Chains Being Broken...

WHEW! 3 more weeks until we come home and we are definitely in the press to finish strong. Though as we press, God has been incredibly faithful to give us all we need to fulfill His will for our time here. Although Panera has not been dropped at my door yet :) 

This last week has definitely been a busy one. Brandon had his usual workshops, multiple cell groups and 2 weekend services. The man is seriously a preaching machine and he has had to totally rely on God for a new word and new revelation everyday to share. It's harder for me to make it to some of the services because they often overlap with Brooklyn's bed/nap times. Glory to God for just taking the driver's seat and ministering to our hearts everyday what HE wants to talk about. He is so faithful!

I had 2 women's meetings last week. Approaching them I would have to admit I was in so much fear about what to say. What could I possibly say to bring these women hope while they are so oppressed, abused, hopeless, and sad. And seriously, I would be too if I were in their shoes... Home all day with 6 kids, pain and infection from delivering them with no doctor, hardly any food, a husband that could care less of my existence, and a culture who sees only a man as important.  I would not have a smile on my face either. I cried out to God, "What can I say? What can I do? HELP!"

Well the answer was quite simple in the end. The reality was there WAS NOT anything I could say or do. Only God's love and the power that comes from it could bring hope to these beautiful faces. God told me that they were also His masterpieces and He chose them and loved them for the good plans He had for them too. (Eph. 2:10) 

God led me to teach them that they are important to Him and His plan for them at home is extremely significant. He has called them to this honorable role of being a strong woman of God by honoring their husbands with God's love, raising their children in the Word and blessing their families with grace and joy. You should have seen their shoulders start to sit high as they began to understand how important their jobs were to God. Their role is so important that God is their boss; no one else. And who better to have as your boss than your heavenly father--the most loving and understanding person on the planet. 

I had the time to give them practical ways the Word says to be a woman of God, a loving wife and a mom. I, of course, shared many of my own funny stories of attempting to be "Superwomen" and failing miserably without God's help. So we ended the meeting knowing that ONLY God's love could make us the women of God He has called us to be. The pastor and I prayed for every woman at the end--that God's love would be POURED OUT in their lives. I know it did that afternoon. I could feel the chains of hopelessness being broken and I could tangibly feel His love refreshing them and empowering them to be who He created them to be. 

So many smiles surrounded me as I left that day. I had a smile myself knowing that every day I had a fairy tale love waiting to wrap His arms around me and give me all I needed. Glory to God! 

Finishing Strong

The days are flying by now--a whirlwind of services and taxi rides. We love every minute of it. We can tell things are getting harder for Brooklyn, though. He's running out of things to do in our room and gets a little frustrated trying to entertain himself. We've officially exited what's known as the "honeymoon stage" of our trip and have entered the press. Our goal is to finish this trip strong!

We're averaging almost two services per day which vary from women's groups, youth services, worship workshops, school chapels, factory services, and cell groups. We were surprised when asked to minister at a Christian Junior High school on Saturday. That's right--school on Saturday. There were over 200 kids and about 7 teachers to manage them all. It was a great way to spend Valentine's Day morning!

That night both Missy and I spoke at a youth group in one of our favorite villages. This particular youth group started with 18 kids just 3 weeks ago and has now reached a total of 70 youth attending each week! Praise God! It opened our eyes to the importance of ministry for the youth of Batam. The Pastor of this particular church told us that since they started youth ministry, the entire face of their church has changed. She said that the church property looks like a youth center on Sunday mornings after the main service--youth everywhere hanging out, playing games, and eating food. Hallelujah!

Missy and I hope you all had an incredible Valentine's Day. We spent most of our day at services, but took time that night to talk about all God has done in our lives as a couple and as a family. (Over Pop-Tarts and grape juice!) Before this trip, we often found ourselves looking and waiting for God to show us His love. Whether it was through a healing, financial blessing, or whatever, we were always searching for more evidence of God's love. Little did we realize that His love had already been poured out on us in so many ways. First through the broken body of Jesus, and then by the provision of a house, family, and church that are true blessings and examples of God's love for us.

Time's running out... bitter-sweet. We'll be home in about a month. Please pray with us as we strive (by the grace of God) to finish our course strong!

What a week!!

Hey Everyone!!

I know it has been awhile but WOW our schedule has been so busy with all of the recent visitors! 

I have to start out and send out a HUGE thank you to all of you that sent over goodies with Kristin and the Construction team! WOW, I was completely overwhelmed by the generosity and all of the wonderful surprises that will make the last month of our trip so special. You guys are truly the best!

We had quite a weekend! Our week was filled with so many blessings that we wondered how God wanted to top it at the weekend services. Well he did more then top it, his presence did miracles in hearts this weekend. We can only continue to thank him and give him glory for all that is happening on this island in our hearts and in the hearts of these churches!

Saturday evening Brandon did a youth service. He said that the presence of God was incredibly strong at the service. He was able to pray for everyone at the end of the service and we know that God is continuing to work in those young people's lives, healing there bodies, restoring there hearts, and giving them hope and vision for there future!! 

On Sunday morning Brandon and I tag teamed for the service. There was a Baby Dedication scheduled at the end so we tied our message around dedicating your life, your marriage, and your children to God. The women and children on this island are of little value and are not treated very well so we knew this message was timely. However we also knew the sensitivity of the matter so we had to rely on Gods wisdom to say the right words. GOD did a miracle that morning in the service. Brandon had all of the men laughing (not normal) as he shared stories and talked to them about the importance of loving there wives with the love of God. Many of the women in the room were in near tears of joy. It was incredible!

I was able to share with them the importance of raising your children in a godly, loving, and peaceful environment. The lord led me to give them practical ways to teach there children how to love god and respect others. It was like a whole new concept to them not to just spank them in anger all of the time and let them run free! I hoped they understood the value of loving there children with the love of God and hanging on to the hope of what God has called there children to do in the times where it's hard not to lose patience! We know so many awesome seeds were planted at that service and we have total trust in God to water and grow those seeds into an incredible harvest of his love. 

Sunday evening Brandon was able to do a service at one of the churches factory outreaches. He shared with them the story of Daniel and encouraged them to hold fast to there faith even in tough times. They loved hearing that if they did that God would ALWAYS be faithful to them. This was timely considering the tough times a lot of the factory workers are facing with the economy. Brandon prayed for everyone at the end, a 2 year old who cannot breathe out of her nose, an entire family who had suffered from fever for a month, a worker who needed favor in some upcoming decisions etc. Please continue to agree with us for all of these precious people. We know and trust in the name above all names!!

Well. We will post again soon. Tonight Brandon is out doing some research for the orphanage, I can't disclose details at this time but please continue to lift him and James up as they "plow" and prepare for the big vision of rescuing underage prostitutes! God is Faithful!

 We think and pray for you EVERYDAY! Lots of Love and Hugs to all of you!!