Walk the World

Kansas City Fall 2009 - One Thing Have I Desired - Part 2

2009-10-08T17:24:00.001-06:00

Being marked and sealed during my time with the One Thing Internship at the International House of Prayer.

Kansas City Fall 2009 - One Thing Have I Desired - Part 1

2009-10-08T17:23:00.001-06:00

Being marked and sealed during my time with the One Thing Internship at the International House of Prayer.

Georgia Spring 2009 - Back Home, But Not Done - Part 2

2009-05-31T21:55:00.000-06:00

Find out what's next for JD's adventure.

Georgia Spring 2009 - Back Home, But Not Done - Part 1

2009-05-31T21:52:00.001-06:00

Coming to you straight from home.

Devotional - Psalm 2:11

2009-05-24T00:33:00.001-06:00

“Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.”

Lord, where is our awe and where is our astonishment? Why don’t we fear and why don’t we cower? I fall into sin so easily, playing into the schemes of the enemy and neglecting the punishment that You bring for disobedience. Why don’t I honor the rod and staff? I have taken grace for granted and have known that it will always be there to catch me. Please don’t let me abuse this blessing. Let me serve You and worship You with a grateful and fearful heart because without You I would be nothing and have nothing. Let me dance and sing without shame, always to honor You.

FYM 2008-2009 Nicaragua

2009-05-22T20:13:00.000-06:00

A Year in Review.

Devotional - James 3:5-6

2009-05-20T01:22:00.001-06:00

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

The tongue is a very delicate and extremely powerful tool. So small, yet so destructive. Just like the bit in the mouth of a horse or the rudder of a boat, the tongue is a small part of the body that can manipulate and determine the entire course of a person's life. It can take just a spark to set a forest ablaze, and likewise a simple comment can blast into an explosive argument. Destruction comes in the tiniest of packages, but just the same, praise and encouragement can come from the tongue. It has the power to take life or give life, curse or bless, ridicule or edify. So what will we choose? Will we have a tongue that destroys or lips that lift up? We are free-willed to choose and Christ gives us the power to speak life into others.

Devotional - James 1:13-14

2009-05-18T00:34:00.000-06:00

"When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Lord, I thank you for not tempting me and for always providing a way out when temptation comes. Keep me from my own evil desires and from my self-destructive habits. I have been drug away time and time again to find myself naked and ashamed, sulking in my own sinful waste. I become entice by sinful desires, thus giving birth to sin, which grows like a leech feasting on blood, sucking the very life of which it breeds on. The only result is death. Sin is a lonely and dark road of tyranny. It leads to a dead-end of wrath, leaving no hope and only despair. Lord, regret has consumed my mind and my thoughts are plagued by re-runs of past sins. Cleanse my heart, my eyes, my tongue, and my mind. Give me light, give me breath, and give me life - the eternal and the everlasting. Give me You!

Nicaragua/Costa Rica Spring 2009 - An Amazing Adventure

2009-05-10T20:27:00.003-06:00

A final send-off from Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Devotional - 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8

2009-05-06T19:54:00.000-06:00

"Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."

Persecution comes because of faith, but faith in Jesus makes it all worth it. We have faith that Jesus came to save, to love, and to redeem. We have faith that there is more to life than just the here and now; more than just the physical realm of space and time. We believe that God created it all and that Christ stands at the center of it all. Our faith in Christ is in extreme opposition to the enemy and one day most likely we will face persecution. It could come in the form of ridicule, torture, or even death. Whatever the cost we must stand firm in the Lord, hold to His Word, and cling to the Holy Spirit. We will endure and because of our faith we will reign with Christ.

Grace Like Rain - Todd Agnew

2009-05-04T12:58:00.000-06:00

Another place and another song.

Devotional - Micah 6:8

2009-04-20T20:05:00.000-06:00

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

How simple does God make it to walk in obedience and righteousness. He requires merely three things, although they are easy to understand they are also a substantial task to undergo. The first, we are to act justly in everything we do and every decision we make. The second is to love mercy, embracing compassion and forgiveness for everyone we meet. Lastly, is to walk humbly, lifting up our heavenly Father and serving others. Micah talks about the useless sacrifices we offer to God and asks the reader non-rhetorical questions of what types of sacrifices the Lord is pleased with. He simply states that it is not what we bring to God, but it is how we interact with God. He desires us to live out our faith by our actions, showing the validity of our testimony and proclaiming how God has changed our lives.

Devotional - Micah 4:5

2009-04-18T20:08:00.000-06:00

"All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever."

As Christians what type of nation are we? We are not bonded by language, ancestry, geography, music, or food; but rather we are united by Christ. Our faith and relationship with our Lord, Creator, and Savior is what makes us a family, a church, and a nation. Other nations walk on works, prayers, lifestyle, and morality; but we walk on Christ's sacrifice and what He did at the cross. We didn't reach our hand out to be saved when we were drowning from a life of sin, but rather Christ reached his hand down to save us. We are forever grateful for this selfless act of love that changed the course of history. Now we can walk confidently in the light, stride boldly in the steps of the Holy Spirit, and fight fervently alongside a nation of fellow believers.

Nicaragua Spring 2009 - Solitude, Survival, and Semana Santa - Part 2

2009-04-15T20:33:00.002-06:00

Conclusion of my Easter week and the World Premier of JD vs. Wild.

Nicaragua Spring 2009 - Solitude, Survival, and Semana Santa - Part 1

2009-04-15T16:16:00.000-06:00

Three days of solitude and a week of Easter.

Devotional - 1 John 2:1-2

2009-04-11T20:09:00.000-06:00

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, The Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

Thank You Jesus for the sacrifice that You bring. We are children of God and are not under the control of sin. However, when we falter and give into our sinful nature, Jesus Christ, The Righteous One, stands in our defense. It could also be translated that Jesus turns aside God's wrath. He is the vicarious atonement for our sins, so we don't have to be subject to death and separation from God. And he does not only do this for us, but for the entire world. John later goes on to write that we know the Father if we obey his commands. The man who declares to know Him, but does not follow His commandments is hence forth a liar and truth does not live in him. If we are obedient to His word, then God's love is truly made complete in us. This is how we know that we are His. If we claim to live in Him, we must walk as Jesus did. We must see darkness passing and see light shining.

Lead Me to the Cross - Hillsong United

2009-04-11T16:17:00.000-06:00

Here is a song to reflect on what Christ did.

Devotional - Jonah 2:8

2009-04-07T20:11:00.000-06:00

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

Lord, what do my hands clutch that I can't seem to relinquish? Reveal to me the idols that I still put above You. I am sorry for trampling upon grace every time I put something before You. May my spiritual act of worship be to incorporate You into everything I do. Break these hands and let them cling to nothing else, but You. I was engulfed by a sea of darkness, surrounded by the deepness of sin, and wrapped up by every kind of wickedness, but You brought me out of this miry pit to take pleasure in You and have life to the full. Let me sing a song of thanksgiving to this wondrous bloody Charity that I have been given and offer to You the only sacrifice I have - my life.

Nicaragua Spring 2009 - Going Full Throttle

2009-03-29T14:33:00.002-06:00

A jam packed couple of weeks.

Devotional - 1 Peter 1:13-15

2009-03-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Let us be active participants in the bringing of God's kingdom on earth, and let us not be passive bystanders. You desire us to take action and not be stagnate. But as we do this let us be self-controlled and strong-willed, not giving into selfish desires or being chaotic in our thinking. We are to be disciplined and obedient, living with a correct frame of mind that is knowledgeable and not ignorant. Let us not go back to our days of youth and immaturity. Lord, You have called me to a life of holiness. Let me embrace this with all my being, not giving in to Satan's sensuous temptations. Grant me pure thoughts, pure eyes, and a pure heart. Cast out darkness and obscurity, and let me revel in the light and clarity. Lord, shine in me, so that I can be holy. I can't do this on my own and I desperately need You.

Devotional - Hosea 6:6

2009-03-19T20:39:00.000-06:00

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."

Lord, let me come to the alter and stop sacrificing to You my works and achievements. Let me simply come and adore You. There is not a first fruit that I can give that would be pleasing to Your eye. Give me comfort in the fact that Your sacrifice is sufficient and nothing else needs to be offered. I have nothing else to stand on except Your son. All I want is to come into a fuller understanding of You. Let mercy, justice, and humility be my only aim.

Nicaragua House of Prayer - Granada

2009-03-19T14:14:00.000-06:00

A promo video for the House of Prayer in Granada, Nicaragua.

Devotional - Hosea 1:2

2009-03-14T14:14:00.000-06:00

"When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, 'Go, take to yourself and an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord.'"

We, the United States, are simply a 21st century Israel. We have prostituted ourselves to every indulgence that this world has to offer. We have slept with pride, envy, greed, gluttony, lust, sloth, and wrath. We have done and seen it all, still leaving us unsatisfied in the end. We have abandoned our first Love and have replaced it with trinkets of pleasure. Every new day brings a new passion to chase after; a chasing after the wind, which you can never hold on to nor sustain. We have only been faithful to our own desires and prideful ambitions. We have replaced holiness with immorality and faith with skepticism. We find an unsatisfying lover and move onto the next until we have had our fill. When will the United States finally stop defiling the marriage bed of devotion and go back to the Bridegroom? It will only happen if our ivory towers of pride are shattered and instead replaced with a foundation of humility.

Devotional - Philemon 1:6

2009-03-13T20:41:00.000-06:00

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

How true it is that love is the great sustainer. It conquers all and holds everything together. It is what binds relationships, marriage, and family. It encourages and lifts others up, keeping us going day to day. It refreshes and makes us feel alive, giving us a purpose to keep living. It is the same emotion and will that allowed Onesimus to return and have Paul send him gladly. And it is what gave Paul the wisdom to ask if he could be rejoined by his former master not as a slave, but as a dear brother. I pray that this same love will overflow from me to be able to share my faith with boldness and confidence. I don't want to back down when opportunities arise, but I want to share the love that has been given to me. I am sorry for the times where fear has overcome courage in situations of sharing my testimony. Why have I let awkwardness or discomfort control my actions? I should only be controlled by You and led by the Spirit. Let the active participation of sharing my faith give me a more complete understanding of every wonderful and abundant thing that has been given me.

Costa Rica / Nicaragua Spring 2009 - Hitting the Beach and Riding the Waves

2009-03-12T12:02:00.000-06:00

My awesome spring break in Costa Rica, along with pictures from my ministries.

Update To My Supporters

2009-03-11T14:30:00.001-06:00

This is just a little update of what God has been doing in my heart recently during this semester in Granada. I wrote this letter to my supporters a month ago and just sent it out last week by mail. I wanted to give some time to allow them to see it, and now I would like to share it with everyone else.

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Dear Friends and Family, Originally written Feb. 11, 2009

I write to you with a humbled heart and a blessed life. I couldn't be here without all of your support. Thank you so much for the prayers when I am unaware; they keep me going day to day. I am definitely on a journey of learning, maturation, and strengthening. This new year is bringing fresh opportunities down here in Nicaragua, and I am excited about where God has me involved. My weekly schedule is packed with spending time at Vida Joven (Young Life), Hogar de Ancianos (a local nursing home), and Corazon Contento (Happy Heart), a school for mentally-handicapped children.

The Lord has been so gracious with me these past two weeks and has been meeting me in such a powerful way. My joys started out Sunday night when a group of us went to Restoration, an electrifying church that is full of the Spirit. We were also joined by our new Christian brother (Andy), who we helped lead to Christ during the Fall of last year. If you would like to hear more about that God story, I would greatly encourage you to go to my blog, jdrussell.myadventures.org, and see my post entitled, "What a Glorious Day". It has been amazing to see such a powerful transformation take place in his life, one of God renewing his mind, tenderizing his heart, and rejuvenating his spirit. He once was a slave to sin, ravaged by sorrow and despair, but now he is a servant to Christ, empowered by joy and hope.

Another exciting thing I would like to talk about is our Prayer House. It has been such a refuge and solace for me since returning to Nicaragua. The idea of having a sacred place set aside for prayer and worship began in the heart of one of my team members, Caleb Spitler. He was inspired by IHOP, no not the pancake house, but the other one, the International House of Prayer. He went to one of their conferences over Christmas break, and God pierced his mind with a vision for our own House of Prayer down here in Nicaragua. I have gone out there at nights roughly 2 to 3 times a week and it has been amazing to see God come and meet me at my innermost needs.

Last week, I came to Him with uncertainty and doubt about the future and specifically about what I will be doing after this trip. I paced around this little 10 x 20 ft. rocky space of four concrete walls and no roof, looking up into the twilight expanse and petitioning to the Lord. I was so desperate to hear from Him about what was to come next for my life. Then all of sudden, I heard a chirping noise come from one of the holes in the wall and I didn't know if it was some type of bird or even possibly a bat. I wondered if it was God's way of saying that He was ready to speak. Therefore, I decided to take a seat in the middle of the room and see how God would show up. I remained silent for quite sometime and desired for God to speak to me in a new way. I continued to look from a distance at the hole where I heard the noise come from and I wanted to see if anything would fly out. Instead, that specific hole began to fill itself in and look exactly like the rest of the wall. I pondered what this could mean and then more of the holes in the wall began to fill, until only a few gaps were left. Then, at the center of the wall stood a distinct, black cross.

Now, I believe there could be a natural explanation for this occurrence, but nevertheless, I believe God was speaking to me in a new and alternative way that night. He was calling me and inviting me to take part in History (His Story). And He is not only inviting me, but He is inviting all of us to play an active role in His kingdom as the Bride of Christ. I believe each hole that was filled represents the work that the Church has already completed, and the remaining holes signify the work that is still to be done before Christ's return. There are still gaps in this grand story authored by God, and we are called to fill these gaps. There are still places to go, faces to encounter, words to speak, relationships to resolve, and miracles to be done. And at the center of the whole illustration, God reminded me that it all revolves around what Christ did on the cross. He filled the void in our life and bridged the gap between us and the Father. Likewise, our role is to bridge the gap between culture and Jesus, and to demonstrate to the world how He is the only thing that can fill the empty space within our hearts.
A group of fellow believers who have really taken hold of this concept are our friends at Torre Fuerte (Strong Tower), a local church that is right in the middle of one of the poorest parts of Granada. These witnesses for Christ are caught in the fray against gangs, drug abuse, alcoholism, poverty, and sexual immorality. In the midst of darkness, they are lamps that brightly shine for Christ everywhere they go, and prayer is the one constant that sustains them and unifies them. Since the end of last year, they have gathered together to pray for Granada and their community, starting each morning at 4:30. Some team members and I had the chance to go one morning this week, and it was an experience that I will never forget. We had at least twenty people all joined together, bowing down with their faces to the floor and their hearts raised to God. Despite speaking different languages and coming from contrasting cultures, we shared a fervency to encounter God and meet with Him intimately. We sought not only a change and revival to take place within Granada, but we also sought for a change within our own hearts and desires.

This has been the greatest fruit I've seen from persistent and passionate prayer; a transformation of my will towards God's will. As I get to know Him more intimately, God shapes and molds my desires to become more like His. And even though He has not been specific about my near future, He keeps whispering to me, "It's o.k., don't fret. Place all your anxieties on me." He is calling me into a life that is in complete trust of Him and utterly free from worry. I am constantly reminded of the passage in Matthew 6:31-33, which states, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I hope many of you will find comfort in these verses during these difficult economic times, and remember that if we seek God first, He will provide for all our needs.

Thank you for being a part of this ministry and being involved in what God is doing in Nicaragua. I pray that God will give a ten-fold blessing to each of you who have supported me. I am eager to see what God still has planned for me during the rest of this trip and also for the next season of life. He has been pressing on my heart a new desire, and I am excited about the prospect of what is to come.

A fellow actor in History,

JD Russell
jdrussell.myadventures.org

Sweetly Broken - Jeremy Riddle

2009-03-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

My first music video. I simply love this song, and I hope you love it too.

Devotional - Daniel 1:17

2009-03-01T16:43:00.000-06:00

“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

God, what favor you showed on these four Jewish youths. They were not willing to relent of their personal convictions and give into culture or ungodly authority. They were steadfast and faithful to You, even if death was the potential outcome. And because of their faithfulness You blessed them immensely. You gave them the gift of memorization, understanding, and recollection. They had the capacity to be wise beyond their years and surpass their counterparts in knowledge. Then you picked Daniel out specifically to be able to interpret dreams and visions. Lord, I ask for gifts such as these; for an extraordinary ability to understand scripture and interpret visions. Let my nights be focused on You and my dreams give You praise.

Devotional - Titus 3:3-5

2009-02-28T17:14:00.000-06:00

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy...”

Lord, thank You so much for the person that I am now, instead of the person I used to be. I am so grateful that my desires are changing and I am becoming less and less of a slave to the world. I cannot stand on anything I’ve done, but only kneel on what you’ve done. Mercy is the only thing that holds me together, because if justice had befallen me, I surely would of been crushed. The weight of guilt and judgment I would not of been able to carry. Christ is the only one who could carry my burden. Thank You for taking me from a life of sin to a life of sanctification. I am a work in progress, but thankfully I don’t have to do it on my own.

Nicaragua Winter 2009 - Staying Busy

2009-02-23T14:57:00.000-06:00

A little work, a little fun, and a whole lotta action.

Devotional - Hebrews 11:1

2009-02-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

It is amazing to read about all these men of faith You had raised up. Their faith and confidence in You is something I admire and desire to attain. They lived by faith till their death and did not even receive the things promised to them. Only from distance and time could they enjoy what was given to their offspring. Thank You for the faith You have given me; I simply can’t believe my faith can please You. I pray that You will stretch me in this area even more and that I will be certain of the future and the unseen. Thank You for drawing me into a knowledge of Your existence and that You have rewarded me with so many amazing things in my life. All I have to do is earnestly seek You, and You promise that blessing will come. Thank You for pursuing me first and tenderizing my heart. I desire to know You more intimately and that I could share my story with others. In reality I want to share Your story, so that others can have a story of redemption. I feel that this story of grace is coming to the climax of Your return and that perfection will come on earth as it is in heaven. All of Your elect have a role in this story, and everything we do is to bring You glory. It is the greatest story ever told; one starting with a fall, turning into redemption, and ending in glory.

Devotional - Hebrews 10:29

2009-02-19T16:03:00.000-06:00

"How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"

God, You say there is less severity in judgment for rejecting the law of Moses as there is towards rejecting Your Son. I have trampled on His broken body so many times in my life and I do not know why You keep giving me grace. I am sorry for my deliberate and intentional sin that has been accompanied by knowledge of the truth. I thank You for turning me back to Yourself and convicting me of my sin. I don't know why it has taken me so long to realize the bottomless pit I put myself in. I constantly continued to return back to my own filth and vomit to indulge in selfish desires. I broke every commandment with full knowledge of my actions. I thank You for turning this enemy into an ally and now I can call You friend. I get to call the creator of the universe an intimate friend. I never again want to insult the full measure of grace that has been given me, but rather I want to share with others what has been revealed to me and that they can have it too. Thank You for the blood that continues to sanctify me.

God at Work in Granada

2009-02-16T15:45:00.001-06:00

I have some exciting news of what God has done in the past 2 weeks. I wanted to share with all of you guys about how God has been using our ATL (Ask The Lord) ministry. Laura Overs, Joann Weng, Caleb Austin, and I decided this semester to devote four hours each Friday to seek out the Lord’s will and act upon what we hear. We have rooted our ministry in prayer, worship, and evangelism. Two Fridays ago brought our ministry into a different direction and definitely showed us that God is actively at work in the city of Granada.

This particular Friday started out with all us in the House of Prayer in the back of El Puente. We were also fortunate to have two other people join us for this outing; our new leader, Seth Barnes Jr. and our faithful translator, Mario Rincand. We all gathered at the House of Prayer around ten in the morning and we spent ten minutes in silence to see where God was leading us. Then we broke out into corporate prayer and asked for God to utilize us. We then discussed what we felt God was pressing on our hearts, and both Laura and I felt God pushing us to walk down to the lake. As my eyes were closed during our time of prayer, God put colors of blue and green in my mind and kept speaking the word water to me. So that was enough confirmation for us and we all headed out to see what God had planned.

We decided to only take one guitar that day and Caleb Austin did the honors of carrying it on his back. As we were about to approach the lake, we had some fruit vendors from across the street shout out to us to play a song. So we thought this was a great way to introduce the gospel to these guys and perform two of our goals by worshiping and evangelizing. However, God had something else in mind. As we approached the four Nicaraguan men, one of them instead wanted to play a song for us. So we let him pluck away and we got to enjoy a semi-intoxicated version of the Beatles’ song, Hey Jude. I bought an orange from one of the vendors and started to strike up a conversation with another man that was with them named Bismark. I asked about his family, his job, where he lived and if he went to church. He was a very soft spoken man in his late 20s and he talked about his wife, son, and baby on the way. He also shared of his love for Christ and his involvement in their local church. And disheartening, he told me of how his wife had been sick for the past four days with a strange illness. He described to me that she was suffering from a horrendous fever and small, painful sores all over her body, which burned and itched constantly. I then asked him if we could go to his house and pray over her, and he was more than eager to invite us over. I now knew why God initially brought us down to the lake this particular day.

We walked through a wooden door that was basically an entrance to what looked like a tiny backyard with a small shack in the middle of it. The space was enclosed all around by concrete bricks and the shack was made of rusted tin. The outside was adorned with a few metal rocking chairs, clothes lines, a washboard to clean clothes, a brick oven, various trees, and other plant life. We waited for a few minutes for the wife, Yanira, to join us and we talked a little more with the husband about why some random gringos from all four corners of the US were doing in the middle of Nicaragua. We shared with him how we had seen a life change in us from our relationship with Christ and how we wanted to share that with the people of Granada. We expressed our desire to bring to life the church of Acts 2 by devoting ourselves to teaching, fellowship, healing, communion, worship, and prayer. As his wife came out to join us, they were both in somber moods. We told them how we believed in the power of prayer and the laying of hands written about by Paul in 1st and 2nd Timothy. So we all gathered around her to petition the Lord for a miraculous healing upon her life. We prayed fervently for about 15 minutes, and then Seth shared through Mario’s translating a blessing over the family. He also shared with them that God does not always answer the way we expect. It is sometimes “yes”, sometimes “no”, or even sometimes “wait”, nonetheless, He does answer. We encouraged them to have hope in the Lord and that His ways are above our ways, that His understanding is above our understanding, and that His will always takes precedence. We ended our time together by all praying one after the other, seeking God’s will in the matter and that He would be glorified by whatever outcome. We left our new friends’ house with invigoration and anticipation of what God was going to do it. I couldn’t wait to come back next week and see the power of God’s mighty hand.

The following Friday started out as chaotic, and it caused our schedule to get backed up. Also, our ministry team got cut in half that day because of confusion and conflicting schedules, so Caleb Austin and I decided to head out alone to see what God had planned instead. All week, God had put that Christian couple on my mind, and I so desperately wanted to see God work a miracle in their lives. Therefore, we decided to head back to their house and find out if God had showed up. Upon our return, we met the husband, Bismark, outside and his spirits looked rejuvenated. He took us into their backyard and we were over-joyous to see the wife, Yanira, completely healed. Her fever had dissipated, her sensation of burning and itching had subsided, and her small, swollen sores had vanished. Bismark also gave us some more insight into this amazing God story. He informed us that the previous Friday was unusual for him to be where he was. He usually works in the morning selling fresh donuts around the neighborhood, but God had told him not to work that morning and instead work in the afternoon. If he had been working, we most likely would never have had met him. It was only by the providence of God that our crossing of paths was orchestrated. We were so ecstatic of how God brought us together and how He brought healing that we thought it would be a great idea to praise God with some worship songs. So we played a little concert for the couple in Spanish, which included the songs, Here I Am to Worship (Vengo a Adorarte) and This Is the Air I Breathe (Eres Mi Respirar). We finished together by holding hands and lifting up prayers to God of gratitude, adoration, and praise. We were so thankful for what God had done for this family and we asked for continual blessing their lives that would spark life change in those around them and that this would spark a revival in their church and community. We left feeling like we got to play a small part in this grand story of God and it was amazing to catch a glimpse of Him at work.

I am so thankful for what Christ is doing in me and through me, what He’s doing on this team, and what He’s doing in Granada. We have so many different ministries going on and this is just one story of how God is changing lives. I thank everyone of you who have allowed me to be a part of such an amazing trip through your prayers and financial support. I pray that I will continue to seek out and know God’s heart beat and compassion for this city.

Devotional - Hebrews 4:9-10

2009-02-13T16:00:00.000-06:00

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his."

Thank You Father for the gift of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. You have set aside a special day each week to break ourselves from the worries of work and instead find solace in You. Thank You for calling me as part of Your elect and allowing me to be Your child. I find satisfaction in being able to enter Your rest. May I cherish these moments each week that allow me to put work aside and focus on You. Allow me to find these moments in each and every day. You set the example and all we have to do is follow and abide in You. Lord, I ask you right now to calm my spirit and free me from this burden of regret and what-ifs. I have often been reflecting on my college years in recent months and it is eating away at me on the inside of the things that I wish I did. My passions and pursuits at that particular time caused me to miss out on growing more in Your Word, diving deeper into meaningful relationships, and partaking in more active adventures. Let me learn from the past, delight in the present, and embrace the future. Send a resounding peace in my life that I am wrapped up in Your will and that I am exactly where You want me to be.

Devotional - Hebrews 2:14-15

2009-02-11T15:54:00.001-06:00

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

Abba Father, it is amazing that You would send Your one and only beloved Son to take upon Himself human flesh. The mere concept of God clothing Himself with bodily skin is quite extraordinary. He came to live in our midsts as a servant, a teacher, an example, a savior, and a conqueror of death. Satan reigned over this world when sin entered the scene, but because of Christ’s death and resurrection we are now co-heirs with Him. We have been given dominion over this earth and we are advancing the kingdom of God everyday. Christ took away the power of death when He rose again and instead He gave us the freedom of life. We are no longer bound by the fear of death and no longer chained to a life of slavery to sin. Satan lost the battle at the cross when Christ atoned for the sins of humanity. And because Jesus was tempted and tried just luke us, He is able to help us in our hours of weakness and temptation. Christ’s compassion is so abundant because He experienced what we experience. He is God in human form and He can relate to any struggle we are going through. All our pain, suffering, and sin was place on him; while all His joy hope, and peace has been placed on us. I am eternally grateful for this Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound!

Nicaragua Winter 2009 - Jumping Into Ministry - Part 2

2009-02-02T22:22:00.001-06:00

Diving into all my different ministries. Includes photos and video from the dump in Managua, known as La Chureca.

Nicaragua Winter 2009 - Jumping Into Ministry - Part 1

2009-02-02T13:31:00.001-06:00

Diving into all my different ministries.

Devotional - Acts 27:25

2009-01-27T11:26:00.001-06:00

“So keep courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”

Lord, I trust everything You say and whatever medium You choose to speak to me. Reveal Yourself to me and the plans You have for my life. Give me knowledge of what is to come during these End Times and give me comfort despite future circumstances. Give me a courage like Paul, who knew the shipwreck was coming, but still he went to You in prayer and he led by example. He instilled confidence in others and let them know that security and peace of mind can only be found in the God of the universe. Open up my eyes and mind, so that I can interpret the world around me. I feel that we are on the verge of the Final 7 Years and I want to be prepared. I want to be a source of comfort and guidance for others, ultimately, leading them into Your precious arms. We are living in tumultuous times of insecurity and doubt. Make it a time when we have to rely on You and You alone. Let faith be our anchor, courage be our sails, and You be our rudder. May we be able to steer through the storms and witness a glorious new beginning.

Devotional - Acts 22:14

2009-01-22T16:12:00.002-06:00

“Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'”

Thank You Father for presenting Your primary will in my life: to know and follow You, speaking Your name and proclaiming Your glory wherever I go. Let me be like Paul and be able to see You and hear You. What an example he is of a man who threw it all away to glorify Yourself; going to the very ends of the known world to share the gospel with the lost and the broken. Let me share with others my story and more over Your story — one of redemption and grace for ungrateful and undeserved children. I need to take this last verse to heart most, because it gives a call to action in the life of a missionary. Let me be active, be cleansed, be pure, and be bold. I have nothing to wait for and every tool in my possession. May God’s Kingdom spread like a contagious cancer of joy, love, and peace. Let Your relationship intoxicate this planet and engulf the hearts and minds of every person.

Nicaragua Winter 2009 - A New Year of Fresh Opportunities

2009-01-20T16:49:00.000-06:00

Back in Granada with a new home, new adventures, and new ministry opportunities.

Devotional - Acts 20:24

2009-01-20T16:25:00.002-06:00

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Lord, let this statement reign true in my life. Let me not find value and worth in the things of this world. Give me satisfaction and strength in the task ahead, sharing your Word and proclaiming your Name. Let me run swiftly with confidence and finish well. I want to be a good and faithful servant in all that I do. Whatever my calling may be, let me do it with pride and to the full, finding joy and contentment no matter the circumstances. I want to be nothing; you to be everything; and share with others the Someone. Let boldness and authority be my closest allies, casting out fear and timidity. You are the Lion of Judah that offers peace and serenity, but the day will come for judgment to befall mankind. Please make this a generation of forerunners, running the race as a unified team with the one goal of spreading your renown and sharing the hope that we have.

Destino Del Reino

2009-01-10T12:19:00.001-06:00

A promo video by Clay Sandoz about Destino del Reino, a school and orphanage located in Siguatepeque, Honduras.

Devotional - Acts 9:15-16

2009-01-09T15:57:00.000-06:00

“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name”

Lord, I ask You for the courage like Ananias to simply go, no matter the circumstances or potential outcome. He went willingly to a known enemy because You told him, and You used him to bring healing and restoration. I petition you for this gift in my life. I also want to thank You for the example of Paul, and how You showed the world that You can use anyone, no matter their past or previous actions. I want to be Your chosen instrument to see the expanse of Your kingdom and to see Your glorious return. Wherever I have to carry Your name, may I do it with Your Spirit as my guide and my gifts as Your hands. Train me in Your tabernacle, house me in Your temple, and take me to the nations. If I must suffer to see the gospel’s advancement, so be it. Bring the pain, bring the suffering, but only do it to one day bring relief and rest. I want to be Your mobile instrument that You play, use, motivate, shape, utilize, encourage, and humble What must I endure to see Your name become great?

Devotional - Acts 1:8

2009-01-01T16:14:00.001-06:00

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Lord, am I truly taking up this challenge? I might be in Samaria or at the ends of the earth, but the question still arises — Am I a witness for You who is continually empowered by the Holy Spirit? I pray that this will become more true and more evident on a daily basis. May I shine Your grace and share Your love no matter what circle of people I’m surrounded by, no matter what country I’m in, and no matter what culture I’m immersed in. I must remain as a reflection of you, always seeking your will and interest. Christ’s followers asked when He would restore the kingdom to Israel, and He said the times and dates were not for them to know, but only by the Father and His authority. However, He has given us authority over the kingdom of heaven, the Church; and we are here to spread its expanse across the globe. We are equipped with the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, and one another; and we are in a war that won’t be resolved till Christ’s return. So let us be prepared and be alert for what’s to come, but also let us take comfort and security in the satisfaction that Christ is for us and not against us. We have a mighty Savior, a compassionate Father, and a loving Bridegroom. Let us welcome the world into this unique and passionate relationship.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Destino del Reino - Part 3

2008-12-31T13:46:00.000-06:00

Video highlights from this past summer in Siguatepeque, Honduras, working with Destino del Reino, an orphanage and school for the poorest of the poor.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Destino del Reino - Part 2

2008-12-30T11:04:00.001-06:00

Video highlights from this past summer in Siguatepeque, Honduras, working with Destino del Reino, an orphanage and school for the poorest of the poor.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Destino del Reino - Part 1

2008-12-29T11:36:00.000-06:00

Video highlights from this past summer in Siguatepeque, Honduras, working with Destino del Reino, an orphanage and school for the poorest of the poor.

Nicaragua Winter 2008 - Lakes, Volcanoes, and Kids . . . Oh My!

2008-12-16T12:22:00.000-06:00

A spectacular getaway at the island of Ometepe.

Nicaragua Fall 2008 - Live and Learn

2008-12-01T16:11:00.001-06:00

Learning lots and loving life. (Hope you enjoy the alliteration)

Nicaragua Fall 2008 - Same Place, New Face

2008-11-18T15:05:00.000-06:00

New updates with a new look.

I'll Become More Undignified Than This!

2008-11-15T15:41:00.005-06:00

Undignified by David Crowder Band

I will dance, I will sing to be mad for my King
Nothing Lord is hindering this passion in my soul
I will dance, I will sing to be mad for my King
Nothing Lord is hindering this passion in my soul

And I’ll become even more undignified than this
Some may say it’s foolishness
But I’ll become even more undignified than this
Leave my pride by my side

La la la la la la - hey
La la la la la la - hey
It’s all for you my Lord!

My time down here in Nicaragua has had a significant impact in the areas of spiritual growth and personal life experience. One area where I have seen the Holy Spirit flourish the most is in the realm of worship. With less reservation and more liberation, I am learning to praise our Loving Father and our Utmost Friend in an uninhibited manner.

Through three different observations, I have witnessed the power of becoming foolish before the Lord and among men. The first experience where I have participated in spontaneous worship is at our weekly men’s bible study. About thirty of us regularly meet on Wednesdays and Fridays, and currently we are discussing the book of Romans, The Purpose Driven Life, and how we should glorify God in this life through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. During our worship time, men have broken out into a dosey doe, dancing arm and arm in a circle from partner to partner. It is a time where men can become boys, and it is a place where we enter into the presence of the Holy Spirit jumping, dancing, and hopping.

Another occurrence where I have seen foolishness break forth is at Hogar Crea, a drug rehabilitation center for struggling addicts. We meet there regularly every Tuesday to build relationships with recovering drug abusers; in hopes to encourage their emotions, invigorate their spirits, and share with them the Gospel of hope. At the end of the night, we sometimes take part in a tradition of participating in their infamous ‘chicken dance’. It is used within the program to humble the participants and to provide a brief moment of energetic idiocy. This dance consists of hopping on one leg, waving your hands behind your back like it’s a tail, and cradling an egg between your leg, which looks more like dribbling an imaginary basketball. We all go around one by one in a circle, doing all the moves to a catchy A Cappella tune that is sung in full-force by all the Nicaraguans. It is a great chance break down our barriers and a prime opportunity to show them the face of Christ in the mist of a silly situation.

The last event where I have observed free-spirit worship is at Restoration Church. This lively and charismatic body of believers leave all their inhibitions at the door. They infectiously raise their hands to song and gyrate their bodies to dance, all for the glory of God. Praising right along side with them, we have even one time busted out white towels and waved them in their air to signify our strength in the Lord and our freedom under His grace. It is a contagious place where folly is given free reign and Christ is exalted above else.

In the Book of 2nd Samuel, it describes the actions of King David when He brought the ark to Jerusalem.

“David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.

They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the LORD. After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD Almighty. Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, ‘How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!’

David said to Michal, ‘It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.’”

As I continue to learn from scripture, events, and other people; I am gaining a better understanding of what praiseful worship can fully become. It will always remain a heart and motive issue between you and God, but at the same time Christ is glorified by our outward expression. So I encourage you to abandon your insecurities of what others may think, and instead become undignified in a worship of foolishness that embraces humility, crushes pride, and extols Jesus Christ.

Nicaragua Fall 2008 - ¡Livin' It Up - Nica Style!

2008-11-03T16:41:00.000-06:00

Living the life and telling y'all about all the great stories!

What A Glorious Day

2008-11-01T17:29:00.003-06:00

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Sunday, October 26th was most likely the most invigorating day I have had during my stay in Granada. The Lord’s presence was ever-evident throughout the day and it was amazing to see Him at work.

My day started out leaving the guys’ house with Pepe and Joe at 7:30 am and having us head over to El Puente, our AIM mission base. There we met up with about 25 other people from Vida Joven (Young Life), and we headed out on a glorious excursion called the Caminata (The Walk). It was day meant to get to know one another better, a time for games and music, and an opportunity for the young Nicaraguans to hear the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

We began by walking along a road near Lake Nicaragua and simply took in God’s breath-taking creation. We then turned more inland and headed towards our final destination, a giant cross on top of a mountain. Along the way, we had different areas where we would rest and have various dinamicas (little games or exercises). Afterwards, we came across two diverged paths; one that was narrow and rocky, and another that was wide and steady. We were only allowed to choose one road, but it was to be a personal choice of which road we chose. Knowing it was an analogy to the ‘narrow and wide gates’ in Matthew 7, I took the tighter path. Walking up and down the difficult and tumultuous trail, there were signs along the way that listed out the fruits of the Spirit and the promises from God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We later found out the listed repercussions from choosing the other path: death, pain, loneliness, suffering, and separation.

Our groups finally merged at the end of the lesson and we headed up the mountain for a spectacular view of the city and well-awaited picnic lunch. Trekking up the steep terrain little by little, allowed for the picturesque landscape to come into better and better view. We finally made it to the top, sat down, and tried to capture the beauty that stretched for miles upon miles. It was a magnificent diversity of an immense jungle, congregated wetlands, a gigantic lake, and the expansive city of Granada. The song, God Of This City, popped in my head and I began to sing with hands raised outstretched towards the city of Granada. The song expresses how there is no one like our God and that greater things are still to be done. The Holy spirit is wrapped up in this combination of lyrics and music, and it is a powerful message that can be used in any city.

After our lunch, we had a little worship service, and a closing message about God’s love, His creation, our sin, separation from Him, and how to resolve this plaguing issue. Our leader from Young Life, Yener, finally ended with an opportunity for people to accept Christ as their Savior, but no one openly accepted the invitation. I could sense that God was stirring in people’s hearts and knew that even though no one made any life changing commitments, God still had a purpose for bringing us there that day. We even had a chance to witness to a small boy who lived around that area and he was hoping we would come back every Sunday for a worship service. He said he knew Jesus, and that he had a Bible in his house, so hopefully he can continue to grow in a better knowledge and more intimate relationship with God.

As the afternoon was coming to a close, we ended with some more music and prayer, and we began to head back down and walk back to the house. When I got back I had just enough time to take a shower, change clothes, and head back out for a wonderful church service at Iglesia Christiana Camino a la Restauración (The Way to Restoration Christian Church). It is definitely a more charismatic church than the one I grew up in, but the way they worship seems to invite the Holy Spirit in a whole new and exhilarating way. There excitement through dancing and raising of hands has such a contagious effect that you can’t help, but join the celebration. We were also blessed to witness over thirty people be baptized, and hear a phenomenal message on God’s strength and freedom from fear (Isaiah 41). After the service, I thought to myself that the day could not of been much better. Oh, how wrong I was, God still had powerful things in store for us that day!

As Caleb, Joe, Sarah, and I left the church and started heading for home, we began reflecting upon our amazing day. Sarah and I got became hungry immediately on the way home and before we could even think, we had an enormous feast of chicken, plantains, and coleslaw set before us at a little food stand outside. We dove in without a second thought, and Caleb and Joe went off to talk by themselves on a bench unbeknownst to us. When we finished our meal, we thought that Joe and Caleb had left without us and walked back home by themselves. We suddenly discovered where they were sitting and found out that they were not alone.

As we approached the bench in the darkness of night, we saw that our friends were talking with a Nicaraguan man who seemed deeply troubled and upset. The tears in his eyes told the story of a man whose life was wrecked by a broken marriage and financial bankruptcy, which left him with the mounting pressure of raising two children by himself. Regrettably, the only remedy he had found was at the bottom of a bottle. He told of us that he felt like God could never love him because of his past, and that Satan had a stranglehold on his life. He was ravaged by fear and depression, which left him broken and hopeless. I immediately sat down and began to share with him about the peace and joy that Jesus can provide. I shared with him about all the persecution and problems that Paul himself suffered, and how he found strength through his circumstances. Caleb, pointed out the verses of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10,

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

We also shared with him the gospel that can be found in just a few verses in the book of Romans. You could sense that life and truth were beginning to indwell him. We decided to walk to his house, and along the way I shared with him a verse from the church service that evening, Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Every word of the scripture was a fresh breath of light, penetrating the dark crevices of his heart. God was knocking loud and clear on his door, and he was opening it little by little.

We arrived at his house and mingled for a little bit, talking about his kids and family. We asked him if he wanted Christ to come into to his life, and he was certain that he wanted Christ to be his Strong Fortress, his Mighty Savior, and his Loving Lord. I told him that just by his affirmation he was already my brother in Christ, but if he wanted he could pray a simple prayer to express what he already felt in his heart. So we prayed in Spanish together, and he repeated every word with reverence and sincerity. Then Caleb prayed in English protection from the enemy over his house, his family, and his walk with Christ. It was definitely a moment where you could feel the Holy Spirit’s power and peace as Caleb prayed fervently. When we were finished I lifted my head along with my new Nicaraguan friend, and you could see us both with tears of joy on our faces. He was so joyful at the new truth he had discovered and he told us that he felt as if a burden was lifted, that his knees were lighter, and that he could jump higher than ever before. God truly brings rest for the weary and gives a spirit of tranquility to the worried. As we left his house, we embraced as fellow believers and new friends. Then, we ran home to arrive on time for our curfew, praising the Lord the entire way!

The whole day was filled with God’s blessings and I can’t thank Him enough for what he is doing in my life and here in Nicaragua. Thank you for being a part of it and allowing the power of Christ to do wonders here in the city of Granada. And remember that greater things are still to come!

Nicaragua Fall 2008 - Muy Ocupado

2008-10-18T17:13:00.000-06:00

Staying busy in Granada.

Since I Am in Christ

2008-10-11T14:03:00.002-06:00

Since I am in Christ, by the grace of God . . .
- I have been justified—completely forgiven and made righteous (Rom. 5:1)
- I died with Christ and died to the power of sin’s rule over my life (Rom. 6:1-6)
- I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8:1)
- I have been placed into Christ by God’s doing (1 Cor. 1:30)
- I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely given to me by God (1 Cor. 2:12)
- I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)
- I have been bought with a price; I am not my own; I belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
- I have been established, anointed and sealed by God in Christ, and I have been given the Holy - Spirit as a pledge guaranteeing our inheritance to come (2 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 1:13-14)
- I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Christ (2 Cor. 5:14-15)
- I have been made righteous (2 Cor. 5:21)
- I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20)
- I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3)
- I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and am without blame before Him (Eph. 1:4)
- I was predestined—determined by God—to be adopted as God’s son (Eph. 1:5)
- I have been redeemed and forgiven, and I am a recipient of His lavish grace (Eph. 1:17)
- I have been made alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5)
- I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven (Eph. 2:6)
- I have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
- I may approach God with boldness, freedom, and confidence (Eph. 3:12)
- I have been rescued from the domain of Satan’s rule and transferred to the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13)
- I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins, and the debt against me has been canceled (Col 1:14)
- Christ Himself is in me (Col 1:27)
- I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built in Him (Col 2:7)
- I have been made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)
- I have been spiritually circumcised (Col. 2:11)
- I have been buried, raised, and made alive with Christ (Col. 2:12-13)
- I died with Christ and I have been raised up with Christ, therefore, my life is now hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:1-4)
- I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7)
- I have been saved and set apart according to God’s doing (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5)
- Because I am sanctified and am one with the Sanctifier, He is not ashamed to call me brother (Heb. 2:11)
- I have the right to come boldly before the throne of God to find mercy and grace in time of need (Heb. 4:16)
- I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I am a partaker of God’s divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4)

(Anderson, Neil. Victory Over Darkness. pgs. 64-65.)

ATL in Central Park

2008-10-06T10:48:00.002-06:00

“We are only asked to do what we are told—small, strange, or simple as that may be—our orders are to obey, and in this my conscience is clear . . . having purposed in Christ to do what is pleasing to Him, I find His approval and seal in the very smallest and unlikely things.”
~Jim Elliot~

On Monday, September 29th our group spent the afternoon doing an ATL (Asking the Lord). It was an opportunity to seek the Lord’s will and ask Him what we should do in the surrounding community. My group consisted of Laura Overs, Melissa Brown, Sylvia Harvie, Caleb Spitler, and I; and our first course of action was to wait in our house and see what the Lord had for us that particular day. We started out by singing some worship songs to invite the Holy Spirit into our decision and establish that this time was specifically intended to glorify God no matter what. We prayed in between songs, but no one really felt like God was speaking to them. Therefore, we continued to seek if God had any plans for us by praying quietly among ourselves. Caleb finally suggested that he felt a calling to get some chicken from Tip Top, a local restaurant here in Granada. He admitted it was probably more his stomach speaking to him than the Holy Spirit, but since no one else really saw a vision or had anything else pressing on their heart we decided to follow Caleb’s lead. As we got up and ready to go, he also mentioned that he envisioned me preaching in the middle of the park to a crowd of people. We kind of chuckled at the thought of me trying to be like an Old Testament prophet or a bullhorn preacher, but I responded that I would be up for it if the opportunity presented itself.

As we walked to the center of town, we decided to buy a meal for someone in order to start a conversation and sit down with them. So we went to central park and found an old man sitting on a bench who looked like he was in need. We asked him if he would share a meal with us and he gladly agreed. Another man who was well-dressed sat right next to him and was intrigued into our purpose of being in Granada and why we would buy a meal for some random stranger. We told him that we were missionaries from the States and were living in Nicaragua for nine months to share the love of Christ with others. Afterwards, we decided to go get three meals to share among us and the two gentlemen.

As soon as we got back, we sat on the cobble stone ground to enjoy our time of delectable food and thought-provoking conversation. However, the elderly man we originally intended to converse with and witness to had some mental problems and did not talk too much. Nonetheless, God was still up to something and He wanted to use this opportunity to witness to others and glorify Himself.

Before I could even take a bite of chicken, a crowd started forming around us quite quickly. They were fascinated by our odd circle of gringos sitting in the middle of the park and were interested about what we were discussing. I began to tell them why we were here and that God has called us into intimate relationships not only with Himself, but with also others. I shared with them that we were here to share life together; strife, jubilation, and everything in between. They asked me what my religion was and I gladly responded that I had none. I simple told them that I had a personal relationship with an all-powerful Creator and a redeeming Savior. I pointed to the gigantic cathedral right next to us and told them that the difference between the church and me was that they believe salvation comes by what you do and I believe salvation comes by what has been done. I was able to share the gospel through a salvation bracelet, which highlighted some verses (Rom. 3:23, Rom. 6:23, Rom. 5:8, Eph. 2:8-9, and John 5:24). The people gathered around us were from all different walks of life (People of young and old age, men, women, ceramic souvenir venders, horse-drawn carriage drivers, and even a man who sold ice cream on a bicycle). You could tell they were all searching for something more meaningful than what this life had to offer. They asked what church we went to and when we met, and they were definitely intrigued by what God was doing in our lives and our purpose in Granada. We were able to hand out a few Spanish Bibles and I told them to begin with the book of John to have a fuller-understanding of the gospel and the life of Christ.

Our opportunity that afternoon in central park was an exhilarating time of seeing what the Holy Spirit can do if you open up and trust Him. We started out with an aspiration to only witness to one person, but God exceeded our initial expectation. He utilized one person as a catalyst, so that we could share the gospel with twenty people. No one gave their life to Christ that day, but I firmly believe we were another crucial link in their spiritual chain of coming to find Christ as their Savior. Some did profess that they were Christians, and they encouraged us and our ministry before we left. And just before we had to head back to the house, we prayed over a lady whose child was sick. Afterwards, her teary eyes portrayed the profound impact of this day on her. It was a day where you could feel the presence of Jesus among us and it was a glimpse to see how the gospel can come alive!

Nicaragua Fall 2008 - Muchas Cosas

2008-10-05T07:38:00.000-06:00

Catching everyone up on all things happening here in Granada, Nicaragua.

Who I Am in Christ

2008-09-28T13:01:00.004-06:00

I Am Accepted
I am God’s child. (John 1:12 I)
I am Christ’s friend. (John 15:15)
I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am a saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child. (Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)

I Am Secure
I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
I am assured that all things work together for good. (Romans 8:28)
I am free from any condemning charges against me. (Romans 8:31-34)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39)
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected. (Philippians 1:6 )
I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)

I Am Significant
I am the salt and the light of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-14)
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life. (John 15:1-5)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am God’s coworker. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
I am God’s temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)
I am God’s workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

(Anderson, Neil. Victory Over Darkness. pgs. 38-39.)

Nicaragua Fall 2008 - New Place, Same Face

2008-09-21T09:11:00.000-06:00

Living it up in wonderful Granada, Nicaragua with Adventures in Missions.

Validation

2008-09-20T15:31:00.006-06:00

Well, I have been in Nicaragua for a few days and have been reflecting on the past week and the significant impact that training camp has had on me. It was a time of tremendous spiritual growth, and a great opportunity for our group to build stronger relationships. Days included team prayer and quiet times after waking up, training sessions in the morning, team building challenges in the afternoon, worship and teaching at night, and team debriefing right before bed. I believe I learned more life application in the areas of pursuing God and reaching out to others in this one week than in my entire four years of college.

The most revealing and applicable moment for me was during our guys session, where we discussed our role as men on the mission field and how we are to interact with others. We talked extensively on how to treat our fellow, female teammates and how to honor them as sisters in Christ. The most profound part of the session was the concept validation and how we desperately search for it in all situations. This is an area I have struggled with for a long time. I have continually looked for validation and approval in my actions, my talents, my position of power, and my relationships with others. Our discussion made me think of how I interact with others of the opposite sex and what I am sincerely seeking in my relationships with them. Do I act out of selfish motives in the littlest things I do or say? What am I truly seeking to gain when I interact and converse with women? If I am honest, it is either to get closer physically with them, or it is to make myself feel better. My validation and affirmation needs to be found not in the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm.

My validation must come from Christ alone, because finding significance in Him is the only thing that matters. Freedom only comes when I am seeking to please Him and not seeking to please myself or this world. I have to keep going back to the scriptures and remember, “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside false gods.”

So remember to give up the false idols in your own life, where you seek to find significance and self-worth. Instead, find validation in your relationship with Christ and “look to the Lord and his strength, seeking his face always.”

(Psalm 40:4)
(1 Chronicles 16:11)

Honduras Summer 2008 - Los Hermanos Dicen "Adios"

2008-09-06T17:02:00.001-06:00

My last video from Honduras. ¡Qué triste!

Honduras Summer 2008 - Bailando y Cantando

2008-08-31T16:51:00.000-06:00

My last interview with the some cute kids from Destino del Reino, which includes some awesome dancing and singing.

Freedom Under Slavery

2008-08-30T23:10:00.005-06:00

I must admit that I have struggled with loving God more than myself. I have felt a constant battle between serving my own selfish desires and pursuing God’s will. In reality, I have been a spiritual slave to one thing and one thing only: sin!

Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we've been taken captive by sin; its consequences, its destruction, and ultimately its death. In the book of John, Jesus declares, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” We are in bondage to a sin nature that is vile, corrupt, and self-seeking. Our only hope for freedom is an alternative form of slavery.

We must become servants to a new master, the one who conquered sin by His death and resurrection - Jesus Christ. In a letter to the Corinthians, Paul states, “For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” Christ’s substitutionary death at Calvary atoned for our debt, and our acceptance of His free gift binds us to a life of servitude to Him.

Paul writes to the Romans, saying,

“Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Life offers us freedom and slavery, but neither one is mutually exclusive for they are bound together. Someone who is a slave to sin is free from a call to righteousness and holiness, however, a person that is a slave to God and under the authority of the Holy Spirit is free from sin and spiritual death.

We are all mastered by something, but the question is, “What are we slaves to?” It is simple, we are either slaves to sin or slaves to Christ. I have decided to be chained by Christ’s slavery; the only place where endless freedom can abound.

(John 8:35)
(1 Corinthians 7:22-23)
(Romans 6:19-23)

Honduras Summer 2008 - Más Niños

2008-08-24T23:39:00.000-06:00

Bringing you a great cause to get involved in and introducing you to two more kids from Destino del Reino.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Más Niñas

2008-08-17T14:26:00.000-06:00

My weekly video blog, this time next to our beautiful new fountain. Also, another interview with some adorable girls from Destino del Reino.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Dos Hermanos y Una Hermana

2008-08-10T18:00:00.000-06:00

My week with a mission trip team from Tomball, TX and another interview with two brothers and a sister.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Otra Entrevista

2008-08-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

Another update and another great interview with some more cute kids from Destino del Reino.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Las Niñas Dicen "Hola"

2008-07-27T22:08:00.004-06:00

Another video blog along with an introduction of the two newest sisters at Destino del Reino.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Tiempo Por Un Viaje

2008-07-20T21:38:00.003-06:00

Having an awesome time with my dad in La Ceiba and Utila.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Una Semana Espectacular

2008-07-13T13:54:00.000-06:00

Another weekly update from gorgeous Siguatepeque, Honduras.

Honduras Summer 2008 - La Visita Guiada (2)

2008-07-06T12:32:00.000-06:00

A tour of Destino del Reino.

Honduras Summer 2008 - La Visita Guiada (1)

2008-07-06T12:12:00.000-06:00

A little update before the tour of Destino del Reino.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Mi Vida . . . So Far

2008-06-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

An update on my summer in beautiful Siguatepeque, Honduras.

An Irresistible Revolution

2008-06-25T23:00:00.004-06:00

Gandhi was once asked what he thought about Christianity, and he replied, “I like their Christ, I do not like their Christian.” As the church, why are our lives so distant from the life of Christ? We have become ensnared in the establishment of Christendom; a routine of praying as a last resort, going to church out of habit, and keeping our faith insulated to ourselves. The religion of Christianity has become a tradition of normalcy, convenience, and comfort - a trend that Christ never set, nor followed. Instead, we are called to be part of “the Way”; carrying a cross of love, mercy, and peace that is attacked by hatred, persecution, and even sometimes death. We are to be living sacrifices who do not conform to the pattern of this world; loving the Lord our God and loving our neighbor as ourself.

A book by Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution: living as an ordinary radical, has recently altered my perspective on the role of Christ’s body and the sincere purpose of the church. The author shares riveting stories of encountering God in the projects of Philly, the streets of Calcutta, and the war zones of Iraq. He seeks for a return to the church of Acts 2, one which devotes itself to teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer, miracles, and outreach. A church that cares for the poor, the downtrodden, the orphans, and the widows. A community that sells all their possessions and goods, giving to anyone in need. Claiborne has inspired me to take part in the irresistible revolution of reaching out to the least of these and encountering Jesus in the faces of the lost, the poor, the sick, and the meek. I desire to hear Him say one day,

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:34-36).

As Christ’s ambassadors and witnesses, we are to display mercy, compassion, and encouragement to everyone we encounter. Mother Teresa was once quoted as saying, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” I seek to be a part of HIStory, playing a minor role as a lover of God and a lover of people. Thus to do this, I must abandon Christianity and follow Jesus Christ - the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Los Niños de Destino del Reino

2008-06-21T22:00:00.002-06:00

A slide show of the children at the orphanage, Destino del Reino. Also, includes a brand new addition to the family.

Honduras Summer 2008 - Bienvenido

2008-06-11T16:00:00.002-06:00

My 1st video blog from Siguatepeque, Honduras.

2008 Spring Mission Trip - Honduras

2008-06-10T19:00:00.003-06:00

A slide show from my spring break mission trip with UGA Wesley.

The Adventure Begins

2008-06-09T17:00:00.004-06:00

Well, I am finally on my way to Honduras for the next 3 months and am on a plane right now, crossing over the Caribbean Sea. These past two days have been enriched by God’s providence and engrained in a search for purpose.

On Sunday, June 8th I started out by waking up earlier than usual, taking a shower, and packing all the luggage and clothes that I laid out the night before. Unfortunately, this took longer than expected and my mother and I did not leave the house until 8:15 am; mind you my flight was at 10:35 am, so this was cutting it close already. Then along the way to the airport we had to drop off my support letters at the post office, go by the ATM to get some cash, and stop at the gas station to fill up half a tank. Definitely not the most ideal situation to start a morning when trying to get to the airport for an international flight.

We finally arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport at 9:15, which was pretty good time considering our prior circumstances and all the errands we had to previously run. As our car approached the drop-off point on the north side of the airport, I noticed a United Methodist Church van coming up behind us and I thought to myself they are probably going to Honduras as well. So my mom parked the car briefly, and I collected all my luggage and headed to the international check-in area to get in line.

Upon arrival, I ran into my boss for the summer and founder of Destino del Reino, Rhonda Jackson, who gave me a big hug and talked with me briefly. As she left to go through security and head to the gate, that church group by no surprise came rushing in and were put in front of the line by a Delta agent to be helped promptly. At this point a light bulb should of went off in my head, getting me to think, “Maybe I should get someone to help expedite my check-in process?”

However, this was not the case, and I decided to wait it out, thinking the church group was simply put in front of me because of their size and not their time constraint. So after a while of becoming impatient with the pace of the line and getting anxious about boarding my plane, I decided to get hold of an agent walking about and sought to see if he could help me. I told him where I was flying and he tried to scan my passport at the kiosk to get an e-ticket, but it was not working, which was not a shock because I had the same problem trying to check-in online the night before. It simply left a message saying it could not process my request and I needed to contact an agent. Therefore, he sent me to the kiosk ticket counter to check-in personally.

Then a nuclear bomb of the most disastrous words fell upon my ears from the ticket agent, “You are 5 minutes late and you cannot receive a boarding pass.” Trying to process this in my mind at first, I questioned, “Are you serious?” The lady continued, “You have to be checked-in at least one hour before your flight, otherwise the computer takes your name off the list of passengers and there is nothing I can do to change it because of TSA regulations.”

Attempting to argue my case, I projected, “Listen, I will grant you that I should of arrived earlier, but I was here before an entire group of 20 people who you placed before me, which caused my delay. On top of that, your online check-in and your kiosk only provided me with error messages and strife.” Nonetheless, the agent could only transfer me over to a special ticketing desk, where I tried to get the help of another agent while she was trying to assist an entire team of paraplegic women who played wheelchair basketball for the Netherlands (By the way they were quite nice and inquired into my situation because they saw me praying and having a look of desperation, while I sat in between the ticketing desk on the luggage weighing machines).

As the minutes slipped by, I could feel the plane creep farther and farther off the runway and knew there was no chance for me making that flight on this particular day. My options became a decision between paying $1,300 to fly American Airlines to Miami and then to San Pedro Sula, or paying a $400 fee to get on the same flight for tomorrow. An easy choice when you consider the economics of it. So kids here is a little lesson for you; don’t let 5 minutes cost you $400!

Despite my circumstances, I became more at ease as time progressed and I kept trying to convince myself that maybe their was a reason for all this. Possibly, I could share the gospel with someone on the plane the following day who I otherwise would of never ridden with, or maybe the flight I missed will crash into the ocean and God saved my life. I basically tried to justify in my mind that there had to be some purpose for all this. None of those prior notions occurred, but I finally did discover the glory and significance behind the apparent disaster.

I was finally able to get my ticket for a flight on the following day and rode Marta all the way to the end of the line so my mother could pick-me up. Later that evening, I rode back up to Athens to retrieve my cell phone, which I left there accidentally as I moved all my things back home. Even though it’s considered to be a vital part of living in the 21st century, I didn’t care too much about leaving it behind. Mostly because I figured I couldn’t use it while I was abroad anyways. However, my mom convinced me it was a good idea to have just in case and it would make it easier when traveling to and from the US, which she was right since I had to borrow random peoples’ phones multiple times earlier that day just to notify her about my situation. So I figured the hour drive back and forth from Athens would be a good time to reflect and focus on God. Something I had not done much of the week leading up to my trip.

As I drove the notorious long and boring road up to Athens, Highway 316, I played a podcast from the Passion World Tour, where Louie Giglio was reflecting on the past two events that took place in London and Paris. He shared audio clips of up to 4,000 students praising the name of Jesus with shouts of acclamation. It is amazing to hear the roars of fellow believers from all over the world, and it gives me tremendous excitement to see what this generation is doing and will continue to do for the Kingdom.

Later along the way, I started playing a 3-part series by Ravi Zacharias, a phenomenal orator and apologist (If you don’t know what that means, it is simply a person who defends the faith or offers an argument for the faith. It is not someone who apologizes for what they believe in). Moving on, Ravi spoke about God’s calling in each person’s life and how many people choose to ignore it for their own pursuits. There are essentially two types of people in the world: those who bend their knee to God and say, “Thy will be done,” and those who don’t bow down and God says, “Fine, your will be done.”

In order to discover our calling, we often have to escape the distractions, static, and noise. I have realized God often works in the whispers of the Spirit, instead of the shouts of individuals or society. Ravi challenged the audience to acknowledge what they were not leaving at the alter of Christ; whether it be wealth, power, or love. He also shared stories of missionaries who fully surrendered their lives for the glory of God and the spread of His renown.

On the way back home, I pondered whether God orchestrated this entire day just so I would have an opportunity to listen to Ravi’s message, and provide me with an affirmation and calling to the mission field. Even more importantly, I have realized that His calling is not about a place, but about a purpose; one of loving Him and and loving others. A simple concept to understand, but one that takes a lifetime to ever come to fruition.

My entire experience reminded me of a scripture passage out of Matthew, discussing the insignificance of being worrisome. Jesus states, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” There are so many things in this mundane world that capture our attention and cause us grief. But for what reason? If we believe in an omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent Creator, than we have no reason to worry about anything that is temporal.

Jesus later goes on to say in the book of Matthew, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” So always remember that the worries of this world might be too hard for you to handle, but not for God. May you find faith in the Father, salvation in the Son, strength in the Spirit, and wisdom in the Word.

For His Name and Renown,

JD

(Matthew 6:25-34)
(Matthew 11:28-30)