Unshakable Faith.....
What comes to mind when you think of the words: unshakable faith?
I wrestled with these two words, when used together, for a time. What does it mean to have unshakable faith?
My closest friends can tell you that I often over analyze words, or even over think too much, or even try to figure things out too much. (God love them for letting God use them to make me self-aware of this!) Tis' the life of an editor I suppose, to dissect and arrange words in a sentence for them to say exactly what my thoughts are, to convey and capture all that is on my mind and heart. I'm not sure this is always possible, but the native language I have to use is English, thus I give it my best shot!
After I had graduated college, I was captivated by having a relationship with Jesus. I wanted my faith to be strong, unshakable. I wanted to know just what is unshakable faith and how do I get it.
When we look at the word - unshakable, according to http://www.dictionary.com/, we find:
un·shak·a·ble - adj.
Incapable of being shaken: unshakable faith.
Synonyms for "unshakable" are: firm, secure, solid, stable, strong, sturdy, substantial, sure, adamant, abiding, fixed. Wow, how dependable is unshakable faith! Do you have unshakable faith?
I began to wonder, how does one get unshakable faith? And how can they tell their faith is unshakable?
At that time in my life, I thought for sure I had God as my number one priority. But then the Lord revealed something to me.....though I thought without a doubt that I had God has my number one priority, my faith life was on life support. I mean, I was avoiding the "major sins" as I wasn't promiscuous at all, I wasn't doing drugs, I wasn't getting drunk all the time, I wasn't cussing, and I was trying to be nice to everyone - so in my view, that was unshakable faith. Wow, was I dead as a doornail - wrong! The more I drew closer to God, the more I realized just how far away from Him I had been.
Friends, at times we think we are right there, only to find we can't draw near to Him unless our WHOLE heart is involved. God calls us to be wholehearted in devoting our lives to Him - every area of our lives, including career, relationships, thoughts, prayer, family - all of it, devoted to Him:
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; - 1 Chronicles 28:9, NIV
In one of the most trying times of my life, I happened to come across a story about unshakable faith. The character in the true life story had prayed for unshakable faith. A month later, he found himself smack in the middle of suffering through economic loss, illness of family members, and jobless. (disclaimer: this doesn't go to say that if you pray for unshakable faith, you are guaranteed to incur significant loss - ultimately, that is all up to God! He cannot be tamed by our prayers.) At the end of the story, the character had been walking down the street on a regular day and gave some money - of which he had very little - to a homeless man. In that moment, he recalled how he had prayed for unshakable faith. And God, being the faithful, amazing God who answers prayer that He is - had answered his prayer. Amazing. In the midst of brokenness, there is joy in a prayer answered! The answered prayer of unshakable faith. What a gift!
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:12-13, NIV
I noticed that as I started to pray for unshakable faith, God started doing some heavy work in my heart. He was changing my desires, so they would be replaced with His desires. I didn't just want to dabble in what looked like a faith life, I wanted the substance. Substantial, unshakable faith. I realized some major dramatic changes had to occur in my life to make this possible, and God - thankfully - placed me in some very broken situations. In that brokenness, I had no where else to go except to the loving arms of Jesus, close to Him and His love.
God started stripping my life of fear, emptiness, loneliness, unworthiness, undesirability, shame, and a whole slew of emotions. I wish I could even tell you that I have never dealt with these emotions ever again in my life, but that is not true. However, what is true - is now I have realized the power in the Holy Spirit and that has changed my life immensely. My Savior continues to change the way I live out my faith. I can be healed of all that junk if I just seek the Lord. Jesus is a healer, and emotions are no exception of that healing.
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. - Matthew 5:18, NIV
Jesus, who is the Way and the Truth, can cancel any of Satan's lies. Just as you are growing in faith, the enemy will protest and try to hinder your growing faith. We are even warned of this in God's word:
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. - 1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV
Sweet friends, let us go forward asking for unshakable faith. Is there really any other kind to have? Why would you desire anything less than unshakable faith? To know, that no matter what adversity or trial you face, your faith cannot be moved. Jesus is there with you, carrying you, holding you, walking before you. I know you can have unshakable faith, ask Him for it. Be prepared for how He will answer you, and you can be assured how He will answer you will reveal His glory in His timing.
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20, NIV
In the midst of your trials or suffering, if you are seeking Him, you are growing unshakable faith. Unshakable faith can move mountains, why would you want anything less? Don't let your faith be a box of checklists, let His love into every area of your life producing fruitful faith. Take heart, and know unshakable faith - while not easily cultivated - is a huge blessing. You can do this!
Please know that I am on my knees praying for you.
<><
Kay
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Radiance.
Some of you may be aware of an upcoming bible study at Second Baptist church called Radiance. The study is taught by Marian Jordan and there will also be time for praise and worship by G Poveromo and Katie Warren, such a treat!
For those of you who are not familiar with this study, its about, well, radiance. As, "A guide to becoming and remaining Radiant women, Lights in the darkness, in a world that seeks to mask our light, and beckons us with the glitter of culture toward the looming shadow of worldliness…" We are going to meet on Wednesday evenings for the next 6 weeks.
This past Wednesday, a group of us got together to pray for the study in the very room where the study will be held. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to be present; for God's grace and love to flow through the room; we prayed for the Holy Spirit to flow through Marian and for the teaching flowing through her be supernatural; we prayed for God to be in charge of the seating arrangements - placing each girl where she needs to be; we prayed for the details in the microphones and lights and any little thing to run smoothly; we also prayed for the hearts of all the women attending be prepared to receive His truth and to clearly hear His voice; the list goes on.
After this prayer night, I kept thinking about the word: radiance. I looked up some verses with the word "radiance" in them and this is what I found:
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. - Ezekiel 1:28, NIV
Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. - Ezekiel 10:4, NIV
{His} radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays {flashing} from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power. - Habakkuk 3:4, NASB
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. - Hebrews 1:3, NIV
After reading that, it became so clear. Radiance, the kind of light our Savior and King has, is so bright and so noticeable that it is radiant. We are being called to be radiant, to have radiance like our dear Savior. And we are also called to live our lives out as Jesus did.
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:6, NIV
The kind of light we are to exude in darkness isn't just a flicker my friends, it isn't just a dull glimmer, it is radiant light. Jesus was the Light of the world (You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14, NIV), and we are called to have that kind of light. To light up the world, you need a lot of light - so much light, you have to get rid of the darkness trying to cover the flame. In order to stamp out the darkness, you must come into the light and find yourself in His light.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. - John 3:21, NIV
So let go of the darkness, so that you may become His radiant light for all to see. If you truly humble yourself and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do, Jesus says you will never walk in darkness. If there is any way in you hanging on to darkness, let it go. Let the Lord's light overtake the darkness in your life by seeking Him in every area of your life, not just some, or not just the areas of life that everyone sees - but ALL areas of your life. We are not called to live in "grey area" but to be black and white. There is light and there is darkness, and why would you choose darkness when you have been given light? A life without Light will cause you to stumble.
It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light. - John 11:10, NIV
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. - John 12:46, NIV
The word "Light" is in the NIV bible 232 times. The Lord is serious about us knowing what true Light is and how to live in it. He is clear that it isn't just any average light, it is radiant light. Let's look at the definition of radiance according to http://www.dictionary.com/:
ra·di·ance
Show Spelled Pronunciation [rey-dee-uhns]
–noun
1. radiant brightness or light
2. warm, cheerful brightness
3. Rare
What does this tell us? We are called to be so bright with radiance that it is rare. Without disrespect to the dictionary, we do not have to be rare. Living as anything less than a radiant light for Christ just isn't living our lives to the fullest. Living life as flicker in the wind isn't what God has called us to do, and He knows us better than we know ourselves. We, who live for the Light of Christ, can be anything but rare if we all choose to live in His light, His radiant light.
Let's choose to glorify Him in all we do, and follow Him. In that, we will be closer to living as radiant lights! I look at the synonyms for radiance, and I find: glitter, glow, brilliance, luster, shine. As a woman, I have a deep desire to walk in the room and be described as one of those words. To be a woman who glows, who has brilliance, who shines - ALL with His light, and because OF His Light in me. Who wouldn't want that? My dear friends, His radiant Light is there for you, and it is in you, just cut off the darkness. You can do it. Don't let the enemy entice you with the false "fun" of darkness, or comfort. Get out of the gray, get out of the darkness, get out of anything that is not pure light and embrace the fullness of radiant light that God wants to shine through you.
I love you and I am so excited for you on this journey to become His radiant lights! How much joy would you get in being His radiant light, than being squashed in darkness. Let's encourage each other on His path to exuding His true radiance!
Praying for you!
<><
Kay
PS - For those of you in the bible study, I'll see you there! If you are interested in coming, please just contact me and we can get you the details! :-)
For those of you who are not familiar with this study, its about, well, radiance. As, "A guide to becoming and remaining Radiant women, Lights in the darkness, in a world that seeks to mask our light, and beckons us with the glitter of culture toward the looming shadow of worldliness…" We are going to meet on Wednesday evenings for the next 6 weeks.
This past Wednesday, a group of us got together to pray for the study in the very room where the study will be held. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to be present; for God's grace and love to flow through the room; we prayed for the Holy Spirit to flow through Marian and for the teaching flowing through her be supernatural; we prayed for God to be in charge of the seating arrangements - placing each girl where she needs to be; we prayed for the details in the microphones and lights and any little thing to run smoothly; we also prayed for the hearts of all the women attending be prepared to receive His truth and to clearly hear His voice; the list goes on.
After this prayer night, I kept thinking about the word: radiance. I looked up some verses with the word "radiance" in them and this is what I found:
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. - Ezekiel 1:28, NIV
Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. - Ezekiel 10:4, NIV
{His} radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays {flashing} from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power. - Habakkuk 3:4, NASB
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. - Hebrews 1:3, NIV
After reading that, it became so clear. Radiance, the kind of light our Savior and King has, is so bright and so noticeable that it is radiant. We are being called to be radiant, to have radiance like our dear Savior. And we are also called to live our lives out as Jesus did.
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:6, NIV
The kind of light we are to exude in darkness isn't just a flicker my friends, it isn't just a dull glimmer, it is radiant light. Jesus was the Light of the world (You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14, NIV), and we are called to have that kind of light. To light up the world, you need a lot of light - so much light, you have to get rid of the darkness trying to cover the flame. In order to stamp out the darkness, you must come into the light and find yourself in His light.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. - John 3:21, NIV
So let go of the darkness, so that you may become His radiant light for all to see. If you truly humble yourself and seek to follow Jesus in all that you do, Jesus says you will never walk in darkness. If there is any way in you hanging on to darkness, let it go. Let the Lord's light overtake the darkness in your life by seeking Him in every area of your life, not just some, or not just the areas of life that everyone sees - but ALL areas of your life. We are not called to live in "grey area" but to be black and white. There is light and there is darkness, and why would you choose darkness when you have been given light? A life without Light will cause you to stumble.
It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light. - John 11:10, NIV
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. - John 12:46, NIV
The word "Light" is in the NIV bible 232 times. The Lord is serious about us knowing what true Light is and how to live in it. He is clear that it isn't just any average light, it is radiant light. Let's look at the definition of radiance according to http://www.dictionary.com/:
ra·di·ance
Show Spelled Pronunciation [rey-dee-uhns]
–noun
1. radiant brightness or light
2. warm, cheerful brightness
3. Rare
What does this tell us? We are called to be so bright with radiance that it is rare. Without disrespect to the dictionary, we do not have to be rare. Living as anything less than a radiant light for Christ just isn't living our lives to the fullest. Living life as flicker in the wind isn't what God has called us to do, and He knows us better than we know ourselves. We, who live for the Light of Christ, can be anything but rare if we all choose to live in His light, His radiant light.
Let's choose to glorify Him in all we do, and follow Him. In that, we will be closer to living as radiant lights! I look at the synonyms for radiance, and I find: glitter, glow, brilliance, luster, shine. As a woman, I have a deep desire to walk in the room and be described as one of those words. To be a woman who glows, who has brilliance, who shines - ALL with His light, and because OF His Light in me. Who wouldn't want that? My dear friends, His radiant Light is there for you, and it is in you, just cut off the darkness. You can do it. Don't let the enemy entice you with the false "fun" of darkness, or comfort. Get out of the gray, get out of the darkness, get out of anything that is not pure light and embrace the fullness of radiant light that God wants to shine through you.
I love you and I am so excited for you on this journey to become His radiant lights! How much joy would you get in being His radiant light, than being squashed in darkness. Let's encourage each other on His path to exuding His true radiance!
Praying for you!
<><
Kay
PS - For those of you in the bible study, I'll see you there! If you are interested in coming, please just contact me and we can get you the details! :-)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Missing Starbursts.
I’m going to be real with you…..
A few days before I left to go on the trip, I was having some serious spiritual warfare. I didn’t even want to admit it, but one of my best friends called me out and said, “I can tell you are having spiritual warfare…” Just like that, like recognizing how tired a runner is after completing a marathon, the remnants of spiritual warfare was apparently noticeable to those close to me. The truth is, I’m going to be real with you…..
For six years of my life, ages 18 to 24, I was addicted to diet pills. There I said it. Presented to you, one of my deepest scars – exposed. I had consistently mastered the art of impression management while masking a deep and underlying, intense fear of not being enough. The feeling of not being enough often leads one to jump to the opposite extreme which is being everything to everyone all the time. (Also fondly known as, overcompensating) Sound exhausted yet? I sure was.
You name it, I took it. If people asked what kind of pills I was taking, I simply would say, “vitamins”. My senior year of college I was slamming back 6 diet pills a day, carefully timed 2 hours apart. My entire day revolved around when I would take these diet pills, and if I’d go somewhere and forget them – I’d insist on going home to get them, I couldn't go without them. Afterall, I had convinced myself if I did not take them, I would gain weight. Period. And what girl wants to gain weight? Surely you realize that society today tells us, if a girl gains weight, nobody will want her. I believed that lie for an incredibly long time.
Sitting in a cotton green and white gown, freezing cold, shaking, and an intense heart rate to match while tears streamed down my face in a sterile emergency room hospital bed is where I found myself 6 months after I turned 24 years old. My body could not keep up with the physical and emotional stress of diet pills any longer. The exuberant amount of caffeine found in these pills had done a number on my system, and my body was officially protesting. A procession of events leading up to this “rock bottom” place had assisted in getting me to an official place of brokenness. I was under intense stress, a failed long term relationship (which I had been lead to believe would result in marriage), all kinds of career stress, failing health due to excessive use of dieting, and why? Because I was terrified of not being enough. Not being smart enough. Not being pretty enough. Not being athletic enough. Not being enough. (even as I write this, I have to think long and hard what that felt like as God has moved me such a long way from the place I once was)
God taught me a huge lesson in that place of brokenness right there in that emergency room. He taught me that ultimate peace, ultimately being enough is only found in Him. My identity and worth could no longer be found in my physical appearance, my education, my athleticism (afterall I had accomplished being a World Cup athlete at the age of 20 – again striving to prove that I’m enough), my independence, or even my family. Even more importantly, I did not have to find who I was in a man, or even the attention one receives from a man. My worth and identity comes only from a perfect man, Jesus Christ. He knows me better than I know myself. This lesson was not an easy one, in fact, it was quite difficult – but when you are truly broken, you are open to letting God mold your life like clay to become who He wants you to be. Thankfully!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
Fast forward……a few days before the Syria trip, I was battling the feelings of not being enough. I learned throughout my recovery time, any kind of eating disorder is a secondary problem. The root of the issue usually stems from somewhere else. So, as I was packing for the trip battling some spiritual warfare I had from long ago, I decided to pack a daily devotional I have called, “Beyond the Looking Glass” – which is a devotional for patients in recovery from anorexia and bulimia. While on the trip, one of the girls on the trip saw it and we discussed it briefly. In that moment, I was reminded of how far God has brought me. And God continues to take me even further, each day He shows me more of who I am in Him, and Him alone.
The next day our team devotional was on “fruit of the spirit” from Galatians 5.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. – Galatians 5:22-26, NIV
I sat and listened, read with the team through the verses, and even contributed to the discussion we had on fruit of the spirit. Later that day, we were playing with the Iraqi children in a park for field day. I had brought two bags of Starburst candy (who doesn’t love Starbursts!?) for the kids. One bag I had in my possession to give out candies to kids who answered questions or had good behavior. As we were wrapping up the day, I noticed one bag was missing. I found it at the bottom of our big bag, opened and mostly empty. In all honesty, it was not a big deal at all, it was $2 bag of Starbursts, hardly anything to get bitter about. When I noticed the candy missing, I said to the surrounding team members, “hey! Where did the Starbursts go?!” (with a slight pout) One of our team members had chimed in with the response, “hey Kristina, fruit of the Spirit!” – which was meant jokingly as a reminder, and I admit I even chuckled. Truth of the matter is, that answer really stuck with me. I needed to hear that, not about the case of the missing Starburst, but about letting the fruit of the Spirit permeate our lives – even in the small places.
That team member, I’m sure has no clue that such a small comment made an impact on me. God had opened my eyes to understanding that finding identity, approval and worth from Him is not where the journey ends, in fact, one can argue that is where it begins. Living out the fruit of the Spirit is a daily challenge, but it is also one that is so worth it. Why? Because living out the fruit of the Spirit ultimately shows others who He is, and even shows who He is in you. This revelation convicted me in a large way. I want the fruit of the Spirit to exude in ALL that I do because I desperately want people to see Him in me, so they will come to know who God is as I live in the center of His will. Finding my identity and worth in Christ helps tremendously in living out the fruit of the Spirit, however, the Starburst comment placed a deep desire in my heart to be wholeheartedly intentional about living out the fruit of the Spirit – and not just accepting it as a side affect to who I am in Christ.
This call is one that challenges my flesh in a huge way. Think about it: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Wow. This also says to me, letting go of bitterness, letting your heart be softened, stripping yourself of pride, letting go of being defensive, allowing God to convict you, forgiving those who do not ask for forgiveness, giving grace, loving the unlovable, being intentional, taking every thought captive, being self-aware, and dropping your desires to take up God’s desires. Huge.
Do you live out the fruit of the Spirit? If so, how? What are you doing in your life that makes you so sure people see fruit of the Spirit from you?
The good news, my friends, is that you can ask God. I encourage you to ask Him how to live out good fruit. I know you can do it, I have faith in Him who is in you. Let His love transform your heart; seek Him for who you are, let your identity and worth be lost in Him. I realize these are not easy transformations, but I promise you it is more than worth it.
I am praying for you!<><
Kay
Monday, May 4, 2009
Syria: In Closing
Fri, May 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Subject - Syria: In Closing
Hello dear friends and family,
This marks the last e-mail you will receive from me and the team here in Damascus, Syria. In about 4 hours we will be leaving the hotel for the airport. John Card, Graham, and Carolyn are out doing some last minute shopping while the rest of us pack. (I'm already packed!)
Words simply cannot describe this experience. Tonight in our debrief time, we went around the room discussing the impact of the trip. Each person had a major take-away, and I was truly humbled to be with brothers and sisters in Christ who not only have such an intense desire to grow in Him - but are also capable spiritual leaders as well. Such a sweet moment.
Today we were with the older kids, and we exchanged email addresses with the majority of them - which was awesome. I p that we are able to stay in touch with them and continue to disciple these new brothers and sisters in Christ, as many of them plan on coming to the USA in the future. This evening we went to the young adult bible study which was awesome. The whole group p-ed over us, which was SUCH a cool experience.
All around it was a spiritually growing experience that stretched each of us in some way, and each of us has our own story to tell about being here. These people have treated us like family, taking us in and serving us - even though we came here to serve them. We have now seen the ugly face of real persecution in the name of Christ, and what it means to be diligent in prayer. Each person will leave here impacted, challenged as to what is next and how can we apply what God has shown us here to our daily lives. This trip will not be just another blip on the calendar or vacation time spent, but it will be a pivotal moment in our walk with the Lord. We have bonded as a team, and hope to hold each other accountable to p-ing for these dear people and OUR church here in Damascus. We hope to have meetings with our team as the future rolls on, to get with God about Syria. While we may not see these dear brothers and sisters in Christ again before we leave Damascus, or even ever again on earth - however, we will certainly see them again in heaven.
There is so much more I can say, but perhaps the rest of the stories will come in person as we see you back at Second Baptist, at work, at home, over the phone, at the gym, or in any other capacity. I encourage you to not only p for these dear team members, but please take time to get with them and ask them about their time in Syria. Ask them how God has spoke to them and what they are doing with it. This is not only a blessing to us, but we p it is a blessing to you also.
Again, words cannot express our thanks for your p-ers, notes, poems, encouraging emails, and the like. They have really inspired us, and left us impacted half way around the world as to how we can apply this experience back home. I thank you for taking the time to read these each day, and to take it upon yourself to come on this journey with us. Be blessed and we will see you back home! Signing off one last time......
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: In Closing
Hello dear friends and family,
This marks the last e-mail you will receive from me and the team here in Damascus, Syria. In about 4 hours we will be leaving the hotel for the airport. John Card, Graham, and Carolyn are out doing some last minute shopping while the rest of us pack. (I'm already packed!)
Words simply cannot describe this experience. Tonight in our debrief time, we went around the room discussing the impact of the trip. Each person had a major take-away, and I was truly humbled to be with brothers and sisters in Christ who not only have such an intense desire to grow in Him - but are also capable spiritual leaders as well. Such a sweet moment.
Today we were with the older kids, and we exchanged email addresses with the majority of them - which was awesome. I p that we are able to stay in touch with them and continue to disciple these new brothers and sisters in Christ, as many of them plan on coming to the USA in the future. This evening we went to the young adult bible study which was awesome. The whole group p-ed over us, which was SUCH a cool experience.
All around it was a spiritually growing experience that stretched each of us in some way, and each of us has our own story to tell about being here. These people have treated us like family, taking us in and serving us - even though we came here to serve them. We have now seen the ugly face of real persecution in the name of Christ, and what it means to be diligent in prayer. Each person will leave here impacted, challenged as to what is next and how can we apply what God has shown us here to our daily lives. This trip will not be just another blip on the calendar or vacation time spent, but it will be a pivotal moment in our walk with the Lord. We have bonded as a team, and hope to hold each other accountable to p-ing for these dear people and OUR church here in Damascus. We hope to have meetings with our team as the future rolls on, to get with God about Syria. While we may not see these dear brothers and sisters in Christ again before we leave Damascus, or even ever again on earth - however, we will certainly see them again in heaven.
There is so much more I can say, but perhaps the rest of the stories will come in person as we see you back at Second Baptist, at work, at home, over the phone, at the gym, or in any other capacity. I encourage you to not only p for these dear team members, but please take time to get with them and ask them about their time in Syria. Ask them how God has spoke to them and what they are doing with it. This is not only a blessing to us, but we p it is a blessing to you also.
Again, words cannot express our thanks for your p-ers, notes, poems, encouraging emails, and the like. They have really inspired us, and left us impacted half way around the world as to how we can apply this experience back home. I thank you for taking the time to read these each day, and to take it upon yourself to come on this journey with us. Be blessed and we will see you back home! Signing off one last time......
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 6
Thursday, April 30, 2009 10:08 AM
Subject: Syria: Day 6
Marhaba! (hello in Arabic)
Hello dear friends! This morning we did "home visits" again. We had the same teams also. So Graham, Marcos, Kristen and I went to three homes this morning. The first one was a family - a husband, wife and son, who left Iraq because her husband had been kidnapped twice, and they tried to kidnap her 9 year old son on his way to school. So they left. They are new, and can't apply for visas with the UN until they have been here for 2-3 years. I didn't realize that until today: many of these refugees cannot even apply for visas to leave Syria until they have been here for 2-3 years. The second family we went to was very sweet, and stuck with me for most of the day. It was a woman and her sister. Her sister has 5 daughters, and her husband was kidnapped in Iraq and they have not heard from him for a long while. They do not know if he is dead or alive. The other woman (the sister) was being threatened because her husband, who died of a heart attack actually, was assisting US forces in Iraq. Once the threats came, they left Iraq. This was very sad because this family had no money, no furniture, barely enough food, but they were still so hopeful and so joyful. The third family was also very sweet - a husband, wife, and two kids. They had to flee Iraq because her husband was also assisting US military forces and was being threatened. We p-ed for all of them, and they were all so grateful. They are truly such a blessing to us, and His kingdom. Some of these homes look like they are in neighborhoods straight out of Slumdog Millionaire, random trash piles everywhere and barren buildings.
I will share with you, when we first arrived at the church this morning, there was a woman who arrived at the church for he first time. She shared her story with everyone on the team. She was crying, as she had come for help. Her husband ran a jewelry store in Baghdad, was robbed by terrorists and shot to death. She left with her son and now lives in Syria. She just arrived and does not have much money. She was a member of the "John the Baptist" faith, which doesn’t recognize Jesus as our Savior. So Graham took out his evangecube, gave it to Carolyn. We lead her through the witnessing process, Joun and Marcos p-ed the p-er of salvation with her, and I also spoke with her about God's amazing love and grace. She was a very sweet woman, so she accepted Christ today! PTL! ;-)
We taught kids again this afternoon, which was a lot of fun. We have been building relationships with many of the kids, and they have been asking for our email addresses to keep in touch. Which is awesome! :-) They need more community of believers, especially if they come to the USA. Marianne and I were working with the 4-7 year olds today, by the end, we were covered in paint, stickers, markers, and just about anything else we use at craft time! lol They LOVE stickers! They are soo cute! Btw, the young girls go crazy for blond hair! lol
Tonight we are going to Nancy's for dinner in Jamana, which is the Iraqi neighborhood. It has an amazing view of Damascus, sooooo beautiful. We have been taking a ton of pictures.
God is doing amazing work with these team, please keep p-ing for us to have energy. We are getting very tired, and not getting a whole lot of sleep at night (which is another story about our hotel being the hottest wedding reception place in all of Damascus, so there is literally a celebration going on right below our rooms- every night - its VERY loud! lol). But no biggie, God is giving us just enough rest, hopefully it continues!
You guys are great, thanks again for all your support. Those of you with kind words about my writing - I thank you! :-) And yes, I'm actually a journalist by profession. lol (technically an editor, so some of you guessed correctly) Writing these emails each day has been a blessing and something I look forward to throughout the day. A small bit about me, writing this down actually helps me process how God is working through our team and also myself. So, He has been blessing me with the ability to communicate with y'all what it is going on here in Damascus. :-) Thank you so much for your kind words, encouragement, and support in sending out these updates. It's awesome to hear how God has been impacting you through these updates, our team LOVES hearing about it.
Please keep p-ing, we almost there. Tomorrow is actually a big day. We will be having real personal conversations with the older kids, 17-20 years old, about addictions. Which is a broad topic, but I know God will use it, and please p that the kids open up about what is going on in their lives. For Him to provide healing for the pain they are harboring.
Thanks so much!!! You are a blessing to this sweet, Spirit filled team!
<><
Kristina
Subject: Syria: Day 6
Marhaba! (hello in Arabic)
Hello dear friends! This morning we did "home visits" again. We had the same teams also. So Graham, Marcos, Kristen and I went to three homes this morning. The first one was a family - a husband, wife and son, who left Iraq because her husband had been kidnapped twice, and they tried to kidnap her 9 year old son on his way to school. So they left. They are new, and can't apply for visas with the UN until they have been here for 2-3 years. I didn't realize that until today: many of these refugees cannot even apply for visas to leave Syria until they have been here for 2-3 years. The second family we went to was very sweet, and stuck with me for most of the day. It was a woman and her sister. Her sister has 5 daughters, and her husband was kidnapped in Iraq and they have not heard from him for a long while. They do not know if he is dead or alive. The other woman (the sister) was being threatened because her husband, who died of a heart attack actually, was assisting US forces in Iraq. Once the threats came, they left Iraq. This was very sad because this family had no money, no furniture, barely enough food, but they were still so hopeful and so joyful. The third family was also very sweet - a husband, wife, and two kids. They had to flee Iraq because her husband was also assisting US military forces and was being threatened. We p-ed for all of them, and they were all so grateful. They are truly such a blessing to us, and His kingdom. Some of these homes look like they are in neighborhoods straight out of Slumdog Millionaire, random trash piles everywhere and barren buildings.
I will share with you, when we first arrived at the church this morning, there was a woman who arrived at the church for he first time. She shared her story with everyone on the team. She was crying, as she had come for help. Her husband ran a jewelry store in Baghdad, was robbed by terrorists and shot to death. She left with her son and now lives in Syria. She just arrived and does not have much money. She was a member of the "John the Baptist" faith, which doesn’t recognize Jesus as our Savior. So Graham took out his evangecube, gave it to Carolyn. We lead her through the witnessing process, Joun and Marcos p-ed the p-er of salvation with her, and I also spoke with her about God's amazing love and grace. She was a very sweet woman, so she accepted Christ today! PTL! ;-)
We taught kids again this afternoon, which was a lot of fun. We have been building relationships with many of the kids, and they have been asking for our email addresses to keep in touch. Which is awesome! :-) They need more community of believers, especially if they come to the USA. Marianne and I were working with the 4-7 year olds today, by the end, we were covered in paint, stickers, markers, and just about anything else we use at craft time! lol They LOVE stickers! They are soo cute! Btw, the young girls go crazy for blond hair! lol
Tonight we are going to Nancy's for dinner in Jamana, which is the Iraqi neighborhood. It has an amazing view of Damascus, sooooo beautiful. We have been taking a ton of pictures.
God is doing amazing work with these team, please keep p-ing for us to have energy. We are getting very tired, and not getting a whole lot of sleep at night (which is another story about our hotel being the hottest wedding reception place in all of Damascus, so there is literally a celebration going on right below our rooms- every night - its VERY loud! lol). But no biggie, God is giving us just enough rest, hopefully it continues!
You guys are great, thanks again for all your support. Those of you with kind words about my writing - I thank you! :-) And yes, I'm actually a journalist by profession. lol (technically an editor, so some of you guessed correctly) Writing these emails each day has been a blessing and something I look forward to throughout the day. A small bit about me, writing this down actually helps me process how God is working through our team and also myself. So, He has been blessing me with the ability to communicate with y'all what it is going on here in Damascus. :-) Thank you so much for your kind words, encouragement, and support in sending out these updates. It's awesome to hear how God has been impacting you through these updates, our team LOVES hearing about it.
Please keep p-ing, we almost there. Tomorrow is actually a big day. We will be having real personal conversations with the older kids, 17-20 years old, about addictions. Which is a broad topic, but I know God will use it, and please p that the kids open up about what is going on in their lives. For Him to provide healing for the pain they are harboring.
Thanks so much!!! You are a blessing to this sweet, Spirit filled team!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 5
Wed, Apr 29, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Subject - Syria: Day 5
Hey y'all!
Today was more of a lighthearted day, we had field day with the kids! It was such a blast! :-)
We tried playing relay races, but it ended up chaotic, in a humorous way. lol Just handfuls of 5 year olds running every which way with huge smiles on their faces! All they knew is they wanted to run and they wanted high fives! lol It was awesome!
After field races, we split the kids up into age groups and had bible time. Marianne and I had the 8-12 year olds today. John Card and Adam had the 13-16 year olds, Graham and Russell had the other group of 13-16 year olds, Kristen and Marcos had the 4-7 year olds and Carolyn and Lauren had the 17-20 year olds. During the time we were with the kids, I could over hear Graham making witness bracelets with the kids. (complete with leather rope and colored beads) I am not kidding, he must have made about 50 bracelets today! Marcos and Kristen taught the little ones the song, "Joy Down in My Heart" which they LOVED! lol It was soooo adorable! Marianne and I taught the kids how to do cartwheels (I broke a nail....darn! lol) and taught them how to play tag. The boys LOVED to run and chase! Especially the faster kids which presented a challenge. John and Adam had their kids draw out what they desire most, and then draw out what God most desires for their lives. These children are so sweet, and many of them are very bright. Please p that they are able to be at the center of God's will and are in tune to what He has for their future.
Later on after dinner, John Card taught on hope at the Iraqi refugee service. It was a great message. The church was PACKED! In fact, we couldn't even find seats. The crowd overflowed out of the sanctuary and into both courtyards and the stairs. He specifically mentioned the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which was awesome. After the service, Pastor Samara had mentioned to him several stories of folks who had attended service. One guy was a Lieutenant in the IRNG, and had to flee because he was in danger. Another was a woman whose husband and son were killed, and another gentleman had his leg removed by terrorists. For myself and many in our group, it was humbling to know that John's message was reaching an audience which had endured such traumatic events. Clearly, the HS was at work and it was so cool to hear about the seeds that were sown.
Our debriefing sessions each night have been great. We have a wonderful community amongst our team members. Tonight, Marianne and Adam shared their testimonies in the group. It was awesome to hear how God has impacted their lives and how He is continuing to reveal Himself to them, not just through this trip - but also through everything they have experienced throughout their lives. It is an honor to serve with such a Spirit lead team, truly makes all the difference in the world. This trip isn't about us, but about Him and letting Him use us where we are, and it becomes more evident each day that our p's are being answered.
Thanks so much for all the Astros and Texans updates. John has requested a "Trozzo analysis" on the Texans picks. :-)
Also, thanks for the info on the flood. It really helps us know how to p for y'all back home, and how to prepare for returning to Houston.
Just wanted to really thank you so much for the messages you have been sending. I know you are taking time out of your day to respond to an email that you know is going to the masses. We sincerely appreciate it, and the team has read every single response. It is so humbling to know we have such support, p's, and encouragement from home. The team has definitely been impacted from knowing how many people care to send words of encouragement. So, thank you!!!
<><
KB
Subject - Syria: Day 5
Hey y'all!
Today was more of a lighthearted day, we had field day with the kids! It was such a blast! :-)
We tried playing relay races, but it ended up chaotic, in a humorous way. lol Just handfuls of 5 year olds running every which way with huge smiles on their faces! All they knew is they wanted to run and they wanted high fives! lol It was awesome!
After field races, we split the kids up into age groups and had bible time. Marianne and I had the 8-12 year olds today. John Card and Adam had the 13-16 year olds, Graham and Russell had the other group of 13-16 year olds, Kristen and Marcos had the 4-7 year olds and Carolyn and Lauren had the 17-20 year olds. During the time we were with the kids, I could over hear Graham making witness bracelets with the kids. (complete with leather rope and colored beads) I am not kidding, he must have made about 50 bracelets today! Marcos and Kristen taught the little ones the song, "Joy Down in My Heart" which they LOVED! lol It was soooo adorable! Marianne and I taught the kids how to do cartwheels (I broke a nail....darn! lol) and taught them how to play tag. The boys LOVED to run and chase! Especially the faster kids which presented a challenge. John and Adam had their kids draw out what they desire most, and then draw out what God most desires for their lives. These children are so sweet, and many of them are very bright. Please p that they are able to be at the center of God's will and are in tune to what He has for their future.
Later on after dinner, John Card taught on hope at the Iraqi refugee service. It was a great message. The church was PACKED! In fact, we couldn't even find seats. The crowd overflowed out of the sanctuary and into both courtyards and the stairs. He specifically mentioned the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which was awesome. After the service, Pastor Samara had mentioned to him several stories of folks who had attended service. One guy was a Lieutenant in the IRNG, and had to flee because he was in danger. Another was a woman whose husband and son were killed, and another gentleman had his leg removed by terrorists. For myself and many in our group, it was humbling to know that John's message was reaching an audience which had endured such traumatic events. Clearly, the HS was at work and it was so cool to hear about the seeds that were sown.
Our debriefing sessions each night have been great. We have a wonderful community amongst our team members. Tonight, Marianne and Adam shared their testimonies in the group. It was awesome to hear how God has impacted their lives and how He is continuing to reveal Himself to them, not just through this trip - but also through everything they have experienced throughout their lives. It is an honor to serve with such a Spirit lead team, truly makes all the difference in the world. This trip isn't about us, but about Him and letting Him use us where we are, and it becomes more evident each day that our p's are being answered.
Thanks so much for all the Astros and Texans updates. John has requested a "Trozzo analysis" on the Texans picks. :-)
Also, thanks for the info on the flood. It really helps us know how to p for y'all back home, and how to prepare for returning to Houston.
Just wanted to really thank you so much for the messages you have been sending. I know you are taking time out of your day to respond to an email that you know is going to the masses. We sincerely appreciate it, and the team has read every single response. It is so humbling to know we have such support, p's, and encouragement from home. The team has definitely been impacted from knowing how many people care to send words of encouragement. So, thank you!!!
<><
KB
Syria: Day 4
Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Subject - Syria: Day 4
Hey y'all!
Today was quite the day as well. We had a fun morning assembling bags of food for the church to deliver to the families in need. It was fun working as a team, and doing God's work. :-) We then had some free time, half of us went shopping and half of us spent some time at a cafe just sharing God's word with each other.
Joun, Marcos, Russell, Kristen and I then went to Anania's house again, where we prayed in the same spot where Paul prayed. It was amazing, just lifting up people back home in prayer and also dynamics on the team. Russell wanted me to be sure and ask you, is there anything that we - our team here in Syria - can pray for you about? How can we pray for you?
After praying at Anania's house, we came back to the church to prepare for lunch. There was a man who had just arrived sitting in a chair with a crutch and his son, who appeared to be about 18 years old. I walked over and the man had started explaining to Fadi what had happened. The man, Granam, officially renounced his Muslim faith today (evidently). He has been living as a Christian, former Muslim (or MBB - muslim background believer), so the official renouncing and p-ing the p-er is a huge deal. He just arrived from Baghdad apparently days ago with his family. In Baghdad, he was going to an Asyrian church. Some insurgents (terrorists) stormed the church, shot the preist, and his wife fled with the priest’s children and their own children. Granam was captured and tortured unbelievably. They cut off his fingers with scissors - but he still is adamant on wearing his wedding band (which is placed on just a mere nub of what used to be his finger). They cut open his leg and pulled his ligaments and tissue apart, so he walks with a crutch and a brace on his leg. They took a tool drill (close to what you would drill into a wall with he said) and drilled a whole into the side of his head through his temple, on the right side. Then they took the drill and drilled into his chest. The terrorists told him that if he wants to live like Jesus, they will treat him like Jesus by putting holes into his body. At that point, I lost it. Couldn't stop crying, Fida even burst into tears, as did Joun's mother (the Pastor's wife). It made me think.....we are so selfish, and I am so unworthy to even p for this man. I felt soooooo sick to my stomach just hearing what such evil has been done to him, simply because he professed love for Jesus Christ, our Savior.....and without even officially p-ing THE p! Russell told him we would p for him, and the man responded with: "You do not have to p for me, p for everyone. Christ did not p for himself, and I want to be like Christ. P for the world, bc that is what Christ did." What do you even say to that??? I couldn't sit at lunch, so I walked into Pastor Samara's office. I couldn't stop crying so Joun p-ed for the man who we had just met. This man is our brother in Christ, and we are all one body - so whatever affects him, impacts us as well. It was very powerful, this man's story had a huge impact on all of our lives.
We taught the kids today, which seemed to go really well. Yesterday went well also! We are working at building relationships with the kids so they will open up about their situation, just to release the hurt and grief they hold. Many of them are hopeful and joyful, and some are not so hopeful. Two muslim boys were in the 13-16 year old age group. John Card and Adam p-ed the salvation p-er with the whole class today, so hopefully it is doing a work in their hearts! I believe those two boys have resistance from their parents, as their family is Muslim. Send up some p's for them please! :-) Tomorrow is field day, so that should be a fun day with them as well. Your p-ers are doing so much work here, words cannot describe. Thank you so much!!!! You all are such a blessing to us!
We had a lovely dinner back at the church after doing some more shopping. We are very well fed here!! We have also started sharing testimonies during our debrief time each night. Last night Kristen and Graham shared theirs. It was so awesome to hear how God has been moving in their lives and to hear their hearts for the Lord. It is an honor to serve with them, and I cannot wait till more of us begin sharing our stories as well! Please p that we serve as a witness to each other, and not just the people here in the field. It is just as important! :-)
The boys love the sports updates, they would like to know first round draft picks, and who the Texans now have. :-)
Thank you so much for your encouragement, again, words cannot express the thankfulness of each heart on our team. The team loves reading the messages from home! :-) Thanks for sending them!
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 4
Hey y'all!
Today was quite the day as well. We had a fun morning assembling bags of food for the church to deliver to the families in need. It was fun working as a team, and doing God's work. :-) We then had some free time, half of us went shopping and half of us spent some time at a cafe just sharing God's word with each other.
Joun, Marcos, Russell, Kristen and I then went to Anania's house again, where we prayed in the same spot where Paul prayed. It was amazing, just lifting up people back home in prayer and also dynamics on the team. Russell wanted me to be sure and ask you, is there anything that we - our team here in Syria - can pray for you about? How can we pray for you?
After praying at Anania's house, we came back to the church to prepare for lunch. There was a man who had just arrived sitting in a chair with a crutch and his son, who appeared to be about 18 years old. I walked over and the man had started explaining to Fadi what had happened. The man, Granam, officially renounced his Muslim faith today (evidently). He has been living as a Christian, former Muslim (or MBB - muslim background believer), so the official renouncing and p-ing the p-er is a huge deal. He just arrived from Baghdad apparently days ago with his family. In Baghdad, he was going to an Asyrian church. Some insurgents (terrorists) stormed the church, shot the preist, and his wife fled with the priest’s children and their own children. Granam was captured and tortured unbelievably. They cut off his fingers with scissors - but he still is adamant on wearing his wedding band (which is placed on just a mere nub of what used to be his finger). They cut open his leg and pulled his ligaments and tissue apart, so he walks with a crutch and a brace on his leg. They took a tool drill (close to what you would drill into a wall with he said) and drilled a whole into the side of his head through his temple, on the right side. Then they took the drill and drilled into his chest. The terrorists told him that if he wants to live like Jesus, they will treat him like Jesus by putting holes into his body. At that point, I lost it. Couldn't stop crying, Fida even burst into tears, as did Joun's mother (the Pastor's wife). It made me think.....we are so selfish, and I am so unworthy to even p for this man. I felt soooooo sick to my stomach just hearing what such evil has been done to him, simply because he professed love for Jesus Christ, our Savior.....and without even officially p-ing THE p! Russell told him we would p for him, and the man responded with: "You do not have to p for me, p for everyone. Christ did not p for himself, and I want to be like Christ. P for the world, bc that is what Christ did." What do you even say to that??? I couldn't sit at lunch, so I walked into Pastor Samara's office. I couldn't stop crying so Joun p-ed for the man who we had just met. This man is our brother in Christ, and we are all one body - so whatever affects him, impacts us as well. It was very powerful, this man's story had a huge impact on all of our lives.
We taught the kids today, which seemed to go really well. Yesterday went well also! We are working at building relationships with the kids so they will open up about their situation, just to release the hurt and grief they hold. Many of them are hopeful and joyful, and some are not so hopeful. Two muslim boys were in the 13-16 year old age group. John Card and Adam p-ed the salvation p-er with the whole class today, so hopefully it is doing a work in their hearts! I believe those two boys have resistance from their parents, as their family is Muslim. Send up some p's for them please! :-) Tomorrow is field day, so that should be a fun day with them as well. Your p-ers are doing so much work here, words cannot describe. Thank you so much!!!! You all are such a blessing to us!
We had a lovely dinner back at the church after doing some more shopping. We are very well fed here!! We have also started sharing testimonies during our debrief time each night. Last night Kristen and Graham shared theirs. It was so awesome to hear how God has been moving in their lives and to hear their hearts for the Lord. It is an honor to serve with them, and I cannot wait till more of us begin sharing our stories as well! Please p that we serve as a witness to each other, and not just the people here in the field. It is just as important! :-)
The boys love the sports updates, they would like to know first round draft picks, and who the Texans now have. :-)
Thank you so much for your encouragement, again, words cannot express the thankfulness of each heart on our team. The team loves reading the messages from home! :-) Thanks for sending them!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 3
Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Subject - Syria: Day 3
Hey everyone!
I'm not even sure there are words to describe today. This morning, we went and did "home visits" with families, Iraqi refugee families. We divided up into teams of three. On my team was Marcos, Graham, Kristen and myself, with Feeda as our translator. Another team was John Card, Krazer, Lauren, and Marianne with Fadi as their translator. The third team was Joun, Russell, Carolyn. These families had emotions of anger, grief, and hurt.
The first family my team went to was one where the mother had died with her grandson in an IED explosion at a local market near Baghdad. So her son, his wife, her daughter, and her husband were living in a small condo with their two children. It was so sad, I almost broke down on the spot. Her son, had to take his family and leave Iraq, as they were in much danger from terrorists. He was assisting American forces in Iraq to locate terrorists, and because he was helping the US - Islamic terrorists were trying to kill him and his family. This man is also a Christian, so is his whole family. Graham asked to lay hands on the man and p for him and his family. It was an outstanding idea, and I believe the HS lead him to do so as you could see the healing taking place in them. Kristen and I laid hands on the daughter and the man's wife, and I p-ed over them. It was such a moving experience, and I know the HS was definitely bringing hope into their lives. They were incredibly wealthy - wealthy in hope. They have so much hope to move into a better life, to Canada or somewhere safe, where they can work. I cannot even imagine how difficult it is for the woman's son (who was in his 30's about) to deal with it, a highly educated man forced to work in a restaurant to accept money under the table. (when refugees flea Iraq, they cannot work in Syria because the Iraqi govt stamps their passports so they cannot work in Syria - to force them to work and live only in Iraq) This poor man is not even able to provide for his family what they need, and he even has more than enough education to do so. My heart broke for this family, but their hope is clearly from the Lord. They have a 2 year old named Marco, who I held, he was so precious. Beautiful boy, and just holding him and hearing them tell me how they hope he grows up to be an engineer - brought tears to my eyes. This family has the Lord in their heart, and I ask that you please p for them. P for them to get visas to leave to go to a better life.
The second family, wasn't so much a family. The woman was a widow, and had lost one of her three sons at age 3 due to an illness. Her husband was killed at a local market by a suicide b'er. 4 months before that, her mother passed away. When this woman was telling her story, she broke down and couldn't stop crying. All I could do was hold her and comfort her, cry with her. I immediately asked the Lord for words. Graham grabbed an evangecube to entertain the children (7 and 5 year old boys), and taught them how to use it actually. He later gave it to them, after p-ing over the children. Kristen and I p-ed over the woman.
This story is incredible: In Russell's group, they went to a family with 7 children. I'm not sure the whole story here, I'm sure they will tell you when they return. But I know the family was waiting on visas to leave Syria, and they had no idea whether it would take 2 weeks, 2 days, or 5 years. In fact, the landlord had been standing outside their apartment and would not leave until they came up with the mney for rent. They could not afford the rent. So, Russell, Carolyn, and Joun p-ed with them. We saw them later on in the afternoon at the school, and it turns out: minutes after the team left, they received a call saying their visas were ready!!!!!!! And they were free to leave! How amazing is that! God is so faithful when we seek Him!
Also, the message to the women's group went great! Thank you so much for you p's!!! Joun's mother said it was a good message, and his Dad even came to listen! It was amazing letting the HS work through me. :-)
Russell wanted me to be sure and thank you for the sports updates. :-)
We also now have hot water!!! Thank so much for your p's on that, truly! ;-)
I must go, we are about to eat dinner at Nancy's house (Joun's sister). Dinner is ready. So I'm late!
Everyone sends their best, their love, and their prayers. The team LOVES the udpates, and God is transforming our lives in ways we cannot even explain, or fathom at the moment. It's amazing! Please continue your p's, love, encouragement, and support! Thank you!
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 3
Hey everyone!
I'm not even sure there are words to describe today. This morning, we went and did "home visits" with families, Iraqi refugee families. We divided up into teams of three. On my team was Marcos, Graham, Kristen and myself, with Feeda as our translator. Another team was John Card, Krazer, Lauren, and Marianne with Fadi as their translator. The third team was Joun, Russell, Carolyn. These families had emotions of anger, grief, and hurt.
The first family my team went to was one where the mother had died with her grandson in an IED explosion at a local market near Baghdad. So her son, his wife, her daughter, and her husband were living in a small condo with their two children. It was so sad, I almost broke down on the spot. Her son, had to take his family and leave Iraq, as they were in much danger from terrorists. He was assisting American forces in Iraq to locate terrorists, and because he was helping the US - Islamic terrorists were trying to kill him and his family. This man is also a Christian, so is his whole family. Graham asked to lay hands on the man and p for him and his family. It was an outstanding idea, and I believe the HS lead him to do so as you could see the healing taking place in them. Kristen and I laid hands on the daughter and the man's wife, and I p-ed over them. It was such a moving experience, and I know the HS was definitely bringing hope into their lives. They were incredibly wealthy - wealthy in hope. They have so much hope to move into a better life, to Canada or somewhere safe, where they can work. I cannot even imagine how difficult it is for the woman's son (who was in his 30's about) to deal with it, a highly educated man forced to work in a restaurant to accept money under the table. (when refugees flea Iraq, they cannot work in Syria because the Iraqi govt stamps their passports so they cannot work in Syria - to force them to work and live only in Iraq) This poor man is not even able to provide for his family what they need, and he even has more than enough education to do so. My heart broke for this family, but their hope is clearly from the Lord. They have a 2 year old named Marco, who I held, he was so precious. Beautiful boy, and just holding him and hearing them tell me how they hope he grows up to be an engineer - brought tears to my eyes. This family has the Lord in their heart, and I ask that you please p for them. P for them to get visas to leave to go to a better life.
The second family, wasn't so much a family. The woman was a widow, and had lost one of her three sons at age 3 due to an illness. Her husband was killed at a local market by a suicide b'er. 4 months before that, her mother passed away. When this woman was telling her story, she broke down and couldn't stop crying. All I could do was hold her and comfort her, cry with her. I immediately asked the Lord for words. Graham grabbed an evangecube to entertain the children (7 and 5 year old boys), and taught them how to use it actually. He later gave it to them, after p-ing over the children. Kristen and I p-ed over the woman.
This story is incredible: In Russell's group, they went to a family with 7 children. I'm not sure the whole story here, I'm sure they will tell you when they return. But I know the family was waiting on visas to leave Syria, and they had no idea whether it would take 2 weeks, 2 days, or 5 years. In fact, the landlord had been standing outside their apartment and would not leave until they came up with the mney for rent. They could not afford the rent. So, Russell, Carolyn, and Joun p-ed with them. We saw them later on in the afternoon at the school, and it turns out: minutes after the team left, they received a call saying their visas were ready!!!!!!! And they were free to leave! How amazing is that! God is so faithful when we seek Him!
Also, the message to the women's group went great! Thank you so much for you p's!!! Joun's mother said it was a good message, and his Dad even came to listen! It was amazing letting the HS work through me. :-)
Russell wanted me to be sure and thank you for the sports updates. :-)
We also now have hot water!!! Thank so much for your p's on that, truly! ;-)
I must go, we are about to eat dinner at Nancy's house (Joun's sister). Dinner is ready. So I'm late!
Everyone sends their best, their love, and their prayers. The team LOVES the udpates, and God is transforming our lives in ways we cannot even explain, or fathom at the moment. It's amazing! Please continue your p's, love, encouragement, and support! Thank you!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Day 2
Sun, Apr 26, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Subject - Syria: Day 2
Hey y'all!
First, thanks so much for the encouraging emails full of support, and P's. Also, the boys are thrilled with the sports updates! ;-)
Today was another incredible day. We went to the church where John Card delivered a message on the Great Commission. He also spoke on Matthew 28 (great commission verse) and also Acts 1:8. I know God was using him to reach many. Pastor Rami also spoke (who is Joun's brother in law, Pastor Samara's son in law), and was so incredibly passionate. He too spoke on spreading God's word. The service was in Arabic and so encouraging. I met many Iraqi women shortly after the service. They are so kind, and love the Lord so much! It was so encouraging. I know I will be interacting more with them as the week progresses.
Shortly after the church service, we went to St. Anania's house. We actually stood in the exact room where Paul's conversion took place; the exact place where the scales fell from his eyes; the exact place where Saul became Paul; it was so incredibly surreal. We learned a lot of history about Paul and Anania's today. We also prayed in Anania's house, and had our devotion time there. It was truly amazing. We all took plenty of pictures, and I even picked up a few items written in Aramaic.
We then went to the old wall, where Paul was lowered in a basket to escape the city. It was from that escape that Christianity was able to spread. We also had devotion and prayer time at this spot, which was truly moving. The Lord has been stirring all of our hearts in many ways. There are 7 gates to Damascus (old city) and we have seen 4 of the 7, in fact, our hotel is right outside one of them. It is such a blessing to see all of this first hand. The scriptures just seem to come alive in such a different way, being here and seeing where it all took place.
We then had lunch at the church, which was also great. The food here is outstanding! In fact, we all often eat too much! :-) After lunch we went to Ul Mayyad mosque. It used to be a church, and it was so very sad to see how it has turned. It was predominantly a Shiite mosque, as Hussein (which they would call their equivalent to Jesus - as the tour guide instructed) has a tomb there. Words cannot describe the sorrow I felt for these people, you could really feel the absence of Jesus all around the place. We, the women, had to dress in traditional covering (head covering and all) just to enter the mosque. Also, Krazer and Russell had to wear long gray skirts because they were wearing shorts, just to enter the mosque. We definitely took plenty of pics of that! ;-) They also claim that the head of John the Baptist is buried there, however, many are skeptical.
We then went to the market for some shopping. We were able to bargain several prices of souvenirs and such down, with the help of Fadi! :-) What a chaotic place!
Last night we went to the top of a mountain overlooking the city, to pray for the city of Damascus. That was a pivotal moment for many in our group. Just being convicted to be more black and white about our faith, stepping out of the gray area. Being more committed to living out of faith; being intentional in our faith - how important that is, and actually doing something with our faith. It was very empowering and inspiring, to just get out there and "do something" for God. God can move a revival through any city, He can use us anywhere at anytime - even Houston, Texas. :-) We prayed out loud on the street at the top of the mountain, and were totally unafraid and vulnerable before God. It was awesome.
Tomorrow we start out lessons with the kids. Please P for that. Also, tomorrow night I will be giving a message to the women's ministry group at the church. Card has given me some advice on putting together a message for the women, as this will be my first time putting together a message to teach to a group of people, ever. :-) Please send up some p's for that if you can! I think I may pull some stuff from Proverbs 31, which has always been a huge impact on my life.
Thanks so much again for all your support, encouragement, and p's. Please keep them coming! Shoutouts: Kristin says "what's up Rima, hello mom and dad!" That’s all for now! Our team is tired after today, so we are in need of rest. Please p for the Lord to keep us energized! Esp with the little energetic kids! :)
Blessings,
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 2
Hey y'all!
First, thanks so much for the encouraging emails full of support, and P's. Also, the boys are thrilled with the sports updates! ;-)
Today was another incredible day. We went to the church where John Card delivered a message on the Great Commission. He also spoke on Matthew 28 (great commission verse) and also Acts 1:8. I know God was using him to reach many. Pastor Rami also spoke (who is Joun's brother in law, Pastor Samara's son in law), and was so incredibly passionate. He too spoke on spreading God's word. The service was in Arabic and so encouraging. I met many Iraqi women shortly after the service. They are so kind, and love the Lord so much! It was so encouraging. I know I will be interacting more with them as the week progresses.
Shortly after the church service, we went to St. Anania's house. We actually stood in the exact room where Paul's conversion took place; the exact place where the scales fell from his eyes; the exact place where Saul became Paul; it was so incredibly surreal. We learned a lot of history about Paul and Anania's today. We also prayed in Anania's house, and had our devotion time there. It was truly amazing. We all took plenty of pictures, and I even picked up a few items written in Aramaic.
We then went to the old wall, where Paul was lowered in a basket to escape the city. It was from that escape that Christianity was able to spread. We also had devotion and prayer time at this spot, which was truly moving. The Lord has been stirring all of our hearts in many ways. There are 7 gates to Damascus (old city) and we have seen 4 of the 7, in fact, our hotel is right outside one of them. It is such a blessing to see all of this first hand. The scriptures just seem to come alive in such a different way, being here and seeing where it all took place.
We then had lunch at the church, which was also great. The food here is outstanding! In fact, we all often eat too much! :-) After lunch we went to Ul Mayyad mosque. It used to be a church, and it was so very sad to see how it has turned. It was predominantly a Shiite mosque, as Hussein (which they would call their equivalent to Jesus - as the tour guide instructed) has a tomb there. Words cannot describe the sorrow I felt for these people, you could really feel the absence of Jesus all around the place. We, the women, had to dress in traditional covering (head covering and all) just to enter the mosque. Also, Krazer and Russell had to wear long gray skirts because they were wearing shorts, just to enter the mosque. We definitely took plenty of pics of that! ;-) They also claim that the head of John the Baptist is buried there, however, many are skeptical.
We then went to the market for some shopping. We were able to bargain several prices of souvenirs and such down, with the help of Fadi! :-) What a chaotic place!
Last night we went to the top of a mountain overlooking the city, to pray for the city of Damascus. That was a pivotal moment for many in our group. Just being convicted to be more black and white about our faith, stepping out of the gray area. Being more committed to living out of faith; being intentional in our faith - how important that is, and actually doing something with our faith. It was very empowering and inspiring, to just get out there and "do something" for God. God can move a revival through any city, He can use us anywhere at anytime - even Houston, Texas. :-) We prayed out loud on the street at the top of the mountain, and were totally unafraid and vulnerable before God. It was awesome.
Tomorrow we start out lessons with the kids. Please P for that. Also, tomorrow night I will be giving a message to the women's ministry group at the church. Card has given me some advice on putting together a message for the women, as this will be my first time putting together a message to teach to a group of people, ever. :-) Please send up some p's for that if you can! I think I may pull some stuff from Proverbs 31, which has always been a huge impact on my life.
Thanks so much again for all your support, encouragement, and p's. Please keep them coming! Shoutouts: Kristin says "what's up Rima, hello mom and dad!" That’s all for now! Our team is tired after today, so we are in need of rest. Please p for the Lord to keep us energized! Esp with the little energetic kids! :)
Blessings,
Kristina
Syria: Day 1
Sat, Apr 25, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Subject - Syria: Day 1
Hey y'all!
We made it! Yes, we are here, safe and sound. All of our bags made it, so no problems there either! PTL! :-) Pastor Samara picked us up from the airport with his wife (Joun's mother) and his two neices, Priscilla and Youanna - both of which I'm sure you will see in pictures from the trip. They are SO adorable and love to play tickle games with John Card (who they call "John 2") and Russell. The girls are precious!
Getting off the plane was amazing. We flew over the mountains of Lebanon at sunset, which was incredible. God's beauty is truly breathtaking in this place. We landed and got through customs ok. It was imperative to explain when asked why in Syria, we are here on vacation. On a humorous note, one of the guards asked Krazer, "what is the address where you are staying?" and his reply was, "oh! Right! Vacation!" lol And the guard replied, "No, the address!" They got that ironed out, and we were on our way! lol
Our hotel is quaint and right on "straight street" which you can read about in Acts 9:11. Yes, our actual hotel where we sleep is directly on the ancient Straight Street, right by the old wall. The old wall is long through the old city part of Damascus and is where they lowered Paul to escape, Acts 9:25. Yes, that exact spot of the wall is literally a two minute walking distance from where we are staying. We walked passed Anania's house today as well on the way to the church. It was incredible! We met there briefly to P and W. We played songs over the whole church such as "God of this City" and "Marvelous Light" just to name a few. Card read a devotional as well. We then got on a little bus to go out to Bloudan, which is where the Samara's have another church about 1 hour away. The drive was SO beautiful, mountains everywhere. However, we drive by the refugee villages and you could see the poverty of these precious people. Similar to something you might see out of Slumdog Millionaire, for those of you who have seen the film.
At Bloudan, we had lunch at the top of one of the mountains. You could physically see the gorgeous snowcapped mountain ranges and could clearly see the Lebanon border with Syria. It was so picturesque, and yes - we all took plenty of pictures! We made a "2 camera" limit rule for group photos, or we are trying to anyhow! lol The food is soooo good here. I'm pretty sure Graham and Card together ate enough food to feed two families for a day! The people are so kind and generous, especially when it comes to feeding us!
We also met a man who helps Pastor Samara named Fadi, and his wife, Feeda. Fadi's ancestry is actually of the Caldeans, if you trace it back in the bible, that is quite the lineage! Him and his wife are from Iraq. Before he married his wife, she was living in Baghdad, grew up a Christian. Some muslim extremists had told her she needs to wear a hijab (muslim head covering for women), and convert to Islam. She told them no, and they told her if she did not, they would kill her. So she fled. She is such a kind hearted woman who just pours out God's word and love in all she does. I spoke with her in arabic a bit, which was awesome. Fadi, her husband, actually grew up with Aramaic as his first language, and Arabic has his second language. In fact, his parents only know Aramaic (the language Jesus spoke, which is now largely dying), and only know small bits of arabic. It was incredible to hear his story. Fadi has a home and business in Michigan, and became a US citizen as well. However, the US govt consulate in Damascus is giving him and his wife a hard time about obtaining her visa. Everything in their lives is hinging on her obtaining this visa, and when you ask them about it, they simply say: "we just need to P." Amazing. They are such examples of strong faith. Please, please send up some P's for Fadi and his wife to get her visa, so they can start a new life in Michigan. :-)
We toured the church in Bloudan and saw the Samara's home. It's such an amazing village. They give out B's to anyone who comes inside, for free. There are about 250 people who attend, and 50 people who attend from other faiths. God is at work in Bouldan and its outstanding. They are trying to start a church in the nearby village of Zebani, which is held at a home where 35 people attend. Please P for them and the new seeds of this church.
Feeda and Pastor's Samara's wife actually hold a women's ministry meeting weekly on Monday evenings, to which they asked me to come and also invited me to speak. I am truly honored! I believe some of the other girls will be able to share as well, at least we are hoping there is time. Please P for God to give me the words, as they told me just to speak about anything! I'm excited for this opportunity! As many of you know, I have such a heart for women's ministry, especially younger women.
We also exchanged our money, so we are all set in that area. Tomorrow we will be going to church, and John Card has been asked to give a message. That truly is amazing, as in his shoes - to be giving a message in a church in Damascus minutes from where Paul witnessed to Jews. That opportunity doesn't come along too often, so please send up some P's for his words to touch hearts for God!
Aside from that, we are finishing up preparing our lessons for the kids. We start the school part on Monday, which many of us are looking forward to getting started.
Thanks SOOOO much for your P's, truly. The team is loving the encouragement and support you send!! You all are such a HUGE blessing! Shout outs: Russell wants to know if the Rockets and Astros won; Graham shouts out to his kids Jack and Henry; Lauren says "its all good" and that's just about it! Oh, and by the way, last night - there was only cold water for showers at the hotel! Yep, we all took FREEZING cold showers.....so we are hoping the management got the hot water figured out, but if not its ok - we are being flexible! lol There are dozens of humorous stories that go with the cold water, but those will have to wait for our return! :-)
Again, we are P'ing for you, and your spiritual encouragement is like little power bars, so thank you!!
<><
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Day 1
Hey y'all!
We made it! Yes, we are here, safe and sound. All of our bags made it, so no problems there either! PTL! :-) Pastor Samara picked us up from the airport with his wife (Joun's mother) and his two neices, Priscilla and Youanna - both of which I'm sure you will see in pictures from the trip. They are SO adorable and love to play tickle games with John Card (who they call "John 2") and Russell. The girls are precious!
Getting off the plane was amazing. We flew over the mountains of Lebanon at sunset, which was incredible. God's beauty is truly breathtaking in this place. We landed and got through customs ok. It was imperative to explain when asked why in Syria, we are here on vacation. On a humorous note, one of the guards asked Krazer, "what is the address where you are staying?" and his reply was, "oh! Right! Vacation!" lol And the guard replied, "No, the address!" They got that ironed out, and we were on our way! lol
Our hotel is quaint and right on "straight street" which you can read about in Acts 9:11. Yes, our actual hotel where we sleep is directly on the ancient Straight Street, right by the old wall. The old wall is long through the old city part of Damascus and is where they lowered Paul to escape, Acts 9:25. Yes, that exact spot of the wall is literally a two minute walking distance from where we are staying. We walked passed Anania's house today as well on the way to the church. It was incredible! We met there briefly to P and W. We played songs over the whole church such as "God of this City" and "Marvelous Light" just to name a few. Card read a devotional as well. We then got on a little bus to go out to Bloudan, which is where the Samara's have another church about 1 hour away. The drive was SO beautiful, mountains everywhere. However, we drive by the refugee villages and you could see the poverty of these precious people. Similar to something you might see out of Slumdog Millionaire, for those of you who have seen the film.
At Bloudan, we had lunch at the top of one of the mountains. You could physically see the gorgeous snowcapped mountain ranges and could clearly see the Lebanon border with Syria. It was so picturesque, and yes - we all took plenty of pictures! We made a "2 camera" limit rule for group photos, or we are trying to anyhow! lol The food is soooo good here. I'm pretty sure Graham and Card together ate enough food to feed two families for a day! The people are so kind and generous, especially when it comes to feeding us!
We also met a man who helps Pastor Samara named Fadi, and his wife, Feeda. Fadi's ancestry is actually of the Caldeans, if you trace it back in the bible, that is quite the lineage! Him and his wife are from Iraq. Before he married his wife, she was living in Baghdad, grew up a Christian. Some muslim extremists had told her she needs to wear a hijab (muslim head covering for women), and convert to Islam. She told them no, and they told her if she did not, they would kill her. So she fled. She is such a kind hearted woman who just pours out God's word and love in all she does. I spoke with her in arabic a bit, which was awesome. Fadi, her husband, actually grew up with Aramaic as his first language, and Arabic has his second language. In fact, his parents only know Aramaic (the language Jesus spoke, which is now largely dying), and only know small bits of arabic. It was incredible to hear his story. Fadi has a home and business in Michigan, and became a US citizen as well. However, the US govt consulate in Damascus is giving him and his wife a hard time about obtaining her visa. Everything in their lives is hinging on her obtaining this visa, and when you ask them about it, they simply say: "we just need to P." Amazing. They are such examples of strong faith. Please, please send up some P's for Fadi and his wife to get her visa, so they can start a new life in Michigan. :-)
We toured the church in Bloudan and saw the Samara's home. It's such an amazing village. They give out B's to anyone who comes inside, for free. There are about 250 people who attend, and 50 people who attend from other faiths. God is at work in Bouldan and its outstanding. They are trying to start a church in the nearby village of Zebani, which is held at a home where 35 people attend. Please P for them and the new seeds of this church.
Feeda and Pastor's Samara's wife actually hold a women's ministry meeting weekly on Monday evenings, to which they asked me to come and also invited me to speak. I am truly honored! I believe some of the other girls will be able to share as well, at least we are hoping there is time. Please P for God to give me the words, as they told me just to speak about anything! I'm excited for this opportunity! As many of you know, I have such a heart for women's ministry, especially younger women.
We also exchanged our money, so we are all set in that area. Tomorrow we will be going to church, and John Card has been asked to give a message. That truly is amazing, as in his shoes - to be giving a message in a church in Damascus minutes from where Paul witnessed to Jews. That opportunity doesn't come along too often, so please send up some P's for his words to touch hearts for God!
Aside from that, we are finishing up preparing our lessons for the kids. We start the school part on Monday, which many of us are looking forward to getting started.
Thanks SOOOO much for your P's, truly. The team is loving the encouragement and support you send!! You all are such a HUGE blessing! Shout outs: Russell wants to know if the Rockets and Astros won; Graham shouts out to his kids Jack and Henry; Lauren says "its all good" and that's just about it! Oh, and by the way, last night - there was only cold water for showers at the hotel! Yep, we all took FREEZING cold showers.....so we are hoping the management got the hot water figured out, but if not its ok - we are being flexible! lol There are dozens of humorous stories that go with the cold water, but those will have to wait for our return! :-)
Again, we are P'ing for you, and your spiritual encouragement is like little power bars, so thank you!!
<><
Kristina
Syria: Lay Over in Paris
Fri, Apr 24, 2009 at 4:30 AM
Subject - Syria: Lay Over in Paris
Hey y'all!
If you are receiving this e-mail, it is because someone on the Second Baptist Syria mission team has requested for you to receive e-mail updates from our team throughout the duration of our time in Syria. Also, the team members would like you to forward the updates on to people who may not have been on the list as well. :-) Now on to the good stuff......
We are currently on a 5 hour lay over in Paris - Charles DeGaulle airport at the moment. Everyone is doing well. We just had some sort of meal, supposed to be breakfast but ended up being something similar to lunch. :-) Leaving Houston went smoothly. We all got to sit together for the most part, which was nice. Half the team was in a "coma-like" sleep on the 10 hour flight to Paris, and was able to get some rest. This next flight, we all seem to be scattered throughout the plane - but it is only for 4-5 hours, so no biggie. The majority of us have been deep in study with books we have brought (Russell brought "Crazy Love" about God's intense love, Graham brought "Epicenter", Card brought "The Color of Oil", Krazer brought "Same Kind of Different As Me" and as for myself - I'm reading "Secret Believers" by Brother Andrew, just to name a few) as many of us have also been spending some time in God's Word and also doing some quality journaling. We are truly blessed to have such a great team in Syria, everyone is spiritually strong, ready and has a heart to serve. We spent some time in prayer as Sam (Glass) drove us to the airport, which a nice time to get re-focused. We were all discussing our feelings of anticipation, anxiousness, and excitement to just finally get to Syria and see what God will be doing in us - and through us.
Just a key to keep in mind for future e-mails, as I will need to type some things in code for our protection and safety:
P = Pray (or Prayer, i.e. P'ing = praying)
M = Mission (or missionary)
There may be more sensitive words I will have to include in this list, but please know I will not be able to decode them as I have done in this e-mail once we reach Damascus.
We should reach Damascus, Syria at 8pm in Syria time. I know we will be looking forward to getting good rest before we hit the ground running. Our hotel is actually right next door to Anania's house, which you can read about in Acts 9. It is where Paul did much witnessing to Jews, and was healed after seeing a vision of the Lord on the road to Damascus. Check out Acts 9 for more historical info on that, its truly incredible that we have the fortune to walk by it everyday while we are in Damascus. What an outstanding reminder of God's might, love, and grace.
Also, if you would like to respond to this message with encouraging e-mails or prayers for the team, I would be happy to read them aloud to the team. We are so grateful for your prayers, your support, and your encouragement. Those of you that know me, know that I have my blackberry with me here on the trip - and yes it works internationally! So, I'll be able to receive messages to relay to the team at just about any time during the day. This is of no extra cost to me, so send away! :-)
Again, thank you SO much for your prayers! It truly means the world to us, and we are certainly praying for y'all while we are here.
In Christ's love,
Kristina
Subject - Syria: Lay Over in Paris
Hey y'all!
If you are receiving this e-mail, it is because someone on the Second Baptist Syria mission team has requested for you to receive e-mail updates from our team throughout the duration of our time in Syria. Also, the team members would like you to forward the updates on to people who may not have been on the list as well. :-) Now on to the good stuff......
We are currently on a 5 hour lay over in Paris - Charles DeGaulle airport at the moment. Everyone is doing well. We just had some sort of meal, supposed to be breakfast but ended up being something similar to lunch. :-) Leaving Houston went smoothly. We all got to sit together for the most part, which was nice. Half the team was in a "coma-like" sleep on the 10 hour flight to Paris, and was able to get some rest. This next flight, we all seem to be scattered throughout the plane - but it is only for 4-5 hours, so no biggie. The majority of us have been deep in study with books we have brought (Russell brought "Crazy Love" about God's intense love, Graham brought "Epicenter", Card brought "The Color of Oil", Krazer brought "Same Kind of Different As Me" and as for myself - I'm reading "Secret Believers" by Brother Andrew, just to name a few) as many of us have also been spending some time in God's Word and also doing some quality journaling. We are truly blessed to have such a great team in Syria, everyone is spiritually strong, ready and has a heart to serve. We spent some time in prayer as Sam (Glass) drove us to the airport, which a nice time to get re-focused. We were all discussing our feelings of anticipation, anxiousness, and excitement to just finally get to Syria and see what God will be doing in us - and through us.
Just a key to keep in mind for future e-mails, as I will need to type some things in code for our protection and safety:
P = Pray (or Prayer, i.e. P'ing = praying)
M = Mission (or missionary)
There may be more sensitive words I will have to include in this list, but please know I will not be able to decode them as I have done in this e-mail once we reach Damascus.
We should reach Damascus, Syria at 8pm in Syria time. I know we will be looking forward to getting good rest before we hit the ground running. Our hotel is actually right next door to Anania's house, which you can read about in Acts 9. It is where Paul did much witnessing to Jews, and was healed after seeing a vision of the Lord on the road to Damascus. Check out Acts 9 for more historical info on that, its truly incredible that we have the fortune to walk by it everyday while we are in Damascus. What an outstanding reminder of God's might, love, and grace.
Also, if you would like to respond to this message with encouraging e-mails or prayers for the team, I would be happy to read them aloud to the team. We are so grateful for your prayers, your support, and your encouragement. Those of you that know me, know that I have my blackberry with me here on the trip - and yes it works internationally! So, I'll be able to receive messages to relay to the team at just about any time during the day. This is of no extra cost to me, so send away! :-)
Again, thank you SO much for your prayers! It truly means the world to us, and we are certainly praying for y'all while we are here.
In Christ's love,
Kristina
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