLY God was relighting a fire that was dwindling. PTL! Jenny after a few moments of talking, not too in depth, asked if we could pray. I got SO STOKED! MY TURN TO ROCK IT!! (Im a prayer Warrior... I LOVE LOVE IT!) Jenny not knowing me all but 5 mins turns to me and says, "Wanna pray? I know you do. I feel it." #YESIDO!!! So... to prayer we go. We continue to talk for the next hour, maybe two. At which point we learn more about these gentlemen and Jennys friend from the UK (Also a ywam'er... I think Amanda???) comes in and starts talking too. We were no longer "witnessing" but "fellowshipping" and I felt Gods love all around me! After some time Aaron said it was time to leave for our new friends and so now its was WF (Wildfire) crew left. Rewind a little while I was fellowshipping Id seen Sarah sit down in a group of ppl and I said, "Lord I admire that. Teach me how." So... ywam has now left... "Lord, build the courage...."
"Hey, will you go into PINKBERRY with me?" Says Nikki. Sure. We go in and get a woman she'd spoken to a coffee. As Im turning the corner D says, "Krista! You wanna pray for these ladies?" My heart jumps with excitement! "YEA I DO! LETS GO!" I ask for anything specific. I hear, "A husband for her." And my heart sinks. "Lord, Ive been praying these things for myself. Youve yet to answer in the least. How do I pray confidently for her, when Ive been doubting youll answer for me?" I hear, "Child, you trust me. Pray in that trust. She needs to hear that trust." "Oh boy lord.... ok... Ill try." I turn to her friend, "and you?"... This is where I feel stupid. She looks down at her belly and holds it, "Well, um... yea just for this little thing..." YEP! She's very pregnant. lol. I had NO idea! #GoKrista! lol. In my heart I say, "Lord, I feel you here. Is it in them or us Im feeling it?" "No, no, you feel right. They are of me. Pray as so." So I do.... again after we keep talking and joking.... and passing info back and forth. SO GOOD!
During these quick 5 mins I still see Sarah with a larger group around her. Her fitting right in. "Lord, how?!" I see Sarah holding a rat. Yes, a rat. And yes, its a pet. lol. WAY IN! The women and I talk a short bit longer then they have to continue on. D and Nikki walking around and finding people I feel suddenly bold enough to go sit with Sarah.
Thats when God, yet again tells me, "Be still. NOT NOT NOT outspoken for me. LISTEN!" Not knowing really how to do this I decided I was to follow Sarah's lead. She'd been sitting there, accepted, and with peace for a few hrs. She had started a bond and I wasnt to break it. She starts speaking to a man, whom honestly my heart breaks for. He claims Satanism as his religion. He said, "people think it (Satanism) is worshipping Satan. Its not. Its having complete belief in yourself." My heart sunk. So fleshly. I wanted to say so much. But God reminded me, "Still." Sarah continued asking a few questions after moments of pondering. She asked what made him believe in it. He shared that anytime he turned to God he was denied. He grew up in a christian home. And everytime he turned to God he wasnt answered. He asked both of us if when we pray are we answered. We replied honestly, "Yea, usually. Not always right away but yes. We hear him." He told us he never did. He lost 3 people incredibly close to him and he asked for Gods healing hand each time. And never once did God heal. Sarah and I felt the same... heartache. We wanted to hug him. And she even told him that. Which was SO awesome! As the convo died down we thanked him for speaking with us at which point he said, "Thank you guys for not trying to convert me and just listening. So many people who come here just try and convert." He said it with such sincerity it blew my mind. And I was reminded of what we're called to do. LOVE LOVE LOVE! NOT convert! Like anger is a secondary emotion converting is like that to faith. LOVE causes change. Nothing else.
After awhile the woman Sarah had started talking to came back and asked me what my denomination was. I love this question because it breaks the chains of religion. We shared non. And that drew in another gentlemen whom I had the priveledge of listening to, as Sarah asked the questions. He, like so many, was educated. Knew scripture and some history. Again... just listening. I could feel Sarah feeling what I was... love. And I ENCOURAGE ya'll to speak to her about all she has to offer on this night. She experienced more than I and heard more than I. It was so good! But one thing she said was that the entire time we were speaking to the 2nd man, the first was listening the entire time. She "Felt it". PTL! Friendship is so important.
As we were saying our Goodbyes a gentleman whom we spoke with all but 3 mins said, "Thanks for stopping by and hearing us." WOW! #humbled.
As we were heading to the van we again ran into the two women we spoke to earlier and they were waiting for the shuttle to bring them back to the hotel. lol... waiting for over 30 mins we offered them a ride. After a short talk/debate they joined us and we dropped em off. SO GOOD! Christ flowing through us ALL! SO GOOD!!!!!!!!
As usual, we talked the way home all about it. Prayed. Stopped for food. Shared. Prayed. Laughed. And then GOT home! lol.
God is so good! He's teaching me so much! Culture, how to just love and be a friend. That I am loved. Loveable. Easy in spirit. And that its not up to me to do anything but be who he's made me to be. I cant fathom that totally but yea... as the Genie says in Alladin... "just BEEEEEE yourself!" lol. Each walk I am humbled and touched by the lives we experience. There's so many people out there and Im realizing Ill never know them all but the ones Im blessed to encounter... they are beautiful and amazing! PTL! Gods so awesome!
Love you,
Kris
Shortly after we split into two groups. Myself, Darrel Seppala, Sarah Aho, Nikki Aho, Israel Shaw, Hannah Ketola, Ben Ketola, and others Im certainly forgetting found our way to Harvard Square (Or so Im told thats where we were. Truth be told I was along for the ride til we arrived. lol) along with a number of Ywam'ers. Aaron, the Ywam leader (or one of) asked us women to pair up with a woman from their school. I was instantly paired with a wonderful woman of God, Jenny. Literally just meeting for the first time and already I knew we were paired for a reason. I later, shortly later, discovered why. We pulled out the hand drum and guitar and started worshipping. I saw these two men walking and then just completely stopping. Hanging around trying to listen but not be obvious they were. Jenny then told me she was waiting for hear from the Holy Spirit to lead her where to go. I seconded her. "I am too." Thats when I felt I really needed to speak to these guys. They found a seat beside but not involved within the group. Which I found curious. I started to pray, "Lord, if Im to speak with them pls send Jenny to break the ice. Then Ill know." Not a min later Jenny is walking her way on yonder...breaking the ice. These two men were/are men of God. They heard allalua (how do you spell it? lol) And said they wanted to hear more because they used to do something like that in a school theyd attended and hadnt done it in a few years. I knew INSTANTLY God was relighting a fire that was dwindling. PTL! Jenny after a few moments of talking, not too in depth, asked if we could pray. I got SO STOKED! MY TURN TO ROCK IT!! (Im a prayer Warrior... I LOVE LOVE IT!) Jenny not knowing me all but 5 mins turns to me and says, "Wanna pray? I know you do. I feel it." #YESIDO!!! So... to prayer we go. We continue to talk for the next hour, maybe two. At which point we learn more about these gentlemen and Jennys friend from the UK (Also a ywam'er... I think Amanda???) comes in and starts talking too. We were no longer "witnessing" but "fellowshipping" and I felt Gods love all around me! After some time Aaron said it was time to leave for our new friends and so now its was WF (Wildfire) crew left. Rewind a little while I was fellowshipping Id seen Sarah sit down in a group of ppl and I said, "Lord I admire that. Teach me how." So... ywam has now left... "Lord, build the courage...."
"Hey, will you go into PINKBERRY with me?" Says Nikki. Sure. We go in and get a woman she'd spoken to a coffee. As Im turning the corner D says, "Krista! You wanna pray for these ladies?" My heart jumps with excitement! "YEA I DO! LETS GO!" I ask for anything specific. I hear, "A husband for her." And my heart sinks. "Lord, Ive been praying these things for myself. Youve yet to answer in the least. How do I pray confidently for her, when Ive been doubting youll answer for me?" I hear, "Child, you trust me. Pray in that trust. She needs to hear that trust." "Oh boy lord.... ok... Ill try." I turn to her friend, "and you?"... This is where I feel stupid. She looks down at her belly and holds it, "Well, um... yea just for this little thing..." YEP! She's very pregnant. lol. I had NO idea! #GoKrista! lol. In my heart I say, "Lord, I feel you here. Is it in them or us Im feeling it?" "No, no, you feel right. They are of me. Pray as so." So I do.... again after we keep talking and joking.... and passing info back and forth. SO GOOD!
During these quick 5 mins I still see Sarah with a larger group around her. Her fitting right in. "Lord, how?!" I see Sarah holding a rat. Yes, a rat. And yes, its a pet. lol. WAY IN! The women and I talk a short bit longer then they have to continue on. D and Nikki walking around and finding people I feel suddenly bold enough to go sit with Sarah.
Thats when God, yet again tells me, "Be still. NOT NOT NOT outspoken for me. LISTEN!" Not knowing really how to do this I decided I was to follow Sarah's lead. She'd been sitting there, accepted, and with peace for a few hrs. She had started a bond and I wasnt to break it. She starts speaking to a man, whom honestly my heart breaks for. He claims Satanism as his religion. He said, "people think it (Satanism) is worshipping Satan. Its not. Its having complete belief in yourself." My heart sunk. So fleshly. I wanted to say so much. But God reminded me, "Still." Sarah continued asking a few questions after moments of pondering. She asked what made him believe in it. He shared that anytime he turned to God he was denied. He grew up in a christian home. And everytime he turned to God he wasnt answered. He asked both of us if when we pray are we answered. We replied honestly, "Yea, usually. Not always right away but yes. We hear him." He told us he never did. He lost 3 people incredibly close to him and he asked for Gods healing hand each time. And never once did God heal. Sarah and I felt the same... heartache. We wanted to hug him. And she even told him that. Which was SO awesome! As the convo died down we thanked him for speaking with us at which point he said, "Thank you guys for not trying to convert me and just listening. So many people who come here just try and convert." He said it with such sincerity it blew my mind. And I was reminded of what we're called to do. LOVE LOVE LOVE! NOT convert! Like anger is a secondary emotion converting is like that to faith. LOVE causes change. Nothing else.
After awhile the woman Sarah had started talking to came back and asked me what my denomination was. I love this question because it breaks the chains of religion. We shared non. And that drew in another gentlemen whom I had the priveledge of listening to, as Sarah asked the questions. He, like so many, was educated. Knew scripture and some history. Again... just listening. I could feel Sarah feeling what I was... love. And I ENCOURAGE ya'll to speak to her about all she has to offer on this night. She experienced more than I and heard more than I. It was so good! But one thing she said was that the entire time we were speaking to the 2nd man, the first was listening the entire time. She "Felt it". PTL! Friendship is so important.
As we were saying our Goodbyes a gentleman whom we spoke with all but 3 mins said, "Thanks for stopping by and hearing us." WOW! #humbled.
As we were heading to the van we again ran into the two women we spoke to earlier and they were waiting for the shuttle to bring them back to the hotel. lol... waiting for over 30 mins we offered them a ride. After a short talk/debate they joined us and we dropped em off. SO GOOD! Christ flowing through us ALL! SO GOOD!!!!!!!!
As usual, we talked the way home all about it. Prayed. Stopped for food. Shared. Prayed. Laughed. And then GOT home! lol.
God is so good! He's teaching me so much! Culture, how to just love and be a friend. That I am loved. Loveable. Easy in spirit. And that its not up to me to do anything but be who he's made me to be. I cant fathom that totally but yea... as the Genie says in Alladin... "just BEEEEEE yourself!" lol. Each walk I am humbled and touched by the lives we experience. There's so many people out there and Im realizing Ill never know them all but the ones Im blessed to encounter... they are beautiful and amazing! PTL! Gods so awesome!
Love you,
Kris
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Street Witnessing (Fitchberg, MA) "Humbled"
The night begins with myself and 3 brothers jumping into a car and not really knowing where we're going other than to "The Berg". I can honestly say that instantly I knew this outreach was going to be more for myself than the ppl we encountered. God revealed to me that I was to listen... NOT speak. I was to be STILL not active. To be completely honest with you, this is NOT who or what I'm typically called to do. At least not with the witnessing. But within the same breath I had complete peace and willingness to achieve this calling. To be sure I was to do this as my calling I went into singing prayer. AKA- Grabbed the guitar and started singing my heart out. As I was I kept seeing a man with a big beard, longer hair and a dark jacket. (This is relevent later). God continued to tell me, "Child, You are hearing me correctly."
On our way there we had some prayers we lifted up. And as one of my brothers was praying in tongues I felt he was going to be teaching me lessons about myself. When he spoke in english he shared exactly, to a T, what was on my heart. I was mind blown. I was praying (in my head) that I'd die to self and be only as he'd desire. It was then my brother mentioned of how he felt we had to let go of ourselves and that we are being like God. :) That is just an example. He did this 4 or 5 times. WHOA!
My other brother, Tim, had told us he thought we should head to the mall area. Within a moments time him and the brother above (Brandon) had someone they were to speak with. As they stayed outside to speak with him myself and D went inside. After finding ourselves a few friends and chatting a bit with them we found ourselves a seat and a gentleman sitting across from us. And could you guess what he looks like? Yep. A big bushy beard, dark jacket, and longer hair. D went and sat beside him, just out of earshot. I wanted to go and listen but I felt as I did before leaving... I was to sit back and be the prayer. So I did. After awhile the mall closed and we had to depart. D instantly told me, "He knows Jesus. He's homeless too." Through the little bit I did hear I wasnt surprised by this. And by the huge hole in his shoe I again wasnt surprised. We lifted him up in prayer as we walked our way out to the lot and searched for what God was calling us to next, for "the night is still young"- D. lol
As him and I stood on the corner talking to people as they walked by we turned after a few moments to find our 2 brothers walking towards us... hands FULL of food as they excitedly ask us if we're hungry bc they "hit the mother load!" lol (Love these guys!) We each ate a piece and then D said with SUPER EXCITEMENT "Dude! We just spoke with a homeless man!!" Tim naturally..."LETS GO FIND HIM! SHOULD WE! WE'LL GIVE HIM ALL THIS!" Now when I echo their words "hit the mother load" they were NOT kidding! Lol... we had enough to eat and still feed 4 more people. lol So, we jumped into the car to seek our new friend. And this is where the adventure truly begins....
We drive around the lot, cant find him. We stop at Denys and nothing. We then head to MB for some people said he may be in that area. D then jumps out and runs into the liquor store and asks if they know of him. They said no, but told us were we could possibly go look for him. Tim comes back and asks for these big sandwhichs that we had. He brings them back into the cashier and leaves them there for the homeless that come in hungry. AMEN! SO good! At this point we have just a couple slices of pizze left and still no friend. But like detectives we have leads. So, like a true detective does we followed up on them. lol. And this is where I'm SOOOOOOO Thankful to have had 2 Bioligical Brothers and grew up in the woods like I did. Because we were being called to the woods. Legit folks.. the woods! Where we found a river and a way to cross it. Lol... Im laughing at this because we had NO idea the river was there. But boy... we found out quickly. And when we did, we all knew we were suppose to cross. But me being the girl was like, "If theres a bridge, we'll cross." And truth being told, I never thought we'd actually find a bridge. But God never fails to amaze me and within a short times walk I hear Brandon say, "Hey look they made a bridge!" And oh yea they did! lol. With a shopping cart, tree branches and small, thin, 2x4's we had our way into the deeper parts of the woods.
We follow the paths clearly made by continual walking and the Holy Spirit we walked... and walked...and walked... and prayed... and climbed and walked.... stopped...prayed... and walked. lol. Ok so not quite this much...on our first half. My spirit this entire time was uneasy. I had mentioned before leaving the car, "Its times like this i wish I spoke in tongues." I knew my brothers didnt understand what this meant to me was something was in my spirit that my mind couldnt explain. As I was walking the feeling wouldnt fade. So in typical Krista fashion I fell behind to talk outloud to myself. This is when the Lord started to really rock me.
I looked ahead and fearless, determined Brandon is leading the way. WHOA! Lord, I need to be more like that, eh? Not scared but trusting in you? Yes, child. Then I see Tim. WHOA! Lord, I need to be more willing to just go out no matter what and have willingness to surrender my will, eh? Yes, child. Then I see D. WHOA! Lord, I need to be quick to lead, just as quick to follow, and have words of compassion 24/7, eh? Yes, child. WHOA!!! The more I walked and followed the more my brothers spoke to me. The more they humbled me. They all had a willingness and desire to NOT quit til they found anyone. I was in the same heart, I didnt want to stop til I found someone too, but when I looked at them I saw the spirit of Love all around them. They were FULL of love and desire to do anything they had to. So awesome!
Brandon reminded us on one of our stops of what he had said in the car. (Though I dont think he recalled it.) He said, "whoa, God just showed me, like we're being like him right now. Like this is what he does to us, he pursues us constantly. And has determination. He doesnt stop. Thats his love for us." So GOOD! And with that we decided to continue onto the other half of the pathway.
On this side of our walk it was very simlar to that of the first half. A lot of walking, prayer, and no results... as for people. But god continued to rock me. Again, my brothers walk boldly into the dark and unknown. I have a lot more peace about it on this side of the walk and Im ready for anything, but I realized only because I was following their lead. God then revealed to me, "Child, you'll need to be like them all collectively, at one time, when at YWAM." My thoughts echoed as so...in a surrendered, beaten tone, "Ah, CRAP! Whats there for me Lord!? Ah, I wont worry now about it. Pls just prep me." lol... I felt like a beaten dog spiritually. Not in a bad way. I was just at the point of I need you. Im nothing without.
After walking in the woods for about an hour and a half we decided we would go to either McD's or deny's. And though Im not sure how we ended at McD's its where we'd stay til about midnight (maybe a little before). This hear I encourage you to go and speak to the men about. Because again, I was called to be in the back. I again was out of ear shot of a lot of important info. However I will share what they shared in the car.
We ran into a group of about 10-15 guys (only one girl). And they were a gang. But NOT the type of gang that we usually think of when we say gang. I.e... you are NOT allowed in this gang if you arent going to school. You are to be GOOD citizens. They were very honorable men. They refused money or help of any kind unless from each other. They were brothers in every sense. They'd hit eachother as play, tell each other like it is, not hesitate to deck eachother if felt it was needed, bum butts/lighters etc if needed.... in every way like brothers. Brandon told us later that they had rules that were beyond schooling... that their thoughts were if we get you when you're wrong we will help you to grow and be a model citizen. As I write now I think of it almost as it takes a village to raise a child thought process.
Within this group they asked us questions and D and Brandon did a lot of sharing. They even asked to hang out another time. But what I think is most cool about this entire thing is that they mentioned to us that another kid had stopped and spoke with them a few days before. Who they described was our AWESOME Brother, Brycen, and AMAZING Sister, Karissa. Gods planting seeds like no ones business! Ship it!
Also, while we were there D and Tim had gone inside and spoken with a group of young men. One who was Christian and attends or runs? a youth group at his church. Him and Tim exchanged numbers and on our way home he shared with Tim that they changed his life! And that he was talking to his friend on the way home about Christ and his friend didnt really wanna hear it. But his thoughts were this, "Im just there to plant the seeds." WHOA!!! This is all I know of their talk with these guys, but I encourage you to speak with them about it!!
It was VERY COLD after a few hrs speaking with these guys and we were getting tired. So we agreed it was time to head on home... for we still wanted to visit a friend at work before calling it an evening. And I wont go much into our visit other than it was awesome and this story with the Cop.
So, we're heading to where she works and D is going a tid-bit quick... 47 in a 30. The blues come on, and because we dropped Tim off at home there is noone in the front seat. Just D driving and Brandon and I in the back. This already looks weird. The cop comes up and lets us know right away we're being recorded. He asks us where were going. Where D doesnt answer but asks instead if he knows Jesus. (This is where I wanna note I knew this was gonna be the best pull over Ive ever part taken in.) The Officer says, "Yea. Well, I know of him. I dont know him personally." D says, would you like to? Brandon and I are laughing hard at this point. While D is asking this he is looking for his license and reg.... or so we thought. Apparently just his license. He finds it and hands it over. The Cop is laughing and in a good mood. D continues to look at him... Officer asks where we were coming from... we told him witnessing from Fitchberg etc. Finally the Officer reminds D... I need reg. "OH MY! Im sorry" Says D. "I promise Ive not been drinking" OH BOY D! lol. The cop then turns to us and asks with a smile, "So, how much has he really had to drink?" At which point I feel God telling me to say, "Only drunk in the Holy Spirit." So I do. Again, all 4 of us are laughing. The officer walks back to his car. We're laughing slightly to then realize.. whoa he was going FAST. So we start praying for favor. After a little bit he comes back and with a smile says, "Look, here's your stuff. Its a written warning. It shouldnt be! I am biting the bullet for you on this one. Please do me a favor and slow down. Like, Im really biting the bullet and will likely hear about this. Please, keep it slow." PTL! :) We thank him full heartedly! As he's walking back to his car we instantly lift him up in prayer. Thanking him and praying his boss has favor on him! :) SOOOOOO GOOD! I want to note how cool this is because D was getting gas and shared this story with a woman who said, "I got my license suspended for going 47 in a 30." WHOA! lol.... GOD YOU ARE SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD!
I suppose through this entire thing what I learned the most is that when you are still when called to be still god really wants to work in YOU! And also that though he may send you to the woods to find nothing, you never walk out with nothing. Instead you find prizes and jewels within yourself. Sometimes He'll send you to the woods to grow you. Where there is nothing... you seldomly will find nothing with God. Im incredibly blessed!
I wanna note that Im unsure how to spell D's name which is why I've written it as so. So I'll just write it once as Darrel Seppala just so you know who it is. And D I'm sorry if I got it wrong!
I hope this finds you all so well! :)
Love you,
Krista June
On our way there we had some prayers we lifted up. And as one of my brothers was praying in tongues I felt he was going to be teaching me lessons about myself. When he spoke in english he shared exactly, to a T, what was on my heart. I was mind blown. I was praying (in my head) that I'd die to self and be only as he'd desire. It was then my brother mentioned of how he felt we had to let go of ourselves and that we are being like God. :) That is just an example. He did this 4 or 5 times. WHOA!
My other brother, Tim, had told us he thought we should head to the mall area. Within a moments time him and the brother above (Brandon) had someone they were to speak with. As they stayed outside to speak with him myself and D went inside. After finding ourselves a few friends and chatting a bit with them we found ourselves a seat and a gentleman sitting across from us. And could you guess what he looks like? Yep. A big bushy beard, dark jacket, and longer hair. D went and sat beside him, just out of earshot. I wanted to go and listen but I felt as I did before leaving... I was to sit back and be the prayer. So I did. After awhile the mall closed and we had to depart. D instantly told me, "He knows Jesus. He's homeless too." Through the little bit I did hear I wasnt surprised by this. And by the huge hole in his shoe I again wasnt surprised. We lifted him up in prayer as we walked our way out to the lot and searched for what God was calling us to next, for "the night is still young"- D. lol
As him and I stood on the corner talking to people as they walked by we turned after a few moments to find our 2 brothers walking towards us... hands FULL of food as they excitedly ask us if we're hungry bc they "hit the mother load!" lol (Love these guys!) We each ate a piece and then D said with SUPER EXCITEMENT "Dude! We just spoke with a homeless man!!" Tim naturally..."LETS GO FIND HIM! SHOULD WE! WE'LL GIVE HIM ALL THIS!" Now when I echo their words "hit the mother load" they were NOT kidding! Lol... we had enough to eat and still feed 4 more people. lol So, we jumped into the car to seek our new friend. And this is where the adventure truly begins....
We drive around the lot, cant find him. We stop at Denys and nothing. We then head to MB for some people said he may be in that area. D then jumps out and runs into the liquor store and asks if they know of him. They said no, but told us were we could possibly go look for him. Tim comes back and asks for these big sandwhichs that we had. He brings them back into the cashier and leaves them there for the homeless that come in hungry. AMEN! SO good! At this point we have just a couple slices of pizze left and still no friend. But like detectives we have leads. So, like a true detective does we followed up on them. lol. And this is where I'm SOOOOOOO Thankful to have had 2 Bioligical Brothers and grew up in the woods like I did. Because we were being called to the woods. Legit folks.. the woods! Where we found a river and a way to cross it. Lol... Im laughing at this because we had NO idea the river was there. But boy... we found out quickly. And when we did, we all knew we were suppose to cross. But me being the girl was like, "If theres a bridge, we'll cross." And truth being told, I never thought we'd actually find a bridge. But God never fails to amaze me and within a short times walk I hear Brandon say, "Hey look they made a bridge!" And oh yea they did! lol. With a shopping cart, tree branches and small, thin, 2x4's we had our way into the deeper parts of the woods.
We follow the paths clearly made by continual walking and the Holy Spirit we walked... and walked...and walked... and prayed... and climbed and walked.... stopped...prayed... and walked. lol. Ok so not quite this much...on our first half. My spirit this entire time was uneasy. I had mentioned before leaving the car, "Its times like this i wish I spoke in tongues." I knew my brothers didnt understand what this meant to me was something was in my spirit that my mind couldnt explain. As I was walking the feeling wouldnt fade. So in typical Krista fashion I fell behind to talk outloud to myself. This is when the Lord started to really rock me.
I looked ahead and fearless, determined Brandon is leading the way. WHOA! Lord, I need to be more like that, eh? Not scared but trusting in you? Yes, child. Then I see Tim. WHOA! Lord, I need to be more willing to just go out no matter what and have willingness to surrender my will, eh? Yes, child. Then I see D. WHOA! Lord, I need to be quick to lead, just as quick to follow, and have words of compassion 24/7, eh? Yes, child. WHOA!!! The more I walked and followed the more my brothers spoke to me. The more they humbled me. They all had a willingness and desire to NOT quit til they found anyone. I was in the same heart, I didnt want to stop til I found someone too, but when I looked at them I saw the spirit of Love all around them. They were FULL of love and desire to do anything they had to. So awesome!
Brandon reminded us on one of our stops of what he had said in the car. (Though I dont think he recalled it.) He said, "whoa, God just showed me, like we're being like him right now. Like this is what he does to us, he pursues us constantly. And has determination. He doesnt stop. Thats his love for us." So GOOD! And with that we decided to continue onto the other half of the pathway.
On this side of our walk it was very simlar to that of the first half. A lot of walking, prayer, and no results... as for people. But god continued to rock me. Again, my brothers walk boldly into the dark and unknown. I have a lot more peace about it on this side of the walk and Im ready for anything, but I realized only because I was following their lead. God then revealed to me, "Child, you'll need to be like them all collectively, at one time, when at YWAM." My thoughts echoed as so...in a surrendered, beaten tone, "Ah, CRAP! Whats there for me Lord!? Ah, I wont worry now about it. Pls just prep me." lol... I felt like a beaten dog spiritually. Not in a bad way. I was just at the point of I need you. Im nothing without.
After walking in the woods for about an hour and a half we decided we would go to either McD's or deny's. And though Im not sure how we ended at McD's its where we'd stay til about midnight (maybe a little before). This hear I encourage you to go and speak to the men about. Because again, I was called to be in the back. I again was out of ear shot of a lot of important info. However I will share what they shared in the car.
We ran into a group of about 10-15 guys (only one girl). And they were a gang. But NOT the type of gang that we usually think of when we say gang. I.e... you are NOT allowed in this gang if you arent going to school. You are to be GOOD citizens. They were very honorable men. They refused money or help of any kind unless from each other. They were brothers in every sense. They'd hit eachother as play, tell each other like it is, not hesitate to deck eachother if felt it was needed, bum butts/lighters etc if needed.... in every way like brothers. Brandon told us later that they had rules that were beyond schooling... that their thoughts were if we get you when you're wrong we will help you to grow and be a model citizen. As I write now I think of it almost as it takes a village to raise a child thought process.
Within this group they asked us questions and D and Brandon did a lot of sharing. They even asked to hang out another time. But what I think is most cool about this entire thing is that they mentioned to us that another kid had stopped and spoke with them a few days before. Who they described was our AWESOME Brother, Brycen, and AMAZING Sister, Karissa. Gods planting seeds like no ones business! Ship it!
Also, while we were there D and Tim had gone inside and spoken with a group of young men. One who was Christian and attends or runs? a youth group at his church. Him and Tim exchanged numbers and on our way home he shared with Tim that they changed his life! And that he was talking to his friend on the way home about Christ and his friend didnt really wanna hear it. But his thoughts were this, "Im just there to plant the seeds." WHOA!!! This is all I know of their talk with these guys, but I encourage you to speak with them about it!!
It was VERY COLD after a few hrs speaking with these guys and we were getting tired. So we agreed it was time to head on home... for we still wanted to visit a friend at work before calling it an evening. And I wont go much into our visit other than it was awesome and this story with the Cop.
So, we're heading to where she works and D is going a tid-bit quick... 47 in a 30. The blues come on, and because we dropped Tim off at home there is noone in the front seat. Just D driving and Brandon and I in the back. This already looks weird. The cop comes up and lets us know right away we're being recorded. He asks us where were going. Where D doesnt answer but asks instead if he knows Jesus. (This is where I wanna note I knew this was gonna be the best pull over Ive ever part taken in.) The Officer says, "Yea. Well, I know of him. I dont know him personally." D says, would you like to? Brandon and I are laughing hard at this point. While D is asking this he is looking for his license and reg.... or so we thought. Apparently just his license. He finds it and hands it over. The Cop is laughing and in a good mood. D continues to look at him... Officer asks where we were coming from... we told him witnessing from Fitchberg etc. Finally the Officer reminds D... I need reg. "OH MY! Im sorry" Says D. "I promise Ive not been drinking" OH BOY D! lol. The cop then turns to us and asks with a smile, "So, how much has he really had to drink?" At which point I feel God telling me to say, "Only drunk in the Holy Spirit." So I do. Again, all 4 of us are laughing. The officer walks back to his car. We're laughing slightly to then realize.. whoa he was going FAST. So we start praying for favor. After a little bit he comes back and with a smile says, "Look, here's your stuff. Its a written warning. It shouldnt be! I am biting the bullet for you on this one. Please do me a favor and slow down. Like, Im really biting the bullet and will likely hear about this. Please, keep it slow." PTL! :) We thank him full heartedly! As he's walking back to his car we instantly lift him up in prayer. Thanking him and praying his boss has favor on him! :) SOOOOOO GOOD! I want to note how cool this is because D was getting gas and shared this story with a woman who said, "I got my license suspended for going 47 in a 30." WHOA! lol.... GOD YOU ARE SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD!
I suppose through this entire thing what I learned the most is that when you are still when called to be still god really wants to work in YOU! And also that though he may send you to the woods to find nothing, you never walk out with nothing. Instead you find prizes and jewels within yourself. Sometimes He'll send you to the woods to grow you. Where there is nothing... you seldomly will find nothing with God. Im incredibly blessed!
I wanna note that Im unsure how to spell D's name which is why I've written it as so. So I'll just write it once as Darrel Seppala just so you know who it is. And D I'm sorry if I got it wrong!
I hope this finds you all so well! :)
Love you,
Krista June
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