Angela Tibbo -

Crud Between Your Toes or In Your Heart?

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Crud between your toes or in your heart? What's the difference, they both stink.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, Team Kenya had a mid-trip debrief 2 weeks ago. We spent those 4 days hashing out some of the issues that were plaguing the team. It was a time of getting real and seeking reconciliation through Christ. Of course even a luxury retreat in Kenya is not without some TIA ("This Is Africa") moments; each night while sitting around the fire pit we were intruded upon by massive, man-eating (or grass-grazing) hippos who busted through the electric fence. Also, each morning we were greeted by cute little monkeys, notorious for thievery, one of which was found trying to open Isaiah's bottle of Cipro (antibiotic medication), and another TIA; thorns driving through your flip flops, embedding themselves in your SOLES!

Mount Kenya

We ended the retreat with a sense of refreshment and hopeful attitudes. But not long after returning to the routine of ministry, I began to feel overwhelmed and burdened by some things that were happening among the team. Once again there was a spirit of disunity among us, for multiple reasons. Daily I was trying to encourage reconciliation, freedom and grace among us. Little progress was being made until I surrendered an entire day to prayer for the team. I called out to God and He met me in the tiny bedroom at the back of our host's home. I poured out my heart to God about my hopes for this team. What I really had wanted to see in them from the beginning was a release of God's work in their hearts and if it meant we had to walk through this brokenness, that's fine, but I needed to know that there would be breakthrough for them. The Lord began to take me back through my World Race journal. I read entry after entry describing my own brokenness and then I asked the Lord, "So what woke me up and brought me out of it?" and as I read on He showed me through more entries that it wasn't until I willingly looked at my own reflection in my team mates, until I saw the old me for what it really was and realized that it needed to die, that I could finally find my identity in Christ and be made new and whole in Him.

Rift Valley

The Lord spoke to me about sharing my hopes with the team, about speaking life into those broken places, and calling forth a higher level of perseverance and expectation for what God was capable of doing in their lives and in their ministry to the Kenyans. The Lord also spoke to me about healing and cleansing the team. We needed to take a good hard look at the fact that we are broken, prone to sin, and in need of a Savior to wash over us daily. And so we did. The team met that evening and we talked about the things that God had laid on my heart through prayer that day. It was bitter words for some to hear, and for others it brought relief. We decided to fight together for God's good work in our hearts. Through tears and laughter we washed each other's feet as a symbol of getting right before God and one another, as a symbol of submitting to one another and choosing to cover each other's crud in love and servitude. With the Spirit of God present, something was released that night.

Masaai Bomas

Immediately passion returned to our hearts the next day. We were excited about ministry and started the day with expectation for our Mighty God to show up. And of course He was faithful, that day (which was really only 3 days ago) we were making house visits among the Masaai tribe in the Rift Valley. We hiked a mountain (a small one but none the less a mountain), ladies in flip flops and ankle length skirts, till we reached the other side and found a few scattered Bomas (traditional homesteads). There we met a man named Daniel who asked for prayer for his sick father. We prayed but as time passed the team was feeling the call of the Lord to do more. We ended up bringing the sick man home to Kijabe to seek medical attention. He returned home that evening with medication and a huge blessing from God his Father. It turns out that Daniel was preparing to take the family cow to a market, 17kms by foot, to sell in order to get his father to a doctor. If you know much about the Masaai, you'll know that the choice to sell their cows does not come lightly, especially for a family that owns just the one. Cows are a very important part of the Masaai homestead and culture. But Jesus had other plans and used us as an answer to Daniels prayer. The team was honored to be used by God and the situation pumped them up to ask and expect more every day. Yesterday the girls gathered around one of ours who was sick, contended for her healing and immediately her stomach pain was gone. Tears of joy took over her tears of pain!

Sunset, Mount Kenya

Last week the team nearly gave into feelings of defeat. Some had resorted to feeling like the trip was over and safest bet would be to coast the rest of the time out. This week we started our mission again. This week heads are held high in faith and adoration of a God who saves and makes us new.

Real Life aka "Wild" life

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We're on the downward slope for our time here in Kenya. We officially met the half-way point last week with our mid-trip debrief!

So, let me catch you up on some things...

2 weeks ago we traveled north 8 hours to a place called Musul, which is where we stayed with the Masaai Tribe. WOW... wish we could have stayed longer, 6 days was not enough! Besides the regular wildlife encounters of Elephants, Giraffes and Zebras, our encounter with the people was most memorable! Sunday morning church was our first taste of the rich Masaai culture. We danced, sang, and danced some more to traditional songs and even attempted the traditional dance, which none of us north americans can rythmically get for the lack of coordination between neck and shoulders! But fun none the less! The church definitely rang out with the Joy of the Lord as we shared testimonies, worshiped, and heard the Word of God together. The week consisted of visiting Bomas (homes), teaching at schools, showing films, and ending with an open air evangelism crusade in the local market! The team learned a lot about the Masaai culture and the strongholds that keep people from accepting the Love of Christ. The Masaai men are polygamist and therefore have many wives and lots of children. The man of the family is the chief and whatever he says goes, even if a woman wanted to give her heart to Christ, she must first have the cheifs permission. The Masaai are nomadic and follow the herds, or the water. We arrived shortly after a lot of families had moved to the foothills of mount Kenya where there is more vegetation for their livestock. We met a woman who shared with us that she had gone to fetch water and when she returned her family had left without her, for what reason she was not sure, but she was left to care for some of the children and wait for their return in the next season. I don't know how she survives with hardly any resources and without the help of her family. A couple barriers that we came up against when sharing the gospel with the Masaai was that in their traditional beliefs there is no after life, when you die you're done. So to try and explain a spirit life/ afterlife with God it sounds ridiculous to them. The other barrier being that most of the adults believe they are too old to change their ways now, its better to leave those changes of lifestyle to those who are in their youth. These were only men and women of about 40 who said this. Another thing we learned that was a huge hurdle for the women is the circumcision that is mandatory in order for them to be considered a woman. It is a very unsanitary ceremony that leaves these young girls with the risk of infection, and HIV. More and more Masaai women are refusing the circumcision but they will also be shunned for refusing, and will not be married. The bottom line is that the women have no rights what so ever in this culture, some are finding the freedom to fight it while most are subject to it.

The team embraced the Masaai with the Love of Christ where ever they could. With encouraging words, prayers, or quality time spent together many of the locals felt befriended by the team.

Oh, and the open air evangelism in the market... yea, Jesus rocked it! We shared our life stories over the loud speaker, danced, sang, prayed and preached! It was a super fun day interacting with the locals at their bi-weekly market where families gather to buy/sell food, clothing, beads for fashion, cows, sheep and camel! Yup there were camels there for sale, wish I could've bought one! But I did get to ride on one!

There was also a point where we were charged at by wild elephants on our way to ministry! We had stopped to see a family of about 10 elephants on the side of the road when the big Grandpappy of them all, stormed out of the bushes towards our bus! This also just so happened to be at the same time that our driver put the bus in reverse to get a little closer! So very quickly we were face to face with a MAD elephant! It turned out that He was just making a statement as the rest of the elephants ran behind him to escape and He found his place at the back of the line heading into the bushes on the other side of the road. It was a close call, and I believe that Grandpappy elephant could have knocked our bus right on over if he so desired to!

Last Monday we took 2 more of our teammates to the airport. John and Cheryl were the ones signed up for the 6 week trip, And like we expected it was hard to release them. They have definitely added a lot of character to this team and will be greatly missed. The next day we packed up and set out for our mid-trip debrief. We landed at FishEagle Inn. :)

We spent 4 days at FishEagle working through some of our differences among the team. It seems to be normal at this point of a mission trip to be so incredibly over the whole community living thing. And so we had to push through the hard times of character development to reach the point of finding fresh vision and energy for the ministry that God called us here to do!

Many times on this trip I have been so busy ministering to the team and our finance book, that I forget to sit and reflect on the things God has been teaching me through this leadership role. And so I have been trying to make time to process too. One thing I am continually gaining understanding in, is that I am not fully alive in the life of Christ until I am fully loving His people, whether teammates, our host, or the locals. Love has been the theme of this trip without a doubt, for us leaders and among the team. 1 Corinthians 13 is our lifeline. If I think about it, where would I be without the Love God first showed me in His Son, why would it be any different for this team and this mission. We love because He first loved us.

Another thing I am trying to wrap my mind, spirit and soul around is leading through serving. I'm not talking about the times that it comes naturally but the times when it doesn't and I have to choose to be on the side of a servants heart towards my team, ie, when I am worn out, longing for personal time, or straight up frustrated. It is in those moments that the Lord is teaching me about sacrifice that hurts and yet brings fruit in the end. My prayer is that I continually strive to be an example of God's Kingdom at work from within, expressing the character of Christ.

Kijabe Days

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I feel bad that I haven't had the chance to blog since the team arrived in Kenya, I assume you know we arrived safely, ha! We have been here for nearly 4 weeks and I don't even know where to begin with the stories. Let me just say that the theme of my life right now is listening for the Holy Spirit in every passing moment.

Our team has gone through a few changes since training camp. Almost 2 weeks ago we said good-bye to 3 teammates who made the choice to no longer be a part of the team. 1 went home and 2 pursued another ministry option in Uganda. Although it was a rough few days, I believe that we can all say the Lord was in it and the team has definitely grown through the ordeal. We have finally settled as a family, and that is a good feeling.

A week in the life of a Kenya Real Lifer looks like this... Mondays we walk to Regency Elementary and a nearby preschool to spend the day teaching and playing with the kids. The men usually jump in on the construction projects.

Tuesdays we visit the Turkana people in a nearby village down in the valley. Our focus during these visits is to build relationships by visiting homes. This is one of our favorite times of the week because it is usually filled with a lot of joy and laughter with new friends. One thing we have learned about Kenyan culture is that visitors are one of the greatest blessings to a family. We have seen many come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ and we have had ample opportunity to bless homes, families and crops through prayer and song.

Wednesdays are reserved for the Kijabe Hospital where we visit patients, build relationships with families and also some physical labor behind the scenes in the kitchen and with construction. Kijabe hospital is a hotspot for medical care throughout Kenya and nearby Somalia. Some of our participants have dedicated their time to building relationships with the Somali Muslims and have seen hearts begin to open up to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Thursday is the wonderful day of rest and relaxation aka find the most exciting thing to do in or around Nairobi/Kijabe! We have set out in search of Zebra, Baboons, Warthogs etc. and we have also found a sweet spot for a barbaric meal of lamb! Next week we will be climbing Mount Longonot which is a dormant volcano!

Fridays we take a 1.5 hr hike through the forest to reach the Old Town of Kijabe. Here we have taught at the local elementary/high school and have also made house visits to build relationship within the community. This is a super fun place to be, the locals love to interact with us, play with us and simply share life with us. Today my small team of evangelists and I helped dig a toilet, helped to dig a hole for an electrical pole, and celebrated Christ with many families along the way!

Saturday is still kind of up in the air, but no worries we are flexible! Either we purchase food and distribute it at a local IDP camp (Internally Displaced People) or we stay within Kijabe evangelizing and visiting friends.

Sunday - CHURCH AND NAPS!

So in a nut shell this is the ministry outline for our time here in Kenya. We have begun to feel comfortable with the routine and look forward to each place for special reasons.

As for me, walking out this new role as a leader, it has been the most fantastic experience, hard but soo incredibly good! Every day I am amazed at how the Lord runs this thing! All He asks me to do is to come to Him daily, and surrender the team and mission to Him. I am at a point where I am looking back at the past few years and realizing that God has been preparing me for this for a while and still this experience will train me for the next. I am also seeing the stepping out of things, and spiritual release that I had initially expected to see on the World Race but am also seeing that it was far more important to walk the road of character and discipline before getting to this bridge, Praise God for His ways are good!

Tomorrow we will be taking a bus 8 hours north where we will be camping out with a Masaai Tribe for a week. We are very excited for the challenge of traditional living and the relational evangelism of a new kind that we are about to walk into! Please pray for our safety in traveling and also that the Elephants don't trample our tents during the night!

All for the Glory of Christ.

"A Tribe Called Quest"

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today is day 3 of our Real Life training camp... wow. I am so happy to finally meet the people who will become part of my family. At the AIM base in GA, we have 4 teams being trained, India, Swaziland, Nicaragua, and of course Kenya. My team consists of 4 guys and 8 girls. Yesterday we began to dive into the heart of training and thoroughly discussed things like surrendering our rights and expectations, The Kingdom of God, to the role of The Holy Spirit in our lives. It rocked my world to see and hear how these discussions and experiences have impacted the hearts and minds of my teammates. They have all chosen to step into this process with both feet and see where God takes them.

As we listened to a speaker in the evening give a talk about the Holy Spirit, I looked around at my team and saw the Body of Christ in a cool way. I saw my team as a portion of a larger tribe. A group of people cut from the same cloth, the same DNA, that of Jesus Christ. A group sent out in unity on a quest to find the Kingdom of God within. A tribe set on seeking the Heart of God. This is my family, my community, my tribe. What tied this together for me were the bracelets we are all wearing. A dear participant brought with her, these blessed bracelets made by Filipino women in a ministry in the Philipines. We all picked our favorite color and wear them proudly. To me, it makes us stick out as a family, and a unit under the same covenant. I love these people already.

This is an exciting time watching my teammates grasp for a deeper understanding of God. Please continue to pray for our unity and growth. This is still very much the honeymoon stage, as good as it is right now, soon enough things will change and we will be challenged in new areas. We leave for Kenya on Sunday. Thank you for your prayers.

That sweet spot of Surrender - Back to the mission field

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Please, let me brush the dust off this blog... it's getting close to 10 months since i wrote, let me try to give you a quick run through. My transition season after the Race has definitely been one of silence and hiddeness. By that I mean I worked a lot, keeping myself very busy and in my own world, and I was hearing very little from God. Even though it was lonely, I now know this to be God's plan from the beginning. In order for me to really take hold of the things I learned on the Race I needed a season of drawing close to God in a deep and intimate way. The silence I endured between us was a way of getting me to a place where I had to search even deeper for Him, it was tough but it lead me to the sweet spot of surrender. What i had been asking the Lord about all winter and spring was for a clear answer to my future... I know, this is a crazy question, but sometimes you cant help but get hung-up on it and when I got to the spot of surrendering my unanswered questions and inevitably my entire future to God, He stepped in and became my answer, and it looked like this...

I had an incredible opportunity to spend time with the most precious 9 year old I have ever met. She accepted Christ as her Savior in our time together and I spent countless hours pouring God's truth into her spirit. I watched her change and come alive on the inside. I was so deeply moved by God's devine appointment in her life that I knew without a doubt, this is what my future is all about. My future is in God's redemptive work here on Earth. The very essence of my life lies within the Kingdom of God touching the hearts of men. Practically, this give me nothing, ahahaha, but spiritually this is everything, this is the true life that Jesus talked about, completely opening our hearts as a vessel for the LIFE giving breath of God. This is my future and in that I rest because I know my God is good.

So, now that God had cracked open an area of my heart that was holding me back I was wide open available for ANYTHING He wanted me to do. At the same time I was beginning to feel that deep stirring within my spirit that was calling me back out to the mission field. This brings us up to about 3 weeks ago when i emailed AIM

to say that I was 'available'. Within 24 hrs I was asked if i was available enough to lead a 3 month Real Life trip to Kenya in 3 weeks... and as you may have guessed, I'M TOTALLY GOING TO KENYA!! I leave for GA on Wed. for leadership training before the trip starts and will be in Kenya with my co-leader Kyle Young and our beloved team of 13 by the 13th of Sept.

I believe God has prepared my heart to be available for this team. I am ready to fall in love with them! I am excited to walk through the trenches of the Kingdom of God with them, seeing the Glory of God manifest in our hearts and those we minister to.

In Kenya we will be staying in a town called Kijabe. Ministering to surrounding villages, hospitals, refugee camps, and churches.

My intention is to continue this blog and share with you the things I discover about this mighty Kingdom that's within. I hope and pray that my friends and family will follow this journey as they did when I was on the World Race, this is simply part 2...

Please pray for our protection over the next couple weeks as we meet and get to know each other.

*just a reminder, Adventures in Missions is a non-profit, donations based organization and will accept any offer to help offset costs for these mission trips. My World Race account has been set up to continue receiving support and it will go directly to the Real Life account. Just click the 'Support Me' link on the left hand side.

10 Reasons to GO!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ten reasons to go on the World Race

by:

Matt Snyder

Maybe you're sitting behind the computer screen contemplating reasons why you should go on the World Race. Here are ten reasons for you:

You learn who you are. Going on the World Race introduces you to the person that God wants you to be. You won't necessarily be the Jack Bauer or Indiana Jones of missionaries, but you'll definitely learn what the heart of God is and how He wants to use that to show you who you need to be in the Kingdom. And let's face it - you're more than just another employee slaving away in a cubicle, or a student going blindly into the real world' after college.

You get to see the world. Surely somewhere within you there's a desire to see the world. Most people think it's only a fantasy or a fairytale, but let's be honest, with God anything is possible. The World Race takes you to over ten different countries across four different continents... and God pays the bill, not you. Plus you can tell everyone you've been to Africa.

You can't be labeled a boring Christian. Most people think that Christianity is kind of a drudge and there's propaganda everywhere claiming that. Well, thankfully, you don't have to be a boring Christian. Twenty-four hour bus rides through the African bush is anything but boring, and feeding orphans and widows is a lot more adventurous than people give it credit for. But there's only one way to find out.

You will change the world. This isn't meant as a joke - you really will change the world. For each life you touch and empower with the love of God, they in turn will touch a life. It's just like the pay-it-forward principle, only with Jesus and love. It's pretty cool. This gets engrained into your everyday life when you go on the World Race. Maybe along the way you'll change the life that's going to find the cure for AIDS.

You learn to hear God's voice. Seriously, God still talks. There are a lot of rumors going on out there that He has a British accent and that He even talks in Spanish. Moses and Jesus weren't the only ones who had an in' with God; you do too. Going on the World Race perfects your ear for His voice.

You get to learn the things you didn't learn in Sunday school. What if, hypothetically speaking, they didn't teach you something in Sunday school? Would you know what is? Because on the World Race, they know what you didn't learn... and they're willing to teach it to you.

You'll raise the dead. You really will raise the dead... literally and figuratively. There haven't been any reported cases of World Racers raising the literally dead yet, but maybe you will be our first. It's been prophesied... are you it?

Learn about the Matrix. Maybe the Wachowski brothers were onto something when they created that infamous movie back in the late 90's. What if you really are living in a reality that isn't really reality? If you've ever wondered if there's something behind everything you see, you should check out the World Race - swallow the red pill and see how far the rabbit hole goes.

You learn what community really is. Relationships can only go so far with people when you're sharing just a dorm room for nine months. Community runs a lot deeper than a dorm room. Living life with a group of people united in purpose and Truth changes things - like the world. Explore the heart of Acts community and see it come to life through relationships that you'll maintain even after the World Race.

Pursue the dream God's planted in you. Sometimes there are dreams we have in life that get crushed by your typical 9-5 obligations. The World Race helps awaken your wildest dreams and plants a picture in how they can fit into the Kingdom. Do what you love doing while seeing God's Kingdom come to life through your life.

So what's it going to be? You're sitting on the edge of something great and it's as easy as applying. This is more than a mission trip. Go on the World Race and change your life and others'. There's something more out there... are you willing to look for it?

Apply here.

Kick Start!

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Oh, it's so crazy to think back to just over a month ago when I was with my squad... my sisters, my brothers. It feels longer than just weeks. That is partly due to adjusting to life without 26 constant companions, being re-introduced to Canadian temperatures and learning how to walk with my new feet. It's a journey in itself to be home again. Not only is the food saltier, sweeter and greasier than I remembered, but daily I have to choose to walk and live with a renewed mind and transformed heart versus my old ways of a hardened heart and self-focused mind.

My days have been filled by many visits with friends and family, especially over the holidays. It is soo wonderful to see all of your faces again! For the most part I feel as though I have "hit the ground running"... by that I mean that I have continued to stay focused on God's Kingdom no matter where I am, I am looking forward with excitement and not longing for the past, and i am thrilled to keep sharing all that The Lord has shown me this year. This does not go to say that I don't miss the things of the World Race, I do! but I am maintaining the idea that this was just the beginning,The World Race was a kick start to a lifetime of missions and servitude, and the unexpected on God's part!

Since being home I have learned some valuable lessons, too. One, Grace. Not only do I need grace for re-adjusting my life, but I also have to extend grace to others who don't understand or care about the stories I tell or the things I have learned this past year. Two, humility, again. I have caught myself at times thinking that this year has

prepared me for anything and everything, and that I know all the ins and outs of a journey with God... I don't. I will always need the council and wisdom of God, never do i want to judge a situation based on my experiences or my knowledge but on the strength, wisdom, love, and honor of Christ. It really is a humbling thing to have God still correcting and teaching me, I love it!

I wrote this blog to let you know that I am alive and well here at home. I have plans to write more blogs about what's next for me and also some stories from the field that I didn't get to write while i was away.

Thanks again for all the prayers and please keep it up, some big things are ahead... :)

*Pictures - #1Squad at final debrief in Thailand, #2 My sister Jennifer and I, #3 Sarah and I (family in Winnipeg), #4 Me and Zoe (my friends daughter), #5 The girls (right to left) Jodi, Chrissy, Katie and myself.

Looking Back, but Never Changing Back - Video

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I wonder how, or if we will ever comprehend the magnitude of what happened to us and through us this year as the Jan. '08 World Race squad, maybe not, but one undeniable truth is that life will never look the same from here on in. Kim Daniels, our beloved sister and gifted videographer made a tribute to this new found truth, check it out...

*and after you enjoy the video, feel free to click here and donate online to my remaining support goal, I'm still hanging around the $700 mark. Thank you supporters! You rock this WORLD (but most importantly the Kingdom of God)!

See you all soon!

Beginning and the End

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The End of:

being full of ourselves
old mindsets
a year long trek through the nations of this world

The Beginning of:

new identity
being empty of "self" and full of Christ
setting the bar higher for our generation

We are finishing up our final debrief on The World Race and are about to enter back into North America as changed people.

One year ago we submitted ourselves to a journey that took us thousands of miles outside of our comfort zones. We embraced abandonment, walked through brokenness, learned dependancy on God, walked through brokenness again, learned dependancy on God again and arrived at the end of the journey as a community who will NEVER live life the way we did 11 months ago. I can imagine you have a bijillion questions about what that really means, and so I will share this with you (for those whom I will not get to sit with over coffee); submit yourself to one another, prefer someone else above you, love until it hurts, then love some more, choose LIFE in every situation, learn to be un-offendable, and tell satan TO GO TO HELL! It doesn't matter where you live or who you live with, you always have the choice to live differently and abundantly.

For all my friends and family at home in Nova Scotia, I extend a huge invitation for you to come and visit my home, or meet up with me for coffee

and we can talk about all that has happened on both sides of the world in the past year.

These final days have been full of adventure from times of reflection, to still eating new things, parasailing with friends, to soaring through revelation about what has been and what's to come. Speaking of what's to come...

STAY TUNED, THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!

Love Selflessly and Play Hard

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One week of ministry in cambodia, that was it. But I can honestly say I felt more in one week for this ministry than I did in other places where i spent 4 weeks! I don't have much to say except that I know God placed us in this AIDs orphanage for the right amount of time, to love selflessly, play hard, and have compassion for His beautiful children. Just look at their faces in these pictures, my heart will forever remain with them. They are so precious and even today, i long to hold them again. But i trust and know that God will bring more loving people their way, imparting more of His goodness into their lives.

We are back in Thailand. Our final debrief begins tomorrow although most of us have already begun processing what this year has meant. I don't know if I will ever fully understand what has happened this year. It has flown by and it so hard to believe we are at the end. Please remember to pray for us this week and next as we get ready to say goodbye to each other and re-enter North America.

Urgent Support Needed - 8 days to the Finish Line!

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The countdown is on, 8 days left on the Race!

Only one thing left to do... (besides debriefing what happens to you when you circumnavigate the globe on Faith!)

FINISH SUPPORT RAISING!

I urgently need $770 USD by Thursday, November 20th (my last day on the World Race)

My support account says that I have raised $13,030! Thats a long way from back in January while I was in Peru and my account read $4500, and this helps me to believe that $770 will show up in the next 8 days!

Pass on the word so we can see this number knocked out!

Based on Jesus

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"You can't live your life for you, 'cuz it's no longer you who lives." Sings Ed Cash in his song "Grandy" that I am listening to right now. It actually fits well with what The Lord showed me today.

This morning we left early to visit the "Killing Fields" of Cambodia. We walked among the mass graves of those killed in the Khmer Rouge Genocide back in the late '70's. We also visited the torture prisons in Phnom Phen. We learned a lot about what this country has endured at the hands of a communist "madman". We also gained a huge understanding into the hearts of the Cambodians who survived the mess, which is nearly every person you would walk past in the streets. It was one of those mornings where your comfortable world of safety, trust and security is shaken when a little bit more of the true colors of this world are revealed to you. Yeah, that's really the only way I can explain it.

We wrapped up the touring and made our way to lunch. I didn't have any revelations or visions while we were there for how God would want us to minister in Cambodia, but I thought it may take some time to process all the new history we just learned. So on to lunch. I sat down to eat a Hot Dog combo meal from Lucky Burger when a young American lady sitting beside Meredith and I introduced herself and started up a conversation. She is a fulltime missionary here in Cambodia and so we talked about the one obvious thing we had in common - ministering to the Cambodians. As we talked she made what seemed like a random and out of place statement that made me pause internally. Her statement echoed in my mind when I recognized My Lord speaking to me. She said to us, "Remember, your ministry is not who you are" and with that I was pretty much out of the rest of the conversation as I internalized what God was saying to me.

Lately I have been struggling with trying to fit together ministry with who I am. It has left me feeling like I will never be satisfied in life if the ministries I'm involved in don't include all my hopes, passions, and dreams. But the Lord said to me today, ministry and who you are, are not one in the same. Ministry is what God has asked me to do for Him, not who He wants me to be. That doesn't mean He wont draw upon my personality, heart, passions and character within ministry, because He definitely will, but ministry needs to be based on who Jesus is, not who I am, otherwise I would be limited to my own abilities and would have no dependency on God to make a difference in people's lives. He reminded me that my dreams and passions were given by Him and He will assuredly tend to them.

As He calmed the storm in my soul, I could clearly see that He also meant this to be applied to our last ministry opportunity on the Race, Cambodia. The Lord has challenged me once again to not let these last few weeks be about me. See, most of our contacts have fallen through once we arrived here, and even when given options we tend to pick according to how we feel at the time and so on. The Lord has challenged me again, to dive into what He wants to do among the nations, not because it's going to make me happy, or satisfy a need within me but because God has His heart set on the people of Cambodia and He asked me to go and tell them.

So here I am in Cambodia, at the end of The World Race, still working out my salvation. That's a good thing.

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20

10 down, 1 to go!

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This race is nearly over for the Jan. '08 squad, one month left to serve. So many of you at home have helped us World Racers touch an inconceivable number of lives across the globe . ALL of this has been made possible through your prayers and support. Where would we be without you. You have understood what it takes to get a missionary around the world. I am forever grateful for your help. But I am not finished yet, I still have Cambodia yet to visit and just over $600 left to raise. Please help me finish the race strong! The truth is, financial support will drastically slow down and then stop once I arrive back home in Canada. Now is the time to get the rest of my support in and finish without burden!

I have put together a photomontage of some of the people and places where we have left our fingerprints this year. This serves as a reminder of what you have made and continue to make happen when you are supporting me. Remember that these are your stories too, you are just as much a part of all this as us Racers! I love you all, thank you so much!

Click here to send donations online

*If a Canadian would like a Tax Receipt you can mail a check to my home church, Real Life Community Church, the address is at the bottom of this blog ;)

Chincha, Peru is where it all began...

Remember the earthquake that devastated so many families? Over 300 were moved to a temporary refugee camp in Tambo De Mora, where out hearts were captured for the first time. Many great things happened here, we saw people healed, shelters were repaired. Food, medicine and supplies brought in. Daily we saw hope restored in our new found friends.

And little Andri, who refused to laugh and play when we first arrived, but a little unconditional love softened his heart and freedom walked into his life.

Canchamana People, Chincha, Peru

We made a special visit to a people group who were completely displaced by the earthquake, no township would take responsibility for them and so they were left to camp out on a small plot of "borrowed" land. No AID relief came to them because they were not a part of any particular region. The Canchamana people lived off of the land and their livestock, a new experience for us. We were incarnationally living with these families for 4 days. We ate, slept and worked with them. We also made time for biblical teaching, worship, and prayer. What a joy it was to enter their lives!

The Amazon Jungle - Nauta and Iquitos, Peru

Nauta was one of our favorite places, we had a lot of fun in this village! We led a VBS daily for the kids, with lots of Bible stories, dramas and games, the children loved it! I would easily say a couple hundred kids would show up for the fun! We also met with the local youth group a few times a week to teach, disciple and encourage them.

In Iquitos we worked closely with a church just outside of the city. We made daily visits to the surrounding villages. We encouraged the villagers to attend some teachings that we held daily at the church, and of course, we had VBS there too! Some small teams were able to help local families by providing shoes, clothing, school supplies, food, and a 13 year old boy recieved his first pair of eye-glasses. He was almost blind without them and hadn't attended school in 3 years because of it, so he's back in school now!

Cochabamba and Chapare, Bolivia

This is where I found out that I would not make a good construction worker, ha, but that's ok because between all of us we managed to help with the building process of a huge orphanage in the Bolivian Rain forest. We varnished the entire outside and inside of the house, built stairs, painted, dug ditches, cut down trees, and so on and so on. By now there are children living in this home who are now receiving proper care and attention by a family who will love them as their own.

During our stay in Cochabamba, higher into the Andes mountains, we participated in a ministry called "Baby Washing". Tents were set up in a plaza where homeless families could bring their children to bathe and receive new clothes. The mothers also would have a chance to wash and food was also provided. I absolutely loved washing the babies!

Nsoko, Swaziland

Swaziland was a trip to another world, a dying world. With over half the population affected by AIDs, in just a few short decades the Kingdom of Swaziland will cease to exist if extreme measures are not taken to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. An entire generation has been killed already, mostly those who would be my age, the mothers and fathers of the kids we fell in love with. We spent all of our time at Care Points, small structures where AIDs orphans and needy children are fed, loved and taught about Jesus. Our main project was to photograph all the children and build individual profiles so that in the near future these kids can be sponsored financially by people around the world. It was an honor to be a part of this process. This is also where I met "Baby". The precious little girl who's smile would light up anyone's world! Baby has changed who I am... to read more about Baby and the way she touched my life click here.

Beira and Mutarara, Mozambique

Momma Rita and her house-full of orphans shared an incredible joy with us. A joy that perseveres through all things. The Joy of the Lord lives in this house. Momma Rita's husband was martyred 1 year ago, together they opened there home to orphans and now as a widow her calling is to continue what her and her husband began, and watch how God will provide. While our two teams from the Jan.'08 squad were there we were able to repair the roof, have pipes installed to bring water to the house, matresses and a freezer were bought, children were medically treated for malaria, 2 teenagers have had their schooling paid for and life long friendships were made. We also spent a few days traveling north to a village in Mutarara where we conducted a mini conference for Pastors and leaders and then the general public. We also made home visits to pray and worship with families. Mozambique was one of the greatest adventures I have ever had!

Cape Town, South Africa

Our short 2 weeks in Cape Town was a much needed rest for our team. Although we spent most of our time being quiet before the Lord, we noticed that ministry just seemed to "happen" when it needed to. We often found ourselves among the homeless, feeding the poor, and praying with whoever came our way that day, it was an adventure of another kind, unplanned and unpredictable!

New Delhi, India

India was an incredible time for us, we were challenged by both cultural and spiritual differences. We lived in a township in New Delhi where the struggles of a cultural caste system were right in front of our face. Some of our neighbors were garbage collectors, sorting and using what they could from the refuse. Others lived off of what their one cubicle sized store would provide for them. We spent time ministering at 3 different sites, a Leper Colony, a christian orphanage, and with Burmese refugees. We spent time building relationships and through those relationships, sharing the love of Christ as we know it. We learned that it is extremely hard for one to leave hinduism to follow Jesus, families would be shamed, and persecution is greater than we know. Christians are killed simply to make statements. We saw a glimpse of what it means to be a christian in India, the orphanage that we worked with had an incident where 2 people were martyred at their sister orphanage in another city. The children at our orphanage spent the entire day fasting and praying. Their dedication and active faith amazed me and humbled my heart. Their reality is so different than mine... still processing this.

Pattaya, Thailand

Never stop praying for this area of the world! There are beloved daughters here of the Most High King, trapped in the evil claws of the sex industry. Pattaya, Thailand is one of the mostly heavily visited areas for participation in the sex trade. we entered this place with hearts ready to befriend the girls working in the bars. We worked along side YWAM's Tamar Center that offers emergency and long term living for girls leaving the bars, free english classes, trade school, and discipleship for those interested. As you may remember, the Lord quickly showed us that it would be relationship and pure love that would speak the loudest to these girls so we spent our time building into specific women that God laid on our hearts. We became friends with Nat, who eventually heard the Lord calling her to go home to her family! What a great time of celebration it was when she decided to follow Jesus wit her LIFE! ** Update, I have heard from Nat through email who gladly tells me that she is now home and forever grateful that she met us! Her life is on a new path now! Praise Jesus!

Hong Kong

Surprise! Ha, we have been in Hong Kong this month! 'Round the clock we have been teaching english to 12-18 year olds at 2 christian schools, although most of the kids are not christians. It is a huge blessing to these student to have foreigners come and spend time with them. They desperately want to improve their english skills and pronunciations. we spent a lot of time building relationships with the kids. We have held special events where we shared the gospel, and testimonies. we saw over 20 kids dedicate their lives to Christ and others refreshed in their faith walk.

Cambodia, yet to be experienced...

and there has been a lifetime of trekking through my own soul this year, challenges and growth that I would have never been able to experience or walk through in any situation at home. Thanks a billions for helping me change and begin to walk into the person God created me to be!

Please prayerfully consider how you can help me finish my support raising. Remember it's only $600 left to go! Please also consider that I am praying that enough funds will come in to reimburse me for flights that I have purchased to and from the race! I adore you all!

** Canadians who would like a tax receipt for a donation can mail checks to my home church at:

** Remember to specify the donation to "Angela Tibbo - The World Race"

Real Life Community Church

C/O Angela Parr

6285 Yukon St.

Halifax, N.S.

B3L 1E9

Blessings!

Loving Nat

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes God's favor is right in front of your face, almost undeniable. It's an incredible feeling to know that the God of creation is on your side ready and waiting to back you up with an everlasting love that can move mountains.

This was the revelation that my friend Nat received this past week. I met Nat while she was working at a bar in Pattaya, Thailand. She is 24 years old and her reason for secretly working in the bars was to not be a financial burden on her parents. The very first moment I laid eyes on her I could see the Holy Spirit on her, she seemed to glow and peace was written across her face. I thought to myself, God is awfully fond of this one!

I had about 45 minutes to talk with her before our group was supposed to meet back up... I hardly talked the whole time, Nat was a little chatter bug. Through my translator, Nat told me about how she knew about God and how she once ordered christian books from a television show. She was excited to tell me that she liked my God. All i could do is giggle with her, she delighted my soul! I did manage to tell her that I could feel and see God's Holy Spirit with her, she blushed.

The usual routine with YWAM's Tamar Center is to go to a different street of the bar area every time they go out trying to simply extend an invitation to their free English classes and to share Christ's love. I couldn't bare the thought of not going back to see this beautiful young girl again, so our team (Patrice, Andi, Meredith, Tammy and myself) made sure that we returned to the girls who made an impact on our hearts. We returned to see Nat a few times a week. We would show up to chat, and pray with her. Her face lit up each time we came. We also really felt like it wasn't necessary to shove the gospel down her throat but to show her what a true and loving relationship looks like by being good friends to her.

On our last night visiting the bars, again we went to see Nat. We invited her to come to church with us on Sunday and gave her our cell number. After our visit we prayed and left. I wondered if that would be the last time i see her. Really, would she step out and come to church? I prayed a lot that night. We had been there for 3 weeks visiting her, and she hadn't made any huge life changes or anything, I surrendered my concerns to The Lord and assured myself that even if I see no results I cannot forget the seeds we have planted in her heart and the truths we have shared with her, she was our friend and she wouldn't forget what we shared with her. The rest was in God's hands.

Sunday morning came, no phone call from Nat. We jumped on to the back of the truck and headed to church. As I walked down the street where our church sat nestled among the bars, there she was smiling from ear to ear. I let out a scream of excitement and ran to hug her. She joined us in the service where she began to tell me some details of her life. Come to find out a man had led her to Christ a while ago, but she didn't have any discipleship so she did not understand that this was a choice of a new lifestyle, she had no answers and no guidance. This was great news and I instantly saw the Lord's hand at work. I said to her, "Nat, can you see? This is God! He heard you that very day when you invited Him into your life! He took you seriously and He then began the work of getting us 5 missionaries over here to become your friends! He knew we would love you like He loves you! He knew that you needed some special people to come and breathe hope back into you! He has plans for you, ya know!" with tears in her eyes she said " YES! I know, because last Friday night after you prayed with me, I decided to leave the bars! I want to be with my family, I want to go back to school!"

I cannot tell you the freedom that was flowing through her, you could taste change when talking to her. I shared more scriptures with her told the importance of discipleship.

This week Nat goes home. Her parents live in Cambodia, what a coincidence, our last stop on this trip! We will try to meet up with Nat and introduce her to the YWAM base there.

Our God is good, and He is in favor of Nat's future!

Please pray for Nat. Pray that she stands firm in her decision to go home, and that the Lord will continue to bring the right people into her life to encourage her and strengthen her, and that the Holy Spirit will lead her through the healing she needs so that she can walk into the abundant life of freedom promised her by her Savior.

A Life Time of Mercy

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Last Friday we went to work with Mercy Ministries. A children's shelter here in Pattaya. They started 5 years ago and have seen over 50 children through their doors. they currently have 24 children living in the house. It is a shelter and not an orphanage because their primary goal is to help the children get back into their families once the parent(s) is capable of providing a stable home for them. we spent the majority of the day doing odd jobs around the house like, cleaning all the fans, cleaning the air con. filters, organizing the storage room, sorting clothes to go out to other ministries in Cambodia and Burma, and constructing gift cards. It really was an honor to serve this ministry even if only for such a short period of time.

I had the chance to sit with the husband of the couple who started the shelter, his name is Fred. He told me how Mercy Ministries began, it wasn't their plan at all. They came to Thailand to plant a church, that was until a Thai Lady began to ask them to do something about the "at risk" and abandoned children of a certain village, quickly and miraculously God provided all they needed to begin and this was their confirmation for God's will. He shared with me some of the children's stories and what it has been like for him to be immersed in such a heart wrenching ministry. I couldn't help but be moved to tears as we talked about the depth of the Fathers compassion for these kids. I began to imagine what the cost to my life would be if I were to care for the orphaned too. It would be huge, and more than I could even possibly understand right now... and yet completely worth it. I have noticed that it's the orphan work that gets the inner gears of my being to move and start connecting and thinking. I pray that God will continue to share His vision with me for the orphaned and needy children, and birth within me a strategy to go in and make a refuge, wherever it is that He takes me someday.

* * * * *

In the meantime I am still focused on the present ministries. This past week we were able to join forces with Patricia King's Extreme Prophetic conference and head out together for the bar ministry. We had over 150 people go out to share the Kingdom among some heavy darkness. My team was able to sit with three women who we just loved! The thai people are just naturally friendly, warm, and inviting so to sit with these ladies is like sitting with an old friend. Most of the women do not speak a lot of english and we have few translators to go around so sometimes the ministry is more like laughing and being silly with the ladies and just showing them how much we love them. Usually they understand the name Jesus and know that we come representing Him. But if we have a translator we can get into deeper conversations about life and spiritual matters. We often give the girls the opportunity to leave the bar and come to Tamar's house for women. Last week 3 girls left the bars for refuge with Tamar! Others have been taking us up on our offer for free english lessons, which is another opportunity to speak into their lives and love them.

Our team is really loving this unique and special ministry. We talk everyday about how it effects us and how it excites us! We have noticed how much greater we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when we go out at night to the bars than any other ministry we have been involved in. I mean, there is a real sense of protection over us and the guidance and wisdom of the Spirit is constantly going before us. when we sit with girls, we have noticed that they seem to then stand out, look different from the rest of the girls and their eyes lead us right into their hearts! It's incredible what the Breath of God can do. He is all over this place in a tangible way. It's as though i can feel all the prayers at work that have ever gone up for the sex trade in Thailand. Keep praying

It's About "her"

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My first time experiencing the night life in Thailand:

If i had a place to secretly throw up I probably would have as I watched the scene unfold before me. Such a mix of emotions was making me nauseous. I sat at the bar talking with a Thai woman who kept looking over her shoulder at the commotion going on behind her. A group of American soldiers had walked into the bar and were absorbing the attention of all the women in sight. The girls shouted with anticipation of getting a "boyfriend" for the night. The young men were on cloud nine as the girls begged for their attention. I could tell that the girl I was trying to befriend was pulled between a genuine conversation, and the chance to make money that evening or better yet, landing a "sugar daddy" for as long as he is interested in her. My heart ached for her, this world, and the redemption that all of creation longs for.

* * * * *

As you can probably tell, this month we are in Thailand ministering to the women in the sex trade. We have partnered with YWAMs, Tamar Center, in the city of Pattaya. Pattaya sees over a million tourists each year, most of whom are seeking to participate in the illegal sex trade. Tamar Center offers a safe place for women to come who want to leave prostitution and this lifestyle. They offer english classes, discipleship, mentoring, and a new trade to begin a new life, all of it based on true relationship that nourishes these women back to life.

* * * * *

I could probably never explain to you the range of emotions, thoughts and feelings that rush through my heart and spirit when I am sitting in these bars. These women are so precious, I just love them. And more importantly, God loves them and they need to know this. They need to know that their Creator longs to communicate with them, provide for them, and show them a real love that will change their lives forever. This is why God has sent us here. We are the answer to the prayer that their spirit longs to pray.

I have had the chance to spend one-on-one time talking with some girls in the bars. Ploy is working to put her children through university, and Nat is a young teenager trying to help her parents financially. When I talk to these girls I can hear that they have not had the opportunities that I have had, to seek out who they have been created to be. They have never been given the chance to find something they like and go for it with passion. They have no idea that there is an abundant life of hope and peace to be experienced. It is my joy and honor to tell them about our Savior and about the opportunities that the Tamar Center offers.

* * * * *

Please, I need support to be here. This isn't about me, it's about the fact that we know God called me into this mission for His purposes, and His purposes are always about others. I am here for them, God sent me, we know this, please stand in agreement with what the Lord is doing here in Pattaya Thailand by supporting me financially. I still need at least $2500. It's not much at all if we just pull together. Let's dramatically change this figure by September 30^th !

Click the "SUPPORT ME" link at the top of this page on the left hand side to donate online to my account!

Thank you so much for sharing this vision with me! May you continually be blessed in all that you do because you have opened your heart to those who God has asked us to have compassion on.

That's India, Baby! *Photo Blog

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Dehli, India

Welcome to the streets of Dehli where there is no regard for lanes and rickshaws dominate!

Here is the view from our roof top, overlooking the township of Dwarka. We often hangout on the roof to catch a cool breeze.

This is where we find our veggies!

August 15th was Independence day in India and tradition is to fly kites from your roof top, there were hundreds of kites across the sky for miles, an incredible sight that could not be captured by the lense.

Me and Koselia at the orphanage! I just love her, she is precious!

Lunch time at the orphanage!

The GIRLS room!

Where there's space, a Racer will sleep!

WE WENT TO THE TAJ MAHAL!

Greetings at the Taj!

How cute are we??

and to finish the experience... a few trips to the market!!

PS. I am still support raising and need $2500 to meet my goal. Click here to donate online now!

VOTE NOW! Hurry!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As a part of our CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION we had a door decorating contest.
We need YOU, (our friends!) to vote for the winner!
So here are the entries.

PLEASE VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

deadline for voting is: SUNDAY AUGUST 31

one vote per blog site!

have fun! :) hah.

door #1

door #2

door #3

door #4

and door #5

vote now! thanksssssss!

Last chunk of support needed! - Video Update!

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thank You!To all my faithfull supporters.

Through mine and your willingness to serve our Lord and Savior we have travelled to over 10 locations, across 3 continents, into the hearts of those who are searching for hope, love and true life. We really have impacted the places we've visited and here is your opportunity to help me continue on to Southeast Asia doing the same thing. I have only 3 months left of this journey and only $2500 left to raise!

Please help me reach my goal by Septmeber 30th.

Have a peek at this video update for our time in India!

7 Months Looking in the Mirror

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's a scary phenomenon that happens when we are blind to who we have become by living outside of depenency on God. One way to understand what this broken world has made you is to get into community living and let those around you be your mirror, reflecting the raw image of what is at your core.

The Lord has taken these first 7 months on the race to go extremely deep into the core of who I am, which sounds wonderfully devine, but has been one of the messiest, bloodiest battles I have ever been in. As God moves around deep within me, there is a ripple effect that causes the ungodly, ugly parts of who I am to become more apparent at the surface. The most common things surfacing are my self-centered "rights" and "opinions" backed up by my ability to use "past pain" as fuel and fire to get what I want! Can you imagine how well this goes over in a community of Christ Followers?

Community living, and following Jesus is all about submitting to relationships and prefering one another over ourselves with great joy, honor and love, maintaining righteousness at all times, with all people, and God Himself. The Holy Spirit wanted to uproot and remove from the depths of me, these character flaws that were stunting the growth of relationships around me. The Lord has walked me through brokenness and humility, confrontng my own behaviors and thoughts. My small team has been an incredible influence in creating new mindsets about myself, others, life and God Himself.

This has been the most stretching 7 months of my life. Personally it's been all about new growth in character, letting Jesus be the reflection that shines from my face. It's been hard and I have cried more tears than I ever expected I would, but at the same time I am consumed with the Lord's goodness. It's His love that wants to see me become all that He intended me to be in character and virtue. Cape Point - Atlanic Ocean on the right and Indian Ocean to the left

So I start my time in India with a new fragrance.

"Count it all Joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

- James 1:2-5

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The tree is up and the countdown is on!

Get ready for the BEST Christmas EVER...

On to new worlds!

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am now sitting through our layover in Abu Dhabi, UAE as we move on to India. What a change from the rugged African nature to the religiously respectable atmosphere of an Arab country.

Yesterday we said goodbye to my beautiful Africa. I knew I would love her this much. A continent of such deep passion and resiliency. Reminds me a lot of myself. Africa has changed the way I will live out the rest of my life. God met me there in so many unexpected ways. Most of the time through pain, other peoples' and my own. The Lord has set before me new mindsets and challenges. The first and most important; seeking Him first in ALL that I do, from ministry and daily logistics, down to thoughts, attitudes, perceptions, conversations, you name it, He has to be first. His wisdom in every situation outweighs my ability to make my life glorify Him. I hope to blog further about all that the Holy Spirit is doing inside of me.

So now we are off to India. I doubt that these next 5-6 weeks will be any less than what I have experienced in Africa.I serve a good God. I'm not entirely sure of the ministry yet except an orphanage and a Lepar colony are involved!

Walking Through Mozambique - Part 2

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mozambique Continued...

We checked on the progress of the orphanage construction in Mutarara and then began a traveling church service! We began with a beautiful service in Mutarara and then we began our travels into the bush by means of a truckbed for an hour and a half. We reached a small village where we had another service, by that time, in the dark. we pitched our tents there and rose at 4 am to drive another 3 hours deeper into the bush to a village named Dowa. In Dowa we held another 2 services, one public and another for pastors and leaders of the area.

Dowa was an interesting place to be. I am really not sure if white people have ever visited this area because everytime we made sudden movements all the children would take off running in fear. and when we tried to entertain the children with songs, they stared. For 3 hours. finally some smiles surfaced when we made dancing fools of ourselves. And it was quite the scene when we attempted to pitch our tents. hundreds of eyes stared and crowds gathered as we put together our instant shelters. and even as we laid in our tents the children gathered around the doors to stare.

So, this we named the "program of staring". To be honest by this point we were a bit tired of being stared at and we called it an early night, only to be woken at 3 am to begin our travels through the bush back to Mutarara. Well at least we got to see an incredible sunrise from the truckbed. We arrived at Mutarara around 8 am. This would be when we received notice that Rachel's father passed away while we were in the bush. It was a shocking moment for our team, our sister was devastated and we couldn't fix it. Momma Rita played a key part in this time, Rachel had a mother's shoulder to cry on when her own mother was a continent away. We immediately cut our traveling church services short and began our 35 hour journey to Vilanculo where Rachel could catch a flight home. Stopping along the way in the middle of the night to say goodbye to those at Momma Rita's house. Once Rachel had departed to be with her family, we immediately realised the effects of all that had just happened. We were less one family member, who's life had just changed drastically, our time was cut short with Momma Rita and her family, and we did not get to say good bye to everyone. The whole thing was a huge shock to our system, and i missed our mozambican family like crazy. We rested at a fellow missionary's house for the next week before departing for our debreif in Swaziland.

It had been an eventful month that has impacted me in many ways. I have learned of a selfless love that flows from a servant. A love that cares not about being loved in return or how its being perceived, but loving because Jesus first loved us. I have experienced community living being taken to the level of incarnational living, where I feel what they feel, see how they see, love how they love. To take in orphans as your own has to beone of the most life giving ways you can live out the gospel of Christ.

I LOVE MOZAMBIQUE!

Walking Through Mozambique - Part 1

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a blog I wrote a few weeks ago about our experiences in Mozambique last month. I have broken it into 2 parts because, well, I had a lot to share... enjoy! If your looking for a quick version, Andi has put together a beautiful picture blog click here to view.

Mozambique seems to be a sweetspot in the heavenlies. You can't visit then return as the same person you were before entering the experience. I know this because I am different, changed. My team and I spent the past month ministering (or being ministered to) in Mozambique, and I believe that we will all carry with us for the rest of our lives the blessing that it was to meet our Mozambican brothers and sisters in Christ.

After traveling 23 hours north from Manzini, Swaziland, to Beira, Mozambique we came to rest at a home that has deeply impacted my view of God's Kingdom. Momma Rita is the head of this household. A woman a great character and Godly virtue. My first glimpse into her heart was when our bus came to a stop at the side of the highway and there she stood , waiting intently, excitement seeping from her body. When we climbed down with all of our bags, she whole heartedly wanted to carry one of our big backpacks back to her house, but our niavety of Kingdom culture kept her from being able to do so. We learned later that it would have been a great honor for her to carry our bags, next time I'll accept. We walked into the roadside bush that hid a bustling village and winded through the foot paths until we reached the humble house of Momma Rita. After an impromptu church service we sat to hear Momma Rita's story and the reasons why her house was overflowing with precious orphans...

10 years ago, Momma Rita and her husband Ezekiel began to welcome their community's orphans into their small concrete home. Most of the orphans lost their parents due to malaria after the floods. As the years past, and orphans kept apprearing, they took in over 30 children, overflowing into another household of a friend in ministry. Their heart was to raise them as their own, teach them of the love of Christ and prepare them for a hopefull future. Back in 2007 Pastor Ezekiel was martyred in the streets of Beira because of his spiritual influence. Momma Rita is passionate about carrying on Ezekiel's vision for building a large orphanage, becoming self sustaining, and continuing to take in orphans. She prayed for months that the Lord would send people to help her, and in His beautiful timing our World Race teams started arriving. Since the first team arrived in April an orphanage has begun to be built, north in Mutarara. A refrigerator, mattresses for the children, and a new roof have been purchased ,while a water system is currently being installed on her property in Beira.

The first week of staying at Momma Rita's house consisted of joining in on their daily activities. We ate, slept, played, worked along side them, and even though our hearts were to serve them, it was important for them to serve us as treasured guests. The chidlren gave up their bedrooms for us to sleep in, women spent all day cooking for us and heating water for the 2 showers a day they insisted we take. A couple days in we noticed the two toddlers were serverly ill. They both had no interest in food, were feverish and slept all day long. We set out for the local clinic finding out that one had malaria and the other an intestinal infection (which I have just recently recovered from as well). It was incredible to watch the life start to flow back into these girls as the days followed. During this week it was also the teenage girls' pleasure to put mine, Rachel, and Andi's hair into extensions, which by the way hurt more than hell, im sure of it!

As the week came to an end we started our next adventure visiting the orphanage 10 hours north in Mutarara. Oh and this might be a good time to share that our only english translator was Pastor Ezekiels' blind nephew, Peter. Peter took us everywhere and was the best host we could have asked for, the fact that he was blind brought us closer together because we depended on him, and he depended on us, it was a beautiful friendship. So, Peter took us to Mutarara which led into what one might call a "series" of interesting and life altering events...

Be sure to read 'Walking Through Mozambique -Part 2' for the continuation of our Mozambican adventure!

Eliminate Apathy

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I found someone who makes Jesus' heart melt, someone who makes His face light up with one look from her eyes, a little someone who fits perfectly into His arms, and a smile that makes Him want to give up everything for her. I know this to be true because Christ's' passion lives and breathes in my heart.

At "Care-Point" #3 in Nsoko Swaziland, I met her, and the smile that took me thousands of miles deep into the heart of The Father. Baby is her name. Right away when you meet Baby you can see that life is harder than it's supposed to be for her. Baby suffers from respitory problems that have plagued her from birth. Her chest is misshapen and protrudes beyond normality. Asthma often sends her to the clinic because her family cannot afford a supply of medications at home. Baby also lives with chronic tonsillitis that often steals away her ability to eat when food is available. She is often too weak to walk to the G42 Care-Point. Baby is four years old and lingers around the size of a 2-1/2 year old. She is in desperate need of surgery to remove her tonsils, a simple enough procedure that could make all the difference in her precious life.

I befriended Baby right away. My natural instinct to comfort collided with The Fathers heart of compassion and drew me close to her. I assumed that she couldn't talk because I had not heard her utter a noise the entire time, but occasionally she would reveal the greatest smile I have ever known. One day I walked to her house to meet her family and learn more about her situation. I learned that Baby talks up a storm at home, she loves to sing, and hasn't stopped talking about her new friend since the first day she met me. "I have a new friend, and she's the small one, just like me!" she expressed with excitement to her mother. With that one little line, she stole my heart for good. I had no idea, my petite presence could make such an impact on a child's heart. I love my little friend too.

I'm sure it's easy to read about Baby and feel the strings of your heart being plucked. I'm almost certain you will feel like making a difference in this world, even if only for a mere 5 seconds before the overwhelming feeling of inability and helplessness leaks into your thoughts. We are so often immobilized by the sly voice of darkness that subliminally tells us we couldn't possibly make a difference, it's only one kid out of millions, and besides, your hands are tied with your own bills to pay, not to mention your own kids to feed. We know this is not our Father speaking, if we were to take a moment to find the still small voice, I know that He is telling us that there is hope in one little face, freedom in giving, enough money to finance the entire Kingdom of God, and His everlasting life breathes out of our outstretched, unwavering hands... if only we could manage to get them out from under our butts.

I once fell victim to this voice of reason and doubt after the Lord told me to financially give to a ministry in Bangladesh over a year ago, and my decision plagued me for months. I knew I heard God's voice and still turned to partner with helplessness. Where was my faith? And really, how big is my faith if it runs and hides when asked to act? I eventually repented, and right away the Lord redeemed that moment by randomly placing a photo of a young girl from Bangladesh in my hands giving me the chance to once again give financially to someone in need. Only this time I was without job. But the Lord reassured me that it's Him who wants to provide for this child, He will always provide the money. And He has. He wants to do the same for Baby.

It honestly takes a big shift in our hearts and minds to begin to understand what the Father is about. I am beginning to see that God's desire for me is to be shaped into a vessel that can and will conduct His love in a just and life giving fashion. I am really starting to see that my relationship with God isn't all about me and what He can do for me and my future, but it's about Him being the future to a hurting world through the hands and feet of a person broken for Him. It starts with us being willing to feel His love for His children, and holding our hands out to those in need instead of folded inward. In turn He will always provide for us, He will be our future, and will lavish us with unending love. Think about it, a church that instead of meeting in a building for a cutsie service, the body of Christ, Christ in Body, meeting at the feet of the diseased, the poor, and the abandoned. A shift that will usher in the presence of God in an unmistakable way. Lets prepare the way of the Lord. Beginning in our hearts, pouring out to those around us. This is where taking back nations for the Kingdom begins.

*I also credit my amazing World Race squad for being conductors of God's love to me, preparing the way for God to make greater moves in my heart. My hands are open to you always, G squad.

If you want to start your change with the beautiful children of Swaziland, please go to the G42 website. Photos of the children and opportunities to sponsor them will be available in the near future. If you would like to give to the General Fund for the children of the NSoko care points click here.

As for me, I am off to Mozambique this month. You may or may not hear much from me, but know that I will probably be taking back land and killing giants for God's Kingdom. Loving and missing you all!

A little fun never hurt anyone...

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Among the many beauties of The World Race comes a lot of down time. We have done our best to make the most out of our time... and capture it on video too!

Here is a taste of life on a Swazi Safari...

But before you click play on the following videos make a note to send in that support that you've been meaning to! *wink, wink. We are ever so close to the finishing goal, only $2800 left to be accounted for! (click here if you want to donate now!) Praise God for your faithful support. You will notice a girl named Jen in the following videos, she is also in need of immediate support, so if the Lord leads please help her too by clicking to donate here, she is an asset to this team, just check her out!

Lucky the Lion Escapes! from jen on Vimeo.

Safari Adventures! from jen on Vimeo.

My God Saves

Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Fact: HIV/AIDs is making a killing field of our world

Fact: Over half the population in the Kingdom of Swaziland is infected with HIV

Fact: A third has already perished and their children remain orphaned

Truth: Jesus made a difference while on earth

... I want to, too.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that My Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

John 14:12-14

We completed our first month in Africa. The squad split into our smaller teams and we were dispersed among the nations of the southern tip of Africa. My team (Kaleo) moved into the small community of Nsoko in the Kingdom of Swaziland.

Here is an account of our first day of ministry.

Speeding down the highway, we left our tented homes in the presence of Lucky the Lion at Nisela Safaris, a small hideaway from the truths of Swaziland. Our host was preparing us for ministry. We would be taking on the project of profiling all the children at various G42 Care Points. Eventually the children's profiles will be posted on the G42 website with the hopes of them being sponsored by families in North America. He tried to prepare us for the reality we were about to step into, but even a heads-up can't hold back the feeling of retreat my soul wants to make when faced with hopelessness and uncertainty.

Mbuthu is a Care-Point set up by the organization, G42 (Generation 42). It is a feeding center for orphaned and needy children in the area. Gogo's (Grandmothers) and teachers are organized to prepare 2 meals a day and provide some basic teachings for the kids. Compensation for their serving hearts are the guaranteed 2 meals a day.

Sixty or so children gathered at a junction where gusting wind and dust met with the sole purpose of tormenting your eyes. An old chicken coup is the structure in which they seek refuge. Children were being shuffled back and forth as multiple woman tried organizing the kids to have their photos taken by us. I stood for the longest time, lost in the sea of smiling faces. They were so happy we had come to visit. My face vacant of emotion. I hardly even questioned why some children had no bottoms to cover them, or why these 8 year olds were carrying their siblings on their backs for hours with no respite, or why shoes for anyone is nearly nonexistent. I was snapped out of my soul retreat by the pulling of all my fingers from countless children gathered around me yearning for my attention.

Multiple times I found myself zoning out from the scenery of children around me, and at the end of the day I realized that a culture of corrupt and misleading media at home has made it easy for me to close my heart right at the point where it should break with compassion for the world around me. Look at how Christ lived when He was on Earth. His life was consumed with compassion for the undesirable, the forgotten, the overlooked. And yet here I was, standing in front of many who have been forgotten and my mind goes off on retreat because the problem seems bigger than I am. It's time for a change. It's time to BE compassion and not just say I feel it. It's about that time I start living the life of Christ FOR those around me and not just for myself. In the words of Tom Davis, author of Red Letters, ...our world should not be defined by despair and disease, but defined by the product of compassion: hope. I want to ask Jesus for a nation and watch His all consuming love burn up the hardened hearts of men and stand that nation back on its feet ready to stand for the Kingdom of God. I want to see orphans covered in the protection of a most loving, Righteous and Holy Father. I want to know that I can ask Jesus for the impossible and He'll provide.

Fact: HIV/AIDs is making a killing field of our world

Truth: MY GOD SAVES

Times to Remember - Video

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

my dear sister Kim Daniels posted this blog and made this video.
I wanted to share it with ya'll because it's really great!

Three months ago yesterday, 27 World Racers from all over America and Canada met in Florida to begin a journey that would lead them through all kinds of unknown trials and joys, throughout 11 countries over the course of 11 months.

They've worked together to bring hope to communities in Peru that had lost everything.
They lavished love onto kids and taught them the truth of Jesus Christ.
They've helped build, paint, saw, construct and varnish buildings for orphans.
They've experienced both all kinds of sickness and all kinds of healing.
They've discipled.
They've been discipled.
They've tasted the Lord's unexplainable power, grace, and love through His Holy Spirit together.
They've formed relationships with brothers and sisters of a different tongue, but One Lord.
They've grown and learned that community is truly one of the most beautiful things on earth.
And they've come to know and love Jesus Christ on whole new levels.

They barely knew each other three months ago.
And now, they're family.

On April 17th, this squad of 27 will split for the first time into smaller teams to minister throughout South Africa.

I love each of these people. And I like them, too.

January 2008, I'll miss you.
But not for long.............

In Pursuit of Devine Order

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To voluntarily ostracize oneself from their own culture and tradition is to embark on a journey of discovery. Discovery of self, and divine purpose but more importantly the discovery of a realm outside of the norm, a Kingdom crowned with The Glory of God.

By coming on The World Race I have somewhat conscientiously asked God to set the bar higher for me, to call me to uncommon levels of communion with Him, His Kingdom and His people. When my airplane departed from Canada taking me to the starting point of this trip, I had a vision. I saw myself standing at the edge of a plank on a ship. The blueish, green sea was sparkling at the reflection of The Lord's Glory all around, occasionally directing the rays onto my face. I felt compelled to leap from the ship. I stood at the farthest edge of the ship and was ready to be released into the vast waters. I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, showing me that this was a picture of what the Father is doing with my life. He is taking me to the edge of MYSELF, to the edge of MY desires, motivations, hopes and dreams. To a place where He submerses me unto Himself, bringing order to my character, personality and purpose. Experiencing a freedom from selfish ambition knowing that He wants my heart positioned in such a way that He can walk on Earth.

This was an exhilarating and yet scary moment. I knew it would entail sacrifice and devotion, but I had no clue to what extent. I had hoped that just being willing to go on the journey would be sufficient grounds for all this to automatically take place. I mean, wasn't the hard part over? Leaving home, friends, family to live with strangers, sleep in tents, eat foreign foods, hold filthy children and catch every virus and bug known to man? As I am learning, these were the easiest of all the decisions and sacrifices needing to be made. The reality of this vision manifests as this; I no longer am entitled to things such as the right to be heard, or the right to favorites, personal space, clean body or clothes, healthy food. Living in community takes away all rights to be private about matters. On top of that I have "enrolled" myself into an intense discipleship lifestyle of learning Godly character, meaning to put everyone before me, preferring others rather than myself, choosing to love through all circumstances (note, there is supposed to be a point where there is freedom in preferring others, I haven't fully experienced it yet but I hope the day comes soon) ... have you tried that lately? Not an easy thing to become natural at. In essence I am being re-ordered on the inside to a better state of living in tune with The Holy Spirit.

I have wanted to keep friends and family up to date through my blog with what The Lord has been teaching me, but I am realizing that the timing is not right. I have tried to talk and write about all that is happening on the inside and find that the bulk of my vocabulary mysteriosly disappears, this happened for about the first 7 weeks of the trip. I was extremely frustrated and even began to wonder if this was a physical ailment manifesting and that I should seek medical attention. I eventually gave up my desire to have to share all that I feel or think. It's been hard because I value sharing what The Lord is doing, but He's not finished. Even since learning that this is how God is doing things right now, I have slipped up and tried to write a blog or two about me, and just before I am finished writing, the page will freeze or go back, or connections die, losing all that I have written. So, I really get it now. I have chosen to be set apart to Him only. So what I am about to say may really only affect my immediate family, but I feel that I need to "disappear" for a short time, not attempting to write blogs or emails (hopefully just for my time in Bolivia). This includes skype and msn (besides obvious and urgent matters, don't worry Mom). I have come to the point where it's all or nothing. I can't keep my foot in the door of familiarity and comfort while trying to understand all that The Lord is teaching me. If I want to live a radical life for Jesus Christ than it requires radical changes and sacrifices. I believe this blog is a success today because I have not attempted to reiterate the CORE lessons I've been "taking". ha ha

God Bless you all, we'll talk again soon.

It is a gift...

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A big part of The World Race Journey has been this support raising process. God has proved to be faithful to me in numerous ways, always providing when I need it, and continuously teaching me through it all. The first thing that God addressed with me, was back in October, he told me that The World Race is His, not mine, its not an experience I choose to take, it is a gift from him and that I should position myself to receive it in full. This was a tremendous burden lifted from my shoulders. If God said it, then absolutely he would come through for me. I started the race with about $4000 in my account. This was a huge step of faith I have never encountered before, there was a possibility that I would be sent home if money did not keep coming in. As you all may recall, about a month ago this reality started to show when I received notice that my account was low and that i needed to reach the goal of $9500 in order to continue on to Africa. I sometimes have questioned why this process looks the way it does for me, when other teammates have received double the finances. As the word got out about my urgent need for support The Lord began to teach me more about his ways. I received countless emails, confessing desires to invest in Gods kingdom, serve the poor, to those who have been inspired to seek a relationship with God as they clearly see He exists through this mission. I have been in contact with people who have seen me go from the darkest pit on earth to flying high with The Lord and it provokes them to spark up a real relationship with Christ. I could not have known what God wanted to do through this support raising process and clearly, it was not simply just for me, he has had so many other people in mind that he wanted to touch their lives through mine. What a great King we serve. The World Race is not reserved for me and my life story, I am here to share the experience of God's unfailing love with ALL nations, including my home country.

Here is the latest update on my account...

Drum Roll please....

Support Status = $8085 (plus a few checks still being processed) WOOHOO! Gloria Dios! We are ever so close!
Once I reach the goal of $9500 this month, I will begin the next phase of support raising in which I will need another $4500, and then it's all done!
Thank you again for investing in God's Kingdom with me and for believing in me and the purposes that God has for my life.
May God Bless your socks off!