Thursday, July 28, 2011

I love the way you move me

Hey everyone

This will be my last blog that I write from El Salvador, for now anyways :) I am sitting on this plane about to leave for Miami then back home to good ole Kentucky. It will always be my home but I like to think that I will be having multiple different homes around the world during this life journey. He has called me to do great things everywhere that I go and that includes othere nations. I think back on this trip and seriously cannot believe that it is over. It all happened in a blink of an eye. It's hard to believe a whole summer has gone by when it feels like I have been here for only a few days.  Everyone had their summer filled with pools, tanning, vacations, and no school and I got to go to 3 different countries in 6 weeks seeing the hand of God do some amazing things. There are just too many and too hard to explain when words dont do them justice.  I'm overwhelmed by His blessings. (I'm so glad that I am just typing this cause if I was trying to express these things in person, in this emotional state that i am in you probably could not understand the words that I am saying) My friend Taylor and I were talking about how after a couple days of rest at the camp we were ready to go back out for another 6 weeks, no problem. Yes we miss our family and friends so much but we were born for this. I could live out of a backpack, sleeping on church floors, taking cold bucket showers, eating so much beans, rice and who knows what else that I blow up like a balloon if it means I get to share the love of Christ to these kids who have no idea of what real love is. A love that has endless hope.  He has set me apart for this and revealed to me what I am capable of and best part is that it doesn't stop here. This is just the beginning. Super bummed about leaving but I just have to keep praying and reminding myself to look towards the plans that He has for me. But not to put all of my focus on what He has for my life but to ask Him how He can use me today!!! He will work out everything else. I'm glad it's Him and not me. The challenge that He puts in front of us is that when we go home that we don't leave the words He gives each and every one of us or images from this trip behind or let then enemy put doubt in our heart. But I pray and ask that you would help me in prayer, that we would take what He gave to us on this trip and build upon it when we get home. That we would not let this fire go out and become comfortable to a world that settles. There are so many opportunities around us to act in pure faith and that is what I have been praying for. That He would put situations in my life that I would absolutely have to purely act in faith. Nothing else. That I would stop thinking and start acting. Even as I write this I am just asking for His help because as I type this it sounds nice and looks nice but when the time or times when I need pure faith comes it's not gonna be pretty, it's gonna be really hard. It's so hard right now.  Leaving this is not something I want to do because I know when I get home adjusting back is gonna be messy. Being here and doing this ministry is easy.  I was surrounded by a team of passonate believers and with Jesus we could do anything. Easy part. But I know He has called me to go home and live in that same passion for Him there until He calls me to another country. Africa maybe?? :) I'm just telling you what is on my heart and hope that it comes out in a way that is understandable.

We had a farewell service last night. Got to watch some highlights from the trip and share some testimonies of how God really impacted our lives on this trip. Another favorite part of this whole experience is seeing the growth in my teams members. Actually they are more than team members, they are my family. We grew so close. You kind of can't help it when you live in the circumstances that we were in. We were vulnerable and sometimes saw parts of us that weren't so pretty. But that's all part of the growth. I saw some really break out of their shells and become comfortable in their skin. Some worked through some serious forgiveness for family and then experience the freedom and gifts that He gives when they did :) some realized their call to evangelize, it was beautiful!! Learned alot about people and people learned alot about me. We worry about losing contact with some but if they were true then we will absolutely find a way stay close. I can think of a good number of them that I will be taking a bus to go see. :) we have already planned a few trips and a reunion and it hasn't even been 24 hours since we left haha. Please pray for their continual growth in seeking His face, they are so dear to me :)

I give so much thanks and pray blessing over the churches and schools that gave us a place to stay and food to eat and allowed us to come and minister to their community.

I also want to thank Kristal, our leader, the nationals, and masters commission students for giving so much of themselves to this trip and His Kingdom. For the hours of preparation,  for keeping us safe, and for leading by example. They were truely
beautiful. 

Last but not least I want to specifially thank my dad and mom for playing a big part in who I am today. I truely have the best parents in the world. Although they don't like seeing me leave for other countries they still support me and love me in such a big way. And Randy for your encouragement, helping me to be bold and seeing my potential when I don't see it myself. Oh and I ate alot of crazy things and thought of you everytime :) ha thank you.  Evie, I thank you for being the best mentor anyone could ask for. And the fact that I can call you family is just icing on the cake. One of Pats best decisions :) thank you for teaching me how to walk in freedom and loving me the way you do.  And to all of my family for your love and support, always being there for me and for making me laugh. You all bring so much joy to my heart. Friends. I can't even express my gratitude to my friends. The ones I've had for forever and the ones that I have made in the last couple of years ( roommates) I'm not even gonna try and describe how you all have been there for me and how you make me feel. Know that I appreciate you for stickin by me for so long and seeing who I am and still loving me. :)

So I guess this is it. Wow. Im sure i left things out, mispelled alot, and will be misunderstood but you know thats all ok  :) I love you all and will be seeing your faces soon!!!

Love, 

Becs

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Where You go I go

Call me, call me out of where I've been
Take me, take me near to your heart

Hi everyone

It's Saturday and I am on another wonderful bus ride :) we are headed back to the camp in Managua, Nicaragua where we will have a free day tomorrow and then head back to camp in El Salvador on Monday. We should have Internet at camp tonight  and will get to call home soon but who knows :) the important thing is that we are safe as always and experiencing some really cool stuff through God. 

We did our last program EVER yesterday. Bittersweet. It was a really good program and God moved in a big way in those kids hearts as they cried out to Him. It was beautiful. I just look out at the room and watched our team praying and speaking words of truth over them and couldn't help but give thanks for Him allowing me be a part of this. Nicaragua is a very oppressive country and very dark spiritually. We all could feel it. So this week was a challenge because the enemy was attacking us mentally and for some of us even physically.  Some of my favorite times are times like these though.  But again, I serve a God who is victorious in all things :) haha So whatever situation or area that we entered that was oppressive we just walked in the authority that Jesus gives us and asked for His presence to come in that place. He is faithful :) so many things to say but not enough time or words to write them. 

I love this country and like I said on my last mission trip here, I will be back. Someday soon :) 

I'm gonna hop off here and soak in as much of this country as I can and just listen.  Thank you Jesus that you never stop speaking to me and revealing your beauty and purpose for my life.  

I love you family :)

Becs

^^^^^^

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hello Nicaragua

Hi everyone.

We are in Nicaragua :) in the very place that Hey everyone

I am writing to you on hour 14 of a who knows how many hours long bus ride to Nicaragua. We haven't even crossed the border yet. Long and bumpy bus rides are a vital part of the mission trip :) when I get Internet I will post, just trying to get a headstart. 

This past week spent in Honduras was a blessing. Our host, Pastor Carlos, who is a missionary from El Salador, has truely embraced the call that God has for his life. He is one of those people you just want to be around because he has such inspiring vision. He sees a need and the only thing to do is meet that need. He has some great stories.  His heart is for the children and really wants to focus on building up a church for children, childrens church. Most churches in the area are for adults with nowhere for the kids to go. So as Pastor Carlos goes out reaching children God not only brings him children but now the parents and more of the community are seeing and showing an interest in what Pastor Carlos is doing. He is amazed at the growth and finds himself discipling more and more members to fill in for lead positions in the church because the church is growing so different ministries are needed like marriage classes and youth pastors. And this is just the beginning. Our team got to be a part of some really great children and youth services this past Saturday. Being at the special youth service in the afternoon was cool because we were seeing familiar faces. Students that we were seeing at schools the previous week during programs were coming to the church for the first time to check out the youth group :)  wish we could have stayed longer to see that seed within them grow into something mind blowing for Jesus. But I know God has it all on His hands :) We had devine appointments where we were doing programs in places that had a specific purpose for being there. It's amazing hoe when it happens you just knowtht that was the reason why you were there. 

Another really great thing about this church is that they have partnered with this bilingual school on it's campus. They hire in people who want to teach elementary grades from the area and from America for 1 year. And on the weekends the teachers are involved in the childrens church. I don't know about you but that sounds perfect to me.  I was talking with the director of the school and she was saying how the previous teachers have had great experiences and it opens so many doors and not to mention  they are still looking for 5 American teachers for THIS August ;) let's just say this bus ride I have been doin some thinkin. But in the words of my dear freind Bri "it'll be great, just don't think about it" 

:D He has big plans for me. Bigger than my mind can even imagine!!!!! Ahh I can't get over how much He loves me!

We got to finish off the week with a day at one of Honduras's beautiful beaches. Words cannot express how blessed we have been this week. 

We sadly had to drop two of our team members off at a bus station to go back to the camp in El Salvador because they are going to help out with the aim trip team from their church. So we will be without them for a week until a couple of days before we leave to head home. Bummed they won't get to experience Nicaragua with us but Jesus has it all under control. 

I cannot tell you how excited I am to get go back to Nicaragua. The 1 week AIM trip I took to Nicaragua last year is what sparked my interest in joining World Warriors for this year. And here I am!! Hardcore cheeseball smile right now :D so it's awesome that I get to come back here because this is where I left my heart. There is something about this place. Sorry I can't describe it better. You'll just have to see for yourself. I think we will be at one of the kings castle camps in managua for one night then we are headed out of the city for the rest of our stay in Nicaragua. But that could all change. You never know for sure where or when, that's just how this culture is.  

We so appreciate your prayers. I just want to thank all of you for your support. I think about where I am and how I got here and am in such awe to think about how you all have showed your love and support for me and Gods call for my life.  You all are great!!! 

I miss my family and friends. I get to see your faces in about a week in a half :) not happy about leaving but I can't wait to give some really big hugs to some of my favorite people!!!

Crossing the border into Nicaragua now :) and this is where I will leave you 

:)

Love,
Becs     



 
Hey everyone

I am writing to you on hour 14 of a who knows how many hours long bus ride to Nicaragua. We haven't even crossed the border yet. Long and bumpy bus rides are a vital part of the mission trip :) when I get Internet I will post, just trying to get a headstart. 

This past week spent in Honduras was a blessing. Our host, Pastor Carlos, who is a missionary from El Salador, has truely embraced the call that God has for his life. He is one of those people you just want to be around because he has such inspiring vision. He sees a need and the only thing to do is meet that need. He has some great stories.  His heart is for the children and really wants to focus on building up a church for children, childrens church. Most churches in the area are for adults with nowhere for the kids to go. So as Pastor Carlos goes out reaching children God not only brings him children but now the parents and more of the community are seeing and showing an interest in what Pastor Carlos is doing. He is amazed at the growth and finds himself discipling more and more members to fill in for lead positions in the church because the church is growing so different ministries are needed like marriage classes and youth pastors. And this is just the beginning. Our team got to be a part of some really great children and youth services this past Saturday. Being at the special youth service in the afternoon was cool because we were seeing familiar faces. Students that we were seeing at schools the previous week during programs were coming to the church for the first time to check out the youth group :)  wish we could have stayed longer to see that seed within them grow into something mind blowing for Jesus. But I know God has it all on His hands :) We had devine appointments where we were doing programs in places that had a specific purpose for being there. It's amazing hoe when it happens you just knowtht that was the reason why you were there. 

Another really great thing about this church is that they have partnered with this bilingual school on it's campus. They hire in people who want to teach elementary grades from the area and from America for 1 year. And on the weekends the teachers are involved in the childrens church. I don't know about you but that sounds perfect to me.  I was talking with the director of the school and she was saying how the previous teachers have had great experiences and it opens so many doors and not to mention  they are still looking for 5 American teachers for THIS August ;) let's just say this bus ride I have been doin some thinkin. But in the words of my dear freind Bri "it'll be great, just don't think about it" 

:D He has big plans for me. Bigger than my mind can even imagine!!!!! Ahh I can't get over how much He loves me!

We got to finish off the week with a day at one of Honduras's beautiful beaches. Words cannot express how blessed we have been this week. 

We sadly had to drop two of our team members off at a bus station to go back to the camp in El Salvador because they are going to help out with the aim trip team from their church. So we will be without them for a week until a couple of days before we leave to head home. Bummed they won't get to experience Nicaragua with us but Jesus has it all under control. 

I cannot tell you how excited I am to get go back to Nicaragua. The 1 week AIM trip I took to Nicaragua last year is what sparked my interest in joining World Warriors for this year. And here I am!! Hardcore cheeseball smile right now :D so it's awesome that I get to come back here because this is where I left my heart. There is something about this place. Sorry I can't describe it better. You'll just have to see for yourself. I think we will be at one of the kings castle camps in managua for one night then we are headed out of the city for the rest of our stay in Nicaragua. But that could all change. You never know for sure where or when, that's just how this culture is.  

We so appreciate your prayers. I just want to thank all of you for your support. I think about where I am and how I got here and am in such awe to think about how you all have showed your love and support for me and Gods call for my life.  You all are great!!! 

I miss my family and friends. I get to see your faces in about a week in a half :) not happy about leaving but I can't wait to give some really big hugs to some of my favorite people!!!

Crossing the border into Nicaragua now :) and this is where I will leave you 

:)

Love,
Becs     



 
Hey everyone

I am writing to you on hour 14 of a who knows how many hours long bus ride to Nicaragua. We haven't even crossed the border yet. Long and bumpy bus rides are a vital part of the mission trip :) when I get Internet I will post, just trying to get a headstart. 

This past week spent in Honduras was a blessing. Our host, Pastor Carlos, who is a missionary from El Salador, has truely embraced the call that God has for his life. He is one of those people you just want to be around because he has such inspiring vision. He sees a need and the only thing to do is meet that need. He has some great stories.  His heart is for the children and really wants to focus on building up a church for children, childrens church. Most churches in the area are for adults with nowhere for the kids to go. So as Pastor Carlos goes out reaching children God not only brings him children but now the parents and more of the community are seeing and showing an interest in what Pastor Carlos is doing. He is amazed at the growth and finds himself discipling more and more members to fill in for lead positions in the church because the church is growing so different ministries are needed like marriage classes and youth pastors. And this is just the beginning. Our team got to be a part of some really great children and youth services this past Saturday. Being at the special youth service in the afternoon was cool because we were seeing familiar faces. Students that we were seeing at schools the previous week during programs were coming to the church for the first time to check out the youth group :)  wish we could have stayed longer to see that seed within them grow into something mind blowing for Jesus. But I know God has it all on His hands :) We had devine appointments where we were doing programs in places that had a specific purpose for being there. It's amazing hoe when it happens you just knowtht that was the reason why you were there. 

Another really great thing about this church is that they have partnered with this bilingual school on it's campus. They hire in people who want to teach elementary grades from the area and from America for 1 year. And on the weekends the teachers are involved in the childrens church. I don't know about you but that sounds perfect to me.  I was talking with the director of the school and she was saying how the previous teachers have had great experiences and it opens so many doors and not to mention  they are still looking for 5 American teachers for THIS August ;) let's just say this bus ride I have been doin some thinkin. But in the words of my dear freind Bri "it'll be great, just don't think about it" 

:D He has big plans for me. Bigger than my mind can even imagine!!!!! Ahh I can't get over how much He loves me!

We got to finish off the week with a day at one of Honduras's beautiful beaches. Words cannot express how blessed we have been this week. 

We sadly had to drop two of our team members off at a bus station to go back to the camp in El Salvador because they are going to help out with the aim trip team from their church. So we will be without them for a week until a couple of days before we leave to head home. Bummed they won't get to experience Nicaragua with us but Jesus has it all under control. 

I cannot tell you how excited I am to get go back to Nicaragua. The 1 week AIM trip I took to Nicaragua last year is what sparked my interest in joining World Warriors for this year. And here I am!! Hardcore cheeseball smile right now :D so it's awesome that I get to come back here because this is where I left my heart. There is something about this place. Sorry I can't describe it better. You'll just have to see for yourself. I think we will be at one of the kings castle camps in managua for one night then we are headed out of the city for the rest of our stay in Nicaragua. But that could all change. You never know for sure where or when, that's just how this culture is.  

We so appreciate your prayers. I just want to thank all of you for your support. I think about where I am and how I got here and am in such awe to think about how you all have showed your love and support for me and Gods call for my life.  You all are great!!! 

I miss my family and friends. I get to see your faces in about a week in a half :) not happy about leaving but I can't wait to give some really big hugs to some of my favorite people!!!

Crossing the border into Nicaragua now :) and this is where I will leave you 

:)

Love,
Becs     

Monday, July 11, 2011

Oh the places you'll go

We made it to a new country :) Honduras.
After being on the road for 17 hours on a bumpy bus ride
we finally made it. Well we are almost there. We are stopped at a wendy's with wifi for dinner. So you could say I have had alot of time to reflect on the trip so far. Hard and sad to believe that we are past the halfway point. But I can't help but know that God has more just waitin for us. Going through lots of different emotions right now and can't really find words to explain them. Jesus just continuesto speak words of encouragement and truth to me. Always about LOVE!

Yesterday was a fabulous free day. We got to go to
the beach and it was fantastic. Nice to relax and soak in some real sun. Let's just say we are all a little crisp. Was not expect a beach day but I'll take it.

We are all doing good and staying safe. Your prayers are really appreciated and we can feel them, trust me :)

Love and miss everyone

Becs

P.S. (mom and dad) When Kristal get minutes on her phone we will be able to make calls home within the next couple of days. So be ready. I would like to hear your voices :)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Hi everyone

the team and I have been pretty busy with programs in an area on the coast of El Salvador since Monday. We have made our way into alot of schools of all levels and in public places. Making an impact in such personal ways. We have people rededicating their lives to Jesus, wanting to get rid of the old and put on the new. Teenagers who have gone through more than my mind can fathom wanting to be set free from the past and start living for something more.

It's so awesome to watch them transform right before your eyes. They come in hard and cold but can't deny the presence of God with His love and truth surrounding them. We have seen numerous accounts of adults and teenagers who are feeling lead to come to the areas that we are at and just wait to see what happens.

We have this drama that we do called "Epic" Its about getting caught up in the worldly things and how it takes you down a dark path until you accept Christ. And the end of this drama has an impactful celebration dance with everyone and let me tell you, everytime we do this drama it breaks people. Many people have said it spoke to them and they accepted Christ. Typing and reading about it is one this but seeing it with your own eyes is something totally different.

Which is why I would not want to be in any other place than where He has me right now. No other place!!! He is stretching me and my faith and To feel this kind of change is indescribable and not somethingbi ever want to let go or get comfortable with. I have a long ways to go but man I love the journey getting there.

We are leaving in the morning for another church in El salvador. Then on Monday we head to Honduras. Excited to see what He has for us there. I don't know when I will get intenet again so please keep us in your prayers.

I love you

Becs

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Change me by Your beauty

You are good, You are Holy, You are worthy

I thinkn its somethin that we can be consumed with ourselves and the worldly stuff around us wherever we go. Going through the motions can happen anywhere. Just cause you are in a 3rd world country does not mean that your heart is right with His will all the time. I say this because while being blessed with the opportunity of being in the place where I am right now I found myself going through the motions. I show up for the programs to dance and play but do I really show up? Do I come with a longing for more? Do I come with great expectations for God to move? Why am I here? Yesterday was our fisrt day in a new area of El Salvador. I don't know if we were adjusting or the heat was more than we expected or whatever lame excuse my brain can come up with, going through the motions is NOT OK. Not being able to hear some of the kids stories because of the language barrier is hard. But why should language come in between my faith and trust in His radical love and freedom for every person. I just have to look at their beautiful yet broken faces and their surrounds to see the hurt. Physical and emotional abuse is everywhere. But He is so faithful.  We had some really cool stuff happen yesterday that would not have happened if action would not have been taken once the spirit spoke. I'm talking divine appointments.  He is there but are we taking action?

Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Today is a new day. I do not want to be satisfied with what happenend the day before. A longing for more today. A bigger YES today. 

I don't know if any of this makes sense cause I'm not the greatest at puting words to my thoughts. I know some can understand ;)

I love you

Becs


      

Monday, July 4, 2011

Why wait for tomorrow when I can have You today?

Hi :)

Today is a traveling day. We have about a 5 hour bus ride to ......... The ride is long and bumpy but lots of time to rest up for an amazing week.  We had to Make a stop at the ministry office in San Salvador so that is why I am able to get some Internet, I love the unexpected surprises of Internet to get to talk to you guys :) please leave me messages or emails so I can see how you all are doing. It's not as good as seeing your faces and hearing your voices but it's somethin and I'll take it :)

So I wanted to tell you all a little story about a miracle of my own :) so the day before yesterday I guess July 2nd we kinda had a chill day because it was the day after the all night prayer service. Afternoon comes around and I started feelin really sick. Fever, cold sweats, weak and really achy. My whole body was in pain. Not fun at all and I was on fire. We were also about to have a church service. I got through only one song and I had to get out of there and tell someone. My friend Bri who was in chargenof the first aid kit and who convieniently studying to be a nurse tried to take my temp but it wasn't working but we all knew I had a fever for sure. Kristal had me cooling off with wet rags and laying down all during a church service. I was totally out of it. But Bri stuck by me and took care of me. We both just prayed the whole church service. Soon after we were praying my body was COMPLETELY ache free. All the way. I don't know about anyone else but whenever I have had a fever it lasts quite awhile. Haha not this time. I have a cheeseball smile on my face as i type this because I can't even contain the joy that I have to say this stuff :) I just felt tired. So I got som good rest that night and the next day which was our free day I wouldnt have known that I was sick the day before. I literally kept forgetting that the day before My body felt dead. Thank you Jesus! I was able to enjoy our free day spending hours in the market and swimming in waterfalls in the rainforest of El Salvador. Blessed beyond belief to be able to experience and see His creation. Mind blowing stuff.

:)

wish you all could be here!

I sure do love you guys. I look at your pictures everyday.

We have to get back on the road again.

Love you

Becs






 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Hi guys

thank you pizza hut in San Salvador for wifi. We are back in San Salvador for an all night prayer service. Super nervous and excited atthe same time. There will be thousands of of people there from different churches. We will be doing our big drama infront of everyone and watching others too. We don't expect to leave this prayer service til 5 in the morning. Please be praying for us :)

it has been such a great week. We have been going to school of different levels and different communities. Prolly one of my favorites things is what we call missionary hands. We go from house to house and ask if we can do anything around there house. We have been doing dishes and all kinds of stuff for them and leading them to Christ. We are just planting the seed. We are kit the important one, He is.

So much on my mind and not enough time to tell you. Me and Jesus are getting so close it's blowin my mind. I just want to say that today we have been on this trip for 2 weeks already when it feels like two days. I'm not ok with this. Only 4 more weeks and we have to leave. I don't like to think about it and the team does not like to talk about it.

Sorry for the bad typing hut I don't have time to fix it

love you all and hope everyone is well

miss and love you

becs