Stepping out in Faith

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart”.

-Psalm 37:4

Lord your timing is SO perfect! wow. Today worked out so perfectly!! I got to see the birth of my niece without having WiFi all day and with the time difference it all worked out. With God there is no time difference His timing is... PERFECT! Today was the 35th anniversary for the Jocum (YWAM) base in Belem. We spent most of the day celebrating and attending classes. After that we drove to a church in Belem where Joy will speak tonight. Throughout the day I had to put my trust in God and let Him control everything. I tried WiFi at the base.. but no luck. After arriving at the church, Igor happened to ask if they had WiFi and yes they did.. Not only WiFi but FAST internet. Calling at 7:10pm (3:10pm medford time) the baby was about to be delivered, wow I’m so blessed by God, only 24 minutes later baby Mackenzie was born. 

He made everything come together for me, for my desires to make me happy. It goes to show you every moment in life has been planned. Down to the second you take a gasps of air, God is behind every step I take. God has planned my w h o l e  entire life (insert mind blown). From knowing this I can put all my trust, hope, and faith in HIM and only Him. Mackenzie Marie Vargas- a courageous lover. This is the Lord’s baby, and I saw Jesus wrapping His whole body around her protecting her from the world. Wow what a precious sight.

“Let the gospel change society”

10 or more days we have been on base. We have no idea what or which village we will attend next. Our time here we’ve been working on a overload of media we have to edit and sort through. Last weekend was ‘Kings Kids’ a program dedicated for kids. To learn more about God and to share what they’ve learned to there parents. My team and I got to capture the event, and more importantly hang out with the kids #bondingtime. 

At first it was a struggle trying to be creative with our photos in the dying heat. But in the end I pushed myself and got some awesome photos. Our times we’ve had as a team has been a treasure. Each day one of us teaches a devotion to one another out on the dock. It’s times like this I’ll remember forever, learning together and endless conversations about the bible, personal struggles, and life in general. Being away from home has hit me.. I miss my family and friends and with being away from my soon to be niece is difficult. I knew in doing this I would miss out on major events back at home. Would I change anything? NO way being in God’s will and supervision is calming and peaceful. 

“Put on the full armor of God” -Ephesians 6:11

The white VW passenger bus pulls up and the adventure continues. Loaded both cars and off we went on a two hour drive to the village of Moju Mirin. This short trip was a challenge for all. We stayed in the communities local school which was all closed in (bathroom, kitchen, and shower). After talking to a few locals to figure out the dynamics of the village. We discovered that we (my team and I) were the first white foreigners in that village. 

Before arriving my school leaders (Philip and Lily Lin) flew into to see us. To have a one on one with each of us. The morning before arriving in the village we gather and prayed before heading out. The Lord highlighted some words, and visions. Each one with a different purpose and meaning, H O L Y|S P I R I T    The color orange, a word ‘rider’, turkeys, vision of a young man, and for me a vision of me telling the gospel to a house full of people! 

Day 1: A team of dental hygienist came and cleaned teeth at no charge. This gave wonderful opportunities for us. To build relationships and share the gospel. While the adults went first for the teeth cleaning the kids needed to be entertained. BB tash, Joy, and myself taught games and bible stories to the kiddos. While playing sheep, sheep, Shepard (duck, duck, goose) half the group of kids ran down to the swimming hole stripped down and jumped in! Following after joy and myself lived in the moment and joined. Fully clothed. Splashing around a girl by the name of Carol  l o v e d  me. How I miss the joys of being a kid..with no worries. Carol and I shared something special this little girl captured my heart from sharing laughs and giggles, to embracing each with many hugs, to exchanged a few words in Portuguese. Thank you Carol for reminding me to have a child like mind set when loving others. 

Day 2: Home visits. From house to house we would share the gospel and would offer prayer to people. Each household we visited loved to talk and visit with us, coffee was offered along with greetings of hugs and kisses. We ended the night with a giant christian dance party ‘giant meaning Tash, Eline, and I’. If only we knew 3 hours later half the team got the flu virus. From the stories I heard violently sick. (Praise God I slept through it) 

Day 3: Just like that h a l f of team brazil was sick and ended up leaving the next morning to return back to base. Plans changed all the time in brazil. At first Eline wanted everyone to return home, but God had other plans. Now the Holy Spirit came into this village. Breaking into smaller groups for house visiting I was the only green-go (white person) along with 3 other Brazilians. Now the fun stuff. My vision came true. Each house we attend I shared the gospel. The last home I attend hit the ‘home run’. Walking up to this house I felt something different a good different. As we entered the home we started to chat. The father of the household knew Jesus, but was thirsty for more. In this moment I shared my testimony and a man whom was handicapped started to cry. I asked if anyone wanted pray and this man looked me in the eyes and nodded. He wanted prayer to press on, to be strengthen so he could impact and strengthen others. After ending the prayer I felt the presence of God and the room felt lighter and brighter. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart!” -Jeremiah 29:13

We spent seven days in a small remote village by the name of ‘Arapapucinho’. A total of 70 families live here. From car to bus, from bus to boat we made it. About the community you can only come in and from the village by boat, and only when the tide is ‘in’. That’s why the people have stayed hidden years ago. Run way slaves from Africa passed down from generation to generation. We (Igor, Hailey, Ryan, Natasha, Joy, and myself) lead by the community development school leader Wellington and his team. Elline, Bianca, Raissa, Thiaco, and Cassico. Each night we slept in hammocks with mosquito netting to protect from all the creators and bugs. In the day time we SWEAT like crazy. Being right on top of the equator the sun is HOT and humid. 

All the jungle- rain forest books I listen to as a child.. has come to life! On the last night being in the village of Arapapucinho as I swung in my hammock before bed the stars popped. Right before my eyes was the big dipper. So crisp and clear no city lights to distract. The moments before my eyes.. its a dream.. something I’ve wished for.. for so long. I have asked the Lord for a crazy life.. and here’s just a taste of whats to come. If I continue to pursue and dream big with Jesus.  The relationships we’ve built with the people have been life changing. Communicating by a smile and laugh has opened and captured my heart. As a team we came here to love… to build relationships and to become like the culture. Slowly we are learning the language. 

The river is S O peaceful and not scary. Like i thought it would be. I swear my imagination makes things 10 times worse. Every time I ride on the small boat’s my heart races with such excitement. Words cannot describe this place. It is magical. 

I can smell the fresh r a i n we will experience in the amazon. I’m almost shaking I’m SO excited. Tomorrow we head out of Brasilia (the capital of brazil) and take a four hour flight to Belém. We all have no idea what lays ahead of us or what to expect. The U N K N O W N. Outreach starts once we hop on the plane. 

|This city has captured my heart in the best way possible. 

The amount of blessing we’ve received is c r a z y. I want to thank each and every person I’ve met in Brasilia. I love the way the people l o v e here. Each ‘stranger’ you meet greets you with a hug and kiss on each cheek. No matter where we go.. whoever we meet.. we are welcomed. It’s hard to explain but I feel wherever I go.. I feel at home. This feeling I have is so secure and safe. Over the past 3 months we have prayed for God’s protection over our team. Now in being in brazil I can feel His protection. I can feel Him, and I have seen God behind the scene. With each meal, hug, prayer, words of encouragement, and hospitality. 

We have planted seeds in many parts of Brasilia. From feed the homeless downtown, to talking and building relationships with prostitutes. 

My first week in Brasilia has been incrível (amazing). I didn’t know what to expect from this culture. I’m in  l o v e  with the people. Arriving from the airport Igor’s family greeted us with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. His mother Celica is wonderful, she may not speak much english. But she feels like another mother to me. His dad Jay is a wise, genuine, and funny. Carol his sister is beautiful inside and out. The very moment we met she offered her room to us, and even offered her bed. Carol has show us around her city, and has taken the time to teach us about the culture. His family has embraced us with such hospitality and F O O D.

Now in being in brazil for one week. I’ve learned many things. But the love language for the Brazilian’s is food. All sorts of new and different food and traditions. Almost everything is f r e s h. Every meal that is served has some sort of cheese and bread. Queijo minas (Minas cheese), cream cheese, and Requeijão (cheese spread). Now a mix of both worlds. Cheese bread is HUGE. The cheese is baked in the inside of the bread. Even McDonald’s serves and sell this delicious and tasty treat! Meat is another staple. From all sorts beef, chicken, and pork. All seasoned so well with many different favors from rosemary to garlic. Last but not least rice and beans is another tradition sprinkled onto with farofa. The Coffee or café is strong you only need half of a cup to drink. Compared to the coffee at the YWAM base we are completely spoiled.. haha.. When they make the coffee here, they don't use a ‘coffee maker’. It is all hand made from boiling the water to straining the coffee grounds. 

This week has been JAM packed with some many activities, gatherings, ministry, and evangelizing. I have SO much more to blog but have such limited time. So cherish every post.. ! I love and miss you all! Keep the prayers coming our way. Next Saturday we will be in Belém aka the A M A Z O N. A long 56 days it will be... but I’m SO excited! 

| Until next time |

tchau! (bye)

My time in kona has been one big Adventure with Jesus.

|Lecture phase is over... | It has been 10 weeks of intense training of to ‘know God’. I have experienced the love he has for me, and from that... I’m ready to extend the love into the nations. Into the slums and children in Brazil. “We live by Faith, not by sight” 2 Cor. 5:7

All the weeks of preparing is now here. Coming to YWAM I grew a deeper love for kona. The relationship’s I’ve made have changed me. I have a new spiritual family and home.

As I sit here in the LAX airport It hasn't dawned on me. GAH I’m so pumped all this training and excitement is starting! I have two more flights and I’ll be in Brasilia Saturday morning. B R A Z I L get ready. We are coming for you. We may not have the whole team with us yet, but we aren’t giving up. The Lord is paving the way for us. Unify: Family and of course o h a n a                          

I am ready to kick start this bumpy and wild Journey with my heavenly Father.

||H E R E  W E  G O

My adventure with Jesus has been one giant G L O R Y bomb! Exploding with tons of love, and break through.

|| Week 8_Co-Create_Joseph Avakian ||

Life is like a blank canvas. We have so many options and decisions on how to fill in the frame. Myself as a photographer I get to choose the subject in front of my lens. Yes I will make mistakes. Yes I will fail..and from every failure there’s a lesson that is taught. Joseph taught on his success with the Lord, and how simply he pulls Jesus into his art work. He taught us to co-create with God. How? Invite Him. Ask for ideas, ask to see what He wants you to see. Give me your eyes Jesus. This week has opened my eyes. Opened my eyes to dream big, and to capture the beauty this world has to offer. 

//T U N E into His Voice\\

Week 9 & 10| Outreach training

In only 6 days, I’ll be leaving to Brazil.. wow. My lecture phase has flown by. Week 9 was cooperate week, were all the DTS came together. We learned how  to make disciples, and to keep the gospel simple. To Go, Gather, Pray, and Guide. || Cross Culture with Andrew + Terry York || This past week made me so pumped for Brazil. I learned much about culture and how my culture defines ‘who I am’. More importantly that “There is beauty in being different”-Terry York. They taught on how to respect others and how our comments is how we judge the culture. In the amidst of it all my heart is to honor and serve.

 B.R.A.Z.I.L get ready, we are coming for you! 

|Week 6| Mathew Toller| Messianic Rabbi| Bible Overview

Why is our view of God so important? Can I even answer this question.. For all I know is, I need a role model in life. A purpose for life. Mathew had fun testing us on God. Asking questions like “Do we believe God is the same now, or how come we feel guilty when calling upon the Lord (when we’ve sinned). 

M A N has caused a separation from God. Our sin causes us to flee from God. What really happens is as we sin God draws closer to us. 

 “But the Lord God called to the man, Where are you?”. -Genesis 3:9

Mathew taught on how the Lord is our shepherd and we are the sheep. I found out how dumb and stupid sheep can be. Sheep are: directionless, defenseless.  and need T O N S of attention. If a sheep ever falls over on its back, the sheep will accept it’s fate. All it takes is for the shepherd to rub the tummy and the sheep will flip over. I’m so thankful for Jesus being the shepherd of my life. Even when I’m lost in the waves of life. 

|Week 7| John Leach| Father heart of God 

“We create a reality around us, according to the reality in us”.-John Leach      This one quote encourages me. Pushes me to be a better person, to put others before my needs and wants. How can I/we bridge the spiritual to the secular reality. By showing people grace, hope, and love found in the father. How? by simply a smile, hug, words of affirmation, buying someone coffee, and so much more. 

|| Am I living ||

For Gods approval 

or

From Gods approval 

To be transformed, I must renew my mind daily. 

First speak the will of God (first thing in the morning)

Read the word (full of promises) 

Meditate on God (listen and be still before Him)

This is something that won’t happen over night. It’s a life style. I have to live, breathe and yes renew for the rest of my L I F E. Is it worth it, is HE worth it. 

\Balance in Life//

You cannot get ‘fruit’ without being in balance. Mind, spirt, and body. All three need to be in balanced. If you don’t take the time to rest in any of the three. You will have a blow out. 

Work hard><Work smart

R O O T E D // Fine art: https://500px.com/missheatherr23

This week in lecture we learned to co-create with God. Wow I'm blown away from the story behind this photograph. Our 'assignment' was to take a photo to represent and capture the love God has for the people in Kona, Hawaii. Jumped on my scooter and headed to the Keiki pond (a special place between the Lord and I) I simply asked Him to let me see something new. To open my eyes to creation. After setting up my camera and tripod. I started clicking away.. With each click I simply said words of praise. Thanking God for the air in my lungs, and all the little things in between. This curvy tree sparked my interest. In no time I captured this photo.

-Colossians 1:23

Holy Spirit: In the belief of many Christians, one of the three persons in the one God, along with the Father and the Son (Jesus is the Son). Jesus promised the Apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit after his Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here.

| Week 5 |Amy Ward| Holy Spirit |

This week has been life changing for me. I am blown away by the presence of my Father. Amy is a amazing Women of God. She is so powerful, and its very evident God is doing HUGE works in her life. Amy taught us how the Holy Spirit is our friend, how the H.S. releases powers and gifts.  

3 that See: (A word of Wisdom, Knowledge,or Discerning of Spirits) 

3 that Do: (The gift of Special Faith, Healings, and Miracles)

3 that Speak: (The gift of Prophecy, Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues)

He is the third person of the Godhead. We see Holy Spirit has a role in creation Genesis 1:2 The earth was formless and void and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. (For more notes on the Holy Spirit click here)

The Lord has literally shattered my mind set on life. I can now relate to the term “He Rocks my World”. I learned to partner with the H.S, and learned the Holy Spirit draws people to Jesus. To learn is one thing, but to experience the presences of the H.S. Is out of this world! Here’s my revelation. 

Thursday//5-14-15//Releasing of spiritual gifts

Backing up to DTS Week one. I received my ‘prayer language’ during ministry night. A time of worship and intense love for our Father and the nations. I asked for more of a passionate love between the Father and I. From asking I received my prayer language. During this time I had visions of my wedding day with Jesus. Rejoicing and S O in love. Speaking in tongues is the perfect prayer. 

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and his Bride has made herself ready...” Revelation 19:7

As we invited the Holy Spirit to come into the classroom. I had a twisting knot in my stomach. Like I had to physically let something out of my system. While praying I had put God in a box for my life. Without knowing. I had let control control me. I had finally released the Holy Spirit for his will. As soon as I did Amy came over and prayed for me. I started shaking and was battling my fleshy desires (physically shaking and the cross flashing in my mind). I finally and whole heartily committed to saying YES to God. I gave Him the reins of my life. A release of p e a c e broke out, and I dropped to the ground. I had felt like I had died and came back to life. 

While laying on the ground I visioned my body on an operating table. As if I had just came back to life. I asked what does this mean? (No word and or emotion can explain) The Lord told me I will do miracles, miracles of raising the dead.   C R A Z Y. 

You could say I was/still am freaked out of my mind. He whispered out of disbelief “You have a greater destiny than you think”. Poke me.. is this real life.. am I dreaming. Y O U guys. I’m experiencing the TRUE and living G O D. I have seen JESUS with my own two eyes. Face to face. If you lay down a period of your life to the Father. He will rock your world and  f o r e v e r  change you.

Week 3|Tom and Donna Cole| Mother Womb (part 2)

Week 3|Tom and Donna Cole| Mother Womb 

//Week 3//

The start of the week M O N D A Y. Happens to be media day! For our first adventure for the (advanced team) we ended up going to Greenwell Farms Inc the original and one of the first coffee farms on the Big Island. Our task was to capture ‘the life of a coffee bean’. It ended up raining on us, but the memories we made were prime. Rain or shine we had fun, and captured some fun moments. 

After the coffee farm we headed over to the ‘Painted Church’ The creative juices flowed. So much color and detail in such a small church. 

If you have been tracking with me. Each week God has given we a word. For week 3 He gave me to bear fruit. To bear new and clean fruit for His glory. Also a word of Unravel. Later to find out week 3 was ‘pure heart’ the authors of the book Tom & Donna Cole. Came in and spoke on the father/mother and any wombs in my past. After the week ended I felt ‘new’. The sins that haunted me I buried at the cross. For bearing new fruit the Lord told me I’m pure, new, and His forever. From this I’m a new Heather Morse. Completely and 100% in love with Jesus.