Hey everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that we arrived back in the States safely and reconnected with our families around 8pm last night. Everyone is well. All of our luggage arrived and no one, the entire week, got sick. We are truly thankful!
So appreciate your prayers for us! We definitely felt them! If you are in the area, come to one of our services today (8:30, 10, 11:30am) to hear all about what the Lord did in El Salvador and our hearts over the last week.
Thanks for being a part of our support team!
Love, Pastor Arlena
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Prayer Focus - Saturday, July 28, 2012
Focus Topic: Protection
Focus Scripture: Psalm 17:6-9
Focus Team Members: Nikki Mickel, Brenna Smith
Throughout daily life in this fallen world it can be
difficult not be fearful. Sometimes there seems to be adversaries and troubles;
both spiritual and natural, lurking behind every corner. Today, as we read this Scripture may we be reminded just how precious we are to God. He paid an awful
high price for us; we belong to Him, and we are His most cherished possessions.
Let us confidently go about doing His work and enjoying our many blessings as
we trust God to protect us under the shadow of His mighty wings!
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your promise of protection. Thank You for Your immense love for
us; help us to grasp what it means to be the apple of Your eye! Keep safe our
dear brothers and sisters serving in El Salvador; protect them from all harm
and watch over them as they go about the work of building Your kingdom.
Encourage Nikki and Brenna today. Guard not just body and soul; but heart and
mind. Bring them home safely; energized, inspired, and transformed by this
experience. You’re an awesome God who does awesome things! We thank You for all You are doing through them and in them. We love You, Father.
Amen
Submitted by Julie Nahas
Ants Attack
Our day at the beach was fun and relaxing (with a 30 minute stop at the flea market). The sun was hot, the water was warm, the water slide was open, and the food was good. Exactly what we expected from Atami Beach (ok, the newbies - AKA Rachel, Ray & Jonathan - didn't expect the beach to be that nice but the rest of us knew!)
We made it back in time for dinner and had a few moments to go back to our rooms. The guys opened the door to their dorm to find a swarm of ants on the ceiling, beds, floor, etc. Needless to say, our team of guys kept their cool (sort've), quickly packed their suitcases, and hightailed it down to the cafeteria. They were pretty freaked but Ed (one of the missionary associates here) quickly got someone up there and assigned the guys to a new, ant-free dorm. Ed told us there were three kinds of ants in the room: flying ants, little red ants, and large ants carrying eggs. That was NOT the kind of excitement we were expecting on our final night. All is well now (except we all think there are ants everywhere).
The farewell service is always a special time. The national staff, missionary associates, Pastor Julio, and Missionaries Don & Terri Triplett thank us personally, do a few dramas, and show our team video. We conclude with a time of prayer - the nationals pray for us and we pray for them. It's always a good time but somewhat sad to say good-bye to so many friends.
Tomorrow, we travel home (leaving a little early to get papusas). Pray that we arrive safely and on time! I want to invite everyone to hear from the team on Sunday morning at any of our services. I promise you, it will be a service you won't forget!
Thanks for reading the blog faithfully. We've enjoyed your comments. Kathy Harting gets a gold star for commenting the most and for pumping up the blog everywhere except the jumbo-tron in Times Square!
Adios, amigos!
Pastor Arlena
We made it back in time for dinner and had a few moments to go back to our rooms. The guys opened the door to their dorm to find a swarm of ants on the ceiling, beds, floor, etc. Needless to say, our team of guys kept their cool (sort've), quickly packed their suitcases, and hightailed it down to the cafeteria. They were pretty freaked but Ed (one of the missionary associates here) quickly got someone up there and assigned the guys to a new, ant-free dorm. Ed told us there were three kinds of ants in the room: flying ants, little red ants, and large ants carrying eggs. That was NOT the kind of excitement we were expecting on our final night. All is well now (except we all think there are ants everywhere).
The farewell service is always a special time. The national staff, missionary associates, Pastor Julio, and Missionaries Don & Terri Triplett thank us personally, do a few dramas, and show our team video. We conclude with a time of prayer - the nationals pray for us and we pray for them. It's always a good time but somewhat sad to say good-bye to so many friends.
Tomorrow, we travel home (leaving a little early to get papusas). Pray that we arrive safely and on time! I want to invite everyone to hear from the team on Sunday morning at any of our services. I promise you, it will be a service you won't forget!
Thanks for reading the blog faithfully. We've enjoyed your comments. Kathy Harting gets a gold star for commenting the most and for pumping up the blog everywhere except the jumbo-tron in Times Square!
Adios, amigos!
Pastor Arlena
Friday, July 27, 2012
VBS Pictures - Day 2
For some reason, I failed to get pictures of the Rec Station yesterday (ugh!) I have some from the previous day, but not on the computer. The Blind Walk (kids are blindfolded and have to walk an obstacle course) was a big hit with every age group.
Probably one of the highlights of yesterday was the opportunity to pray over people in Pastor Julio's church. Here are some pictures that I was able to take. Super proud of our team, praying passionately for the people who came and stood in front of them.
Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Friday, July 27, 2012
Focus Topic: Refreshing
Focus Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:3
Focus Team Member: Christopher Mickel, Georgie Mickel
There is nothing more refreshing than knowing that all we need is the Lord; He is the Source of all we do and have. By this time on the trip, the team is more than likely feeling tired and running low on energy spiritually and physically. Our prayer today is that they will feel revitalized as they recognize that God's power is displayed through our weakness and that His grace will give them the energy they need. I'm so thankful we are connected to "the Source" to draw from as we minister to others! He never fails, and always refreshes us when we need it.
Lord, please encourage and strengthen the team today as they prepare to come home. I ask specifically that You would give Georgie and Christopher a new spirit and energy to accomplish what You have for them today. Surround the team with Your grace and help them to not feel defeated or worn down in anything, but instead to know that You work best when we are weak. Revitalize their spirits. Grant them peace and refreshed minds to work together to serve You in El Salvador. In your name, Amen.
Submitted by Melanie Lane
Thursday, July 26, 2012
We Need A Whistle for Church
Day 2 of VBS had a smaller number of children (@100 in the morning and 103 in the afternoon) but we did not lack energy or excitement! We started the morning in prayer, asking God to pour out His presence and power on the kids during the day.
The opening program included the dance, Jesus Party, and another opportunity to teach the Memory Verse Song (hint: you may see this one on Sunday). Then, the kids gathered in their teams: red was the 0-4 year olds (plus moms); green was the 5-7 year olds; yellow was the 8-10 year olds; and blue was the 11+ year olds. Each team rotated through one station: memory verse, recreation, crafts, and story time. Then, we closed out the day quizzing the kids on the story and the memory verse; plus, one more run-through of the Memory Verse song. We ended each day with an invitation for the kids to receive Christ and prayed over them for their sickness and any problems.
Oh...and random facts of the day: (1) whistle meant that you had five minutes left with the kids at your station; (2) whistles meant that you needed to take your group to the next station. We decided that whistles would be helpful at church! =) Also, Kim & Rachel went with Pastor Julio to pick up the kids in the morning and learned that 92 Salvadoran fit on a school bus.
We wrapped up the afternoon and immediately went into Pastor Julio's worship service. We worshipped and listened to Pastor Julio preach. As a close to the service, he asked each team member to pray over people to be open to receiving the Holy Spirit. What a sweet time of prayer we enjoyed with this church that has captured our heart.
Tomorrow, we are off to the market and the beach as our day off. We'll be home on Saturday so plan on coming to one of the services on Sunday. You won't want to miss the testimonies that the team will share!
Thanks for praying. We're on the home stretch but still need you to lift us up!
Love you guys and thanks for posting! It means a lot to us!
Pastor Arlena
The opening program included the dance, Jesus Party, and another opportunity to teach the Memory Verse Song (hint: you may see this one on Sunday). Then, the kids gathered in their teams: red was the 0-4 year olds (plus moms); green was the 5-7 year olds; yellow was the 8-10 year olds; and blue was the 11+ year olds. Each team rotated through one station: memory verse, recreation, crafts, and story time. Then, we closed out the day quizzing the kids on the story and the memory verse; plus, one more run-through of the Memory Verse song. We ended each day with an invitation for the kids to receive Christ and prayed over them for their sickness and any problems.
Oh...and random facts of the day: (1) whistle meant that you had five minutes left with the kids at your station; (2) whistles meant that you needed to take your group to the next station. We decided that whistles would be helpful at church! =) Also, Kim & Rachel went with Pastor Julio to pick up the kids in the morning and learned that 92 Salvadoran fit on a school bus.
We wrapped up the afternoon and immediately went into Pastor Julio's worship service. We worshipped and listened to Pastor Julio preach. As a close to the service, he asked each team member to pray over people to be open to receiving the Holy Spirit. What a sweet time of prayer we enjoyed with this church that has captured our heart.
Tomorrow, we are off to the market and the beach as our day off. We'll be home on Saturday so plan on coming to one of the services on Sunday. You won't want to miss the testimonies that the team will share!
Thanks for praying. We're on the home stretch but still need you to lift us up!
Love you guys and thanks for posting! It means a lot to us!
Pastor Arlena
VBS Pictures - Day 1
The morning session of VBS. 131 kids + adults! A full house!
The memory verse station (Ray, Dawn, Brenna & Pastor Arlena). The kids are learning: 1 Timothy 4:12. Go head - memorize it with us!
At crafts (Rachel, Allie, Sophia & Nikki), the kids worked on a coloring project and then got their faces painted (which they LOVED!)
Our recreation team (Zack, Jonathan, Nicole & Christopher), doing a great job playing games with the kids and wearing them out!
Story time was about David and Goliath. Story team = Neil, George, Angela and Georgie.
Hope to post more Day 2 pictures tonight!
Love from El Salvador, Pastor Arlena
Hope to post more Day 2 pictures tonight!
Love from El Salvador, Pastor Arlena
Day 1 of VBS
We were overwhelmed with kids! We planned for 100 each morning and afternoon. In the morning, we had 131 kids plus adults; in the afternoon, we had 121 kids plus adults. We ministered to kids who where infants, up to 14 years old. Crazy, crazy day. BUT, our supplies stretched, we scrambled and made it work...kids were hugged, loved, and told about Jesus. They are memorizing Scripture, playing games, hearing Bible stories, and having a blast in craft time. So, God is good! We are excited for Pastor Julio that so many kids came. He has worked so hard to promote this and wanted to make sure that enough children came. Prayer answered! =)
We're excited to do it all again today, knowing that we are going to have a ton of kids again. We are praying that God's presence and power ministers to each child and mother who attends. Pray with us! We want to make today count!
Love to everyone back home! Hope to post pictures tonight!
Pastor Arlena
We're excited to do it all again today, knowing that we are going to have a ton of kids again. We are praying that God's presence and power ministers to each child and mother who attends. Pray with us! We want to make today count!
Love to everyone back home! Hope to post pictures tonight!
Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Thursday, July 26, 2012
Focus Topic: Peace / Strength
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31
Focus Team Members: Dawn DiFelice, Allie Mickel, Sophia Santo
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
What can I say after that?
I almost feel like He is asking, "How can you not rely on me for strength and peace?"
He created the earth and all that is in it. He never is weak or weary. He is all knowing.
Youths and young men get weak tired and fall in exhaustion.
If we trust in Him we will find His strength and overcome the obstacles that stand in the way and we can be used by Him.
Lord, thank you that when I put my trust in You and wait on You, You are my strength. Thank you for the work that is happening right now in El Salvador. Be with our team! Let them rely on Your strength as they give of themselves to you today. Be especially with Dawn DiFelice, Allie Mickel, and Sophia Santo today. Give them Your peace as they give of themselves to You today. Be with the people of El Salvador; open their hearts to receive You. Thank you in Jesus Name.
Submitted by Larry Briggs
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Day 4 Pictures
George preaching to those who came to receive food
SONburned
Sorry we couldn't blog last night. A thunderstorm rolled in just after dinner and our Internet connection was weak but the connection is back (for the moment) and I'm going to try and share with you all that we did yesterday!
We headed out to Santa Ana to do a day of street ministry and programs. Santa Ana is a small city, about 15 kilometers from where we are staying at Lake Coatepeque. We went into communities that we have never been in before.
For every program, the entire team walks around, inviting people to see the drama and the clowns (thanks to Zack, Angela, Georgie & Nikki for being clowns - a tough job in this heat - and to Rachel for painting their clown faces). When a crowd has gathered, we perform two dances - "Jesus Party" and "My King Jesus." Then, half of the team goes to a place to pray; half of the team continues with the rest of the program. The nationals encourage us to sit with the kids and play with them, during the funny parts of the program. We learned a Jonah skit that makes everyone (even the adults) laugh. It's a toss up who is a better ship captain: George or Ray. The serious drama - the one that really touches the kids hearts - is called, "The Apple of His Eyes." It's all about how much God loves us...even if we are poor and hungry, come from a broken family, or are picked on at school. Then, the Gospel is preached and children are invited to come forward for prayer: for salvation, for healing, and for any problems they have. We gather around them and pray. It was a great day, although the sun was pretty intense and we all got a little burned (hence, the blog title!)
After our three programs, we hurried back to the campground for the food distribution. Our church purchased a pallet of food that feeds 150 families. Each family with a ticket (Pastor Julio mailed them to families he know ware in need) is given one bag of food (that the team packed up on Monday) filled with rice, oil, corn meal, and beans. Before the distribution, however, the team ministered with one dance and one drama. Then, George shared the Gospel with them. He did a great job teaching about how Jesus fed the 5,000 - just as we came with food. Yet, Jesus didn't just come to fill the crowd's physical needs - He came to fill their spiritual needs as well. George told the audience that the food brought to them wasn't from Kingsway but from God and that the Lord wanted to provide for them in more ways that just with food - Jesus can and will meet every other kind of need we have. It was
Today, we start VBS. We are excited and a little nervous. Continue to keep us in prayer. We are grateful to hear from everyone and appreciate your prayers so much!
Love, Pastor Arlena
p.s. Will try to post pictures when the connection is better!
We headed out to Santa Ana to do a day of street ministry and programs. Santa Ana is a small city, about 15 kilometers from where we are staying at Lake Coatepeque. We went into communities that we have never been in before.
For every program, the entire team walks around, inviting people to see the drama and the clowns (thanks to Zack, Angela, Georgie & Nikki for being clowns - a tough job in this heat - and to Rachel for painting their clown faces). When a crowd has gathered, we perform two dances - "Jesus Party" and "My King Jesus." Then, half of the team goes to a place to pray; half of the team continues with the rest of the program. The nationals encourage us to sit with the kids and play with them, during the funny parts of the program. We learned a Jonah skit that makes everyone (even the adults) laugh. It's a toss up who is a better ship captain: George or Ray. The serious drama - the one that really touches the kids hearts - is called, "The Apple of His Eyes." It's all about how much God loves us...even if we are poor and hungry, come from a broken family, or are picked on at school. Then, the Gospel is preached and children are invited to come forward for prayer: for salvation, for healing, and for any problems they have. We gather around them and pray. It was a great day, although the sun was pretty intense and we all got a little burned (hence, the blog title!)
After our three programs, we hurried back to the campground for the food distribution. Our church purchased a pallet of food that feeds 150 families. Each family with a ticket (Pastor Julio mailed them to families he know ware in need) is given one bag of food (that the team packed up on Monday) filled with rice, oil, corn meal, and beans. Before the distribution, however, the team ministered with one dance and one drama. Then, George shared the Gospel with them. He did a great job teaching about how Jesus fed the 5,000 - just as we came with food. Yet, Jesus didn't just come to fill the crowd's physical needs - He came to fill their spiritual needs as well. George told the audience that the food brought to them wasn't from Kingsway but from God and that the Lord wanted to provide for them in more ways that just with food - Jesus can and will meet every other kind of need we have. It was
Today, we start VBS. We are excited and a little nervous. Continue to keep us in prayer. We are grateful to hear from everyone and appreciate your prayers so much!
Love, Pastor Arlena
p.s. Will try to post pictures when the connection is better!
Prayer Focus - Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Focus Topic: A Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's Leading
Focus Scripture: Romans 8:26-27
Focus Team Members: Nicole DiFelice, Angela Pacitti
I'm sure that we all sense our weakness when we go to prayer.......that's why He has given us his Holy Spirit to dwell WITHIN us.....to HELP US. He even suggests that when we don't even know what we should pray for the Holy Spirit takes over........and enables us to pray HIS PRAYER through us. That's amazing, & so personal. When it comes to our team in El Salvador, and today especially Nicole & Angela, the Holy Spirit, who knows and is directing all that is happening there, will guide & direct your prayer for them. Let's FOLLOW HIS LEAD, and pray as He directs us for them, and all of the team members. This is the Lord's battle........but He has chosen to use and involve us in it as His channels.
Oh, Lord Jesus, we thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit! We really need Him today as we pray for Nicole, Angie, and our whole team. Use them mightily to defeat all of the enemies plans, and build and establish those precious people in your Kingdom. Let the youth and children be touched and moved to surrender to You, and be filled with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen!
Submitted by Pastor Jim Tate
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Prayer Focus - Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Focus Topic: Empowerment to Witness
Focus Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 4:20
Focus Team Members: Rachel Bush, Ray DiFilece
Every follower of Christ is in a position to share the Gospel! In these Scriptures, we are encouraged to know that we are empowered by God's Spirit to witness to people everywhere! God lovingly invites us to work with Him. It's like a father wanting to teach his son the ropes in the family business! Jesus left us prepared by advising us to wait on the Holy Spirit. He taught us how to pray and He gave examples of finding common ground with those we are sharing the Gospel with. This footnote says it perfectly, "Witnessing is not showing what we can do for God. It is showing and telling what God has done for us".
Aren't we eager to do just that?!
Lord, we give You the honor and praise! Thank you Lord for wanting relationship with us, for sharing everything You have and more with us. Lord, I pray your protection, mercy, favor and blessing be with our team in El Salvador; keep them each free from sickness and be with their loved ones back home. Lord, I lift up Rachel and Dawn and in spirit I stand with them with arms stretched out wide! I pray that You would increase their boldness, courage and confidence to share the Gospel during this trip, that they would be open to Your Spirit, timing and power! Thank you Lord for preparing the way for them! We love you Lord, in Jesus name we pray, Amen and Amen!
Submitted by Mary Olivo
Focus Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 4:20
Focus Team Members: Rachel Bush, Ray DiFilece
Every follower of Christ is in a position to share the Gospel! In these Scriptures, we are encouraged to know that we are empowered by God's Spirit to witness to people everywhere! God lovingly invites us to work with Him. It's like a father wanting to teach his son the ropes in the family business! Jesus left us prepared by advising us to wait on the Holy Spirit. He taught us how to pray and He gave examples of finding common ground with those we are sharing the Gospel with. This footnote says it perfectly, "Witnessing is not showing what we can do for God. It is showing and telling what God has done for us".
Aren't we eager to do just that?!
Lord, we give You the honor and praise! Thank you Lord for wanting relationship with us, for sharing everything You have and more with us. Lord, I pray your protection, mercy, favor and blessing be with our team in El Salvador; keep them each free from sickness and be with their loved ones back home. Lord, I lift up Rachel and Dawn and in spirit I stand with them with arms stretched out wide! I pray that You would increase their boldness, courage and confidence to share the Gospel during this trip, that they would be open to Your Spirit, timing and power! Thank you Lord for preparing the way for them! We love you Lord, in Jesus name we pray, Amen and Amen!
Submitted by Mary Olivo
Huge Bug Attacks (Everyone Is Safe)
Last night, we slept without electricity (no fans or lights in our room) and some on the team endured cold showers this morning. However, by the time we came back from breakfast, power was restored. Right after breakfast, we headed to the gym for our morning of training. Once again, the dance moves of Kingsway Church were on display for all the world to see...and it wasn't a pretty sight. In a little over four hours, we learned four dances and two drama skits...all of which we will use tomorrow in street ministry and during the opening of VBS.
At lunch, we did something we have never done before - served lunch to the children who are a part of the feeding program here at Kings Castle. Although the time we took to serve them was brief, it was great to see their smiles and to hear them say in English, "Thank you very much."
After the feeding program, we headed to the warehouse to pack up 150 bags of food that we will distribute tomorrow. 150 families have received a ticket to a program, held here on the Kings Castle campground, and at the close of the program they will receive their bag. Pastor Julio is adament that we take the opportunity to share the Gospel so the team will minister in dance and drama; George will speak (I could use the word preach, but I don't think he would like it).
Then, we took two hours to prep our VBS supplies and review logistics for the VBS we are conducting on Wednesday and Thursday. I have to say, I'm quite proud of the Memory Verse Song (a Kingsway VBS leftover from 2010) that we created the motions for. Ms. Linda, you would be proud! =)
Tonight, we spent two hours at the Prayer Fortress praying. On the Kings Castle property is a building that for almost 13 years has hosted continual prayer - 24 hours a day; 7 days a week; 365 days a year...someone is praying in that building. It's a special, consecrated place. We spent time in personal prayer; prayed over our leaders; and prayed for one another - that the gifts of the Holy Spirit would be active in our team as we ministered this week.
As we were about to leave, a giant bug, moth-like thing flew into our group and sent everyone scattering. Zack gets the badge of courage for the night as he kept calm and stood still as the bug landed on his pant leg. Although several of our guys valiantly attempted to capture the beast (not Brenna - fyi, Brenna is known as the beast), we couldn't capture it and decided to leave the fortress.
We are tired, excited, and ready for the next three full days of ministry.
Keep praying! We're expecting God to work through us to share His love with the people of El Salvador!
Love, Pastor Arlena
At lunch, we did something we have never done before - served lunch to the children who are a part of the feeding program here at Kings Castle. Although the time we took to serve them was brief, it was great to see their smiles and to hear them say in English, "Thank you very much."
After the feeding program, we headed to the warehouse to pack up 150 bags of food that we will distribute tomorrow. 150 families have received a ticket to a program, held here on the Kings Castle campground, and at the close of the program they will receive their bag. Pastor Julio is adament that we take the opportunity to share the Gospel so the team will minister in dance and drama; George will speak (I could use the word preach, but I don't think he would like it).
Then, we took two hours to prep our VBS supplies and review logistics for the VBS we are conducting on Wednesday and Thursday. I have to say, I'm quite proud of the Memory Verse Song (a Kingsway VBS leftover from 2010) that we created the motions for. Ms. Linda, you would be proud! =)
Tonight, we spent two hours at the Prayer Fortress praying. On the Kings Castle property is a building that for almost 13 years has hosted continual prayer - 24 hours a day; 7 days a week; 365 days a year...someone is praying in that building. It's a special, consecrated place. We spent time in personal prayer; prayed over our leaders; and prayed for one another - that the gifts of the Holy Spirit would be active in our team as we ministered this week.
As we were about to leave, a giant bug, moth-like thing flew into our group and sent everyone scattering. Zack gets the badge of courage for the night as he kept calm and stood still as the bug landed on his pant leg. Although several of our guys valiantly attempted to capture the beast (not Brenna - fyi, Brenna is known as the beast), we couldn't capture it and decided to leave the fortress.
We are tired, excited, and ready for the next three full days of ministry.
Keep praying! We're expecting God to work through us to share His love with the people of El Salvador!
Love, Pastor Arlena
Monday, July 23, 2012
Prayer Focus - Monday, July 23, 2012
Focus Topic: A Compassionate, Willing Heart
Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:23 / 2 Timothy 2:10
Focus Team Members: Jonathan Davidson, Neil Hooley
The apostle, Paul, writes to 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 God's love, making them ready & willing to serve!
Lord, I pray for Jonathan & Neil right now. They have 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 the team serves 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 our entire team. And, as they willingly give of themselves for the sake of others, draw them closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray!
Submitted by Pastor Arlena
Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:23 / 2 Timothy 2:10
Focus Team Members: Jonathan Davidson, Neil Hooley
The apostle, Paul, writes to 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 God's love, making them ready & willing to serve!
Lord, I pray for Jonathan & Neil right now. They have 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 the team serves 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 our entire team. And, as they willingly give of themselves for the sake of others, draw them closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray!
Submitted by Pastor Arlena
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Our Day Two, Told in Pictures
Thanks so much for praying for us. We certainly feel it! Tomorrow, we spend time in training, put the bags of food together for the distribution and head up to the prayer fortress for a special time of prayer tomorrow night. We are pleased to be able to serve the Lord in El Salvador; thanks for all of your support!
Love, Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Sunday, July 22, 2012
Focus Topic: Effectiveness
Focus Scripture: John 3:16, Acts 1:8, Colossians 4:5
Focus Team Members: Pastor Arlena, Zack Harting
How effective is a police officer without a mission? What
effect does a teacher have if she has nothing to teach? Can a cook be effective without his pots
and pans? Each of these is missing
something vital to their level of effectiveness. The police officer has no
mission, the teacher does not know the message she is supposed to teach, and
the cook is missing the tools necessary to do his job. As our El Salvador team
ministers today and throughout this week, God wants nothing less than for them
to be fully effective. He has sent them with a mission to share His love
through their actions and through their words. A clear message has been laid
out: Jesus died a sinless death for sinful people. His motivation, selfless
love. God has supplied the only tool needed to be effective as witnesses to His
gospel, the Holy Spirit. Today, God has ordained special encounters for our
team members to be wholly effective in being on mission by sharing the love of
God. Pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit to empower each and every team
member. Ask God to help each person serving in El Salvador to "make the
most of every opportunity." (Col. 4:5) Don't be afraid to pray bold
prayers; they honor God!
Dear Jesus, we thank You for the men and women and teenagers
serving in El Salvador. Lord, keep them safe as they go throughout their day. We
know that You want them to be effective in sharing Your love in a tangible way.
Holy Spirit, empower our brothers and sisters to share the love of God in each
and every situation they are in. You tell us in Your word that our days were
ordained before even one came to be. There are hurting people who need to hear
the truth about you today and men and women who are willing to share. Help our
team make the most of every opportunity they are given throughout the days to
come. Lord, we lift up to you Pastor Arlena and Zack. Keep them in perfect
health with the endurance needed to be many times more effective than they
could have ever imagined. Fill them with your peace and supply them with
moments of refreshing today. Set a guard around them to keep and protect them.
We thank you for what you are doing and the amazing things you have in store.
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen!
Submitted by Alicia Hussey
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sleepless and Shirtless in El Salvador
Well, dinner is over. We met briefly to review our ministry plans for tomorrow and now, most of the team...that hasn't slept in over 36 hours...should be sleeping, but instead we are laughing and talking, thrilled to be back in El Salvador. You know what happens when people are a little sleep deprived...Kim is slurring words and can't keep track of how many of us there are; Dawn is commanding Ray to put his clothes on (he was trying on the ministry shirts that we are wearing this week); Jonathan keeps talking about jumping off the airplane and Ray is busily scheming, thinking up ways to ride the jet skis which are parked out on the lake.
Needless to say, everyone is well (although tired). Flights went smoothly and all of the baggage arrived with the team. We love our national staff (Giovanni & Marguerite) and Pastor Julio sends his greetings back to everyone at Kingsway. He's been working hard to promote the VBS that we are doing for him this week. Pray with us that (at last) 100 children come each morning and afternoon to hear about Jesus.
Rachel captured some random pictures (nothing posed; sorry Pastor Bryon) and I've been trying to upload them for almost an hour and have struck out. Sorry! Will try again tomorrow.
Thanks for praying for us. We couldn't do what the Lord has for us this week without you!
Love, Pastor Arlena
Needless to say, everyone is well (although tired). Flights went smoothly and all of the baggage arrived with the team. We love our national staff (Giovanni & Marguerite) and Pastor Julio sends his greetings back to everyone at Kingsway. He's been working hard to promote the VBS that we are doing for him this week. Pray with us that (at last) 100 children come each morning and afternoon to hear about Jesus.
Rachel captured some random pictures (nothing posed; sorry Pastor Bryon) and I've been trying to upload them for almost an hour and have struck out. Sorry! Will try again tomorrow.
Thanks for praying for us. We couldn't do what the Lord has for us this week without you!
Love, Pastor Arlena
Safe Arrival
Hey everyone! I hope to post more later but we have arrived safely, have been through orientation, & are relaxing until dinner. Keep praying for us!
Pastor Arlena
Pastor Arlena
Prayer Focus - Saturday, July 21, 2012
Focus Topic: Safety
Focus Scripture: 2 Kings 6: 8-22 / Psalm 121
Focus Team Members: George Mickel, Kim Mickel
The king of Aram sent his army to capture Elisha, the prophet, because he was informing the king of Israel in advance of every move he planned to make. When the servant of the man of God got up the next morning, there was the army of the king of Aram surrounding the city.
“Oh no, my lord! what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha - the army of the LORD.
We lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does our help come from?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
O Lord, we ask now that you would undertake for our team going to El Salvador even as You did for Elisha in days of old; surround them with Your angels; keep them safe from all evil; grant them anointing in ministering to those they meet. We especially lift up George and Kim Mickel. We are thankful for their faithfulness in their many trips. Grant them wisdom and discernment; guide them in every decision they make; and bring them and our team home safely when their mission is complete. Thank you Lord for the faithfulness of each team member; may you enrich them by this experience and bring changes into their lives that will remain with them always. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Submitted by John Ambrose
Focus Scripture: 2 Kings 6: 8-22 / Psalm 121
Focus Team Members: George Mickel, Kim Mickel
The king of Aram sent his army to capture Elisha, the prophet, because he was informing the king of Israel in advance of every move he planned to make. When the servant of the man of God got up the next morning, there was the army of the king of Aram surrounding the city.
“Oh no, my lord! what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha - the army of the LORD.
We lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does our help come from?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
O Lord, we ask now that you would undertake for our team going to El Salvador even as You did for Elisha in days of old; surround them with Your angels; keep them safe from all evil; grant them anointing in ministering to those they meet. We especially lift up George and Kim Mickel. We are thankful for their faithfulness in their many trips. Grant them wisdom and discernment; guide them in every decision they make; and bring them and our team home safely when their mission is complete. Thank you Lord for the faithfulness of each team member; may you enrich them by this experience and bring changes into their lives that will remain with them always. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Submitted by John Ambrose
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
What Are We Doing in El Salvador?
Thanks for stopping by the Kingsway Mission Blog!
In just a few days, 17 people from our church will leave the U.S. for (7) days of ministry in the country of El Salvador. I thought it would be helpful to explain what we will be doing.
Once again,we are working with Missionaries Don & Terri Triplett & Kings Castle Ministries. But, we are doing a few new things this year:
Saturday, July 21: Travel from Newark to San Salvador, El Salvador. Then, a two hour bus ride to Lake Coatepeque, where the Kings Castle Ministry Campground is located.
Sunday, July 22: We are ministering in Pastor Julio's church, located on the campground. Pastor Julio spent two weeks with us in April, 2011. Through your mission commitment giving, we support his church monthly and because we've worked with him on every trip we've taken to El Salvador, we have a heart to help him reach the community that God has called him too. Sunday evening we will trek up to the prayer fortress for a time of extended prayer, in preparation for ministry.
Monday, July 23: We will spend time in training for "spectacle evangelism." Spectacle evangelism is a key part of Kings Castle Ministries. Through the use of drama, music & skits, teams go into a village or town, create a "spectacle," draw a crowd & then, share the Gospel. It's pretty powerful to see how the Lord uses this to draw people to Him. Later that day, we will participate in a feeding distribution program where 150 people will receive a week's worth of food.
Tuesday, July 24: Full day of "spectacle evangelism" ministry, all around the Lake Coatepeque region.
Wednesday, July 25 & Thursday, July 26: Our team will put on a VBS for the children in the neighborhood around Pastor Julio's church. We will minister to 100 kids each morning and afternoon. Team members have planned every component of the VBS from story time, to crafts, to memory verse instruction, to games. We are doing everything we can to make sure every child has an opportunity to hear the Gospel, multiple times while we are with them.
Friday, July 27: This will be our day of R & R, after a hard week's work. We'll spend the day at the beach and that night, get ready to come home. Something special that Kings Castle does for every team: a farewell service, where we get to hear the numbers of people who came to Christ and were prayed for during our ministry.
Saturday, July 28: Our team will travel home, arriving back in Cherry Hill around 8pm.
There are two really good reasons why you should check back with this blog:
1. Beginning with our first day of travel, there will be a prayer focus and specific team members listed, for whom you can pray. You can be an "honorary" member of our team, as you lift us up in prayer that week!
2. We'll be posting updates (hopefully, daily) of all that we are doing. Information and pictures! I think you'll enjoy hearing us recount our daily adventures!
Join us on Sunday, July 29 as we tell the stories from this mission experience! Maybe God will prompt you to go on a trip next year!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
In just a few days, 17 people from our church will leave the U.S. for (7) days of ministry in the country of El Salvador. I thought it would be helpful to explain what we will be doing.
Once again,we are working with Missionaries Don & Terri Triplett & Kings Castle Ministries. But, we are doing a few new things this year:
Saturday, July 21: Travel from Newark to San Salvador, El Salvador. Then, a two hour bus ride to Lake Coatepeque, where the Kings Castle Ministry Campground is located.
Sunday, July 22: We are ministering in Pastor Julio's church, located on the campground. Pastor Julio spent two weeks with us in April, 2011. Through your mission commitment giving, we support his church monthly and because we've worked with him on every trip we've taken to El Salvador, we have a heart to help him reach the community that God has called him too. Sunday evening we will trek up to the prayer fortress for a time of extended prayer, in preparation for ministry.
Monday, July 23: We will spend time in training for "spectacle evangelism." Spectacle evangelism is a key part of Kings Castle Ministries. Through the use of drama, music & skits, teams go into a village or town, create a "spectacle," draw a crowd & then, share the Gospel. It's pretty powerful to see how the Lord uses this to draw people to Him. Later that day, we will participate in a feeding distribution program where 150 people will receive a week's worth of food.
Tuesday, July 24: Full day of "spectacle evangelism" ministry, all around the Lake Coatepeque region.
Wednesday, July 25 & Thursday, July 26: Our team will put on a VBS for the children in the neighborhood around Pastor Julio's church. We will minister to 100 kids each morning and afternoon. Team members have planned every component of the VBS from story time, to crafts, to memory verse instruction, to games. We are doing everything we can to make sure every child has an opportunity to hear the Gospel, multiple times while we are with them.
Friday, July 27: This will be our day of R & R, after a hard week's work. We'll spend the day at the beach and that night, get ready to come home. Something special that Kings Castle does for every team: a farewell service, where we get to hear the numbers of people who came to Christ and were prayed for during our ministry.
Saturday, July 28: Our team will travel home, arriving back in Cherry Hill around 8pm.
There are two really good reasons why you should check back with this blog:
1. Beginning with our first day of travel, there will be a prayer focus and specific team members listed, for whom you can pray. You can be an "honorary" member of our team, as you lift us up in prayer that week!
2. We'll be posting updates (hopefully, daily) of all that we are doing. Information and pictures! I think you'll enjoy hearing us recount our daily adventures!
Join us on Sunday, July 29 as we tell the stories from this mission experience! Maybe God will prompt you to go on a trip next year!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
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