Arrows International

On Wednesday, July 7th, Arrows International brought their gifts to share with us at YWAM Panama Boquete and the community. It was a full house and a beautiful night. They put on a concert that ushered in the presence of the Lord. It was felt in every dance and movement and word of the evening. The spiritual messages of the night were to Ra’ah and see clearly with vision in front of us, to step into LIFE that is open and available to us because of Jesus’ blood and to walk fully redeemed into the NEW. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so evident in the room during and after the performance. 

In one of the pieces of the concert called “Passover to Present”, the dancers walked through a door prop that represented going from death and fear into life and freedom. After the final dance, they invited all of us to physically step through the doorway as a testament to receiving freedom and fresh fire of the Holy Spirit. The Arrows team laid their hands on each of us as we walked through the doorway praying for us and prophesying over us. The room was full of the thick dwelling of the Holy Spirit. People were on their knees, dancing, singing and praying for each other. It was a beautiful night of community as we came together and stepped into the new. There was a release felt and we spent a long time worshipping and praising God together through dance and song. It was a powerful evening of release and new passion with unity and fire igniting us all to live for Christ in bold ways.

- Mora, YWAM Boquete, Panama

During our second day in Costa Rica, our team had the privilege of being a part of a worship event at the Tent of David alongside 120 other dancers from the area. These worshippers traveled hours from all over Costa Rica to attend this event as it was the first of its kind to be held in over a year because of Covid restrictions. The event started off with worship which incorporated a lot of congregational lead as is common in Central America— it was a powerful time as it was the first opportunity that many of us had since the beginning of Covid to worship with such a large group of fellow believers. Following worship, there were several performances, including an hour concert by Arrows. Despite various unexpected adventures, such as a long run through the rain to get between the dressing room and the tent, it was an anointed time and people were encouraged! Jeff gave a passionate message on the fire of the Holy Spirit, illustrating our need to be filled with the presence of God in order to have clearer vision to see how the Lord is moving. This message was a theme throughout our tour and it was a great encouragement to the body of Christ, especially during this time. 

Although originally unplanned, Jeff felt the Spirit leading us into a time of ministry. People were invited to come up and receive prayer— specifically, they were encouraged to step through a symbolic door of receiving more Holy Spirit fire. This time of open prayer was so powerful and it was evident that it was divinely orchestrated. God’s plans are so much better than ours! The worshippers streamed forward, many in tears, asking for prayer for healing, their businesses, family members who were suffering, and family restoration. God touched my heart in a special way through this time, giving me His heart of passionate love and empathy for the people present, but it was evident that so many lives were impacted that day! People came crying and on their knees before the presence of God, deeply moved by His Spirit, and we were able to share encouragement and the truth of Christ with each person, while interceding for them. One young man also gave his life to the Lord! For many, it was likely the first time they had received hands on prayer in over a year. 

Afterwards, a short workshop took place where everyone present learned a worship piece together— this process opened the door for fellowship with other dancers (even despite the language barrier!) and impartation of new skills for dance and worship. This was such a neat experience as it captured multiple nations working together to create a visual dance picture of the tangible presence of God. Overall, this event was so powerful— the Spirit of the Lord was present through every aspect of it, and so many people were deeply touched. Praise God! 

- Melissa Doberstein, Arrows International 2021 Summer Team

First in the line of vehicles carrying two other groups from the YWAM Boquete base in Panama, we turned in at the sign for Campamento Ngäbe No. 2, and I watched from my perch in the van with curious anticipation as we drove into a grassy wooded area. This “camp” houses indigenous peoples (of the Ngäbe people group) who come down to the area to work on chicken farms. We drove through a stream with children playing nearby in the warm Panamanian sun, and past the barbed wire fence which doubled as a laundry line, finally parking near a long apartment-like, concrete building. We made our way precariously under the fence to the field, which would be our church building that morning, as curious little faces began to appear in our midst. As we scoped out and set boundaries for our dance space, we stomped down clumps of dirt, moved rocks, and took note of the anthill to avoid. You couldn’t help but smile at the statement “this mud puddle will be center.” Oh yes, we were doing this. Stage preparations complete, we turned our attention more fully to the growing cluster of children, now happily playing follow the leader games. Little ones soon found their way into willing arms and laps of the team. Two small rambunctious boys preferred to break up the group rather than join. Jeff, rather than shooing them away, seized the opportunity to show that even mischievous ones with too much energy are to be loved. How sweet it was then, when they later voluntarily sat down with him, knowing they would be accepted. And isn’t that like our heavenly Father? Always willing to be patient with us, always delighting in the pleasure of our company? 

 “Where are your mommies?” came the question from the pastor as we prepared to start. “Go get your mommies too.” Some pointed to women who had gathered, others ran off to follow the instruction. Soon students from the YWAM team began singing worship songs. By this time, I had a quiet 2 year old on my hip. She was content to stay, rather than sit with the other children, so I held her and sang “grande es tu fidelidad a mi!” Looking back, I am amazed by the blessing that while my limited spanish allowed me to not do much more than ask a name, age, or favorite color, by God’s grace, I could declare “great is your faithfulness to me.” I knew the song because it was one he put on my heart to choreograph as a solo for the trip. So I sang, marveling at his faithfulness to bring me to that place, in that moment, able to sing such truth over the sweet girl nuzzled into my neck.

After some songs and a testimony of God’s healing from one of the YWAM students, we danced, shared more stories of God’s healing, provision, and love, and prayed over the gathering of children, mothers, and even a few men watching from afar. Now if all we did was brighten the day of some children, show love and attention to them and their mothers, and bring food to the families, would it be worth it? Yes. That is what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. But God is so much bigger. We were also able to pray over these people, and through our movement, declare God ‘s blessings over them. Truths of God’s strength and faithfulness, and the joy, hope, and freedom found in Him, were shown in such a way that will not quickly be forgotten. And we know that God who does exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, also did more that day than what we saw.

- Naomi Cedarleaf, Arrows International 2021 Summer Team

My name is Bethany and this is my first year in the Arrows International Levitical Trainee Program. This is also my first international tour with Arrows and it was absolutely wonderful in so many ways. I entered this tour with an expectant heart, and God delivered and moved mightily. I'm excited to share a moment of ministry with you, orchestrated perfectly by our perfect Father. 

We were attending a Sunday service at one of the churches that we were partnered with, and during worship a woman walked in. She was not like the other women, which is why she stood out. "She's like me!", I immediately thought. She had white patches on her skin, a noticeable sign of vitiligo, which is a hereditary skin disease that I also carry. In that moment, God highlighted her to me and I knew that I had to talk with her. During the service I kept receiving words for her, the Lord was showing me things that she had been through, feelings that she had felt, and most importantly, what she needed to hear. After service, we began talking with people and encouraging them. My goal was to get to this woman, but I was pulled away by others who wanted to speak with me. I finally was able to slip away and began to look for her. I felt crushed because I thought that she had already left since I couldn't find her. She then turned around and I made eye contact with her. I made a beeline straight to her and pointed at my skin and then to hers. I told her "We're created the same." she didn't understand much English, but I knew she understood that because she grabbed my hands and said "I saw." We stood smiling at each other for a minute and then I shared what God had been telling me in very short phrases so that she would understand. The moment was short but needed. I could see in her eyes that what I was saying was impacting her. We encouraged each other in our make and design. We talked about how we were created beautifully despite what others say. I met her children and her face shone, I could tell that her children were her pride and joy. She had to leave so I said goodbye to her and promised to keep her in my prayers. It was a small moment, but a powerful moment. It's a reminder to me that God uses everything, even a skin disorder which is something of this broken world, to reach the one that He loves. What an honor to have been chosen for that moment. 

- Bethany, Year 1 Trainee (Alabama)

Earlier this year, during our US tour, Mr. Jeff said something that really impacted me and caused my mindset to shift. We were preparing to perform in a retirement home the morning after a really powerful and significant church outreach. As we were warming up, he said, “Dance with the same heart, surrender, and anointing that you danced with in the church.¨ Even though we weren't in a church, we could have the same heart and release the same joy, hope and healing. If we put our whole heart, including our struggles, in surrender to God, He would also release His heart to completely flow through us.

I began to understand this concept more deeply during our trip to South Asia. One day, we went to perform in a school. When we got there, we realized that we didn't have a room to change or even a place to dance the way we had planned. Our ¨stage¨ was a dusty cement floor just inside the gates of the school's courtyard. We realized that we couldn´t use our costumes or the shoes we were planning on wearing, and that our program would need to change because we couldn't do all of our pieces in the small space. That was not a problem for Arrows at all. We were prepared to be flexible with everything.

While we were dancing, I was watching the beautiful faces of the children and their excitement. They were extremely excited and happy! As I looked in their eyes, I knew that the Holy Spirit was moving through both the performance and the short moments of speaking in between. I could see that we were completely giving our hearts and it made me remember what I heard Jeff say during the US tour. The feeling was the same as if we were dancing on a big stage with all the lights and costumes. 

Then God made me think about Jesus. He is the King; He was in Glory with the Father, with all comfort, perfection and excellence. Yet, He came to the earth as a man, feeling everything we feel and facing all the challenges with all the limitations we have. In the same way, if Jesus was a dancer I would say that we didn't have a room for Him to change or a proper floor, so He left behind His “costumes” and “special shoes” and walked with the sinners. He didn't have the best appearance, but He had the best heart. He surrendered completely. He gave the best performance without the perfect external garments, just to relate to us and reach our hearts. We were not prepared for a fancy performance, but because of His humility we still received the most excellent one. He brought what was most important, the Kingdom of God.

 I discovered that it is not the environment that will dictate how much we will give our hearts to something, or how excellent our work will be. But it is our heart in total surrender that can change the atmosphere and bring excellence. So, what we were bringing ultimately was not only dance, but the most excellent gift: the Kingdom of God in a dance package.

- Paloma, Year 1 Trainee (from Brazil)

Just before our usual lives and high-fives were cancelled, I somehow spent my last days of normalcy in a different world.

If Jesus were to have sat me down and given me a pre-trip pep talk, it would’ve sounded something like this: 

“YES, in the middle of uncertain times, you’re still going to South Asia. You’re still called to dance in the heat and dirt of South Asia. Your movement will shed light and your hands will high-five hundreds of outstretched baby hands in South Asia. You’ll get sick and feel fear grabbing hold of every part of you, but it won’t be able to stay long because my father’s heart will make you feel well taken care of. Then, you’ll feel that father’s heart for every single man, woman, and child that steps forward and asks you to lay hands on them. It won’t be you laying your hands on their blind eyes or tiny shoulders, it’ll be Me. Oh, and you’ll cry every time; it’s My heart for that person in you. You’ll have to say goodbye much sooner than you planned and experience the longest days of your life as you travel home on the frontlines of a world gripped with fear, but I’ll still be in the middle of it all. Just GO. Eyes are ready to be opened; ears are ready to hear.”

None of this trip was normal, except it WAS normal because it was His beautiful plan. To go and to be used, just for a moment before the door was closed was His plan. That’s what it’s about, people; be used, now, in the new unknown world we’ve stepped into. His plans should be our normal, and the fear of unknowns will melt away.

- Rachel, Year 2 Trainee (from Georgia)

When I look back at the two weeks we spent in Wisconsin and Illinois, I see God’s hand in every moment. I’m sitting here in awe of His work and the strength He gave us to press into what He had in store for each day. My name is Emma and this is my first year training with Arrows International. These past few months of training have led me to new heights and deep relationship with the Lord.  

I want to share a journal entry that I wrote near the beginning of our tour on February, 11th: “This morning I woke up to the noises of the city. We started the day with an outreach at a retirement home, Applewood in Milwaukee WI. We had a small audience, small performance space, and very small changing area. But, we were right where God wanted us to be and each person there was there for a reason. I love going to retirement homes because the people are always so sweet and kind. I spoke to the nicest man named Don. He had tears trickling down his face while he told me how touched he was during the performance. Those are the moments of outreach that I love! I was feeling discouraged after the performance but Don reminded me why we do what we do. I pray that I will be reminded of Don whenever I’m feeling those feelings again. I’m so glad that God uses all of our movement, even our flaws, to bless different people in different ways. Don was so touched and God spoke to him even though I didn’t feel that I had performed my best.”

This little moment with Don brought back to remembrance a saying that I used to hear quite often in Sunday school: In our weakness, God is strong. I’m learning that when I don’t feel confident in myself, I need to press more into the Lord and find my confidence in Him. This concept is one that I am still exploring and growing in daily but has already changed my perspective on everyday life. While on tour there were several moments when the enemy found his way into my thoughts. When this happened, I had to choose one of two ways to respond: to believe those lies and doubt myself, or to cast them out and speak God’s word over the situation. There is so much power in His name to cast down strongholds and placing my confidence in His word is one of the most effective things to do in those moments. One thing the Lord continued to reassure me was that I didn’t need to be worried about taking the right step or swinging the right arm. God was going to guide me and use my movement in a way that would show His glory if I placed my heart in His hands. I am so thankful that God carried me despite the personal battles I had. I was entirely blessed to have the team of beautiful, Godly women by my side and I will never forget all of the incredible lessons each of them taught me. 

Hello! My name is Jadyn and this is my first year with Arrow’s Levitical Trainee Program. The 2020 U.S. tour to Wisconsin and Illinois was my first tour with Arrows and it was amazing! God moved in so many big ways and in so many lives while also working behind-the-scenes in my own heart. 

One of my most memorable and encouraging encounters happened at a nursing home called St. Ann Rest Home. We had just finished our performance and began to talk to the residents. I initiated a conversation with an elderly lady in a wheelchair when her daughter, who worked at the home, told me that her mom doesn’t speak very much. I started to talk to the daughter and she told me how touched she really was. Her husband passed away 20 years ago around this time and she was feeling so depressed and heartbroken. She began to tell me that she had almost not come at all that day and she was not quite sure what prompted her at first. As she started to cry she said “That last dance, ‘I Have to Believe’ really touched me. It reminded me that God is still here with me now. I can’t explain it, it’s weird.” She was so thankful and couldn’t stop crying tears of joy! I was able to encourage and pray with her. As the Arrows’ team was loading up in the van she passed by and mouthed “Thank you.” to me one last time. Later, I found out that our director, Jeff, had also spoken with the same lady. She tearfully told him about her husband, and that she felt like she was carrying a heavy burden and had been struggling. As we danced, she felt God lift the heaviness off of her.

I am so blessed The Lord used me to be just a small part of this lady’s life!!

Wow, we are AMAZED at this powerful testimony! Roselyn attends World Impact Church in Illinois, which we visited during our 2020 US Tour. Just a few days after that Sunday, Roselyn emailed us a very beautiful and vulnerable testimony about how God ministered to her that morning through our worship and dance; the Lord did some deep inner healing in her heart when we presented “David’s Song”. We praise God for using us as His ministers and ambassadors, and give Him all the glory for ALL of the lives changed during our tour! 

Here is Roselyn’s story.

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As I entered the sanctuary I knew, deep in my spirit, that this team of dancers who had come to lead our worship service, were themselves encountering God with abandoned intimacy.

I felt a sense of excitement as I watched this visual worship through dance. And yet, I did not have a high level of personal expectancy. I was there more because I wanted to support diversity in worship styles and pray through the service.

I always sit in the second row of pew chairs, but the front row was taken down to give more room for the stage, and thus, I found myself sitting in the front row. (This is important because of the access it gave me to the dancers).

My first encounter was finding my eyes locked with one of the young dancers who was literally 2 feet in front of me. Without missing a movement, her eyes invited me to move more deeply into the arms of Jesus. The invitation was initiated by Him; it was His eyes reaching to me through her. Her hands even gave a brief “come to me” gesture.

I recognize the eyes of Jesus. I have seen them at least twice before. Once when I was a young nurse, I encountered His eyes in a tribal Bolivian woman who stood, nearly naked, beside a jungle river. We had no words to communicate, but eye contact kept us riveted as we acknowledged a belonging far deeper than words could ever take us.

The second time was when I was being interrogated by police in China. Widows, who lived in the church and prayed, came down and made a circle around this little scene of what to me was terror. No one spoke a word, we had no words, but I made eye contact with one of them. That was enough to assure me that all will be well. It was not until 3 weeks after I got home that I recognized I had seen the eyes of Jesus.

And now, through the eyes of this young dancer, from Arrows International, I have seen them again.

In reflection, I know that this eye contact was a preparation for what Jesus had planned for me a few minutes later in the service.

It happened in the context of what was introduced as “David’s Song”. One dancer depicted the person whose life was alternately being torn between victory and defeat. Six dancers fought over their subject; three, dressed in white, symbolized angels and the presence of God, while the three competing dancers symbolized demons and darkness.  A story, told through dance, of a young man who knew Jesus, struggled with addiction and, at first glance, lost his battle.

But as this dance began, the story of David disappeared for me and I was watching the story of my friend, Jean. Her story was being demonstrated for me as she celebrated victory over mental illness and addiction only to once again be caught in the claws of the enemy. Jean and I walked together for 35 years. Her death, now 2 ½ years ago, was a devastating double loss for me. I not only lost my friend, but I lost my paradigm of faith.

How could I reconcile the God I knew, whom I had served in pastoral ministry for 30 years, with the God who let my friend die in the most brutal way possible? How could He have abandoned her?

I have pushed myself into believing that God is good because of Who He is. I tell myself this decision cannot be based on a life story that, through my eyes, contradicts. When we sing about the goodness of God, I join in. I confess it. I teach it. I have pictured, in my mind, that Jesus was somehow there, even though there was no evidence of it to me. People who watch my life think I have victory over this thing that shattered both my heart and my faith.

But Jesus has known that I needed another step of healing.

It happened as this dance of David’s Song concluded. Though my eyes, it was Jesus Himself, who came dancing into the scene of the defeated child, brought Him back to life and welcomed Him to eternity.

Jesus knew I needed a picture of Him being in the Las Vegas mobile home, picking Jean up from her battered state and welcoming her to the only place she would ever be able to settle.

Jesus danced this for me. Yes, Jesus danced this for me.

I’m reminded of a little verse that I wrote, during my days of turmoil. I made it into a song that I often sing to Him.

“Open the window that I might see You, open the door that I might walk through, into Your arms as you lead me along, to the beat of Your heart, and the dance of Your song.”

This past Sunday, through the ministry of Arrows International, Jesus opened the window and danced for me.

Watch our video about the Levitical Trainee Program and Company! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acTgXZb6u_g

The Levitical Trainee Program is a two year discipleship program with a focus on setting participants apart to grow physically and spiritually. Designed to transform dancers from the inside out, the program encourages trainees to draw nearer to God, discover who He made them to be, and use their gifts and talents for His glory! As they set themselves apart for the Lord, He moves in and through them powerfully to change not only their own lives, but thousands of others’ through outreach and missions opportunities. The program is specifically structured for the young adult with advanced to professional level training, ages 17-35, who desires to connect excellence in dance with missions and passionate worship. We’re accepting applications now for our 2020-2021 season! Check out our website for more information (arrowsintl.org) and email [email protected] if you’re interested!

Our 2019-2020 Season Team:

UPCOMING EVENTS!!!

Arrows International’s Workshop, Audition, and Concert Weekend

Join us for a weekend full of dance, worship, inspiring messages, and connections with like-minded artists! Master classes will include ballet, contemporary, jazz and musical theater for intermediate, advanced, and professional levels. This year, we are adding a LIVE WORSHIP NIGHT to the schedule!

March 2019 / / The streets of Auckland, New Zealand

On a cracked and slanted sidewalk stood a young couple on a Saturday evening. They had been observing our outdoor performance for over 30 minutes, listening to various speakers and watching dances about worship, salvation, freedom, and hope. I approached them with my 2 friends and we introduced ourselves, planning to ignite a friendly conversation. Little did we know, God had been preparing these 2 individuals for a life-changing encounter. Earlier, the couple had heard our music from their apartment across the street and after watching from their balcony for a while, they felt drawn to come closer.  When we walked up to them, first thing out of the young man’s mouth was a genuine “thank you” that seemed to come from his very soul. It quickly became clear that the young man was deeply touched. With solemn tears in his eyes, the young man shared how he could feel God’s presence from our presentation. He knew and was in awe of the significance of us being there. Sensing that this wouldn’t be an ordinary conversation, I pressed in and asked what he believed about God. The man shared that he knew God was real because he had always felt “Jesus calling” and knew He had always been there. He had called himself a Christian at some point in his life, but had fallen away because of distractions and hardships. Throughout his life, the man had recognized that God was trying to get his attention through random signs, coincidences, and conversations, even especially in the past few weeks! Even though He readily shared all these things, his tone was unsure and he even added that he wasn’t ready to commit to anything.

After hearing the young man share his heart so openly, the 3 of us felt the Holy Spirit moving and knew that God was touching this young couple in a really special way. We started sharing Bible verses, prophetic words, and personal testimonies of hardships that God had walked us through. They just seemed to smoothly flow out of us as Holy Spirit led us. God gave us specific prophetic words; one was about the “Father heart of God”, and the man immediately confirmed it by sharing that his dad left his family. Our passion and excitement ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of God’s faithfulness throughout our stories. The young couple seemed to listen with their hearts wide open as they soaked in everything they were hearing.

As our conversation drew to a close, the man asked if we could pray with him so he could hear how we talk to God. We each prayed over the couple, thanked God for revealing Himself to them in such clear ways, and praised Him for our conversation that was so obviously divinely orchestrated. To our amazement, the young man began to pray. Crying, he repented of his sin and weakness, told Jesus that he knew He had been pursuing him his whole life, declared that he was choosing to live for Him from now on, and re-dedicated his life to God. 

The 3 of us were undone at the goodness of God. This young man literally transformed throughout our conversation! It began with him stating that he believed in God, but didn’t want to commit to anything. 30 minutes of Holy Spirit-filled conversation later, he was tearfully re-dedicating his life to the Lord. Wow. The couple followed through on their word and attended the local church service we were ministering at the very next morning. We got them connected to the pastor and encouraged them to get involved. 

What an exciting season we are in! This is our 5th season of our full-time programs and our 11th year of ministry. God has accelerated the ministry’s growth recently; it feels like He shifted us onto the fast-track! Here are some highlights.

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We’re building! Our beautiful new facility in Edmond, Oklahoma is nearly finished and we’ll be moving in soon.

Our new website was recently launched! Check it out at arrowsintl.org. All the content is brand new!

We have our biggest team yet! God has given us a beautiful team of 18 in our Levitical Trainee Program and Company; all will be traveling on our US Tour to Wisconsin and Illinois in February and to South Asia in March. These dancers have faithfully set themselves apart for the Lord for 9 months this season. They are becoming equipped for Kingdom ministry and are powerful worship warriors!

Invitations for performances, outreaches, and tours are coming in from various cities, states, and nations all over the world. Solid connections are being formed in ways only God could orchestrate!

The Company is rising up to take on the vision of the ministry! They are growing in leadership and are becoming a strong team to assist with running the ministry. They are laying a solid foundation for the future of the ministry.

God is continuing to provide for our needs as we grow! We’ve taken some huge financial steps of faith this year. Our 2020 international trips are a great example. Usually we fundraise for 1 international trip at a time, but because of the Olympics during our Japan trip, we’re having to fundraise for both South Asia in March and Japan in July at the same time! (And they are both expensive trips!) Additionally, Jeff and Natalie (directors of Arrows International) will be ministering in Brazil in January and Bolivia in May; they need finances for these trips as well. Even in the midst of huge steps of faith, God has been faithful to provide for our needs. We still need tens of thousands of dollars for these trips but we’re confident our God will see us through.

We are seeing the fullness of the vision for Arrows come to life before our eyes! We praise God for taking us this far, and know that He has positioned people to join us in this adventure. Would you ask the Lord if He’ll have you partner with us in this exciting season of ministry expansion? 

Building up the body of Christ is one of Arrows’ foundational missions. God has given us a platform to influence and speak into the global church. Here are a few examples of how the Lord led us to encourage other believers in 2019.

Worshipping in Unity with Fellow Artists

This year, we were invited to join Crossings Community Church (in Oklahoma City) for their Palm Sunday and Christmas programs. Connecting our company of worship dancers with the glorious sounds of a choir of 150, a 50 piece orchestra, and impassioned vocalists, such as Sandi Patty and Veritas 5, was powerful for everyone involved, including vast audiences of a combined total of about 8,000. How beautiful to unify so many anointed artists to create such an intensely powerful and electrifying worship experience, all for the sake of drawing people to the Lord and directing all the glory to our King! Backstage, countless singers and musicians exclaimed with grins that they could hardly focus on their music because they were so taken by the beautiful dancing. One choir member remarked, “Every time I see you guys, I can hardly sing! It’s so beautiful; it adds so much to worship.” 

Encouraging Bold Faith

A lovely couple, who own a dance studio, hosted us during one of our 2019 tours. They were deeply touched by how respectful, unintrusive, and inoffensive our way of sharing the love of Christ and walking out our calling in ministry was. They shared, “They have been a blessing to us. Their presence is giving us courage, making us think about our school in a new way, and giving us new ideas.”

Conferences in Central and South America

Our June summer trip sent us to 3 different Christian dance and worship conferences in Costa Rica and Peru. During Project Dance in Heredia, Costa Rica, Christian dancers gathered together to be inspired and encouraged in their faith and gifts. We were privileged to serve as featured performers and teachers and witnessed a fresh gust of the Holy Spirit fall upon these passionate artists. In Lima, Peru, an evening’s concert overflowed into deep breakthrough ministry for dozens attending. Many wild worship parties at the kids’ camp in Iquitos, Peru, extended into the night as they eagerly utilized their new skills, learned in Arrows’ technique classes during the day, to worship the Lord under the stars of the Amazon rainforest. The focus of this summer tour was to build up the body of Christ, young and old! Through both speaking and dancing, they eagerly received our message of being surrendered and set apart for the Lord. May the Lord continue to fan their fiery worshipper’s hearts! 

A New Dimension of Sunday Morning Worship

One Sunday morning service in Cambridge, New Zealand, we had participated in worship as well as presented several dances. One man commented that the best part of the morning was worship! Continuing on, he explained that there are some churches in New Zealand that have dancers or flaggers, but in his opinion they were more of a distraction than anything else. That morning was the first time he had ever experienced worship dance that actually created a new dimension of worship and added to the worship experience. 

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My name is Emma and this is my first year in Arrows International’s Levitical Trainee Program. I moved to Oklahoma last month from Boone, North Carolina. It was hard to take this step of faith. Doing something different than what a typical recent high school graduate would do is nerve-wracking but God continues to reveal Himself to me each day. I believe that He has placed me here in this season of my life to really grow in my faith and gifts so that I can better serve the Kingdom and the people around me. I’ve been learning a lot about myself and the areas of my life where God has been working. Every day brings its own set of challenges, but the rest of the team is right here with me, by my side to help and encourage. 

When I started my senior year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation and it felt like everyone around me was starting to figure it out. I was really anxious about wanting to know what was next for me. I knew that I didn’t necessarily want to go to college right away but was struggling to see what God had planned for my life. I first saw Arrows perform at a workshop they held here in Oklahoma in January 2019. By the end of the performance, I was in tears because it was clear that the Lord wanted me to use my dance as an offering and worship. He spoke to me through those dancers and shut down all of my doubts and anxious thoughts. I realized in that moment that this is the type of thing that I want to spend my life doing: sharing the Gospel to people around the world through dance. I have a heart for missions and feel such a strong calling to this amazing ministry.

Since I arrived in Oklahoma, the Lord has been continuing to confirm that He has me right where I am supposed to be. In all of the simple things that happen each day, I can see God working. One of the main confirmations I have gotten is through the people around me. No matter what we are doing in class, the other dancers in the company and trainee program are in a constant state of worship. It is truly inspiring to see their hearts laid out on and off the dance floor. It is impossible to count the amount of times that I have felt encouraged and inspired by the Arrows dancers and leaders. The heart of worship is what makes Arrows International different. I am beyond excited to see what this season holds in and out of the studio.

This past month has been absolutely incredible. Traveling with the 2019 Arrows International summer team taught me so many new things and I experienced Christ in a completely new way. I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember, but I have never experienced the level of worship that Arrows brings into their dances. Under the leadership of Jeff and Natalie Lewis, our group grew closer and became a team. Jeff and Natalie allow the Lord to use them in whatever way He needs at any given moment. They are such an inspiration to everyone they meet and I am entirely thankful that the Lord has brought them into my life. 

Each of the Arrows team members had an incredible impact on my life and a unique lesson to teach me. I learned how to truly use my dance as a tool of worship. I will never forget all of the ways God used our team to bring joy, hope, and healing into the lives of those in Costa Rica and Peru. Many people’s lives were changed throughout the course of this month and I believe that God is still at work in those countries. So much can happen by spending each day with each other, dancing in worship and praise towards the Lord. 

One night in Peru after an outreach, we got to pray with a teenager whose family was struggling. Her parents were working through a separation and she wanted healing and forgiveness brought into her life. While we prayed together, she began weeping and I could feel God’s presence there with us. The next night, we did another outreach at a different location in Peru. Afterwards, we went out into the crowd to give prayer just as we did the night before and God led us to a woman standing off to the side. When we got closer, I noticed that her family was close by. Just as we greeted the woman I realized that her daughter was the same young lady we had prayed for the night before. I had a hard time understanding what the woman wanted prayer for, but from what I understand she wanted healing. As we prayed, I could feel the Lord’s presence around her family and I know that He’s got them in His embrace. This was just the first step of healing and restoration for that family, but it was a vital step in God’s plan. He will continue to give them guidance and use them to light the path for those around them. 

Not only did God work in the lives of those we served, but in my own heart as well. A few days into the trip, I noticed the enemy trying get to me through my strongholds. Anxiety and fear started to flood my thoughts. I began to doubt myself and lose sight of the Lord’s purpose for my being on the trip. The other girls supported me through that and I realized that God is greater than any of those lies the enemy was putting into my head. I pushed through and praised God through my weakness. Even though my body and mind were tired, I spoke God’s truth into my life and the people around me. In the midst of my weakness, the Lord continued to provide and used me for His good. 

I am going to join the Arrows International Levitical Trainee Program in the fall and I couldn’t be more excited to see what God has in store after spending the past month with them. I’ve been struggling with the thought of moving away from my family and the town I have lived in my whole life, but something changed in my spirit during my time with the summer team. God gave me a peace that this is what He has called me to do, and I learned that I need to give Him full control over my life. The path He has written for each of us is greater than anything we could ever imagine ourselves. 

- Emma, from North Carolina (Summer Team Member: Costa Rica/Peru 2019)

Here are some snapshots of some of my favorite memories from the summer trip:

When I look back over the course of the two weeks we spent in Costa Rica and Peru, "your ways are higher than mine," a song based off of Isaiah 55:8-9, rings throughout. When things played out differently than planned or expected, what a wonderful blessing it was to know that God was working in ways we could not see. Our first evening in Iquitos, Peru, we had the opportunity to dance at a central park in the city where a festival was going on. Dancing on a damp and very tall stage, while praying that God would both keep our footing sure and use us as vessels of his truth, was a new experience for me. Familiar, though, was the truth that God was indeed working through the Arrows team despite challenging staging and technical difficulties as well as unexpected scheduling. I was thankful that night for the woman who told us as we were leaving the park that our outreach had been impactful, and not to her alone. What a mighty and gracious God we serve who would not only allow us to be a part of His work, but also encourage us along the way!

After dancing at the park in Lima one evening, we were approached by a woman for prayer. Having already prayed in my heart, "Okay God, you know I don't know enough Spanish. Use me anyway however you want to.” I didn't think to mention that limitation before asking the woman if there was anything specific she wanted prayer for. Over the next few minutes I listened to her with every ounce of my being and heard God make my minuscule Spanish vocabulary enough. In awe that I grasped anything of what she'd said, I told her that I understood more than I could speak and that God understood perfectly. So, after explaining to the two Arrows girls with me what I'd picked up and clarifying some details with the woman, we prayed. Coming away from that sweet time of agreeing with our sister in prayer for her young pregnant daughter and grandchildren, I was struck by the way God had just used us and was reminded of a similar experience nine years ago in Costa Rica. That time, I walked into a conversation with no interpreter and got to share the gospel with a man who "happened" to speak English. This time I was able to pray with and encourage a fellow believer despite the language barrier. Working through me in ways I never would've imagined 9 years ago, God gave me boldness, trust in Him to be able to step out and speak, and even the preparation of more Spanish exposure earlier that very day. Set on the secure foundation of the truth of the Holy Spirit speaking through us, we were blessed to be a blessing. And I got the bonus blessing of again seeing God's fingerprints on my life.

In Iquitos, Peru, we were privileged to teach at a Davidic Dance Camp for kids. There we danced, laughed, played, worshiped, and prayed alongside the kids and adult staff. After Arrows did a few dances and presented a short message one evening, Jeff offered the opportunity for the campers to step up to boldly proclaim their commitment to Christ and be prayed over. One young boy was praying earnestly with his head and hands lifted in surrender when I came to him. To see the tenderness of his heart, trust that God would do great things through him, and pray over him as my brother in Christ was incredible. I definitely had a sense at times of "Why me; what makes me qualified to do this?" But knowing the truth of my identity as an ambassador of Christ and the power of prayer, I prayed as God directed, still amazed that He would use me in such a way. Later as I watched the kids and older teens worship, I wondered what kind of great things God would do with this generation of passionate worshippers He was raising up. I marveled that He would call me to be one of many tools through which He would craft them.

One of my favorite moments of the trip was worshipping at Project Dance in Costa Rica on Sunday. That morning, in a room full of dancers from at least 5 countries who were singing and dancing, a few kept singing as the last song faded. It couldn't have been even 10 seconds before we were joined by the rest of the room. It was worship in multiple languages pouring out a spontaneous song to the Lord. "This is what heaven will be like,'' I thought, filled with joy and awe of His presence and goodness. Indeed, that phrase pretty much sums up the trip for me:

Filled with joy and awe of God's presence and goodness.

- Naomi, from Oregon (Summer Team Member: Costa Rica/Peru 2019)

Wow, thank you Lord for preparing me and allowing me to participate this year, in such perfect timing. 

My name is Nilivette and I am from Panama. I am a full time missionary with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). 

On May 31st, I had just finished a very intense, but great, season as the leader of a Discipleship and Training School (DTS) and a student of the Leadership and Ministry Development School. Yes, I did both simultaneously for 5 months; it was 3 months of the Lecture Phase and 2 months of outreach in Costa Rica and various indigenous villages in Panama. We had our graduation celebration in the evening of May 31. Right after, I took a 8hr bus ride to Panama City to catch my flight to Oklahoma the next day. 

Everything was going really well; even though my body was tired, my spirit was expecting amazing things. On my way to the airport I received an email saying that my flight was delayed. I walked to the counter with the assurance that the Lord had everything covered and I was going to be okay. I flew from Panama to Florida and realized that I had missed my connecting flight to OKC - oooh no!! But once again, His peace was overflowing and I was fine because I was trusting in Him. 

As team members we were asked to be at the Arrows Base before 5pm, I had to make a decision. Should I wait for the next flight with the same airline and get to OKC the next day or take a step of faith and buy a new flight? Well, in this part I got a little nervous because it was an extra unplanned expense that was not cheap. After praying, I contacted Natalie, director of Arrows, to explain the situation. She suggested the second option was the best and that the Lord would provide. So, I prayed again and said, “Lord, you called me to do this and I'm gonna trust that you will provide everything I need to get there.” So, I got the new flight ticket and arrived at the Base only just over an hour late. I was received with smiles, good food and great fellowship. I had made it! Lord, thank you for being with me. 

On the first day of training I asked the Lord 3 things:

1. What do you have prepared for me? 

2. Please show me what my "role" during this time with Arrows will be. 

3. Show me specific people to invest in. 

As He is faithful, He answered me. His answers were specific:

1. You are going to get closer to Me and our communication will get better and better. 

2. You are here to love + serve them and to be a display of my kindness and joy. 

3. He gave me names. 

Now I have a confession. I know the level of excellence that Arrows pursues, which I absolutely admire and enjoy so much. However, I am not a professional dancer and when I saw the schedule for our 10 days of training, a question came to my whole being. “Have you conquered your fear of man or is it a struggle still?” I knew the Lord wanted to show me something. I took a moment to meditate and answered by saying, “You have made me free. I'm not afraid of what others would think or say anymore. Thank you for giving me security in who I am in You and for transforming my life for your purpose.” Our communication was very clear and real, can you see it? It was amazing. 

Love and Service

Something that the Lord has been teaching me is to be attentive, to see what needs to be done, and to just go ahead and do it. 

Influence is contagious! One night I was taking the garbage out of our dorms and some people said, “Thank you, Nili.”  But someone else came to me, took it from my hands and walked with me to the container. So, at the end, it was teamwork and a reminder that by unity and love, the world will know that we are disciples of the Lord. We want that, right?

Ladies - Mis amigas y hermanas 

Since 2017, I've been serving with Youth with a Mission and it's been an awesome experience. It has also been a place of loneliness, as I live away from my family, church and friends. Also, it's been a place of growth. I’ve been challenged to step out of my comfort zone and to develop leadership skills and a very necessary dependence on the Lord's grace to accomplish His purpose.

Coming from a season of being "the boss", I was really excited about not being in charge and just enjoying the flow of what the Lord was doing. 

I very much enjoy connecting with people and I'm very passionate about friendships and connections led by the Lord. Through love, willingness, care, prayers and obedience, the Lord has helped me to let go of certain things and people. I’ve forgiven hurtful actions and words of the past and received a fresh start for this new season in my life.

Through this team of old and new friends and sisters, the Lord brought back to me the sweet and powerful freedom of being an intentional, loving and genuine friend/sister/daughter/servant/leader. I will always treasure all the laughter, help, hugs, prayers, notes, beats, jokes and moments we shared together. It's an honor to be connected to all of you. Thank you again for being such a blessing to me. 

Ministry - Outreach - Ministry

I have a passion for interpretation. It was a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Now, the Lord has given me the tools to do it and it is something that I love. Being the only Spanish native speaker in the team, I was aware that this trip would bring many opportunities to use this gift. It was a pleasure for me to be able to interpret for the Arrows directors, team members and hosts as they taught the Word and various dance classes. 

For ministry/prayer time after outreaches, we'd divide in groups. One night in Lima, after an outreach in a plaza, we had the opportunity to talk to a man who was really touched by what he saw. He described what he was feeling as peace and warmth. It was very special for me to interpret the words that our director Natalie was sharing with Him. We prayed together and he committed to read the Bible, little by little. Knowing how the Scriptures have changed my life, I was very encouraged and excited for him! We know and pray the Lord will continue to guide his path toward Him and that he will encounter freedom and abundant/eternal life. 

Thank You again Lord, for everything you have given me! Thank you for restoring, healing and refreshing me, for giving me passion and purpose, and for doing exceedingly above what I can think or imagine. You are the best companion in this amazing adventure You designed for me: to soar higher, become balanced by your hands and sharpened by your Word, and to hit the mark to advance Your kingdom. 

- Nilivette, from Panama (Summer Team Member: Costa Rica/Peru 2019)