Something amazing happened to me. I took a stroll through my past, and Jesus showed me incredible things. I want to tell you about it.
For the past week at YWAM LA we've had a ministry group called Restoring The Foundations (RTF) training and teaching students and staff at the base. RTF is a prayer ministry where people receive inner healing based on four primary problem areas; Generational Sins, Ungodly Beliefs, Soul/Spirit Hurts and Demonic Oppression. That might sound a little spooky and religious and weird, but all I can do is tell you what I genuinely experienced.
The ministry for addressing past Soul/Spirit Hurts is incredibly powerful. Someone leads you through a prayer process where you ask God to bring you back to a painful memory where He wants to minister. You tell Jesus all of the negative things that you're feeling and ask Him to heal your pains. Then you ask Jesus to take you to Father God, and then you revisit the original memory and see how drastically different it becomes once God has brought healing.
I know this sounds a little crazy. I've grown up in church my entire life and I had no context for something like this. My first reaction was, 'Christian Hypnotism'. But it's not. There's no manipulation. It isn't about the person guiding you through the ministry process at all. It's about seeking God and asking Him to bring healing.
So here's what happened...
I closed my eyes and asked God to bring me back to a painful memory where He wants to bring healing. It was quite a faith-stretcher to ask Him such an open-ended question. I had no idea where this was going. But within moments, He brought me back.
I was 18 years old, back in my bedroom, smoking pot. I need to give a little bit of context. Right before I turned 18 I developed bi-polar disorder, and right after I graduated high school I became very rebellious. I abandoned my relationship with God and got wrapped up in drugs and partying. This cycle of depression and rebellion continued for 3 years and only ended when I came to YWAM LA to do my DTS. Long story short.
So back to my room...
There I am, smoking and listening to music. Up late, all alone. I felt good. It felt good to be doing what I wanted to do. But at the same time it felt a little wrong. I felt lonely. Why do I have to be alone and acting in secret to be having fun and trying to feel free? I felt rebellious. Then I asked Jesus to come into my memory...
There He was in the middle of the room, sitting on a chair and playing violin. He was so peaceful and so loving. So content. Just playing His beautiful song. It felt great to have Him there. I could feel Him ministering to me through the music. So then I decided to give all my negative emotions and hurtful feelings to Him. Without a second thought He took my pains and placed them on the violin strings, and they were effortlessly absorbed into the song. He took all my pain and made something beautiful out of it. It was all part of His song.
Then I asked Him to take me to the Father...
Suddenly we were outside of my bedroom window on the roof, staring up at the moon. This was significant. Growing up, I used to always lay on a hill across from my house and peer up at the moon. As a kid, that's how I felt connected to God. Just me and Him. So Jesus took me back to that feeling, and He made it better than ever. It wasn't just me staring up into the universe dreaming of God. The Son of God Himself was right there beside me, and we admired the beauty of the Father together.
Then I went back to visit the orignal memory and see how it had changed...
Jesus was there, still peacefully playing the violin. I was at the window staring out at the moon. But something was still wrong. My back was turned to Jesus. We weren't connecting. That's when God told me that I had an Orphan Spirit. The Orphan Spirit is something that I've heard taught about many times before, but it's never been anything that I would suspect myself of struggling with. I have two amazing and loving parents. I'm not an orphan. But that's what God said. I realized then that I've spent most of my life feeling alone. Even when I was in seasons of having a good relationship with God, there were parts of myself that weren't fully open to Him, and long stretches of road that I chose to walk alone. But I've never ever been alone. God has always, always been there. Jesus had always had my back. Jesus had always been by my side. So He decided to show me just how strong and personal His love was for me.
He handed me a violin...
I was overcome with joy. I laughed and laughed. My mind was blown. The person guiding me through the ministry asked me what was going on, but I couldn't answer for a long time. I just laughed and laughed. Jesus couldn't have made a more powerful statement of His love towards me. He was inviting me into His song. But it wasn't a matter of His song and my song anymore. It was our song. I was forgiven. I was healed. I was loved, and nothing on Heaven or on Earth could undo that love. My back wasn't turned anymore. We were together. We were playing our love song.
Now I can go back to that memory, and I can't focus on the pain. I can think of that entire dark season of my life, and I see something new. I see all of my brokenness and shame taken into the hands of Jesus and weaved into our song. And it's a really good song. It's a love song.
This is a true story. God is crazy, and His love for us is crazy. He is my Healer, and He can be yours as well. He's dying to show you how much He loves you...
This is my desire,
To be wild and free for my King
I used to run myself into ruin,
Now I will run where He calls me
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
The God Who Speaks (San Jose, Costa Rica)
After our time working with Homes of Hope in San Jose, we had the opportunity to participate in a local church service for a church that was having a week long emphasis on missions. On the first evening we attended, our team performed their drama, and students shared teachings and testimonies. At the end of the service, we were called to the front to pray for those who would like prayer and the congregation was invited to come forth. Most of our team was quickly approached and began praying for people, but I stood at the front for a while without activity. Shortly after, one the of men from the YWAM San Jose staff encouraged me that we could go out into the congregation and ask people if they would like to receive prayer. So with Emma and our trusty translator Ruth, I set out. We saw a middle aged couple sitting towards the back that seemed highlighted, so we approached them and asked if they would like prayer for anything. As is usually the case with the very friendly and warm-culture Costa Rican's, they accepted our offer. Emma and I prayed in English, and Ruth finished us off praying in Spanish, but while we were praying I had the very distinct impression that I should pray for theirs kids, and specifically that there was some sort of separation with God taking place. So I had Ruth translate what I was feeling, and they confirmed that this was indeed going on. I was able to encourage them that I felt God was saying He saw what was going on, and He was actively pursuing their heart. They seemed very touched to know that God would use some random guy like me just to come and encourage them. At the end of the service the mother came and thanked me again and shared some more of what was going on with their family and their son. It turns out they they were pastors in this church, and that their son had not been coming for months...
The next evening we returned to the same church for another service. I wasn't active in any ministry this time, but I did notice the father from the previous evening and we greeted each other. At the end of the service, he came up to me and introduced me to a young man that I had noticed across from me throughout the night. The father did not speak much English, but he told me that this was his son that I had prayed for, and with that he departed and left the two of us together. His son did speak English, and began by saying that his father had told him that I had received a word for him in prayer. Talk about awkward. Here I stood before a man that had only existed in my mind theoretically the night before, now I had met him and had to skip straight into the business of sharing prophecy. No pressure. But alas, I told him what I had felt, and he received it well. He shared his story with me, how he had grown up in this church and was very active on the worship team, but some type of dramatic event had taken place in his family, and now he no longer felt comfortable being around the church congregation. On top of this, most of his co-workers were not Christian and were not encouraging him in his faith. He said that he had only come to church that night on a whim, at his sisters suggestion. And tonight of all nights, here I was to meet him. It was awesome to be able to listen to him share his heart, to encourage him, and to pray with him. And when he comes to mind, I continue to pray for him and his family.
(Video includes me sharing about this story + other stories from San Jose)
"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help..." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
The circumstances of those two nights blew my mind and brought me so much joy. It brought deeper affirmation to my heart that if we can be a people who prays, our God is a God who speaks. And you just never know what might happen when you share what He speaks to you.
The next evening we returned to the same church for another service. I wasn't active in any ministry this time, but I did notice the father from the previous evening and we greeted each other. At the end of the service, he came up to me and introduced me to a young man that I had noticed across from me throughout the night. The father did not speak much English, but he told me that this was his son that I had prayed for, and with that he departed and left the two of us together. His son did speak English, and began by saying that his father had told him that I had received a word for him in prayer. Talk about awkward. Here I stood before a man that had only existed in my mind theoretically the night before, now I had met him and had to skip straight into the business of sharing prophecy. No pressure. But alas, I told him what I had felt, and he received it well. He shared his story with me, how he had grown up in this church and was very active on the worship team, but some type of dramatic event had taken place in his family, and now he no longer felt comfortable being around the church congregation. On top of this, most of his co-workers were not Christian and were not encouraging him in his faith. He said that he had only come to church that night on a whim, at his sisters suggestion. And tonight of all nights, here I was to meet him. It was awesome to be able to listen to him share his heart, to encourage him, and to pray with him. And when he comes to mind, I continue to pray for him and his family.
(Video includes me sharing about this story + other stories from San Jose)
"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help..." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Costa Rica Week 4: Homes of Hope
"For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God" - Hebrews 3:4
After our time in Puerto Viejo we returned to the YWAM base in San Jose and transitioned into four days of working with Homes of Hope. Homes of Hope is a YWAM ministry that began in 1990 when staff members from YWAM Los Angeles spearheaded the effort to build the first house in Tijuana [ywamhomesofhope.org/who-we-are]. HOH now operates in 9 countries and has built thousands of houses. The heart of HOH is to build quality houses for poor families in Latin America and work alongside the families in the building process. Our mission was to build 4 houses in 2 days, as a large group of volunteer builders from the States came in to work with YWAM San Jose staff and the families. It seemed a tall order...
(Panarica team members hangin` with YWAM San Jose staff and a neighborhood boy)
It was amazing to see the life, energy and love that was injected into this poor community as we all came together with the common purpose of service and blessing others. A common theme that came up during the lecture phase of our DTS - from teacher to teacher - was that we are blessed to be a blessing. The love and graciousness of God poured out onto our lives compels us to love and serve one another. It felt amazing to be a part of the beautiful, collective effort to bless these families.
Our team had the distinct privilege of heading up the Hospitality Team, which covered everything from setting up the day before construction began, to serving the meals, and keeping all the builders fed and hydrated throughout the day. Though we didn't work on the house constyruction itself, I never once felt like what we were doing was insignificant. It felt like an honor just to be a part of the entire process and to be able to serve the families and the builders. And yes, we did it. 4 houses. 2 days.
(The Hospitality Team taking one of our many trips throughout the day to refresh the builders)
At the end of the second day the workers from each build site held a presentation ceremony. They gathered in a circle with the family, and as they passed the keys to the house from worker to worker, they shared their hearts. I was so blessed to see the encouragement, life and love they spoke over them. This was truly the Gospel in action. They could have easily just written out a check to any number of worthy charities, but they had spent their money, left their homes, and dedicated their time and labor all to bless complete strangers. Finally, they presented the family with their keys, and they walked in to see their completed, brand new house for the first time...
(Builders and family standing in front of their newly constructed home)
The houses were furnished, stocked with groceries, and some toys for the kids. After they invited us in, they began to express their thanks. The father was near speechless. The mother began to cry. All I could do was crack a wild smile. This was how life should be. This is what love looks like. This is what outreach is all about. The days flew by, but we will cherish this experience long after...
Viva Casas de Esperanza!
(Testimonies about Homes of Hope and other parts of our journey in San Jose)
After our time in Puerto Viejo we returned to the YWAM base in San Jose and transitioned into four days of working with Homes of Hope. Homes of Hope is a YWAM ministry that began in 1990 when staff members from YWAM Los Angeles spearheaded the effort to build the first house in Tijuana [ywamhomesofhope.org/who-we-are]. HOH now operates in 9 countries and has built thousands of houses. The heart of HOH is to build quality houses for poor families in Latin America and work alongside the families in the building process. Our mission was to build 4 houses in 2 days, as a large group of volunteer builders from the States came in to work with YWAM San Jose staff and the families. It seemed a tall order...
(Panarica team members hangin` with YWAM San Jose staff and a neighborhood boy)
It was amazing to see the life, energy and love that was injected into this poor community as we all came together with the common purpose of service and blessing others. A common theme that came up during the lecture phase of our DTS - from teacher to teacher - was that we are blessed to be a blessing. The love and graciousness of God poured out onto our lives compels us to love and serve one another. It felt amazing to be a part of the beautiful, collective effort to bless these families.
(American volunteers + YWAM San Jose staff - walls come up)
Our team had the distinct privilege of heading up the Hospitality Team, which covered everything from setting up the day before construction began, to serving the meals, and keeping all the builders fed and hydrated throughout the day. Though we didn't work on the house constyruction itself, I never once felt like what we were doing was insignificant. It felt like an honor just to be a part of the entire process and to be able to serve the families and the builders. And yes, we did it. 4 houses. 2 days.
At the end of the second day the workers from each build site held a presentation ceremony. They gathered in a circle with the family, and as they passed the keys to the house from worker to worker, they shared their hearts. I was so blessed to see the encouragement, life and love they spoke over them. This was truly the Gospel in action. They could have easily just written out a check to any number of worthy charities, but they had spent their money, left their homes, and dedicated their time and labor all to bless complete strangers. Finally, they presented the family with their keys, and they walked in to see their completed, brand new house for the first time...
(Builders and family standing in front of their newly constructed home)
The houses were furnished, stocked with groceries, and some toys for the kids. After they invited us in, they began to express their thanks. The father was near speechless. The mother began to cry. All I could do was crack a wild smile. This was how life should be. This is what love looks like. This is what outreach is all about. The days flew by, but we will cherish this experience long after...
Viva Casas de Esperanza!
(Testimonies about Homes of Hope and other parts of our journey in San Jose)
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Costa Rica Week 3: Pioneers of Puerto Viejo
After our first two weeks of service in Heredia we made our way to the YWAM base in San Jose. Our contact there was a Colombian man affectionately known as Rasta, which translates to dreadlocks in Spanish. And yes, he has big 'ol dreadlocks. Rasta has worked at the San Jose base for several years and is currently leading the construction of a brand new base in Puerto Viejo.
The Dream to Reach a Nation:
Puerto Viejo is a beach town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It is a major tourist town with a heavy spiritual atmosphere. There is a very prevalent partying culture, drugs and alcohol, and even some witchcraft. But the town is also very beautifully diverse. People from all over the world have come to settle there, from the far reaches of Latin America to Western Europe. Years ago, God spoke to Rasta and told him that Puerto Viejo is a gateway to reaching all of Costa Rica, and since then he has been praying and dreaming about building a base there. Finally, God provided the land for a miraculous price and Rasta and his wife have been working tirelessly ever since. Our team was only the third DTS team to come and work on the base.
(Humble beginnings - a sign hangs for the forthcoming base, YWAM Puerto Viejo)
The Landscape:
Though only a stones throw off of a main road, the property can easily be described as straight up jungle. There was heat and humidity in plenty, and lots and lots of interesting wildlife. The girls had the pleasure of discovering several new species of spiders (often times in their room), while we all enjoyed the spotting of a sloth, Congo monkeys, and a momma caiman with several small babies living in the pond in front of the main building. It was such a new experience and such an adventure.
The Labor of Faith:
Our time here consisted of some of the toughest physical labor I've ever experienced. It was a difficult adjustment for me at first, but after a couple days, God really blessed me with the heart behind the work. I remembered how coming to do my DTS at YWAM Los Angeles was an experience that completely changed the course of my life and lifted me up out of immense depression. What makes YWAM beautiful is the radical encounters with God that it facilitates. With that memory and knowledge in mind, it became easy to work with all of my strength, because I knew what I was working towards. I can only imagine the countless number of students (and staff alike) who are going to have life-changing experiences with God while they are at YWAM Puerto Viejo.
Worshiping While Shoveling:
The work we did during this week was very practical and very needed. Our service was just another step towards the completion of a dream. When we arrived there was no power or water for the first three days, so we began our week by forming an assembly line to carry water from the river to the base. No, we couldn't drink it, but it did come in handy to be able to flush the toilets. Myself and the two other guys on our team did a lot of work shoveling mud out of the river to create even ground where a concrete porch will be built. We also laid some foundations for the expansion of the second floor in the main building. The girls did an amazing job on landscaping and creating a path around the base. We also had the opportunity to work with a small church in town and help them put on their children's Christmas program. The congregation was small, but the depths of wisdom and faithfulness in the hearts of its members was truly a blessing for our team to behold.
Looking Forward:
We may have only contributed a weeks worth of work, but we were so blessed to lend our support towards history in the making. I hope that YWAM LA continues to send teams here to help pioneer this base, and I know that many people on our team are hoping to return and see the finished project. With God, all things are possible. When He places dreams in our hearts, He will be faithful to work for their realization.
(Team Panarica - blessed to live a week alongside the pioneers of Puerto Viejo)
The Dream to Reach a Nation:
Puerto Viejo is a beach town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It is a major tourist town with a heavy spiritual atmosphere. There is a very prevalent partying culture, drugs and alcohol, and even some witchcraft. But the town is also very beautifully diverse. People from all over the world have come to settle there, from the far reaches of Latin America to Western Europe. Years ago, God spoke to Rasta and told him that Puerto Viejo is a gateway to reaching all of Costa Rica, and since then he has been praying and dreaming about building a base there. Finally, God provided the land for a miraculous price and Rasta and his wife have been working tirelessly ever since. Our team was only the third DTS team to come and work on the base.
(Humble beginnings - a sign hangs for the forthcoming base, YWAM Puerto Viejo)
The Landscape:
Though only a stones throw off of a main road, the property can easily be described as straight up jungle. There was heat and humidity in plenty, and lots and lots of interesting wildlife. The girls had the pleasure of discovering several new species of spiders (often times in their room), while we all enjoyed the spotting of a sloth, Congo monkeys, and a momma caiman with several small babies living in the pond in front of the main building. It was such a new experience and such an adventure.
(YWAM San Jose head of communications, Pablo, helps shovel mud from the river)
The Labor of Faith:
Our time here consisted of some of the toughest physical labor I've ever experienced. It was a difficult adjustment for me at first, but after a couple days, God really blessed me with the heart behind the work. I remembered how coming to do my DTS at YWAM Los Angeles was an experience that completely changed the course of my life and lifted me up out of immense depression. What makes YWAM beautiful is the radical encounters with God that it facilitates. With that memory and knowledge in mind, it became easy to work with all of my strength, because I knew what I was working towards. I can only imagine the countless number of students (and staff alike) who are going to have life-changing experiences with God while they are at YWAM Puerto Viejo.
(Our team and a crew from YWAM San Jose work on landscaping)
Worshiping While Shoveling:
The work we did during this week was very practical and very needed. Our service was just another step towards the completion of a dream. When we arrived there was no power or water for the first three days, so we began our week by forming an assembly line to carry water from the river to the base. No, we couldn't drink it, but it did come in handy to be able to flush the toilets. Myself and the two other guys on our team did a lot of work shoveling mud out of the river to create even ground where a concrete porch will be built. We also laid some foundations for the expansion of the second floor in the main building. The girls did an amazing job on landscaping and creating a path around the base. We also had the opportunity to work with a small church in town and help them put on their children's Christmas program. The congregation was small, but the depths of wisdom and faithfulness in the hearts of its members was truly a blessing for our team to behold.
(Anne works on painting rocks to accentuate the path)
Looking Forward:
We may have only contributed a weeks worth of work, but we were so blessed to lend our support towards history in the making. I hope that YWAM LA continues to send teams here to help pioneer this base, and I know that many people on our team are hoping to return and see the finished project. With God, all things are possible. When He places dreams in our hearts, He will be faithful to work for their realization.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Costa Rica Week 1 & 2: Talking to strangers, feeding the homeless, and milking the goats
Hola from Costa Rica!
Our team arrived safely on the morning of Decenber 6th and settled into the YWAM base in Heredia. The base is tucked away up in the hills above town on several beautiful acres. It's definitely very peaceful here.
(A view of the main building at YWAM Heredia)
Church Ministry:
Our ministry started right away on Sunday, Two teammates and I got to lead worship for a church service and another one of our students shared a testimony. They were very welcoming and appreciative, It was great to be a part of their community for the morning. I also met a Costa Rican woman there who lived in San Francisco for several years as well as Walnut Creek - the city near and dear to my heart and a place I called home for almost a year. That was an amusing highlight for me. What a small world eh!
Prayer & Evangelism:
On Monday we went out for what was called "The Amazing Prayer Race". We went throughout the city meeting people and learning about life in Costa Rica and Heredia. After getting to know people a little we asked if we could pray for them, and most of them said yes! People seem to be generally more open here than back in the States, We even got to meet the police chief and pray for him after he told us about the issues that face the public and the police department in Heredia, I was really surprised by his openness to talk and how much he welcomed prayer. He said we were welcomed back anytime.
Homeless Ministry:
On Tuesday we got to work with a homeless feeding ministry, which seemed to to be the highlight of the week for most of our team. Most of the men living on the streets suffer with addiction, and many of them have been shamed away from their families and don't receive love or support from them. I met a man who had been in an alcoholic treatment facility that his family was paying for, but because of extremely poor treatment there, he had recently taken to the streets, He asked if I would pray for him, and after a couple of minutes of prayer through a translator, he said that he felt totally at peace. He had been very anxious and unsettled lately, but in that moment, he felt peace. God is so good! All of the men were incredibly thankful for our service, and we enjoyed a time of getting to know them and praying for them. It was a very special time and a blessing to our team.
Serving The Base:
Our last type of ministry while staying at YWAM Heredia was serving the base directly. The base sits on about seven acres of rural land and has gardens, an aquaponics system, and several types of farm animals. Our team really enjoyed working at the base, which included everything from landscaping to milking the goats. Their base takes a lot of work to maintain and they were very thankful that we were able to help out for a couple days.
One Last Highlight:
During our second week in Heredia we continued to evangelize in one of the cities central parks, I met a man who was handing out fliers for his business, which was selling plots of land for burial. I began to ask him about his life and it turned out that he was a Christian. He immigrated to Costa Rica from Columbia ten years ago and now has a wife and two small children. He admitted that he hadn't been going to church as much as he would like to because he was so busy with work. I was able to pray for him for a few minutes and afterwards he said that he felt on fire and very refreshed. He was so thankful. I could tell that he was truly blessed by our encounter. He said it was just what he had needed. It can be really scary and awkward to walk up to strangers and try to spark a spiritual conversation (especially in a non-native language), but sometimes you can end up totally blessing someone. And even if somebody doesn't receive you well, you can still plant seeds of truth and encouragement that may grow later on. God is good and faithful. If we love Him, we are commanded to love others, not by our own strength, but by His strength. His grace is sufficient for us.
Stay tuned. I can't wait to share about the following week of our trip!
Much love,
- Trevor
Our team arrived safely on the morning of Decenber 6th and settled into the YWAM base in Heredia. The base is tucked away up in the hills above town on several beautiful acres. It's definitely very peaceful here.
(A view of the main building at YWAM Heredia)
Church Ministry:
Our ministry started right away on Sunday, Two teammates and I got to lead worship for a church service and another one of our students shared a testimony. They were very welcoming and appreciative, It was great to be a part of their community for the morning. I also met a Costa Rican woman there who lived in San Francisco for several years as well as Walnut Creek - the city near and dear to my heart and a place I called home for almost a year. That was an amusing highlight for me. What a small world eh!
Prayer & Evangelism:
On Monday we went out for what was called "The Amazing Prayer Race". We went throughout the city meeting people and learning about life in Costa Rica and Heredia. After getting to know people a little we asked if we could pray for them, and most of them said yes! People seem to be generally more open here than back in the States, We even got to meet the police chief and pray for him after he told us about the issues that face the public and the police department in Heredia, I was really surprised by his openness to talk and how much he welcomed prayer. He said we were welcomed back anytime.
Homeless Ministry:
On Tuesday we got to work with a homeless feeding ministry, which seemed to to be the highlight of the week for most of our team. Most of the men living on the streets suffer with addiction, and many of them have been shamed away from their families and don't receive love or support from them. I met a man who had been in an alcoholic treatment facility that his family was paying for, but because of extremely poor treatment there, he had recently taken to the streets, He asked if I would pray for him, and after a couple of minutes of prayer through a translator, he said that he felt totally at peace. He had been very anxious and unsettled lately, but in that moment, he felt peace. God is so good! All of the men were incredibly thankful for our service, and we enjoyed a time of getting to know them and praying for them. It was a very special time and a blessing to our team.
Serving The Base:
Our last type of ministry while staying at YWAM Heredia was serving the base directly. The base sits on about seven acres of rural land and has gardens, an aquaponics system, and several types of farm animals. Our team really enjoyed working at the base, which included everything from landscaping to milking the goats. Their base takes a lot of work to maintain and they were very thankful that we were able to help out for a couple days.
(The right path leads back to a garden and the horse/goat pens. In the middle are two aquaponics systems.)
One Last Highlight:
During our second week in Heredia we continued to evangelize in one of the cities central parks, I met a man who was handing out fliers for his business, which was selling plots of land for burial. I began to ask him about his life and it turned out that he was a Christian. He immigrated to Costa Rica from Columbia ten years ago and now has a wife and two small children. He admitted that he hadn't been going to church as much as he would like to because he was so busy with work. I was able to pray for him for a few minutes and afterwards he said that he felt on fire and very refreshed. He was so thankful. I could tell that he was truly blessed by our encounter. He said it was just what he had needed. It can be really scary and awkward to walk up to strangers and try to spark a spiritual conversation (especially in a non-native language), but sometimes you can end up totally blessing someone. And even if somebody doesn't receive you well, you can still plant seeds of truth and encouragement that may grow later on. God is good and faithful. If we love Him, we are commanded to love others, not by our own strength, but by His strength. His grace is sufficient for us.
Stay tuned. I can't wait to share about the following week of our trip!
Much love,
- Trevor
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Costa Rica and Panama!
I`m leading a missionary outreach team to Costa Rica and Panama for the next three months. We arrived in Costa Rica today! Check out the video to hear about what we`re gonna be up to.
Monday, December 1, 2014
God is generous!
Here at YWAM Los Angeles we currently have three Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) running and 8 outreach teams that are leaving this week to serve for the next three months in other nations. Today is the deadline for all of the students to pay off their balance for outreach. Outreach trips range from 3-4 thousand dollars. This morning during our time of base-wide community worship we took an offering for the students who still needed more funds. There were about ten students who still needed money, four of them from the team that I am leading to Costa Rica and Panama. The total need between all students was about $8,000.
As a community of around 150 people, about half of which are students and the other half full-time volunteers at the base, we raised $7,300 through giving. And all four of the students on my team got paid off in full, plus some extra. Incredible.
This is all a reflection of who God is. God is so generous and He can meet every single need we have in our lives, from the spiritual to the practical. Every bit of the tuition and outreach cost I had in my DTS was paid off through the amazing generosity of others. We were never created to be fully independent. We need God's grace and we need each other. Community is beautiful, and it's God's idea. To those of you have supported me in my journey over the past couple years, through your thoughts, prayers and finances, thank you so much. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without you. I hope you're encouraged and filled with hope today. God is so good. He is so generous to us. He lavishes us with more grace, mercy, love and kindness than we could ever deserve.
God is good. God is beautiful, and you are made in His image. You are beautiful.
(ps - we'd appreciate your prayers today for our last student who still needs about $700!)
As a community of around 150 people, about half of which are students and the other half full-time volunteers at the base, we raised $7,300 through giving. And all four of the students on my team got paid off in full, plus some extra. Incredible.
This is all a reflection of who God is. God is so generous and He can meet every single need we have in our lives, from the spiritual to the practical. Every bit of the tuition and outreach cost I had in my DTS was paid off through the amazing generosity of others. We were never created to be fully independent. We need God's grace and we need each other. Community is beautiful, and it's God's idea. To those of you have supported me in my journey over the past couple years, through your thoughts, prayers and finances, thank you so much. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without you. I hope you're encouraged and filled with hope today. God is so good. He is so generous to us. He lavishes us with more grace, mercy, love and kindness than we could ever deserve.
God is good. God is beautiful, and you are made in His image. You are beautiful.
(ps - we'd appreciate your prayers today for our last student who still needs about $700!)
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