Just wanted to let everyone know that the team arrived safely tonight. They are tired but excited to tell everyone about their week. Don't miss service tomorrow! See you at the 9 or 11! Thanks so much for praying!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Prayer - Saturday, July 23, 2011
Focus Topic: Protection
Focus Scripture: Psalm 91
Focus Team Members: Pastor Bryon White, Randy Zarroli
God is such an effective Protector. His arms stretch far and wide to shelter us under His wings. His promises are sure and true. In Him, we don’t have to be afraid of any terror, darkness, evil or disease. God is our Refuge. This psalm promises that He will order His angels to protect us, wherever we go, and that He will answer all who call on His Name. What an amazing truth to cling too as our team travels home today!
Lord, watch over, guard, protect and keep safe our loved ones as they come home to us! We are so thrilled that they had this opportunity to be used by You to reach others with the Gospel. Give them rest as they come back to the States. Extend Your traveling mercies to them. Help them make their connecting flight in Miami and to land quickly and safely here in Philadelphia. Help Pastor Bryon & Randy today. Both have busy weeks ahead of them. They need a supernatural recharge as they jump back into life here. We can’t wait to hear all about their trip, Lord. Be with them as they plan Sunday’s service and may what You have done in their hearts spill over into ours. Give us an even greater burden for the lost of our community! We love You, Lord! Amen!
Focus Scripture: Psalm 91
Focus Team Members: Pastor Bryon White, Randy Zarroli
God is such an effective Protector. His arms stretch far and wide to shelter us under His wings. His promises are sure and true. In Him, we don’t have to be afraid of any terror, darkness, evil or disease. God is our Refuge. This psalm promises that He will order His angels to protect us, wherever we go, and that He will answer all who call on His Name. What an amazing truth to cling too as our team travels home today!
Lord, watch over, guard, protect and keep safe our loved ones as they come home to us! We are so thrilled that they had this opportunity to be used by You to reach others with the Gospel. Give them rest as they come back to the States. Extend Your traveling mercies to them. Help them make their connecting flight in Miami and to land quickly and safely here in Philadelphia. Help Pastor Bryon & Randy today. Both have busy weeks ahead of them. They need a supernatural recharge as they jump back into life here. We can’t wait to hear all about their trip, Lord. Be with them as they plan Sunday’s service and may what You have done in their hearts spill over into ours. Give us an even greater burden for the lost of our community! We love You, Lord! Amen!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Prayer - Friday, July 22, 2011
Focus Topic: Refreshing
Focus Scripture: Proverbs 11:25 / Philemon 1:7
Focus Team Members: Brenna Smith, Sofia Vega, Christine Ventrella
Today, the team will travel to the beach. As their day off after a week of intense ministry, this will be their time to relax, enjoy the black sand beach and sip cool fruit drinks. We serve a God who understands the value of rest and replenishment. Genesis 1 tells us that He rested after He created the world. Our team has worked hard this week. Long days physically and spiritually draining times of ministry have left them needing to enjoy some fun in the sun! They have refreshed others; now, it’s their turn to be refreshed.
Jesus, we can only praise and worship You for what You have accomplished through this team over the last few days! The souls saved and hearts touched are because of Your Holy Spirit working in people’s lives. All 26 members of our team have labored, danced, sang, prayed, handed out bags of food, and anything else that was asked of them - just so others could be refreshed with the good news of the Gospel. So, renew their strength today. Let them enjoy the water slide, the beach, and the hammocks in the shade. And, in the midst of it all, stir their hearts to a renewed wonder and awe for the great God they serve. Be with Brenna, Sofia, and Christine today. Touch their physical bodies; strengthen them in You. We trust You, Lord! In Your Name we pray, Amen!
Focus Scripture: Proverbs 11:25 / Philemon 1:7
Focus Team Members: Brenna Smith, Sofia Vega, Christine Ventrella
Today, the team will travel to the beach. As their day off after a week of intense ministry, this will be their time to relax, enjoy the black sand beach and sip cool fruit drinks. We serve a God who understands the value of rest and replenishment. Genesis 1 tells us that He rested after He created the world. Our team has worked hard this week. Long days physically and spiritually draining times of ministry have left them needing to enjoy some fun in the sun! They have refreshed others; now, it’s their turn to be refreshed.
Jesus, we can only praise and worship You for what You have accomplished through this team over the last few days! The souls saved and hearts touched are because of Your Holy Spirit working in people’s lives. All 26 members of our team have labored, danced, sang, prayed, handed out bags of food, and anything else that was asked of them - just so others could be refreshed with the good news of the Gospel. So, renew their strength today. Let them enjoy the water slide, the beach, and the hammocks in the shade. And, in the midst of it all, stir their hearts to a renewed wonder and awe for the great God they serve. Be with Brenna, Sofia, and Christine today. Touch their physical bodies; strengthen them in You. We trust You, Lord! In Your Name we pray, Amen!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Prayer - Thursday, July 21, 2011
Focus Topic: The Joy of Serving
Focus Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:9 / Psalm 40:8
Focus Team Members: Rick & Robin Pacitti, Angela, Jennifer, & Rachel Pacitti
David so wanted to build a temple for the Lord. Yet, his son, Solomon is the one who accomplished that feat. But, not without the help of the people. 1 Chronicles 29 tells the story of how the nation of Israel gave and gave and gave towards the cost of the temple. Offerings of gold, coins, silver, bronze and much more were given. Then, in verse 9, we read that the people rejoiced because they could give - freely and wholeheartedly. That’s what we want our team to feel today. The true joy and freedom of giving, wholeheartedly. As they minister the programs that they’ve already been doing this week, we want the sweet joy of Jesus to fill them.
Father, fill our team with the joy of serving! Let them know, in their heart of hearts, that they simply can’t “out-give” You. As they pour out themselves into others, You fill them with more of Your presence. Foster in our team camaraderie, laughter, and joy as they travel from place to place sharing the Gospel. Give them extra strength as this is their last full day of ministry. Lord, be with the Pacitti family today. As they serve You, give them such a sense of peace, contentment, trust, and joy. We commit our team and this day to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Focus Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:9 / Psalm 40:8
Focus Team Members: Rick & Robin Pacitti, Angela, Jennifer, & Rachel Pacitti
David so wanted to build a temple for the Lord. Yet, his son, Solomon is the one who accomplished that feat. But, not without the help of the people. 1 Chronicles 29 tells the story of how the nation of Israel gave and gave and gave towards the cost of the temple. Offerings of gold, coins, silver, bronze and much more were given. Then, in verse 9, we read that the people rejoiced because they could give - freely and wholeheartedly. That’s what we want our team to feel today. The true joy and freedom of giving, wholeheartedly. As they minister the programs that they’ve already been doing this week, we want the sweet joy of Jesus to fill them.
Father, fill our team with the joy of serving! Let them know, in their heart of hearts, that they simply can’t “out-give” You. As they pour out themselves into others, You fill them with more of Your presence. Foster in our team camaraderie, laughter, and joy as they travel from place to place sharing the Gospel. Give them extra strength as this is their last full day of ministry. Lord, be with the Pacitti family today. As they serve You, give them such a sense of peace, contentment, trust, and joy. We commit our team and this day to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Phone Call From the Team
I got a voicemail from Kim tonight. The team is doing well - everyone is healthy and able to minister. Great and long days of ministry. Today, they were in Puerto Rios where they did a feeding program. Tomorrow is their final day of ministry and final feeding program in the New Hope community. They are so grateful for our prayers. The WiFi has been down so it's been rough for the team to post.
Thanks for praying and checking in everyone! Keep it up!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Thanks for praying and checking in everyone! Keep it up!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Prayer -Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Focus Topic: Effectiveness
Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 / Matthew 7:6-8
Focus Team Members: Mariela Ortiz, Hannah Piefer, Sofia Santo, Amanda Shedaker
We typically measure effectiveness by results - and with good reason. How many did we produce? What did we gain? Yet, in the kingdom of God, the results of sharing the Gospel aren’t always immediately apparent. We have to persevere. We have to keep at it, trusting that God is the one who makes the seed of the Gospel grow in human hearts. As our team serves today, we want them to be effective; deployed strategically and used for maximum impact. God will order their steps so they are exactly where He wants them. We can’t control the end result but we can trust that it will, in the end, glorify Jesus.
Lord, maximize our team’s effectiveness today! Let every conversation be led by Your Spirit. May every prayer prayed result in saving faith. When bags of food are distributed, let them be given out with the love of Jesus. Put our team in the neighborhoods and schools that You desire them in. And, if they encounter roadblocks or obstacles, may they see it as part of Your plan. Be with Mariela, Hannah, Sofia & Amanda today. I pray these ladies will especially sense Your Holy Spirit using them to lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. For Jesus’ sake, I pray. Amen.
Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 / Matthew 7:6-8
Focus Team Members: Mariela Ortiz, Hannah Piefer, Sofia Santo, Amanda Shedaker
We typically measure effectiveness by results - and with good reason. How many did we produce? What did we gain? Yet, in the kingdom of God, the results of sharing the Gospel aren’t always immediately apparent. We have to persevere. We have to keep at it, trusting that God is the one who makes the seed of the Gospel grow in human hearts. As our team serves today, we want them to be effective; deployed strategically and used for maximum impact. God will order their steps so they are exactly where He wants them. We can’t control the end result but we can trust that it will, in the end, glorify Jesus.
Lord, maximize our team’s effectiveness today! Let every conversation be led by Your Spirit. May every prayer prayed result in saving faith. When bags of food are distributed, let them be given out with the love of Jesus. Put our team in the neighborhoods and schools that You desire them in. And, if they encounter roadblocks or obstacles, may they see it as part of Your plan. Be with Mariela, Hannah, Sofia & Amanda today. I pray these ladies will especially sense Your Holy Spirit using them to lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. For Jesus’ sake, I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Programs Begin!
Good Morning!
We are all good. Yesterday was our first program. We are working hard and enjoying serving the Lord. Everyone is doing well. Today we are doing programs at schools and on the streets. We have our youth rally this evening, so please pray for the hearts of those who come.
We are all good. Yesterday was our first program. We are working hard and enjoying serving the Lord. Everyone is doing well. Today we are doing programs at schools and on the streets. We have our youth rally this evening, so please pray for the hearts of those who come.
We as a team have bonded so well together. I must say this team is awesome!
Bri and Neil joined us late last night - we are happy to have them as part of our team.
We are having issues with the wifi, so posting has been difficult.
Prayer - Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Focus Topic: Empowerment for Witness
Focus Scripture: Acts 1:8 / 1 Peter 3:9
Focus Team Members: Allie, Georgie, Nikki & Christopher Mickel
Tonight, our team will minister at a youth rally, sponsored by Pastor Julio & his church. This is a tremendous outreach to the teens of this community in the Lake Coatepeque region of El Salvador. Our team is leading worship, ministering a drama, and Pastor Bryon is preaching. Pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be with each and every team member. Let them be used by the Lord to see many, many teenagers come to know Christ. We can pray with confidence, knowing we are praying His will when we ask Him for souls to be saved!
Holy Spirit, fill Your servants tonight! Empower them to proclaim the good news of the Gospel as they lead worship, minister in drama, and as Pastor Bryon preaches. Draw teenagers from all around the lake to this outreach. May hearts be hungry to hear about You and to experience Your love. I pray especially for Allie, Georgie, Nikki & Christopher. What a powerful witness they have to share as young people who are following You! Use them and their lives as a testimony to Your faithfulness and goodness. May our team experience Your presence and see many, many teenagers make a decision to follow Christ!
Focus Scripture: Acts 1:8 / 1 Peter 3:9
Focus Team Members: Allie, Georgie, Nikki & Christopher Mickel
Tonight, our team will minister at a youth rally, sponsored by Pastor Julio & his church. This is a tremendous outreach to the teens of this community in the Lake Coatepeque region of El Salvador. Our team is leading worship, ministering a drama, and Pastor Bryon is preaching. Pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be with each and every team member. Let them be used by the Lord to see many, many teenagers come to know Christ. We can pray with confidence, knowing we are praying His will when we ask Him for souls to be saved!
Holy Spirit, fill Your servants tonight! Empower them to proclaim the good news of the Gospel as they lead worship, minister in drama, and as Pastor Bryon preaches. Draw teenagers from all around the lake to this outreach. May hearts be hungry to hear about You and to experience Your love. I pray especially for Allie, Georgie, Nikki & Christopher. What a powerful witness they have to share as young people who are following You! Use them and their lives as a testimony to Your faithfulness and goodness. May our team experience Your presence and see many, many teenagers make a decision to follow Christ!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Prayer - Monday, July 18, 2011
Focus Topic: Peace / Strength
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 / Philippians 4:13
Focus Team Members: Robert & Carla Harris, Nayaa Opong
The Lord promises in Isaiah 26:3 to keep in “perfect peace” those who trust in Him. Peace will look different for each member of our team; that’s why this promise is so beautiful. Perfect - complete - ideal - tailored for - peace is available to each team members (& their families) as they minister this week. And we know that God supplies His strength, enabling us to do anything He has called us to do. Our team needs the strength of the Lord to sustain them through all of their activities this week. I’m grateful God is more than up to the task of giving them His strength!
Father, we thank You for Your perfect peace and Your abundant strength! We have experienced it so often in our own lives. We pray for our team right now. May your peace and strength flow through every fiber of their being. Touch Robert, Carla & Nayaa today. Let them know how sufficient You are to be there for them when they feel tired. Remove any anxiety that our team may be experiencing; provide courage and boldness for whatever tasks they are asked to do this day. We trust You to give them exactly what is needed throughout the day! For Jesus’ sake we ask these things, amen!
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 / Philippians 4:13
Focus Team Members: Robert & Carla Harris, Nayaa Opong
The Lord promises in Isaiah 26:3 to keep in “perfect peace” those who trust in Him. Peace will look different for each member of our team; that’s why this promise is so beautiful. Perfect - complete - ideal - tailored for - peace is available to each team members (& their families) as they minister this week. And we know that God supplies His strength, enabling us to do anything He has called us to do. Our team needs the strength of the Lord to sustain them through all of their activities this week. I’m grateful God is more than up to the task of giving them His strength!
Father, we thank You for Your perfect peace and Your abundant strength! We have experienced it so often in our own lives. We pray for our team right now. May your peace and strength flow through every fiber of their being. Touch Robert, Carla & Nayaa today. Let them know how sufficient You are to be there for them when they feel tired. Remove any anxiety that our team may be experiencing; provide courage and boldness for whatever tasks they are asked to do this day. We trust You to give them exactly what is needed throughout the day! For Jesus’ sake we ask these things, amen!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Together Not Separate
Well it's Sunday morning as I write this, and we are on our way to the Big Tent Church Service.
Everyone is well rested. We learned this morning that we would no longer separate into two groups because of the size of our team. We are now working, all week long, together and not separate. To that a roar was heard. :-)
Everyone is well rested. We learned this morning that we would no longer separate into two groups because of the size of our team. We are now working, all week long, together and not separate. To that a roar was heard. :-)
It's is now 7PM and we have already done so much. We just finished training. Oh if you can only see this team learning all the dances and dramas. We really have some talent here and then again not so much. ;-)
After training we unloaded the food truck, filled with all the food the Kingsway Church has donated through Advent Conspiracy: rice, beans, flour, salt, oil and chicken consume. Each bag of food will be enough food for a family of four for a week. Also, we will be giving out clothing in each bag. This will be a great blessing to the people of El Salvador.
We have a short break before we go up to the Prayer Fortress. Tomorrow we will have another big day filled with ministry.
We now have a phone so soon family will get a call.
Please pray for the team. Everyone is happy and healthy.
-Kim
Prayer - Sunday, July 17, 2011
Focus Topic: A Willing Heart
Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:23 / 2 Timothy 2:10
Focus Team Members: Dawn Difelice, Nicole Difelice, & Zack Harting
The apostle, Paul, writes the young pastor, Timothy that he is willing to do anything if it will bring salvation to people. As our team prepares for their upcoming week of ministry, they will be trained to do many things that won’t be comfortable or natural to them. The question is: will they do it willingly? It’s hard being away from the norms of home. It’s harder still to serve when you are tired and hot. Instead of inconvenience and frustration, may our team experience an overwhelming sense of Your love, making them ready & willing to serve!
Lord, I pray for our team members right now - especially, Dawn, Nicole & Zack. Each person has already demonstrated a willing heart - just in going to El Salvador. Yet, that willingness to serve will be tested as the week goes on. As they serve may they remember that people will come to salvation in Christ; may they keep in mind that they are not just serving others - they are serving You; working for You. I know that you are able to help them. And, as they willingly give of themselves for the sake of others, draw them closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray!
Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:23 / 2 Timothy 2:10
Focus Team Members: Dawn Difelice, Nicole Difelice, & Zack Harting
The apostle, Paul, writes the young pastor, Timothy that he is willing to do anything if it will bring salvation to people. As our team prepares for their upcoming week of ministry, they will be trained to do many things that won’t be comfortable or natural to them. The question is: will they do it willingly? It’s hard being away from the norms of home. It’s harder still to serve when you are tired and hot. Instead of inconvenience and frustration, may our team experience an overwhelming sense of Your love, making them ready & willing to serve!
Lord, I pray for our team members right now - especially, Dawn, Nicole & Zack. Each person has already demonstrated a willing heart - just in going to El Salvador. Yet, that willingness to serve will be tested as the week goes on. As they serve may they remember that people will come to salvation in Christ; may they keep in mind that they are not just serving others - they are serving You; working for You. I know that you are able to help them. And, as they willingly give of themselves for the sake of others, draw them closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Music Sweet Music
Well it is 8:30 and still no phone. Sorry.
We ate dinner together at 6:30 and we are now at Pastor Julio's church practicing for Tuesday Night Youth Rally. Language barrier is non existent when you are playing worship music. Sweet Music to our ears. How Great is Our God!
We ate dinner together at 6:30 and we are now at Pastor Julio's church practicing for Tuesday Night Youth Rally. Language barrier is non existent when you are playing worship music. Sweet Music to our ears. How Great is Our God!
Also, drama runs are happening for the "Everything" skit. And I am about to cry.
Oh How Great is our God!
Pray we are well rested tonight as we have a full day tomorrow. Big Church Tent service, training, then food and clothing prep for distribution on Monday and then prayer fortress.,
- Kim & George
Safe and Sound!
We have all arrived safe and sound.
We have no phone as of yet, so I hope you are checking the blog.
We will update you all soon; we are settling in our dorms now and then, we have dinner.
-Kim
We have no phone as of yet, so I hope you are checking the blog.
We will update you all soon; we are settling in our dorms now and then, we have dinner.
-Kim
Kudos to Our Drivers!
We have landed in Miami and are awaiting our connection to El Salvador. A big THANK YOU goes out to our drivers who got up to take us at 3AM. Pastor Arlena, Larry Briggs, Ray DiFelice and Linda Smith drove our four vehicle caravan to PHL.
Checking in went well considering we had 26 people and about 78 pieces of luggage. I know this sounds like a lot and we all really did pack light, but we had almost 30 large pieces filled with donated items (toys, Bibles, clothing, shoes, soccer equipment) that you all helped with.
The team members are all excited to be going to El Salvador; however, some of the "newbies" are a little nervous. We are also traveling with a missions group from Philadelphia, going to the Dominican Republic. It is nice to see so many Christians serving the Lord in this way.
We will update you all as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your support and allowing us to represent the Lord and Kingsway in this way.
We LOVE our CHURCH!
Checking in went well considering we had 26 people and about 78 pieces of luggage. I know this sounds like a lot and we all really did pack light, but we had almost 30 large pieces filled with donated items (toys, Bibles, clothing, shoes, soccer equipment) that you all helped with.
The team members are all excited to be going to El Salvador; however, some of the "newbies" are a little nervous. We are also traveling with a missions group from Philadelphia, going to the Dominican Republic. It is nice to see so many Christians serving the Lord in this way.
We will update you all as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your support and allowing us to represent the Lord and Kingsway in this way.
We LOVE our CHURCH!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Departure!
Prayer - Saturday, July 16, 2011
Prayer Focus: Safety
Focus Scripture: Psalm 16
Focus Team Members: George & Kim Mickel, Team Leaders
God is able to keep our friends and family safe as they travel today. This Psalm tells us that the Lord guards everything that we claim as our own. David reminds us that we have a good God, who guides us, is always with us and fills us with joy in His presence. We can trust Him to watch over our team as they make their way to El Salvador.
Jesus, we commit our friends and family to You. We know that You are able to keep them safe; You are their refuge. Guard them from all harm. Let them arrive safely so that they can be used for Your glory in whatever ministry You have for them during the next week. We will bless You, Lord, because you will guide our team, instruct them, and be with them. They will not be shaken! We lift up George & Kim to You, as they carry the weight of leadership for this team. Let them rest safely in Your hand, confident that You will supply all that is needed to lead this team well. We praise You, Jesus, for this team; watch over them as they travel today!
Focus Scripture: Psalm 16
Focus Team Members: George & Kim Mickel, Team Leaders
God is able to keep our friends and family safe as they travel today. This Psalm tells us that the Lord guards everything that we claim as our own. David reminds us that we have a good God, who guides us, is always with us and fills us with joy in His presence. We can trust Him to watch over our team as they make their way to El Salvador.
Jesus, we commit our friends and family to You. We know that You are able to keep them safe; You are their refuge. Guard them from all harm. Let them arrive safely so that they can be used for Your glory in whatever ministry You have for them during the next week. We will bless You, Lord, because you will guide our team, instruct them, and be with them. They will not be shaken! We lift up George & Kim to You, as they carry the weight of leadership for this team. Let them rest safely in Your hand, confident that You will supply all that is needed to lead this team well. We praise You, Jesus, for this team; watch over them as they travel today!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Off on Mission
This Saturday, July 16, 26 people from our community are going off on mission to the country of El Salvador. For some, this is their first trip; for others, it is their fourth. Here's the EXCITING news: each of them will have the opportunity to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with others.
I hope you'll be praying for them and checking this blog regularly for updates. And, as we read about how God is using them, let's be available to be used by Him in our neighborhoods and on our jobs. We can go "off on mission" without leaving the comforts of home!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
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