Lots has been going on lately. I'll share some photos to communicate some highlights from the last few weeks....

The weekend of May 1st a friend from CLC Fairfield, my home church, held a Plant Sale fund-raiser and he surprised me by donating all the proceeds to my missions account to help me get back to Africa! $1,050 was raised & this puts me over 100% of my missions cash budget (only a few more monthly pledges left to raise:)! It was such a blessing! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Dave & I at church the day after the sale with some of the remaining plants :)

Spent some family time at my Mom's on Mother's Day. We enjoyed a cookout and of course I always love to see my cousin Natalie's little girl Nadia. In many ways Natalie is more like a sister to me... we're about the same age and we've grown up together.

Nadia & I on Mother's Day (she'll be 1 in July!)

I had the privilege of getting together with these 3 amazing ladies at a local Tim Horton's to catch up on life and what God's doing in Swaziland, Africa. We even got to discuss future plans! :) All 3 of these friends also spent extended stays (3-4 months) in Swaziland over the past year or so. Each one of us desires to go back to serve there.

(Right-Left) Julie, Waheedah, Stacey & I sending a shout out to Swaziland
(these pics were transported by the recent short-term team to our friends there :)

Wednesday May 19th I had the privilege of attending a missions gathering at the Dayton Convention Center for the Assemblies of God Ohio District Council. It was an encouraging, inspiring night with a humorous pastor who shared a message with us on faith. One particular comment that I laughed excessively at was when Pastor Dan explained that he once had a missionary years ago sharing pictures on a slide projector with his church. The missionary said "and this next picture is of my wife and our pet chimpazee - my wife is on the left" HAHA! :)

Missionaries from AG Ohio District (going out all over the world!)
John Wootton, Ohio superintendent introduced & prayed for us

Excited to see so many of missionaries from Ohio up there!
May God raise up more to go out into all the world!

The time for my return to Swaziland grows nearer with each passing day. As I stop to think of all that has occurred during the past few months I'm awestruck by seeing God's hand at work in the details of life. See, I'm learning that my timing is not necessarily God's timing (ok, it usually isn't:). I also see that life isn't about accomplishing a goal - it's about the journey. My original goal was to be back in Africa in September 2009. When I could not go at that time (my missions organization AGWM requires 100% of my budget to be raised before leaving the country) then my hope was to arrive by January 2010. Here's where the "my plan verses God's plan" comes in...

In January my 29-year-old cousin Nathan died suddenly of an accidental overdose. His sister found him and called us immediately. Since we live down the street we arrived at her house quickly. He was the closest person to the older brother I never had and our families were close, visiting together almost weekly or multiple times per month. I'm thankful I was able to be here for my family, to support them and to be present for his funeral. I don't know why God allowed Nathan's life to end so soon but I do know He has a plan. His Word says "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28)


My aunt & my cousin Nathan @ Young's Dairy

Later in January my best friend Bernadette was diagnosed with recurrent cervical cancer that had spread to her liver, colon and abdomen. She spent most of February and March in the hospital and later she moved to hospice. She breathed her last breath on this earth and went to be with God in Heaven on Saturday, March 27. It stills seems a little surreal that she's gone. Her friendship has impacted my life in many ways. She will never be forgotten. I'm so thankful that I was given the privilege to be by her side over the last couple months of her life. Though it was not easy I know there's no place I would have rather been. Again, I'm so thankful that I was here in the U.S. during this time. I cannot imagine being overseas, apart from my friend during this time. This is just another testimony of how God's timing is best. He IS in the details of life.

Bernadette & I at the Dayton airport
before I went to Swaziland the 1st time


God's purposes will stand and He will accomplish His will.
"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please... What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do." (Isaiah 46:10,11) Even though I don't always understand why certain things happen, I know God is in control and that He is good.

From the waiting room at hospice...

I sit here in awe of God. He is without a doubt in control of all things. I can see His hand in the details of my life. Despite the current circumstances I trust in His plan. My best friend at the age of 36 lays in a semi-comatose state in her room at hospice. Earlier this week she became minimally responsive - keeping her eyes close and rarely speaking.

Just less than two months ago I accompanied her with some family members to her oncologist's office to hear the report of her PET scan. The cancer had returned and this time it had traveled to her colon, abdomen and liver. After this news the remainder of the appointment was a blur. The doctor recommended looking into clinical trials if treatment was desired as chemo was unlikely to work in her case. Surgery was not an option. Shocked and yet sensing God's peace I knew that a new chapter of this journey of life had began.

The last couple months have been challenging for my friend and for all who love her. Shortly after her diagnosis she was admitted to the hospital due to continued problems with her digestive system. She had a bowel obstruction and surgery was required. The surgery didn't go well as they found the cancer was extensive and pervasive and therefore they were unable to remove the obstruction. The surgeon was able to help alliveate the symptoms however. Since her surgery during the last week of January she has been in the hospital and later moved to hospice as her condition progressed.

Her faith in God and perseverance in the face of suffering has touched my heart, solidified my hope of Heaven and and strengthened my spirit. As Christians we know and believe what God's Word says is true - "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) These words speak of Jesus and the eternal life we have in Him when we believe. I'm reminded that every human being will exist for eternity after this earthly life. This crucial decision... whether we believe in God's Son...God's invitation for us to believe in Him and therefore have eternal life determines whether we will exist for eternity enjoying life in Heaven with God or experience eternal death in Hell without God. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

So, I've been on this journey back to Africa since February 2009 when I returned to the U.S. after a 5 month mission trip to Swaziland. I believe God's called me to full-time missionary work there - to share God's love in this nation predicted to become extinct by 2020 due to the AIDS pandemic.. .children who have been orphaned and women left as widows all due to this devastating disease called AIDS. I continue to trust God's timing for my return and I praise God that I have the privilege to be here for my friend right now.

The call to the mission field... In December 2007 a small group of people, including my senior pastor, traveled to Swaziland, Africa for a 2 week exploratory trip to discover how we as a church could do something about the AIDS pandemic sweeping across Sub-Saharan Africa. During their trip I was constantly praying for the team as God placed a burden on my heart for the people of Swaziland, the country with the highest rate of HIV infection in the world (about 45%). I began looking up information on the internet about AIDS in Africa and before I knew it I was randomly crying... my heart was breaking. Shocked and outraged, I couldn't believe there was such a crisis with so many people dying and I hadn't been aware of the extent... the reality. I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart to prepare to go to Swaziland to serve the people and share hope with those who were desperate for it. After my pastor returned from Africa in late December I went to hear him share about his trip and what the group had experienced. God's divine appointment of the team meeting Pastor Kevin Ward (who is now our ministry partner) was explained. Swaziland was described as a country beautiful in landscape and yet a people devastated by AIDS- overpopulated with orphans left behind. I left church that night overwhelmed with a continued burden for the people of Swaziland and I cried out to God in prayer. I had been asking God "what Your will for my life?" Immediately I felt the Lord impress on my heart "do you have 20 years?" Speechless I thought "if You give me 20 years Lord, yes I have 20 years." The question came again "if it meant the salvation of a nation, do you have 20 years?" My soul and all of my being cried out "yes! yes, I do!" My decision since then has been that I will do what God calls me to do and go where He calls me to go.

In my current challenging situation with my dear friend I see God at work. Even though I would selfishly like for her to stay on this earth I know it may be God's timing for her to go to be with Him in Heaven where she will be better off by far. Whether I'm in Africa or here I have one goal: to love God and to love others. See, when this life is said and done God will proclaim: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the righteous ask the Lord when they saw him in all these situations and helped him. God replies "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me." (Matthew 25:34-40) What an opportunity we have to serve God by caring for those in need. Wherever you or I find ourselves we can make a difference.

CHRISTMAS MISSION 2009 JACKSON, KENTUCKY

I was blessed to go on a short-term mission trip to Jackson, KY the week of Christmas with Foundation Builders International (foundationbuildersinternational.org) whose aim is to "meet the needs of the neglected in the Tri-State. The orphan, the widow, the mentally ill, families with special needs children... all that need help with the necessities of life". During the 2 day trip we unloaded/sorted donations, distributed food to homes in the community, prayed with families, helped prepare the church for the Christmas celebration, wrapped donated gifts for 80 children of Appalachia, and served at the Christmas party.

I'm taking away a few things from this experience:

1) There is NEED (poverty, addictions, crime, abuse, hopelessness) every place all over the globe We cannot individually do everything but we can do something. God has designed you uniquely and equipped you with certain gifts and abilities. He has more than you could ever imagine planned for you (Ephesians 3:20). As we all do something, everything will change. What is the something God is calling you to?

2) My heart must break for the things that break God's heart if I desire to live out the plan He has for me. God's plan is about people... especially people in need. Imagine that the God of the universe sees everything, including the devestating, that goes on in the earth. Rape. Murder. Violence. Deceit. Death. God loves the "least of these" - the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger, those who are sick, and those who are in prison. He desires for us to be His hands and feet and share His love with them. "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the lest of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Beautiful children in Appalachia

(Appalachia has 3 times the national poverty rate, a big prescription drug abuse problem and the shortest life spans in the nation.)

a sweet, reserved girl I'm so glad I met

a beautiful baby who played baby Jesus in the Christmas play

why would there need to be a sign like this outside a McDonald's play area?...

3) It is more blessed to GIVE than to RECEIVE. This week I was so blessed just to simply give of my time to help in a small way facilitate the celebration of Christmas for some children in Appalachia. Each of the 80 children were sponsored by someone they did not know who bought them Christmas presents and committed to pray for them. The kids put on a Christmas play at the church, then everyone enjoyed dinner together, and finally they opened their gifts. :)

wrapping gifts preparing for the Christmas celebration @ the Happy Church


Christmas presents waiting to be unwrapped!

getting ready to open presents at the party

community members in the sanctuary about to open gifts

I'm learning life's about making a difference wherever you find yourself. Lend a hand, offer a listening ear, provide food for someone who is hungry, pray for people in need... Jesus summed it up when He said that the greatest commandment is to LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength AND the second is to LOVE your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39)

I spent last Christmas in Africa with over 5o beautiful orphan children. Somehow I don't quite think Christmas will be the same this year....

Some pics from Christmas 2008, Swaziland:

kids at an area homestead dancing & making music :)


a family I love in Africa

smiling for shoes on Christmas morning!

decorated for birthday for Jesus

precious family on Christmas morning

Each day I am a little closer to Africa. I eagerly await the day I will board the plane to return to the people and land I love… to see God transform a nation… a people group projected to become extinct due to the AIDS pandemic yet rescued by the power and love of God!

I have raised 60% of my total budget and I’m in need of $953 in monthly commitments to reach my goal of returning to serve the people of Africa. (Just 5 monthly partners at $40, 10 partners at $30 ($1/day), 20 partners at $20, and 5 partners at $10 and the goal is met, I'm at 100% :)
　
To invest in the lives of people in Swaziland:

*One-time gift - send to AG World Missions 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802, check memo “294729” or go to

https://secure1.ag.org/contributions/detail.cfm?LedgerID=3e683252-f3b3-4dbe-aab5-1a51df081646

*Monthly pledge- If you or someone you know is prompted to pledge any amount monthly please contact me KyleeMalhotra@gmail.com or go to

http://worldmissions.ag.org/agwm_commit_form.cfm?AcctNo=294729

God is transforming a nation. We get to be a part of it when we pray, give, and go. I am so blessed to share in this journey with you!

As 2009 comes to a close I'd like to give some recap of events regarding my missionary journey back to Africa:

January- 29th I returned to the USA from a 5 month mission to Swaziland, Africa. After seeking God's will for my life I discovered that the next chapter is to return to Swaziland to serve long-term (at least 2 yrs) the orphans and widows affected by the AIDS pandemic. I will continue to be involved in community outreach, counseling, teaching, helping facilitate small groups and Bible studies, hospital visitation. I'm blessed to be part of this ministry. To check out more about Swaziland Teen Challenge, the ministry I'm serving with go to http://www.swazitc.com/

February- I was approved as a Missionary Associate with Assemblies of God World Missions. I adjusted (hope to not get too comfortable) back to the fast pace of life in the U.S. and spent time catching up with family and friends. I found reverse culture shock to be quite overwhelming at times. The main challenge was the amount of stimulation here in the States... lights, sounds, the ordinary multi-tasking activities were a little much for me for the first few weeks. I also had to get used to driving on the right side of the road again! (In Africa I was used to driving on the left side of the road and driver's seat on the right side!!!)

my sister & I

March- I was commissioned as a Missionary Associate in Springfield, MO and enjoyed a week of orientation. It's official! :) Picture of our fun group below. Also took my GRE and applied for grad school, counseling degree.

April- I began working a temporary full-time job, speaking to various groups sharing my passion to serve the Swazi people, and preparing to move.

May- I attended Ohio District Council (gathering of pasters, had a table w. my missions info) near Columbus, Ohio the week of the 11th and a support raising seminar in Indianapolis, IN over Memorial Day weekend. Began planning fund-raiser events and speaking at new area churches. Held resteruant fund-raiser @ the Mongolian Grill (almost $1000 raised)

June- Texas Roadhouse fund-raiser night (approx. $500 raised), organized and spoke at a women's gathering ($1840 raised), shared at Dayton A/G sectional meeting of pastors, and a long awaited family vacation.

July- Continued sharing the passion to be hands and feet of Christ to Swaziland, many new friends joined my support team and held 2nd fund-raiser @the Mongolian Grill ($850 raised). Rejoiced with my cousin who welcomed her 1st child, Nadia Shea, the 1st of the new generation in my family. :)

August- Attended a wonderful family reuinion in Columbus Ohio (great to catch up!), enjoyed speaking at a women's Aglow group, began a women's Bible study group at my church, and found out I am the recepient of a full Presidential Scholarship at Regent University Masters in Counseling program (praise God!!!) to begin August 2010 - will go online from Africa :)

September- celebrated my 25th bday (I'm a quarter of a century!), attended American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) international conference in Nashville, TN (a GREAT event, learned new things), sold Swazi photographs @ Chocolate Festival

October - continued to share my testimony and call to missions (including at Mercy St., a women's event at CLC), attended a Voice of the Martyr's seminar- very inspiring, attended Aglow conference and had a great time being poured into by great speakers

November- sold t-shirts at my home church and the craft festival (see pic below), served in Thanksgiving Basket Ministry (feeding around 8,000)

December- my mom's surprise 50th bday party a success :), continued selling t-shirts and helped pack meal packets for Swaziland to feed approx. 250,000 meals.

And the year is not over yet!

Shirts For Swaziland

I'm excited to share I am selling stylish t-shirts to raise support for my 2 year mission assignment to Swaziland, Africa. The shirts have 1 John 3:18 on them! They are great for Christmas presents and birthday gifts. You will be looking good and sharing the Truth! :)

AVAILABLE in sizes Small to 2X

$20 each or 2 for $35

Proceeds go to my AGWM missions account to help me return to Africa to serve the orphans and widows affected by the AIDS pandemic.

To order please email me at KyleeMalhotra@gmail.com

I'm back from Africa and here's some pics....

Swaziland Landscape

(I lived here! Beauty of surroundings contrasted by such disease,

poverty, and death among the people)

Christmas time in Africa

(nurse Jane from UK and I)

Beautiful children, orphaned, and living in hospital

(I miss them!!!)

Kids at an area homestead- excited to see a car!

(and therefore wanted their pic taken:)

Kids (orphaned) being cared for by the ministry I'm serving under

It's been AWHILE since I've posted updates. God has been at work in my life and many things have happened! Including:

- After much prayer I left my counseling position to pursue missions work in Africa - Went on a 5 month mission trip to Swaziland, Africa, arriving back to U.S. at the end of Jan. 09

- During my time in Swaziland, God confirmed His call for me to pursue long-term missions work so I began the application process through AG World Missions...

- Was approved & commissioned as a Missionary Associate through AGWM

- Attended pre-field orientation week in Springfield, MO, met some new friends, & enjoyed some of the area (recommended) resteraunts - including the spinach cheese dip @ Cheddars

- Applied, interviewed, & was accepted into Regent University's online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (yea! to begin August 09)

- Began public speaking about Africa at various churches, classes, and groups- raising my support team of friends who will support me financially & through prayer as I return to Africa

- In between all this I worked for the US Census Bureau, attended Ohio District Council in May, went to support-raising seminar in Indiana, organized and held various fund-raisers, traveled to FL to spend time w/ family, and took my chemical dependency counseling licensure exam in Columbus

Bottom line is I've seen God at work in so many ways through His divine provision, guidance, peace in the midst of trials, and wisdom to make important life decisions. I know that this life is short and want to use the days I'm given to make a difference. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The joy of the Lord is my strength and I look forward to what the future holds as I pursue His call to bring His love to the nations.

A beautiful teenage girl @ our Pink Princess Party :)

(teaching them they are created, valued, and loved by God)

And the goodbyes began...

I've been hanging out with friends and family the last few days before I leave for Africa. I will be going on a 4 month mission trip to Swaziland and I know God is going to do amazing things! I leave tomorrow and fly to the other side of the world. It has been a interesting journey so far as I have recently left my job as a chemical dependency counselor to do this missions work and pray about the future. May God's love be shared with those in Swaziland. This is a bittersweet time of saying "goodbye" to loved ones yet I know there will be people I am to meet there. I will keep all of you in my prayers. I look forward to sharing with you the awesome things that happened while I was in Africa!
(You can all check updates at http://www.clcdayton.com/309020.ihtml)

"I love You, I love You, I love You, I love You, I love You, I love You and my heart will follow wholly after You..." My heart sings the words of this song this morning as I sit with the Lord during devotional time today. I have entered into a time of trial and of testing I believe where the Lord is preparing me for what is ahead. I have been extremely tired but I know the joy of the Lord is my strength. I'm blessed to have friends who support me and recently two of whom have encouraged me with phone conversations, words of wisdom, and one even dropping off Christian CDs at my house today! The Lord is faithful.

I'm at a unique God-making-decisions-for-me day-by-day time in my life. Summer Semester at Regent University started Monday and I've been praying for a miracle regarding provision for tuition. I was advised to submit a letter of petition to the school requesting assistance especially as I am planning to be involved with missions work in Africa. (I'll be discovering the outcome of this in the near future and I know the Lord speaks to us both by open and closed doors...) My heart continues to break for the people of Swaziland- including those affected by AIDS, poverty, sexual violence, and the little ones who are orphaned when their parents die from AIDS. The 1st construction team from our church went for 2 weeks and returned in the beginning of May as one of our sisters in Christ from the congregation is staying in Swazi for 3 months. You can check out the blog documenting the experiences there http://www.clcdayton.com/309020.ihtml. The 2nd team leaves next week and I'm excited to see what God accomplishes through them!
I'm on the 24th day through a 40 day devotional book A Call To Die by David Nasser and this has proven to be a unique experience of drawing closer to God. It's brought some truths to light and continues to encourage personal growth in my life. I'm thinking I may even go through this again sometime. I'm also reading The AIDS Crisis What We Can Do by Dortzbach and Long and I'm learning more than just info on AIDS around the world... I'm seeing how people can partner together to make a difference for those suffering from the pandemic. "Over forty million people today are living with HIV/AIDS. In 2005, three million people died of AIDS, and half a million of them were children. The reality is dark. But in darkness, even one small flame of light makes a difference. And the church of Jesus Christ is bringing light into the darkness of the AIDS crisis all over the world."

As I think about the purpose of life, my very ability to take my next breath I know God has a plan. He has a plan for each person and He clearly tells us that His greatest commandment is that we would love Him with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind, and all of our strength (Matthew 22:35-40). Above all, am I doing this? Before my personal desires (fill in the blanks) do I place loving God? Does David's words in Psalm 63 describe my heart?

"O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you."

Psalm 63:1,3

Lord, may You adjust my priorities as You desire so that I might put You first in all I am and in all I do. This is your only rightful place. Every time I sit may You be at the head of the table and every time I stand may my focus be upon You. Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Help me to remember that I can only love You because You loved me first. As I look upon Your sacrifice may I truly consider all things a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing You Lord. Whatever that means I must let go of or whichever of my own plans that means I must not follow I am willing to do. Have Your way. You are the Way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

So much has been going on. Let's see I went on the Emmaus Walk, a spiritual retreat where I experienced God's love in powerful ways, and it was absolutely amazing. God is very faithful. From that experience the Lord spoke into my heart; Christ gave His all for me- I must give my all to Him. Before the Emmaus Walk I traveled to VA Beach, VA and visited my school, Regent University. I knew this time was supposed to be a time of seeking the Lord and His will. I had planned (key words here- me planning) to sit in on a few counseling classes to check out this route. I'm currently working towards a Masters degree in English Bible and since I started at Regent I have thought I would obtain a joint Masters degree in Community Counseling as well. Well, God had other plans. He has been speaking to me about missions, loving Him with all I am, and loving others as myself. So, even though I had appointments to meet with a professor from the School of Divinity about missions and a professor from the School of Psychology and Counseling about counseling I only ended up speaking with the prof about missions. God is always at work and I believe He is telling me to focus on what He is calling me to do now. I put it all in His hands.

I have been facilitating a women's Bible study at church- Breaking Free by Beth Moore (available at http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/). The whole study is based on Isaiah 61:1-4. It lays out five benefits of our covenant relationship with God: to know God and believe Him, glorify God, find satisfaction in Him, experience God's peace, and enjoy His presence. If we as believers in Christ are not experiencing these to the fullest some corresponding obstacles (unbelief, pride, idolatry, prayerlessness, and legalism) may be standing in our way. May God continue to work out His perfect will in each life as He breaths freedom into hearts.

I just finished reading a great book, Spiritual Discipleship by J. Oswald Sanders. It discusses the absolute sacrifice that Christ asks of a true disciple. I am personally taking many things away from this short book including: depend on the Holy Spirit, trust God, the answer is Philippians 4:13, Jesus emphasizes that no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God, living under Christ's lordship means doing what He says (Luke 6:46), and Christ is eternally worth any sacrifice I could ever make for His sake. "The key question that determines whether or not He has been given that place of authority in the life is 'Who makes the decisions?' " Also, the author quotes Robert Murray McCheyne "A glance at Christ will save, but it is the gazing at Christ that sanctifies." (p.76)

Lord, You are my Lord and Savior, my friend and Master. May You remain in Your rightful place in my life- on the throne eternally. Take control of every area of my life. I give you all of me. I withhold nothing from Your hand. You give and You take away. I submit to Your will and I ask You to indeed be my decision maker. Sanctify me, conforming me into the image of Jesus. May I be Your hands and feet to this world, sharing Your love with all who I come into contact with. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

God is with us. Even in the places of deep suffering and sorrow. He is there when we receive the heartbreaking news, when the tragedy hits, when we feel alone. He is there. He is here - even when you do not see, even when You do not know if the circumstance you are in will ever end or how to get through. He is the great "I AM". At church we are being led through the whole Bible and currently we are in Exodus. This is a response I wrote to the weekend's service...


Do You Hear?

They are crying
weeping, mourning
Tears overflowing
Hearts breaking
Day after day
Night
Oh the night
Darkness, emptiness, despair
Hopeless
They are alone
Lost, abandoned
Orphaned
Afraid, desperate
Do You hear them?
Everything in them screams "help!"
They are hungry
Without clothes
Without You
But You are there
You see
You know
You are
Promises of life
Hope for eternity
Strength for today
Love healing brokenness
Mercy meets sin
Power meets weakness
Faith overcomes fear
Where You are
Is here in their midst
You came to proclaim the Truth
Bring freedom
Oh rain down Your praise
Restore, renew
Release all in darkness
Display Your glory among the nations
Through Your servants

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
I was reminded recently that as believers in Christ we are being changed into the image of Christ. God is always at work - even through our trials, our circumstances, our feelings, and even when we cannot see. He is at work, shaping us and conforming us. His faithfulness reaches to the skies (Ps. 36:5). Who is doing this awesome work in us and Who is it that is transforming us? The Holy Spirit! We know from God's Word that the fruit of the Spirit or what the Holy Spirit brings forth is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). How perfectly Jesus Christ displays this fruit! May we follow His perfect example into this new year 2008. I am not always the perfect example for others and yes I do make mistakes. Thankfully others do not need to ultimately follow my example, but that of the Lord Jesus.
May we always point to Christ with our lives and out actions so that we may direct others to the truth of the Gospel. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Go out and preach the Gospel, and if you have to, use words.” The awesome thing is that in light of 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are "being transformed into his likeness", the likeness of Christ, so this very truth means we are reflecting the Lord's glory more and more. As the Lord makes Himself more evident in our lives, our lives will make Him more evident. Praise God!

God is good. He continues to reveal His love to His children every day, every moment. As this year is coming to an end I have been reflecting on what the Lord has done this year. Myself and a few others will be sharing testimonies on New Year's Eve at my house before going to a concert featuring a local Christian band. The Lord has done many things this year. A passion for missions has been truly ignited in my heart this year. I went on my first overseas mission trip this summer to El Salvador and was blown away by what the Lord did in and through our team and the lives of the people we were blessed to meet. God healed, saved, restored. He is always at work - even when we cannot see. In the summer of 2005 during a time of great grief the Lord laid on my heart a desire to go to Africa for ministry in some way. He is continuing to grow this passion. I have been and will be reading some books on missions. It's encouraging, motivating and inspiring to hear from others who experience some of the same heartbeats of God for loving the world for Christ.

A passage of Scripture, Matthew 25:31-46, has began to permeate my heart. A portion of this reads: "'Come you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
Then, the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly, I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' "25:34-40

Do we, do I and do you, see Jesus in those around us? He is there. How are we serving Him? If you are like me this question is somehow so overwhelming yet incredibly right and satisfying. Perhaps because in this is an amazing amount of our purpose here on earth. Truly, how am I spending my life, my every breath? Is it in a way that brings glory to God and love to people?

The Lord is truly at work all over the world! The team from my church who traveled to Swaziland, Africa shared about their experiences. Let me just say I do not think the Lord is going to leave me alone regarding His heart for these people. They are in need and I am a member of the body of Christ. I must act. Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS. Every day 6,000 children are orphaned by AIDS. Over 2700 children in the world die a day from hunger. This is heartbreaking, sickening, and almost difficult to hear. Really, though, shouldn't it be more difficult to hear and not act? I am asking myself along with the body of Christ. AIDS is a huge crisis and killing millions of people every year. The team shared about visiting the best hospital in the country of Swaziland and seeing horrible conditions. 70% of the patients admitted into the hospital are HIV positive and when a person reaches the final stages of AIDS they are released from the hospital and sent home to die without medications. The team also described many, many young children were everywhere. There were pictures of children taking care of children. They are in desperate need of the Lord. If you are 15 years old in Swaziland you have a 1 in 10 chance of living to the age of 35 due to AIDS. People project that Swaziland will be extinct in 20 to 40 years due to the high death rate. It is currently 43% of adults there that have HIV or AIDS. This is the highest infection rate in the world. All this in a little country at "the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8) from myself here in the U.S.

My senior pastor spoke today about this verse and how Jesus does not make it optional to go to the ends of the earth. He did not say "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem or in all Judea or Samaria or to the ends of the earth." No, actually Jesus our Savior and Lord proclaimed: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."My heart aches to share the love of Christ with those around the world who are suffering and in pain, especially those facing death or dealing with grief. I cannot say I have ever lived in the conditions that these people have or been orphaned by AIDS but I have felt that same feeling of pain. I have experienced loss. I have been lost without a purpose. I have felt empty and hopeless. The Lord has made all the difference. He filled me with hope and joy. He has given me purpose and filled me with His Spirit. He has released healing into my life and throughout everything He has never left me or forsaken me. He continues to give me strength as I trust Him day by day.

He is here today and forever. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His name is matchless. No one and nothing can compare to Him. Jesus alone deserves all of our lives, our every breath. As the day of Christ's birth approaches may we remember His love for all the world and may we remember those who are lost and without hope. Pastor said it this way- I am thankful that those first Christians did not have the attitude that there was enough need where they were and they did not need to go "to the ends of the earth" because we would not have our salvation today if a Christ follower had not decided to make the trip across the ocean to bring us the only true Hope. Praise God for the obedience of godly men and women all over the world!

Lord, as we celebrate this season of your birth may our hearts receive Your love for Your people all over the world. You came to this earth to save the WORLD- not just me and people who look like me. Lord may our hearts break over what breaks Yours. Show us what You would have us to do to be Your hands and feet to a world in need. May You receive the glory that You are due. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

I must share that I am soooo excited about hearing this weekend at church what God did while a small team of people from our church went to Swaziland, Africa for the 1st time on December 3-12, 2007. Swaziland is a small country located in South Africa between Mozambique and South Africa and the country is slightly smaller than the state of New Jersey. The main focus of the trip was seeking God to find how He can use our church in this country which has the highest death rate from AIDS. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection. In 2005 an estimated 33% of Swaziland adults age 15-49 were living with HIV/AIDS infection and in 2007 this has climbed to almost 40% of the population being infected by AIDS. I cannot even imagine this. One thing I know is that the Lord has laid this burden on my heart for people who are going through extreme trials. There is suffering, deep need, and extreme poverty going on in different parts of the "nations" we are to reach as Christians according to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.

I am sure the Lord will continue to speak to me about His heart for these people and want part he desires for me to have in serving them. The mission team shares this weekend about their experience and about any leadings from the Holy Spirit about how we as a congregation might minister to the people of Swaziland. I can hardly wait and I am praying for open hearts for all of us. I am reminded of a verse in James "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has passed the test, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (1:12)

Lord, may You be ever so near to those in Swaziland and all over the world who are suffering and may You wrap Your comfort around them in this very day. Lord reveal to them Your perfect peace that is in Christ and give them strength to pass the test. We know You will then meet them with the crown of life in Heaven. Praise You Lord who are most worthy of all of our praise and with every breath may we bring You glory forever. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

I have been attending a class called Healing Stream which is described as "a powerful, interactive series that will help Christians overcome their past and experience healing within to become healthier followers of Christ through the Holy Spirit. You are sure to experience a new dimension of spiritual freedom through biblical teaching and anointed prayer time." As Christians we know that Scripture tells us we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). I will share with you some of what the Lord did in me during the past few weeks. He truly revealed to me in a new way that I am totally accepted and approved of by God in Christ. There is nothing I have to do to earn approval from God - or even myself or man for that matter- because through Christ's sacrifice I am forgiven for my sins (Eph. 1:7) and I am a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). I think I thought I knew this truth. I did, but it was mainly a head knowledge. Now my heart knows that God not only accepted me in Christ initially at the point of my salvation but He is eternally accepting me by an act of His grace! How awesome and freeing this truth is! Ephesians 2:8-9 tells me "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." You see nowhere else can we find this kind of full acceptance, unconditional love, and deep grace but in our Lord and Savior, Almighty God Himself. No person can offer this to you or me. We are only set free and healed through God's grace and power. Throughout the course of this class, sitting under the biblical teaching of the leader, and participating in anointed prayer times with members of the prayer team God has been able to set me free with His truth. An amazing thing has happened. I have been able to know a little more of the sweet "riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" that Ephesians 1:18-19 speak about. I am more complete in Him.
Also, as a counselor I have received a more full spiritual understanding of the deception of the enemy Satan. God has given me a passion to speak truth into the lives of those in trials. I am to bring hope to the hopeless and I believe this class has better equipped me to fulfill God's calling for me life. Praise Him forevermore!

So, tonight I found myself reading in 1 Peter and some things blew me away. God's Word never ceases to amaze me... "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5) In these verses alone there is such life-changing truth! From this we can see that God caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus for us to obtain an inheritance reserved in heaven for us. Our loving Heavenly Father has purposed for us to receive new life in Christ and He has reserved an inheritance in Heaven for us - an inheritance the Scripture says is "imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away." (1:4) What more could you or I ask for? Could an educational degree or a higher salary or a new car or even (dare I say) your most precious dream or goal ever even come close to comparing to this inheritance God has reserved for you and for me in Heaven? God promises us this and says it will not fade away. I don't know about you but I do not see many things here on earth that remain and do not fade away. Even our closest relationships with other people here on earth can be taken away in a moment's notice. Our best efforts to accomplish our greatest goal in life can fail. We can lose our job, lose our friends, lose our money, and even lose our sanity. Yet God remains. His love for you remains. His "living hope" remains. His "great mercy" remains. His inheritance - for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ- remains. Let us always remember this and walk with this in mind no matter what we face in this life on earth.
"Set your mind on the things above, not the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3)

God's Word contains many promises for His children. Today's sermon was a great reminder that with God's promise comes problems. In the beginning of the pages of Scripture we see God promising Abraham (then called "Abram") a son. Abraham tells God that since he has no son, one born in his household is his heir (Gen. 15:3). God then told Abraham " 'This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir' " (3:4). God then does an amazing thing. He takes Abraham outside to look at the sky and see the multitudes of stars above telling Abraham his offspring shall be like these stars. God is asking him to dream. He is requesting Abraham to see the very promise of God as if it exists already- as the stars do. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Heb. 11:1). He is asking Abraham to trust Him and to obey Him. Previously God had also told Abraham to leave his country and go to a land God will show him (Gen 12:1-3).Again, God was requesting Abraham's trust and obedience. So, how did he respond? The Word says that Abraham went forth "as the Lord has spoken to him" (12:4).

What is God speaking to you about today? Or what has He promised you in the past that He desires to see come about in your lifetime? Have you given up hope? Take heart! Abraham faced many obstacles after receiving God's promise. He did not see in the physical realm how what God had promised could come to pass. He was told he would have his own son with Sarah, his wife, yet him and his wife were advanced in years. Could they really conceive at their ages? Also, Sarah had not had any children so far. Was she even able to have kids? A promised land... Well, then why was it inhabited? Abraham clearly had many questions and struggles. Many things in the physical realm, things he could tangibly see, seemed to be at odds with what God had said would be. Does this apply to you? Did God make a specific promise to you or do the promises found in His Word appear to be so contrary to what you see in your life or your job or your marriage or your schooling? Trust Him. He is eternally trustworthy. Obey Him. He desires every ounce of who you are and all the days of your life. This may seem like a pretty huge sacrifice to make. From what I can tell not one bit of it - no matter what the cost to go through it- will be wasted." 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for your welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope' " (Jer. 29:11). He has great things is store for you. Follow Abraham's example of trust and obedience and just wait to see what unfolds!