Kingsway Missions

Home!

2011-10-16T07:40:00.002-04:00

Our flight was on time (if a bit turbulent), we sailed through customs and all of our luggage arrived with us. We are grateful to home safe from our week of living on mission in Panama!

Hope you will join us today as we share with our Kingsway family all that God did in us and through us during this amazing experience. THANKS so much for praying and for supporting us!

Love & blessings,
Pastor Arlena

Prayer Focus - Saturday, October 15, 2011

2011-10-15T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: Protection

Focus Scripture: Psalm 91

Focus Team Member: Hector Rivera

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 their flight to go smoothly and to land quickly and safely here in Philadelphia. Help Hector today. He has a busy week 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!

Prayer Focus - Friday, October 14, 2011

2011-10-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: Refreshing

Focus Scripture: Proverbs 11:25 / Philemon 1:7

Focus Team Member: Jesse Mauer

Today, the team will travel around Panama City. As their day off after a week of intense ministry, this will be their time to relax, sight see, shop, and see the infamous Panama Canal. 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! 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 10 members of our team have labored, painted, done skits, spoke, prayed, loved, visited 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 everything this day holds. And, in the midst of it all, stir their hearts to a renewed wonder and awe for the great God they serve. Be with Jesse today. Touch his physical bodies; strengthen him in You. We trust You, Lord! In Your Name we pray, Amen!

Between Jesus & Uncle Bill

2011-10-13T21:59:00.002-04:00

As you can probably tell, this team LOVES to laugh. So, tonight's blog title (which doesn't really have anything to do with our ministry today) has to do with little Malachi Kenyon. He is the 3 1/2 year old son of our host missionaries and we've adopted him as an official member of our team. He has found some special friends in Uncle Bill (Bill Lang) and Hector (who plays Jesus in our "Eternal Life" drama). So, tonight at the start of our team devotions, Malachi decides he wants to sit between Jesus and Uncle Bill. We all laughed hard and said, "That's the blog title for tonight!"

Today was our final day of ministry here in Panama and it was both diverse and amazing. We were up early in order to be at the school for a program at 7am. I posted pictures that Randy took during this program. We were able to do lots of fun things with the kids but after the "Eternal Life" skit (notice Larry playing the angel), Brian Josue led the ministry time and the Lord began to move among these children. Several began to weep and cry out. We walked among the aisles, praying over as many kids as we could. For several minutes, we moved from child to child but they continued to pray and cry. Gerritt invited those kids that wanted more of God to come to the front to be prayed for and to seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It felt like hundreds of them came forward and swarmed us. They clung to us, seeking hugs and words of comfort. We did our best to minister to them, despite the language barrier. Although we prayed for several minutes, we felt that we could have prayed for an hour more and still not "prayed through" with all of them. Yet, God met them in such a real way. We were humbled and grateful to be used of the Lord in the lives of these kids.

Then, our team split in two: (5) of us stayed behind at the school to finish up the painting projects that we had started earlier in the week. (5) of us had the privilege of going to a Men's Prison. For those who painted, we were honored to complete something that we started and that we know (because people told us again and again) meant so much to the pastors, the school staff and the community. We truly believe that God will use what we did - is using what we did - to draw people to Him. For those who went into the prison, the opportunity to testify to about 75 men (plus, corrections officers; plus, CSI trainees) was both humbling and thrilling. This was a first for some of the members of the team but they jumped in like champions and poured into those men with everything that they had.

In the afternoon, the team had originally planned to distribute flyers promoting an upcoming outreach of the Panama International Church (they are doing a Trunk or Treat, just like Kingsway). Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate; so, instead, the team trekked to the park and prayed under the pavilion there. They prayed for 300 people from the community to come; for many to be reached with the love of Jesus. Prayer continued under the pavilion for Gerritt & Tara and their ministry to reach youth here in Panama. The team is hoping that tomorrow we will be able to distribute the flyers that we weren't able to give out today!

We can hardly believe that tomorrow in our last day in country. We are doing some sight-seeing tomorrow. But, even tonight during team devotions, people prayed for opportunities to share with whomever we meet tomorrow. Will you join us in praying for that?

Thanks for faithfully reading, praying and commenting! We are so grateful and blessed for this opportunity to serve.

See you soon!

Love,
Pastor Arlena

Day 5 - Pictures Courtesy of Randy B.

2011-10-13T21:45:00.005-04:00

Prayer Focus - Thursday, October 13, 2011

2011-10-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: The Joy of Serving

Focus Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:9 / Psalm 40:8

Focus Team Member: Diana Franks

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 Diana today. As she serves You, give her such a sense of peace, contentment, trust, and joy. We commit our team and this day to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Power and Love

2011-10-12T22:14:00.002-04:00

Today we experienced a rainy day and therefore a FLEXIBLE team day in Panama. Due to the rain we could not complete the painting project at Templo La Felicidad. But we had the awesome opportunity to minister at two schools. In the morning we went to an elementary school and had a program including skits and drama. Kely, Jesse and Ivette did a fantastic job with an "icebreaker" skit and then Pastor Arlena, Bill, Ivette, Jesse, Kely, Diana and Hector performed a drama titled "Vida Eterna" (Eternal Life). After the drama, Tara gave her testimony and then offered an opportunity for the students to come forward for prayer. Gerritt had told the team to choose one student during the program and intercede for that student, asking the Lord to stir their heart. Well, the kids almost ran to the front when Tara asked if any wanted prayer. There were students who raised their hands when asked if they experienced problems in the home. It was a great opportunity to serve by demonstrating God's love through prayer for these kids....and by every team member being willing to be stretched.

Between the school programs we did a "Prayer Drive" through Panama City, specifically driving past large public high schools where Gerritt and Tara have been praying for open doors. Pastor Arlena prayed that just one student would have the boldness to step forward and take a stand for Christ in each school. While we were interceding in prayer we also drove through areas that were the epitome of contrasts. We drove through a "community" that was obviously desperate in almost every imaginable way.....and it was literally two blocks from very high end stores like Cartier.

In the afternoon we ministered at a secondary school to a group of approximately 100 seventh grade students. Every team member sensed the spiritual heaviness of these students as they filed into the room. Again the team did a skit and drama (with Randy added to the drama team) and Brian Josue spoke to the students and the room was silent with every student's head bowed. We went throughout the room praying and laying hands on every student. Bill had a word from the Lord for one young man. With the help of an interpreter, the young man revealed that it was the second time he had been told that God had big plans for his life. Our Panamanian interpreter, Kieko, told the young man that God loved him so much that he sent a missionary from the United States to speak to him. It was an awesome day demonstrating the power and the love of God at work in us and through us.

Thanks for praying for us. We have one more day of ministry here; we want to spend every ounce of our energy pouring out His power and love into everyone we meet.

Until tomorrow,
Elaine

P.S. Sorry I didn't have a chance to post more pictures. Will do so tomorrow! - Pastor Arlena

Day 4 Pictures - Part 1

2011-10-12T18:45:00.007-04:00

I will blog more later (after our team devotions) but wanted to share with you some of our pictures from an amazing day of ministry. And, I hope to add some pictures that other team members took; hence the "Part 1" on the blog title.

Prayer Focus - Wednesday, October 12, 2011

2011-10-12T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: Effectiveness

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 / Matthew 7:6-8

Focus Team Member: Pastor Arlena

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. Whatever is done today, let it be done 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 Pastor Arlena today. I pray she will especially sense Your Holy Spirit using her to lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. For Jesus’ sake, I pray. Amen.

Day 3 - Pictures

2011-10-11T21:53:00.005-04:00

Jesus (Almost) Dropped the Lamb

2011-10-11T21:33:00.003-04:00

I'll get to the bizarre blog title in a moment.

What we thought would happen today - maybe some school programs; maybe a visit to a prison; maybe a few other things but what really happened...another day of painting at the church.

And, the cool thing is, prayers were answered; people were touched.

Once again, team fence and team wall were back in their respective portions of the building. Bill, Randy, Jesse & Ivette continued to paint the fence (yes, it would be quicker to paint the wrought iron fence with spray paint; however, that is not what they were asked to do). And, they also completed painting the offices of one of the associate pastor's. They worked so hard, humbly, and doing whatever was asked of them...even though the task was tedious. I am proud of them (even if I am "officially" a part of team wall!)

Larry, Hector, Elaine, and myself (with some help from Brian Josue - a staff member who works with Gerritt & Tara) conquered the back wall. A graffiti covered wall now looks brand new. Diana continued to paint, up on a ladder, the lettering on the side wall (I joined her later in the afternoon) while Kely tackled the difficult task of drawing and then painting the school logo. We all applauded Kely's willingness to take on this difficult project.

Which is where we came up with the title for the blog. Near the end of the day, it began to rain. And when I say rain, I mean - thunder, lightening, and pouring rain. We had finished everything that we could do for the day except Kely was up on the ladder finishing the logo. The logo, FYI, is of Jesus holding a lamb because the school name is Good Shepherd. Just as she was putting the final touches on Jesus, a huge crackle of thunder and bolt of lightening almost startled Kely completely off of the ladder. She joked with us tonight that she was so frightened that the last few strokes were probably a little shaky; so much so that...well, you guessed it, Jesus (almost) dropped the lamb.

This team loves to crack jokes and laugh so, forgive us, if too much of our lame humor makes its way into this blog (it doesn't help that I'm a sucker for lame jokes). However, I would be remiss if I only told you of what we did (or how much fun we had doing it) and didn't mention what the Lord did today.

We've been praying - because Gerritt & Tara asked us to - that our willingness to serve would encourage those in the church to serve. The Pastor shared with us that he struggles in getting people to volunteer to serve the church in any way. So, our hosts told us, the fact that a group of "gringos" would travel from the US to do something as simple as paint...well, that might stir up others to serve. Today, we learned, that very prayer was answered. Two men from the church - inspired by the "mighty women of God" on the ladder - came around and began to help. Somehow what we did made the prospect of serving in some way achievable to them. So many people who passed by us as we worked commented on how good the building looked. Carmen Maria, a 76-year-old neighbor to the church whom Hector, Diana & Elaine prayed for yesterday, returned to chat with us.

We know that God is working and we're thrilled to be used in any way that pleases the Lord.

Tomorrow...our plans aren't finalized yet but it's definite that we will doing at least one school program (we hope to do a second) and we know we will be back at the church painting, putting the final touches on what we have done over the last few days. Keep praying. We need the Lord to continue to strengthen us and as Larry shared in team devotions tonight, to give us a tender, responsive heart to Him.

Love to everyone back home!
Pastor Arlena

Prayer Focus - Tuesday, October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: Empowerment for Witness

Focus Scripture: Acts 1:8 / 1 Peter 3:9

Focus Team Members: Ivette Garcia & Kely Knowles

Today, it is likely that our team is ministering in schools, possibly conducting and outreach in a prison or perhaps, visiting an orphanage filled with teenagers. 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 people 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 today! Empower them to proclaim the good news of the Gospel in everything they do. Draw people to them; direct each team member to the person You have ordained for them to minister to. I pray especially Ivette & Kely: they each have a story to share. Use them and their lives as a testimony to Your faithfulness and goodness. May our team experience Your presence and see many make a decision to follow Christ!

Pictures - Day 2

2011-10-10T22:20:00.006-04:00

Team Fence vs. Team Wall

2011-10-10T22:08:00.002-04:00

Today has been a great day of serving!

Gerritt & Tara (our host missionaries) asked us to help them bless the church that has given them so much support since they arrived in Panama over a year ago. Templo de la Felicidad (where we attended on Sunday) loves Gerritt & Tara's heart for the students and young adults of this country; so, the Kenyon's wanted to bless the church in some way while we were here. They asked the Pastor - how can we bless you? Well, he said, our church needs some painting done. Would your team be willing to paint? We told Gerritt, "Absolutely!"

And, that's how team fence and team wall were formed. Bill, Randy, Ivette & Jesse were assigned the wrought iron fence in the front of the church to paint black. Hector, Elaine, Diana, Kely, Larry & myself were assigned to the side and back walls to paint. There is an ongoing debate about who worked harder and faster (of course, offering a purely objective opinion, I have to say the wall team did) but regardless of opinions, the important thing is that we were able to complete most of the work we were asked to do.
We go back tomorrow to finish and to take care of any other projects they may have for us.

Everyone is in good spirits, is healthy, and enjoying the opportunity to minister wherever and however we are asked. Even while painting today, several passersby stopped to talk to us and we had the privilege of praying with a few of them. We are believing that our service will be an example to those in the church of how to serve and to the community of how the love of God can stir a heart to give and help another.

Thanks for your prayers and comments! We love hearing from home and truly sense your prayers every moment we are here.

Blessings,
Pastor Arlena

Prayer Focus - Monday, October 10, 2011

2011-10-10T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: Peace / Strength

Focus Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 / Philippians 4:13

Focus Team Member: Larry Briggs

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 Larry today. Let him know how sufficient You are to be there for him when he feels 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!

Day 1 - Pictures

2011-10-09T22:57:00.005-04:00

Day 1 - Possibly the Best Food Ever

2011-10-09T21:51:00.006-04:00

Hey friends and family!

OK...so our first post isn't going to be all about food (although it could be). We attended two services at Templo de Felicidad (the church we are working with this week), met the wonderful pastors there, hung out with our missionaries, Gerritt & Tara Kenyon (who fed us a great chili meal with a spectacular dessert), and attended Panama International Church's Fellowship Night (which included worship, a short devotional by missionary Nelson Lugo, and yes...food). We've had two amazing meals already and it looks like the ladies of the church are cooking for us tomorrow. So, that's why the title of this post is what it is. Alright, enough about food!

Here are some highlights from our day (as told by various team members):

Ivette met a little old lady (Catalina) who over 20 years ago received some booklets - what we would recognize as copies of Our Daily Bread. Ivette was so moved by Catalina's request for more because those booklets not only helped Catalina in her spiritual walk but also helped her learn to read and write. The opportunity to meet this sweet, sincere lady was the highlight of Ivette's day.

Diana thanked the Lord for her encounter with Gabe, a member of the Panama International Church worship team. For her, it was great to hear his testimony and be able to pray with him. She believes this meeting with Greg foreshadows the coming week of ministry for us. She's excited about being able to meet and simply love on others.

Elaine talked about how she really wants us to be bitten by the "mission" bug. "Everyone on Mission" isn't just nice words on a poster; we have the opportunity to live this out - everyday and in every way. Just like we say weekly at Kingsway, Elaine talked about how we are not where we are by accident. God has us here for a reason and wants to use us to reach others for Him.

Jesse loved the message that was shared this morning regarding how much God has for us. He appreciated so much the passion and fire for the Lord that the minister demonstrated.

Larry shared that he felt the Spirit so strongly today, even though he didn't understand a word of the message spoken in Spanish. Larry expressed awe towards God who understands us all, loves us all and unites us all by His Spirit. We may speak a different language but we all serve the same God. We are different but the same!

Bill is rejoicing over the opportunities that we will have in the next few days to help Gerritt & Tara build relationships with the national church. We are going to do some simple tasks; some "little things" but he wanted us to remember that in whatever we do - how we handle ourselves, how we serve and relate to others - God will use us to demonstrate His love to people out there who don't even know Him.

Hector mentioned that God really touched his heart to embrace the calling God has placed on his life. And, he feels a peace that God will work out the details of him going into ministry.

Randy joins me in thanking those who shared their testimony today. They planted a mustard seed, many people were moved and encouraged. I was super proud of each of them: Hector, Elaine, Jesse, & Kely all spoke from their hearts, testifying to God's goodness, faithfulness, and great love.

So, that's a snapshot of what we experienced today. Thanks for praying for us! Thanks to those who have left comments. They mean so much to us.

Keep praying! Talk to you soon!
Pastor Arlena

Prayer Focus - Sunday, October 9, 2011

2011-10-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic: A Willing Heart

Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:23 / 2 Timothy 2:10

Focus Team Member: Randy Bridgewater

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 Randy right now. He has already demonstrated a willing heart - just in going to Panama. 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 him and our team. And, as they willingly give of themselves for the sake of others, draw them closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray!

A Picture of our Team

2011-10-09T00:33:00.002-04:00

We've Arrived

2011-10-09T00:29:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!

Thanks for praying! We had a wonderful flight - a little skip & hop on landing - but we are all safe (a little tired) and settled into our hotel here in Panama City. Gerritt & Tara (our host missionaries) welcomed us with pb & j sandwiches, bottles of water, and cookies! The bottles of water were handy since it is very hot and humid here!

We are thrilled to be here and excited about the full day of ministry that we have tomorrow (it looks like we will sharing testimonies in the service tomorrow morning).

We'd love to hear from you. Keep praying for us; we can already feel them.

Blessings,
Pastor Arlena

Prayer Focus - Saturday, October 8, 2011

2011-10-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

Prayer Focus: Safety

Focus Scripture: Psalm 16

Focus Team Members: Bill & Elaine Lang, 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 Bill & Elaine 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!

New Adventures - Same Mission

2011-10-07T21:28:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, 10 people from Kingsway are traveling to Panama City, Panama for a week of ministry. We're excited about the opportunity to be used of the Lord. We don't know all that we will be doing - it will certainly be a new adventure for us. But, we know that the God we serve wants us to live on mission there, just as He's called us to live on mission there.

We invite you to spend the next week with us, via this blog of course. Our goal is to update it daily; however, that will be solely dependent on our ability to connect to the Internet. Lord willing, you'll hear about our daily activities, some funny stories, and lots of pictures.

You'll also see a daily Prayer Focus as well. Join us in prayer. You are a part of our team - you are our home support! We look forward to sharing with you all that God does through our efforts and your prayers, when we return home next week and share in the Sunday service, Oct. 16, 2011.

Hope you have a great week serving Him! I know we will!

Blessings,
Pastor Arlena

Safely Home

2011-07-23T19:54:00.001-04:00

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

Prayer - Saturday, July 23, 2011

2011-07-23T07:37:00.001-04:00

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!

Prayer - Friday, July 22, 2011

2011-07-22T07:09:00.001-04:00

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!

Prayer - Thursday, July 21, 2011

2011-07-21T06:41:00.003-04:00

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!

A Phone Call From the Team

2011-07-20T21:07:00.003-04:00

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

Prayer -Wednesday, July 20, 2011

2011-07-20T07:53:00.002-04:00

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.

The Programs Begin!

2011-07-19T15:04:00.001-04:00

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 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.

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Prayer - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

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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!

Prayer - Monday, July 18, 2011

2011-07-18T06:38:00.000-04:00

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!

Together Not Separate

2011-07-17T21:20:00.001-04:00

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. :-)

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

2011-07-17T05:28:00.000-04:00

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!

Music Sweet Music

2011-07-16T23:05:00.000-04:00

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!

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!

2011-07-16T19:51:00.001-04:00

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

Kudos to Our Drivers!

2011-07-16T19:44:00.004-04:00

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!

Departure!

2011-07-15T23:07:00.001-04:00

Please pray for our team as we head out to El Salvador at 3AM Saturday morning. We are all praying to be used of God in a mighty way. Thank you all for your support. We will be posting daily updates (if wifi is available). We would love to hear from you also. Thank you again - The Kingsway El Salvador 2011 Team.

Prayer - Saturday, July 16, 2011

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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!

Off on Mission

2011-07-11T13:28:00.002-04:00

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

Home

2010-11-24T08:19:00.005-05:00

Yes, the Rwanda Missions Team arrived safe and sound on Monday, November 22. We arrived in Philly and were picked up at 2:30pm by Pastor Bryon and Larry Briggs. After over 30 hours of continuous travel, it felt good to be home but we were still thinking about our new friends in Rwanda.

Oh, the places we've been and the people we have met. We have so many stories to tell! You won't want to miss this Sunday's service. The team will share in both the 9 & 11. If you've been following our ministry in Africa or are simply intrigued about 10 people traveling the globe together, make it a priority to be here Sunday. I promise, it will be a service you won't forget. God will touch your heart and remind us all again of how desperate He is to reach our world with His love.

See you Sunday! Blessings,

Pastor Arlena

Sunday, November 21, 2010

2010-11-21T11:24:00.000-05:00

Focus Topic: Protection

Focus Scripture: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members: Stephen Noethen

Psalm 91 is overflowing with the protection he promises to his children. Many times when we hear someone pray for protection, they may use the words, “Hedge of protection”. I recently heard God’s hedge of protection described as a thick, thorny, strong source of protection! How is that for an awesome visual? So as we pray over our team today, let’s picture them, the planes they will fly on and the places they will go surrounded by that thick, thorny, strong barrier that God promises those who hide themselves in him!

Prayer: Daddy, just as little children run to their earthly fathers, we run to you today crying out on behalf of these ten men and women who have givenof their time to go and fulfill your great commission! You promise that “those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High SHALL abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” As our team travels throughout the next 24 hours, we pray that you will hide each and every one of them in your secret place. Give the leaders wisdom, give each person on this trip strength, and fill them with a contagious joy! Let your divine moments continue for our team members and those they interact with. God, we that you that this team has beencovered with your thick, thorny, strong hedge of protection every minute of this trip and we pray that it would continue until they pull into the church parking lot tomorrow afternoon! We place these ten precious people in your hand-Jesus have your way in and through them! In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen

Saturday, November 20, 2010

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Focus Topic : Endurance

Focus Scripture : 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Focus Team Members : Glenn Davidson

Today is the sightseeing day for our team and boy do they deserve it! As much as they won’t be
ministering at camp, let’s believe that the Holy Spirit is not done working in and through these
men and women who have given of their time! Let’s believe that first and foremost, this would
be a day that God would restore any weakness in their bodies, emotions, and minds. Secondly, I
believe that our team will encounter people as they journey who desperately need a touch from
God! Let’s pray that God would give them an overwhelming sensitivity to the promptings of the
Holy Spirit to be vessels of love and light to all they encounter!

Prayer: God, Your grace is enough! We believe that today. May every single team member feel
your strength in the midst of their weaknesses today. I pray that each person delights in their
weakness, trusting only in Your strength. Be with them as they move through the day; protect,
guard, and watch over. Bless them with strength that can only come from you. Give them this
day as a day to connect with each other and the heart of the nation they have served for the last
week in a deeper way. We pray that you would love a lasting impression on their lives through
their experiences and interactions today. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Pictures from the Final Day

2010-11-20T01:00:00.012-05:00

Goodbye's the Saddest Word I've Ever Heard

2010-11-20T00:41:00.005-05:00

Hello friends!

On Friday, our team ate our normal breakfast, loaded onto our usual bus, said hello to our regular bus driver, Theo, and started our familiar trek to Kagarama Secondary School for the last day of camp. And, that was the end of any "usual-ness" to our day. We knew that we would only have a brief time with the kids before they loaded up on their buses to go home, we just didn't expect how hard it would be to say goodbye.

Melanie, Stephen, Nate & Michele had an opportunity to share their testimonies and they did a fantastic job. I have to admit that it was wonderful this week to hear the stories from each team member of what God has done in their lives. Then, before we knew it, we were picking up gift bags and handing them into excited little hands. We'd try to squeeze in a hug, farewell high five, and a picture before they jumped onto the bus but it was challenging with over 200 kids. And, I think all of the team would agree, it simply went too quickly. There were lots and lots of tears as we said goodbye. Somehow, in the course of just a few short days, these precious (and some precocious) kids wormed their way into our hearts.

I think what made it easier for me was just seeing how happy they were. They LOVED the gift bags and like all kids opening presents, rooted through the entire bag to examine every treat. They left us with huge smiles on their faces. We know that many accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior for the first time. We know that many were filled with the Holy Spirit. The missionaries tell us that the special treatment lavished on them at the camp was such a blessing. Our prayer is that the love we poured into them will continually remind them of God's love and help them through whatever comes next in their young lives.

On Saturday, we will stop by a nursery school in a village on the outskirts of Kigali. This is located in a predominantly Muslim area and is led by a pastor who fought in the RPF during the genocide. We're excited to see his school and love on a few more kids. Then, we are off to the genocide museum. We know this will be difficult but important to understanding the people and history of this beautiful country. In the afternoon, we'll be doing some shopping in a local market; tonight, our missionaries (who have been absolutely fabulous) will host us in their home for dinner.

On Sunday, we attend church one more time and then pack up to begin our journey home. You won't want to miss service on 11/28. We'll have stories that will touch your heart, pictures that will move you to tears, and testimonies that remind us of how much God desires to make a difference in our world using each of us. Since I won't see you before then, hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Love to all! Thanks SO, SO much for praying! Blessings,

Pastor Arlena

Pictures from camp day 2 and 3

2010-11-19T07:03:00.005-05:00

Camp Day #3

2010-11-19T00:35:00.003-05:00

Hello Kingsway and all blog followers! Yesterday was an amazing day from beginning to end. We were all too exhausted to even think about blogging last night. The day started with great testimonies from some of our team, Heather, Tim, and Stephanie. Yesterday the centers that the kids rotated through were puppetry, praise and worship, sports, and special meetings with the teenage boys and girls. The children loved every center and puppets here are like a multimedia experience in the United States.

Although everyone organized different centers nearly every team member experienced each center at least once, here are a few highlights of yesterday: Kely and Heather loved sitting in on the puppetry center. The kids loved seeing their peers up front doing puppets. Glenn was totally schooled on the soccer field by a little girl. Tim led the kids in a praise and worship session in his typical energetic and entertaining way. Stephanie and Melanie also led a praise and worship center and taught the kids the game of 7-Up. Nate and Stephen helped answer questions in the boys (12-17) center; Michele and Pastor Arlena helped answer questions in the girls (12-17) center. Needless to say, it was a full and fun day!

The service last night was full of worship (this includes exercise too) and a great word on the Holy Spirit given by Pastor Patrick, our missionary here. Many children were filled with the Holy Spirit. Children nearly ran over each other to high-five Tim, Glenn, Stephen and Nate on the way to their dorms. We were all blessed to serve this week. What an incredible time!

God bless,
Michele & Pastor Arlena

Friday, November 19, 2010

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Focus Topic: Divine Appointments

Focus Team Member: Stephanie Neilson

Focus Scripture: Psalm 32:8

Our prayers were answered once again! Word on the street is that there was a powerful move of the Holy Spirit during the evening service yesterday! Our friends in Rwanda have been used by God to impact lives for eternity this week. Even though today is the last day of camp for them, let’s pray that God would not be finished working through them on this trip. As our team members have their last encounters with the campers today and as they interact with people through the rest of their travels, let’s believe that they would be used to minister, truth, hope, and life to all those they interact with!

Prayer: God you promise us in Psalm 32:8 that you will instruct us and teach us in the way that we should go. We pray that this promise would be true for each of the ten team members today and over the coming days. Jesus, may they be sensitive to the leading of your Holy Spirit telling them where to go and giving them the words to say! We give this precious team to you today praying that they would find rest and peace in you today. Be with each team member. Minister to their hearts and speak truth into their spirits as they seek to minister to others! We love you Jesus! In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen

Thursday, November 18, 2010

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Focus Topic: Life Transformation

Focus Team Member: Pastor Arlena Corzine

Focus Scripture:1 Corinthians 2: 12-13

SIXTY young lives made a decision yesterday that will forever impact their lives! Sixty young people gave their lives to Jesus! Prayer works and God is working in Rwanda this week! Today, let’s take that prayer for salvation and pray that the Holy Spirit would begin a work of life transformation in the hearts of each and every student attending camp this week. We see in 1 Corinthians 2 that the Holy Spirit enables us to understand things that we wouldn’t otherwise understand in our natural mind. These verses proclaim that it’s the Holy Spirit who helps us understand what “God has freely given us”. Let’s pray that as these sixty have made decisions for Christ, others are seeking truth, and others have committed their hearts, that where ever these young people are in their walk with Christ, that the Holy Spirit would being to minister to them the truth of what God has freely given to them. As they begin to lay hold of this truth, let’s pray that their lives would begin to be molded and formed into exactly what God has created them to be!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, not only did you send your only son to suffer and die for us, you also provided the Holy Spirit, our comforter, our source of your wisdom, and the minister of truth to our hearts. Thank You! God we pray that as these young people encounter you this week that not only would they make a commitment to serve you but that they would begin to feel the Holy Spirit changing and shaping them into what you have called them to be. We don’t want this week to become a fleeting memory but a moment in their lives that stands as a testimony to who you are and how great your love is for your children. God we cry out for a life transforming work of the Holy Spirit to be alive and powerful throughout the camp today! In every session, is every interaction, in every word that is spoken we pray that Holy Spirit would be at work changing lives! We give you praise, glory and honor for the things you have already done this week and all that you are going to do! Protect our team members from sickness and keep them strong as they minister your love to children who desperately need it! We speak the blood of Jesus over every team member and every child who will be on that campus today! Thank you that NO weapon formed against this day shall prosper! In Jesus’ Name! Amen

Elephant, Elephant, GIRAFFE!

2010-11-17T14:16:00.003-05:00

I'm usually quite a big fan of being right, but not this time. We all said the trip would go by too fast, and unfortunately we were all 100% correct. I think we would all single-handedly agree that this trip will be forever on our hearts.

The morning began with our usual breakfast...and by usual I mean having three plates each so that our fruit doesn't touch our cooked food and another for the fruit after we peel it (not that any of us are paranoid about getting sick or anything), and Steven making his own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (The peanut butter was imported from New Jersey, mind you). After ensuring that everyone has indeed taken their Malaria meds, we gather at the bus to begin our short ride to the kids that have already stolen our hearts.

God has been beyond good to us, and although a few of us have been suffering with certain sicknesses, God has continued to give the strength and energy needed! It makes you wonder what He wants to do in the lives of these kids this week with how many obstacles of body that have been coming up. I can tell you one thing: I'm pretty sure we've all increased our praying momentum this week.

There were so many highlights to the day. Too many to mention! One of the greatest things, though, is that the kids have really started opening up to us. Throughout their specified times of Boys Craft with Glenn, Spa time with Mel, Health Fair with Michele, Kely, and Heather, Sports with Nate and their English conversation class with Arlena and Steven, we all noticed a drastic change! Many times a child would find a certain team member, and just snuggle up (Arlena had her "snuggler" tonight!) They think Tim is the coolest person ever, I think.

We have officially taught the kids "Elephant Elephant Giraffe" in Kinyarwanda (duck duck goose), Simon Says, and Tag (That was fun to teach without a translator...). The girls are walking around with painted nails and there are paper airplanes everywhere. Everyone smells like sweat and doesn't seem to mind. 60 kids even received Jesus as their Savior for the first time! Many of these pastor's kids have never had the chance to receive Christ because its just assumed they have already. Your support is taking effect and we have NO idea how Jesus will use these kids in Rwanda and the world!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued prayers and love and encouragement... it's needed and felt! Love you all!
Mel Greco

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

2010-11-17T07:49:00.001-05:00

Focus Topic: Salvation

Focus Scripture: John 3:16-17

Focus Team Member: Nate Frazier

Happy Wednesday! As you pray today, continue to keep the health of the team members lifted up! A few of the team have not been feeling well but have seen a touch from God and we believe that will continue! The truth of the gospel is so simple yet so profound. Many of the children the team in impacting this week may have heard the gospel message before but have never made it their own. Others may be hearing about God for the first time this week. Let’s pray that this would be a week that young people in Rwanda would allow God to grab hold of their hearts and they would in turn surrender their lives to him!

Prayer: Jesus, you came and lived a sinless life so that we who are dripping in sin could find freedom, forgiveness, and fellowship with you! Thank you! We pray that as our team ministers today and throughout the remainder of the week that the purity of your salvation would be demonstrated and received. For the students who have been around your word but haven’t made relationship with you a part of their life, let this be a week that captivates their hearts and draws them toward your love. For students who have maybe never heard the truth of your gospel presented as something that is for them personally, allow them to hear that truth this week, accept it as their own and be set free! Be with the men and women from Kingsway who are serving this week! We pray for bodies that are whole and minds that are sound! Thank you Jesus for what you have done and what we know you will do! We love you! In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen

Pictures from Camp - Day 1

2010-11-17T00:06:00.011-05:00

Announcing a New Life Group: Puppetry for Beginners

2010-11-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

Boy, do we wish we had joined that life group!

Good evening from Kigali, Rwanda! Let's give credit to my stenographer, Pastor Arlena, and my two editors, Michele & Mel who will make sure nothing gets put on the blog that is inappropriate! I don't know if you knew about it but there was a debate last night on which is better - vanilla or chocolate ice cream - but vanilla won (not really! Since I'm typing, I'm declaring chocolate the winner - Pastor Arlena).

Today, the children arrived at the camp we've been praying for and planning for. We all participated in registering the kids, getting them to their rooms, and giving them lots of smiles and hugs (our favorite part). After lunch, we went down to the field and had some fun. Everybody was involved on various teams with the kids. I was a judge and cheered the blue team to victory. I will probably loose my voice soon but it was worth it! I also learned to not try and outrun a young, Rwandan boy - he was way more faster than me. After the sports, we all came to the dining hall (the main meeting area for the kids) and had our daily praise and worship service. That was simply indescribable. To see the young children dance, praise, worship and enjoy the presence of the Lord - I think that was the favorite moment of the day for everyone!

When we finished with praise and worship, the team served as puppeteers (hence, the title of our post tonight). Our sore arms and sorry performance (in our eyes) was well worth the effort once we heard the children laughing at our antics.

We had dinner with the pastors attending the camp with their kids and then, settled in to watch a movie with the kids. Too soon our day came to an end and we got back on the bus to return to the hotel. I think everyone is exhausted but it's a good exhaustion.

Keep us in your prayers! We feel them! And, we send our love back to you!

Blessings,
The Silver-Haired Old Man - who apparently looks like Bill Clinton but whom you know as Glenn

p.s. Tim & Nate were not feeling well this am but by the end of the day were healthy. We thank the Lord for His healing touch!

p.s.s. Special thanks to Pastor Arlena. If I had done the typing, I'd still be posting on Thursday!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

2010-11-16T07:43:00.000-05:00

Focus Topic: Trust

Focus Scripture: Matthew 8

Focus Team Member: Heather Todd

Matthew 8 is bursting with amazing situations where Jesus demonstrated God’s love for his people! Just in this one chapter, we see many healed and many more who witnessed these miracles and turned their eyes to Jesus. What stands out in this chapter is that these people had to trust in Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit to even ask for healing let alone believe that healing would come to them. Today, our team in Rwanda will begin 4 days of intense and fun ministry with a group of young people! Even though we don’t know these young people’s stories, what they have been through and what they have seen in their lives, there is a good chance that some or most of them carry walls where ever they go. These walls are their protections and have become a sense of security for them. In order for the Holy Spirit to have his way this week, those walls need to be broken down! As we pray today, let’s pray that as these young people step foot onto the campus of this camp, that they would be flooded with a supernatural ability to TRUST our friends who are running the camp. Trust them with their hurts, trust them with their scars, trust them with their dreams. As they are able to trust the team members and the power of the Holy Spirit working in them, let’s believe for miracles!

Prayer: God, you care about us so much that you provide in your word everything we need to be carriers of your good news! We see the events of Matthew chapter 8 and we are envious and set on fire by the faith and trust we see flowing out of the people to Jesus. Your response to that faith was meeting the needs of each and every person Jesus encountered. As these young people who each have a name, a story, a calling, and an anointing step foot on that camp today, let them be overwhelmed with the ability to trust their counselors immediately. As trust grows, allow the Holy Spirit to flow in ways that we could never ask or think. We entrust our team to you and we give you each and every life that will be impacted this week. Build life changing relationships and performs miracles in the heart of every child present this week! We love you Jesus! In your name we pray. Amen

The Adventure So Far

2010-11-15T13:23:00.002-05:00

Dearest friends and family,

Our trip thus far has truly been an adventure. We feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to experience all that we have.

Sunday was truly a life changing day for all of us. We had the pleasure of attending the worship service of our host church and it was indescribable. After a wonderful worship session, Tim sang 'How He Loves Us' for the congregation and it was beautiful to say the least. Afterwards, Arlena preached a powerful sermon from Genesis 6. While she preached, the rest of us went and had the pleasure of serving well over 130 kids in children's church. To see them interact and respond was awesome. Nate told the story of Daniel and the lions den and then talked about being scared and learning to trust in the Lord. After church an intense game of "Duck-Duck-Goose" ensued, where Glenn's inner child took over. :) I had the distinct pleasure of comforting a very young child who just melted my heart.

Today, Monday, was a very busy and physically exhausting day. We set up the camp for the kids and I, for one, had no idea of all the things that went into this camp. We unloaded all of our supplies along with 36 cases of soda (which was just insane!) We all worked ourselves silly, but we wouldn't have it any other way. From setting up the cafeteria, to individual classrooms and finishing all the bags to give to the kids...it just was a total blast. And to top it all off, we had our first crazy intense rain storm and praise God, the roof's don't leak! :)

We continue to praise God for all that He has provided for us. We are thankful beyond measure for our hosts...this camp wouldn't have happened without them. They are truly servants of Christ. Please continue to pray for our safety and stamina as the next 3 days are our big, busy, crazy days. The kids start arriving around 10 am. Pray for safe travels for all that are coming. We again thank you all for everything that you've done to help us get to this point. We love you all.

In His service...Stephen

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

2010-11-15T08:56:00.007-05:00

Monday, November 15, 2010

2010-11-15T07:26:00.000-05:00

Focus Topic: Unity/Peace

Focus Team Member: Melanie Greco

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12/Philippians 4:6-8

We were reminded through yesterday’s message that we all have different gifts and that God calls us all to function differently within the local church. As we focus our praying today on unity, let’s pray that these men and women who are serving the people of Rwanda this week would be aware of their gifting and free to flow in that while allowing the others on the team to do the same. God promises that when we come to him in prayer, petition, and thanksgiving that he will flood us with a peace that passes our earthly understanding! As our team prepares for a week of camp, let’s trust that God will flood them with the peace they need to take them through the week.

Prayer: Oh God we thank you for creating each of the ten people of this Rwanda missions team! You have placed inside each of them gifs and abilities that are needed desperately throughout this trip. We pray that you would allow this team to flow in unity. Allow each of them to identify and flow in their gifts while being completely humbled by watching their team mates do the same! God knit these men and women together just as you knit our bodies together, causing each system to depend on the other. We also pray that today and throughout the remainder of the trip that you would pour out the peace you promise in Philippians 4:6-8, a peace that passes all of their earthly understanding! As students step foot on the grounds of the camp on Tuesday, let the reality of this peace flood their hearts, break down walls, and reach places that have been unreachable! We give our team to you to watch over guard and protect. Hide them today under the shadow of your wing. Keep them safe and healthy. In Jesus’ Name! Amen

Sunday, November 14, 2010

2010-11-14T06:44:00.001-05:00

Focus Topic: Empowerment and Infilling

Focus Scripture: Joel 2:28-29, Matthew 28:18-20

Focus Team Member: Tim Hussey

We have learned in the last year that the Holy Spirit has two main functions in our life. The first is life transformation and the other is empowerment for mission! Later in the week we will focus our praying on life transformation for our team and those they encounter, today, let’s focus on the empowerment and infilling that is provided through the Holy Spirit in order to bring people into the kingdom of God. In Matthew 28, Jesus Commissions his disciples to GO and make disciples of all nations. What an honor to not only to lead someone to salvation BUT to lead someone to the beauty of what it means to be a disciple of Christ! That is what this team is looking to do this week, pour out God’s love on these young people so that they will be drawn to seek a relationship with Jesus not just a onetime salvation experience. God promises to his people in Joel 2 that he will pour out His Spirit on all people! These men and women who we love so dearly need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill what God has sent them to do!

Prayer: Jesus! You reign high above powers and principalities! We cry out on behalf of our team today asking that you would send your Holy Spirit like a rushing wind to empower our brothers and sisters to love richly, speak boldly, and exemplify relationship with you in such a way that the young people they encounter this week would not be able to deny you or the desire to be in relationship with you! Holy Spirit fill your workers this week so that they would be able to fulfill Your great commission! Your word says that no weapon formed against your team shall prosper. We pray that as they begin to minister that you would put a hedge around them and the work that they are in Rwanda to do. Protect your workers and the precious plans you have in store. We give you this team. Holy Spirit have your way in them and in the young people they connect with this week! We love you Jesus. In Jesus’ Name we pray! Amen

Ijoro Ryiza from Rwanda

2010-11-13T12:07:00.007-05:00

Greetings from Kigali! After over 24 hours of travel, we're finally here! Everyone except Glenn got some sleep on the plane. He's 48+ hours without sleep at this moment and he still hasn't lost his sense of humor. Pray he, as well as everyone else on the team, has a restful sleep tonight. This afternoon we unpacked and sorted 21 suitcases of gifts for the children. We just finished a delicious dinner and the assembly line of packing the gift bags has begun. As I write, there are soccer balls rolling all around the room and our team is spontaneously breaking into song (mostly initiated by none other than Tim). We are compiling the gift bags for the children. Each child will receive a reusable tote, notebook, pen, pencil, toothbrush, tooth paste, bar of soap, washcloth, reusable cup, homemade card, candy, soccer ball, and Bible in their language. Thanks to everyone who donated all these items! We are so grateful to be here and are excited for all the Lord has in store for this week! Until tomorrow, Ijoro ryiza (goodnight)! Michele

We Have Arrived

2010-11-13T09:34:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone!

We have arrived safely in Rwanda, this beautiful country filled with beautiful people. Michele will bring the team update a little later but I wanted to let you know that we are here, we are well, and after over 24 hours of travel, we are in good spirits. We are so excited about the opportunity to minister.

Keep praying for us! We feel them!

Blessings,
Pastor Arlena

Saturday, November 13, 2010

2010-11-13T00:54:00.000-05:00

Focus Topic: Health

Focus Scripture: Isaiah 53:5

Focus Team Member: Kely Knowles

What does it mean to be whole? It’s a word we use frequently but very rarely stop to study the meaning. The dictionary tells us that the word whole means “not broken, damaged or impaired, uninjured and unharmed.” Let’s keep that meaning in mind as we meditate on the focus scripture today. Isaiah 53:5 is a verse that is probably very familiar to many of us. The Living Translation words it in such a way to remind us that not only can we come to God for healing when we are sick but we can seek God to keep us from encountering sickness in the first place. The verse reads:

⁵ But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.

Jesus gave his life so that we could be whole! He died and was resurrected over 2000 years ago which means that the wholeness that he promises in this verse is already paid for-our job is simply to lay hold of what he has made available. So as we pray today let’s not just pray that God would heal our team members that may be ailing but let’s pray that his promise would be true that the beating that Jesus took for each of our brothers and sisters who are in Rwanda would provide for their wholeness (in body, mind and spirit) today and throughout the remainder of the trip.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving up your only son to be beaten and to die so that we could experience forgiveness and wholeness in our bodies. Jesus, we acknowledge the power of your death and resurrection and cry out for the promises of Isaiah 53:5 to be made true for every person on this team today and for each day of this trip. We pray that you would provide divine health to these men and women. God we also pray that if any person is feeling weak in his or her body today that you would be their Jehovah Rapha- their healer. Be all that our team needs today. We pray that their sleep would be anointed and would provide them the rest that they need to remain healthy as they prepare to minister. In Jesus’ Name! Amen

2010-11-12T10:24:00.005-05:00

Friday morning 2:45am.

The team gathers (minus 2) to load up and depart for PHL. Next stop Rwanda! *See prayer support post below.

Friday, November 12, 2010

2010-11-12T06:28:00.000-05:00

Focus Topic: Protection

Focus Scripture: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members: All 10 team members ( Pastor Arlena, Michele, Kely, Tim, Heather, Melanie, Nate, Stephanie, Glen, and Stephen)

Prayer: Daddy, just as little children run to their earthly fathers, we run to you today crying out on behalf of these ten men and women who are giving of their time to go and fulfill your great commission! You promise that “those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High SHALL abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” As our team travels throughout the next 24 hours, we pray that you will hide each and every one of them in your secret place. Give the leaders wisdom, give each person on this trip strength, and fill them with a contagious joy! Let your divine moments begin even now for our team members and those they interact with. God, we pray that this team would be covered with your thick, thorny, strong hedge of protection every minute of this trip. We place these ten precious people in your hand-Jesus have your way in and through them! In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen

Rwanda Missions Team - Leaving Tonight

2010-11-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

Friday at 2:30am we make our way to the airport & wheels up is at 6:12am on our plane to Rwanda. Keep checking this blog for updates on our ministry. We appreciate your prayers!

Blessings,

Pastor Arlena

Returning and Sharing

2010-08-06T08:45:00.005-04:00

Saturday went smooth - Flight on time, luggage and team members all accounted for. Thanks to Pastor Arlena, Michele Romaniello, and Nate Frazier for the shuttle from the airport to church. We had so much to share but wanted to wait till Sunday morning when we shared with the entire congregation.

Sunday was terrific, we all enjoyed sharing, and dancing for all of you. It is hard to put into words how the week in El Salvador affects your life. God stretches you an ways you did not even know you can stretch. It is a wonderful week of discovering God's love for all.

Thanks to our team entire team you are all terrific. Thank you to Kingsway Church - we are so grateful for your prayers and support. I ask you to join us next year - Let God use you, it will change your life.

No swimming in the ocean allowed, but cliff diving is okay!

2010-08-06T08:30:00.008-04:00

Friday - today is our free day.

After breakfast we loaded the bus for the ride to the beach. On our way, Nelson (our national from 08 & 09)

met our bus on the highway to say goodbye. Nelson has a big place on our hearts and we ask that you pray for him, He is no longer in the King's Castle program and is working and going to church, it is difficult time for him as there are many gangs in is neighborhood and his home has structural issues due to all the rain.

Arriving at the beach we instructed the team that they could not go into the ocean (last year we almost lost a team member, he had to be rescued by a life guard from the strong undertow.) There are wonderful hammocks there to rest in, it is sooooooo nice. Water slide, pool and a great ocean wave pool built on the side of the cliff that fills during high tide as the waves crash in. It did not take long before Neil was climbing the cliff and doing back flips into the pool, soon everyone had to follow although the only other skilled enough to flip was Bri. The whole time we all were like "Pastor Arlena is not going to like this". We had so much fun.

Returning to the camp we had our closing time were King's Castle and the staff, thank us for coming to El Salvador. This is a great time of laughs and tears. Tomorrow we go home, but look forward to what next year will bring.

Prayer Focus :: Saturday, July 24, 2010

2010-07-24T03:28:00.000-04:00

Focus Topic :: Safety

Focus Scripture :: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members :: All 14 (Nicole, Diana, Carrianne, Neil, Allie, Christopher, George, Kim, Georgie, Nikki, Mariela, Thaymee, Rick, Angela)

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your protection over our team during this trip. You have sustained them and kept them. I pray that You give them safety as they travel home. Be with them as they begin their journey. Place them on the right flights and with the right flight crew. By Your hand, guide them safely home. Thank You for all that You have done through them on this trip. Give them even more opportunities to minister at the airports and on the plane. We trust them into Your care! In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

.....but the greatest of these is LOVE. 1 Cor 13:13

2010-07-24T00:58:00.009-04:00

Thursday was our big day of ministry. We started at 8 am and loaded the 150 bags of food, sound equipment,

ministry supplies, and the entire team on to the pick up truck. As we traveled up to the mountain top "brannnccccchhh" was not shouted out as much as in last year's trip, the tree trimmer must have been hard at work prior to our arrival.

At our arrival, we came to a field were the school boys were playing soccer, so of course we had to join in. It did not go so well for us. We lost 3-0 and I am not going to tell you the age of the boys we played, but I will say that most of our team are up there in age. Next year we want a rematch. If you have any soccer skills we need you!

After the loss we set up for the program. It was one of the largest one we have done all week. We had people from age 1- 90 there. The program was great and we had a great prayer time with them afterwards. We just loved on them with every thing we had.

The food distribution was such a blessing. People we so grateful. An old man 88 who was starving walked himself down the mountain and received his bag of food. Women with health issues received the gift of food and love from the Kingsway Church - Thank you to all of you who supported the missions trip.

After the morning was over we had lunch in Pastor Alfonso's Church, there we all shared about the week so far and what it has meant to us all. This was a great time to hear how God is impacting the lives of our team and the people we were serving with. Pastor Alfonso spoke of when our team we there last year. He was discouraged and not seeing much happening on this mountain with the hearts of the people there. Then 2 weeks after we left last year a girl and her family showed up at church. They shared with him that one of our team members had a fruit and put the fruit to their daughter's nose and told her to smell the fruit. She had never been able to smell and was healed instantly. Our team member did not know of this and the impact it had on the girl, family, mountain top and Pastor Alfonso. With our return this year he stated that it is a comfirmation of what God is doing in Purterillos.

Also, Diana, a woman who loves to embrace the people of El Salvador, even without know the language had a special story this day. Don Triplett , shared that Diana really touched the heart of a woman there. She stated that these people (our team) come here and love on us, embracing us, we have alot to learn from them.

The rest of the day we did more programs, seeing God working through out the day. Dinner time was spent at Pizza Hut with 45 of us - every year this is a great time to spent with the nationals and the kids always enjoy this time.

Love has been the theme of this week - In so many ways we see His love being poured out, through us and on us. What a blessing it has been.

Prayer Focus :: Friday, July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T00:01:00.001-04:00

Focus Topic :: Wisdom

Focus Scripture :: James 1:5

Focus Team Members :: Angela Pacitti, Rick Pacitti

Prayer: Lord, You say that if we lack wisdom, we should ask. I pray today that You would flood our team leaders and team members with wisdom that only You can supply. I pray they hear Your voice and they will follow You. Grant them wisdom in all that they do and say. I especially pray for Rick & Angie. Speak to them in a new way. Guide their steps. Show them something about You that they have never seen before. Use them to pour out Your love and wisdom on every person they meet. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Prayer Focus :: Thursday, July 22, 2010

2010-07-22T00:02:00.001-04:00

Focus Topic :: Divine Appointments

Focus Scripture : Psalm 32:8

Focus Team Members :: Mariela Ortiz, Thaymee Ortiz

Prayer: God, You said, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Please guide each team member today. May every place they walk be closely watched by You. Bring specific people across their path; superintend every circumstance and situation; govern their interactions and conversations. Be with Mariela & Thaymee today. See what they need from You today and be their supply. Provide them with divine appointments that testify to Your power and love for the people of El Salvador. For Jesus' sake, Amen!

Meircoles.

2010-07-21T23:32:00.004-04:00

Today was a packed tight day. After breakfast we met up in the warehouse to bag up the food we will be distributing tomorrow up in the mountains. We pack over a weeks worth of food for 150 families. Our team worked at rapido speed, so it didn't take us long and we had time to do something else, so the Nationals, with Thaymee's help decided to pull a little trick on us. Gladys, our leader, told us that we had to clear off the entire top shelf of supplies, (which is the entire length of the warehouse), dust all its contents, and restock it. Little did we know, they had "punked" us. Everybody found it quite comical. Afterwards, we decided to go out and fit in a program before lunch. We went out into the streets. A lot of mothers came out with their babies, and we even had them involved with the games. It was quite a sight. We prayed over a few sick children and those that wanted to accept Christ. After lunch we drove to Krissia's church and ministered to over 130 children. It was a great program, we had a herd rush the front for the prayer. Pastor Julio said it was a wonderful program and that kids were begging us to stay. We went to one more street program. Before we got to the kids, we prayed over an old woman who was being helped by her family members up the hill. They had just gotten back from the hospital. They wouldn't take her in and told her to return in seven days even though she had just suffered a heart-attack. All the kids we ministered to today were so smiley. It was a great day. We also attended Pastor Julio's church again tonight. Thaymee shared her testimony in Spanish and it was really moving. You could tell she was sharing straight from her heart. We also performed the Everything skit for the congregation. There was an intense prayer time afterwards as well over the youth of the church. Tonight most of chilled in the snack bar and busted on each other for over an hour. We pointed out everybody's quirky moves during the different dances and such. We all were in laughing fits. Tomorrow is our last day of ministry in which we will be riding in the back of the pickup truck up into the mountains. There is much excitement in the air. God has been so good to us this week. I am so thankful for the teams members and our leaders and the youth on our bus. Until tomorrow, goodbye!

Back to School We Go.

2010-07-21T00:32:00.007-04:00

Today we did four programs, the first being at a small school. Some funny things went down at this location. Nicole has dreaded being picked to play in Mi Corazon for two years, but it finally happened. It turned out to be hysterical though, her and Neil had all the kids laughing. Mr. George also had his part in causing the giggles, he decided to join the ninos in a game where they had to get a cookie from their forehead to their mouth with only the help of the muscles in their face. It was quite a sight. At this school a small group of children came forward for salvation at the end after the message.

The next school we went to was much larger and energetic. This school that we visited on our very first trip to El Salvador is up at the top of a hill. Everywhere you looked kids were running around. Angela, or Gatito the Clown, had the children sprinting back and forth running for their lives. They really loved all the games the Nationals had them doing to win prizes. We also performed the Everything skit. When we began, students were laughing at it, and not understanding it. But by the part where Jesus defeats all the evils the girl is battling with, every student joined in a loud applause. There were a number of teenagers at this school who were hard to reach. We could sense the walls that they had put up during the message. Thaymee and Mariela had a chance along with some of the Nationals to pray over one teenage girl who had many problems at home. After lunch we returned to this school to minister to the next group of students. Just as many kids were sprinting across the playground with Angela and everybody had fun playing and connecting with the kids before the program.

We also ministered in a small town on the street. It was the same location of our very first program last year when we had the piggy back races. Overall today was a very productive day and many kids were reached.

All the team members are pretty beat and we have another long day ahead tomorrow. We will begin packing the bags for the food distribution tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM. In the afternoon we will be heading back out to do more programs to children in the areas around the lake. Thank you all so much for your prayers and comments. I hope you all are having a wonderful week. Hasta manana chicos y chicas.

Prayer Focus :: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T00:02:00.001-04:00

Focus Topic :: Unity/Peace

Focus Scripture :: Philippians 4:6-8 / Isaiah 54:17

Focus Team Members :: Christopher Mickel, Nikki Mickel

Prayer: Father God, on behalf of our team, I am asking You for peace today. You have said in your word that we shouldn't worry about anything, but we should ask You for everything. And, when we do, You give us Your peace. Bring Your peace to our team. May Your Holy Spirit foster a sense of unity. I pray that "no weapon turned against you will succeed" and that Jesus will stop any attack that may come on the team today. I lift up Christopher & Nikki to You, asking that You would be with them in a deeply person and real way. Give them Your peace in all that they do and help them to be examples of unity to the entire team. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Prayer Focus :: Tuesday, July 20, 2010

2010-07-20T00:01:00.001-04:00

Focus Topic :: Health

Focus Scripture :: Isaiah 53:5

Focus Team Members :: Allie Mickel, Georgie Mickel

Prayer: Lord, we know You are the Great Healer! Your presence in our world brought and continues to bring so much healing to every imaginable hurt. I pray that today, and throughout the remainder of this trip, You will be the Great Healer for our team and for anyone they encounter. Show Yourself in a real and restorative way. Touch Allie & Georgie today. Meet their needs, whatever they may be. We trust them to You. Empower them to share with others the healing You have brought to their heart. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen!

If For Only One.

2010-07-19T23:04:00.005-04:00

Buenos Noche People!

Today was our first day of ministry! It included eight million kids, five programs, two packs of beef jerky, and a partridge in a pear tree. (That one was for you Pastor Arlena, btw, you are missed. I thought I saw you at least three times today. Haha.). Right now most of us are mad chilling here in the snack bar. It's filled with laughter and jokes. Uncle Rick seems a bit tired?, he's cracking up, and I mean like doubled over, at his own jokes. (And he just died after hearing that.) All the kids have clicked well, and of course the adults have bonded in having to look after us. We headed out right after breakfast to travel around the lake to the townships surrounding it. Our first program was one of the most difficult I've ever been apart of. We hiked up a slope which was a mountain to us, but a piece of cake for the Nationals. And it was raining a bit with at least 4 pairs of dogs attempting to get in the way. But we did our best with the first tries at our dances, which surely looked pitiful, but Neil and Bri saved our backs by doing a clever job at the Mi Corazon skit.

Our second program was in a soccer field in that we had to borrow electricity from a small family for. We didn't have a huge turnout, but at the end we prayed over that small family. First for their shy, but adorable, little girl who was sick. Then the husband and wife shared with us, through a translator of course, that they are new Christians, two weeks old to be exact. The husband was actually suicidal before he encountered the Lord. They are about to lose their house however being that the husband has been unemployed for five months. The Lord had laid on Thaymee's heart to share with them the basis of the verse Galatians 6:7-10. Look it up, it's good, I'm serious. The family told us that they were so blessed to have us there, and Thaymee turned it around and said to them pretty much that they have nothing, and on the verge of losing their home, yet they shared their electricity. Letting them know that they will surely be blessed through this. Hugs were shared all around and tears shed. You readers can keep this small, yet strong family in your prayers. Pray that they can keep their house, the husband finds a solid job, and their little girl will be healthy again.

We then came back to the Castle and did a short program for the kids in the feeding program here. I saw a little boy who was here last year. He was wearing the same Bob the Builder pajama shirt and looked no bigger than he did last July. He, however, was contend being held on my hip as long as he had his empty Coke can to play with. After lunch we were supposed to head back out to do another program immediately after. But as we have come to learn, time doesn't mean much here in El Salvador. The Nationals and some of our kids started to playing soccer, kicking the ball in and out of the horses, and we eventually left some 45 minutes later to continue on with our programs. The bus pulled into a little township not too far from the camp. One that we also performed at last summer. This ended up being a wonderful program. Soooo many kids came running, we hardly had to go grab em. And they were already smiling. Half our job was done as soon as they saw the bus. I've never had so many kids leaping to grab the camera lens in my life, "FOTO! FOTO!" I'm also pretty sure that same herd of bulls and cows trucked right through our "stage"again. The B team did the David and Goliath skit very well and it was hysterical. The children were really dirty, but despite that fact, they were the happiest we met all day. Their smiles would literally melt you. One little boy, a familiar face from last year, Israel, couldn't be separated from Georgie after the Jesus skit being that he actually believed that Georgie was Jesus. It was the most precious thing. One old woman, Elise, brought her Bronchitis-stricken granddaughter, Monica, to me to have me pray for her. I had to go grab Thaymee for help, but we got some words exchanged. The many, many Beanie Babies were especially enjoyed at this site. The kids were freaking out.

Tonight we went to a service at Pastor Julio's church. The worship was so lovely, the constant clapping and tamborine-ing. Krissia, one of our National leaders, preached a sermon on John 11. Georgie, Mariela, and Susanna led one of the worship songs. And Neil gave his testimony with Pastor Julio interpreting, which was greatly received by those listening. Tomorrow, will most likely be similar to today...filled with bus rides and programs. It's pouring right now, so hopefully we will see a bit of Mr. Sun in the morning. Today's title is in reference to the prayer Neil prayed as we pulled out of the gates at 8AM. He stated that we are still here to do God's work, even if it's just for only one. That sick girl at the soccer field was just one that we prayed for, who represented one family, that impacted one team, that represents one church, living for the One God.

None of us have broken any bones yet, and we haven't lost any of the 13 members yet.....Did I get you? There's 14 team members, and we're all accounted for. ;-) Goodnight all. Talk to you tomorrow!

Pictures from Team

2010-07-19T10:56:00.008-04:00

Prayer Focus :: Monday, July 19, 2010

2010-07-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

Focus Topic :: Endurance

Focus Scripture :: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Focus Team Members :: Carrianne Hogan, Neil Hooley

Prayer: God, Your grace is enough! I believe that today. May every single team member feel your strength in the midst of their weaknesses today. I pray that each person delights in their weakness, trusting only in Your strength. Jesus, shower Your grace on Carrianne & Neil today. Be with them as they move through the day; protect, guard, and watch over. Bless them with strength that can only come from you. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Nose Goes!

2010-07-18T23:43:00.004-04:00

Hola!

Today we didn't venture outside the compound at all, however, we exerted plenty of energy, much more than some of the team members....err, the older ones, were used to. Awoken promptly at the terrible hour of 5:00 AM by Miss Kim, even though breakfast isn't served until 6:30, nobody rose too cranky. Some of us being what you may call 'veterans' have found aspects of the compound to be rather "homey." The Chi-Chi's bedding, the gym where we originally learned the Castillo Del Rey songs three summers ago, and the wild, potentially dangerous horses that roam the 36-acres we are occupying this week. After the early bird breakfast we all entered straight into five hours of training. This year we were housed inside the gym instead of the patio due to rain. We were shocked to find out that the main song for the programs, Mi Rey Jesus, has acquired a more techno feel and new movements. No longer do we have a sixteen measure, restful introduction, but a speedy four count hi-hat startoff. So you all will be witnessing a new and improved(?) version of this beloved dance Sunday morning. I got to observe a bit more this year being that I sat out for some of it, so I got to see how ridiculous we all truly look jumping around, especially on the first day.

After a fair amount of bootcamp all morning, and a hearty lunch, we all planned to have some free time until dinner. However, those napping plans were quickly dismissed when rumor started flying that Nelson was present at Castillo Del Rey. To some of you the name Nelson may have little to no meaning, but to us and some of you readers, that is a glorious name to be heard. At breakfast we received news that our dear friend Nelson was not doing to well, in other words, he had dropped out of the Master's Commission program and having much difficulty with struggles in his hometown and with bothersome gangs. Hearing this news personally made my heart sink. Hours later though, literal frowns were turned completely upside down. The whole "see a lost friend and sprint across a field to a warm embrace" scene actually happened with my brother, (hermano). Reconnecting with Nelson was great for everyone. Prayers were placed upon him and old jokes brought up. One of the first phrases out of his mouth was "No See Me" :-). Georgie and Christopher got a competitive, yet friendly, game of futbol going with a group of the national boys. Mrs. Franks had the lovely surprise of seeing her daughter Bri walk through the door after 5 weeks away from each other. Thaymee and Mariela have both proved to be great interpreters for the rest of us Americans, helping us with each and every word. Nicole, Nikki, and Angela have taken a young national girl on our team, Natalie, under their wings and teaching her to be "sassy". They've got her singing Miley Cyrus and saying, "Oh no she didn't" with the finger snap and all. Uncle Rick is once again challenging guys to late night ping pong matches. Mr. George and Miss Kim are holding true to the reputation of being fearless leaders, we'll see if that holds up tomorrow. ;-). Two of the newbies, as we're calling them, Neil and Carrie Ann, have successfully mastered the dances, I ended up following them!

Just about an hour ago, we returned from yet another memorable and impacting night at The Prayer Fortress. There's always something so special about going up to such a sacred place set aside solely for prayer and interceding. Individual and group prayer occurred asking God to bless and prepare the hearts of the lives we would come in contact with through out the week. At the wrap up, one of our American interns, Susanna, shared from her heart that she really believes that our team from Kingsway will be vessels of Love, specifically God's love. As corny as it is, I instantly smiled when she said that, because I was thinking the same thing. Knowing a lot of team members very well, I am well aware that they are all extremely loving and compassionate people, and seeing that someone who just yesterday was a stranger, sensed the same thing, reassured the fact.

Pastor Julio is quite "pumped" for this upcoming week, as we will be going into some difficult areas around the lake. Most of the people we will be ministering to this week, have in fact, actually heard the Gospel before, yet have not committed to the faith. A prayer that I have on my heart this week will be that the work and impact that King's Castle has, continues to be a lasting and impressionable one upon the lives of the children. I'm sure that it would be greatly appreciated by many if you all would keep the same prayer in mind. Two interesting analogies that were used in reference to our upcoming week were a faucet and a rock. Miss Kim shared that it's like we are presented with a faucet, and God's love is the water. We can either turn the handle a little this week, by not putting much effort out, and only let the water trickle out, or we can turn it on full force and watch God's love flood out. Pastor Julio also talked about water continuously dripping on a rock, causing an eventual impression. This helped us returners to understand the reasoning behind going back to the same areas we have ministered in the past. No longer are we slightly discouraged by that fact, but instead excited to go out and share God's love. Tomorrow morning we will be heading out to do our very first programs of the week lasting the whole day. Our first public run through the new dances and skits, and the appearance of our "frosh" clowns will take place.

In the business area of things, all the sicklings are feelings better, Chris put up a good fight in the soccer game, Nikki's smiling again, Miss Kim is still going strong, and I'm obviously not on my deathbed any longer, just kidding, just kidding. Uncle Rick's knee is holding up and nobody else has come down with anything. Oh, and the title of this entry is referring to the little "game" of Nose Goes. Which we taught to the National kids with the help of our Spanish speaking duo, Thaymee and Mariela. They love it. We all send our love, hugs, and kisses. You are all missed. Thank you for reading this wordy piece. I'll try to be shorter next, everybody's yelling at me to wrap it up. But the more the merrier, better safe than sorry? Whatever, at least you are all up to date on our adventures in El Salvador! Hasta Luego Amigos!

Prayer Focus :: Sunday, July 18, 2010

2010-07-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

Focus Topic :: Salvation of Souls

Focus Scripture :: John 3:16-17

Focus Team Members :: Nicole Difelice, Diana Franks

Prayer: God, thank You for Your love. Your love motivated You to send Jesus as the Savior of the world. Be with the team as they minister today. May they share Your love and Your salvation, through Jesus, with everyone that they meet. Allow the message of John 3:16 to flow freely from their words and through their service. Be with Nicole & Diana today. May they have a keen sense of Your love in Your hearts. Help them to share it generously. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

BLOWN OUT KNEE, HANDICAP SIGN, SICK, DANCING, SICK, SICK, "SURVIVAL" ARRIVAL, & A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE

2010-07-17T21:31:00.009-04:00

We are all safe, with no worries. I will recap the day from start to finish.

Rick - is in a knee brace, so pray for him (this happened at home and it is still sore).

George - took out one of the church parking lot handicap signs (it was early and he was upset about Ricky - so he says)

Allie - woke up with a stomach bug and was dealing with it all day thru the travels.

Ricky danced in the aisle with the airline stewardess so I think his knee must be feeling better.

Nikki - decided to join Allie with the stomach bug (We have always taught them to share :-).

Chris - always wants to be included so now he to has a bug.

Arrival was easy - We have seen the faces from the past years and it brings a warmth to our hearts. We are meeting the new members of our team and look forward to building relationships.

We are all settled in, feed and relaxing, and now we know for sure Ricky's knee is okay, "PING PONG ANYONE!"

Tomorrow we are being trained all morning and then a free afternoon.

Monday we start ministry.

Please continue to pray for the entire team. "Health, Rest, and as we share the love of GOD!

Safe Arrival

2010-07-17T21:26:00.002-04:00

I just heard from our team. They arrived safely in El Salvador about 2:30pm (our time). All luggage and people arrived in one piece. After connecting with the Kings Castle staff, they took the two hour bus ride to the ministry campground. Then, they sat through orientation, got settled in their respective dorms (guys and girls), and ate dinner. Now, Kim is trying to get connected to the Internet so she can update you directly. Tomorrow, the team has training for ministry (that will take all morning) and then some down time (lake and pool swimming).

Keep praying for the team. Pray especially for the Mickel family, specifically, Allie, Nikki, Christopher, & Kim. They have a bit of a 24 hour bug (something they picked up here before they left). Hope you check the updates regularly; there will be a new prayer focus posted tomorrow morning.

Blessings, Pastor Arlena

And They're Off...

2010-07-17T08:39:00.003-04:00

FYI...the El Salvador team left Kingsway at 5:45am this morning. We gathered for prayer at 5:30, said our farewells, and hopped into the vans for our trek to Newark. RJ & I got them to the airport safely; now, they board the plane around 9am and should be in the air around 9:30. Keep them in your prayers! Remember the prayer focus will be posted everyday! And, watch for updates from the team in El Salvador.

Blessings, Pastor Arlena

Prayer Focus :: Saturday, July 17, 2010

2010-07-16T14:24:00.001-04:00

Focus Topic :: Protection

Focus Scripture :: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members: George & Kim Mickel (Team Leaders)

Prayer: Lord, watch over the entire team as they leave the comfort and conveniences of home to serve You. Keep them safe. Protect them. Shelter them as they travel; guard them from any and all harm - for Jesus' sake. I pray specifically for George & Kim as they lead the team. Give them strength, wisdom, discernment, and help as they are entrusted with so much and with so many. We know that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength. May they find refuge in solely in You. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen!

Why Go On A Missions Trip?

2010-07-14T09:04:00.003-04:00

A year in the planning and it's finally here. 14 people from Kingsway Church will travel to El Salvador this Saturday, July 17 to spend a week ministering to children. They will travel far, live outside their comfort zones, meet new people, form new friendships, experience a whole new level of tiredness, and see how the gospel of Jesus Christ really changes lives.

In looking over the posts from the last couple of years, I'm reminded why it's so important to go on at least ONE missions trip in your life. Getting outside of our box, being stretched, abandoning our comforts and conveniences, and having no other focus except serving, teaches you (well, it's taught me, many times over) what really matters. It's not the job, the amount of money in the bank account, the car you drive, or the house you own. What really matters, when it's all said and done, is Jesus.

Jesus makes the difference in so many lives. In El Salvador, I met people who belonged to gangs, were addicted to drugs, and struggled to find hope and meaning, only to be disappointed with the futility of day to day living. But, then, they met Jesus. The gospel meantt real and lasting change for their lives and circumstances. I met children who were impoverished and malnourished; yet, exhibited a joy that many in our American society would love to possess. Jesus. Knowing Him, loving Him, serving Him is everything. And, isn't that, in the end, what really matters?

It's not that the people I've met are some breed of "Super Christian." They still have struggles - like climbing down a mountain for water, drawing it from the lake and carrying it back up the mountain. They still encounter obstacles in life. But, somehow, seeing their love of Christ, despite their circumstances and difficulties, challenged me to ask again: why, when I have so much, does my love for Jesus pale in comparison to theirs? How can I be so easily persuaded that what doesn't matter (wealth, status, career opportunities, possessions), matters?

Everyone should go on a missions trip, at least ONCE in their lifetime. It will change you! I know because every time I go, it has changed me!

I can't wait to hear the stories of transformation that our team members will share when they get back. Keep visiting this blog! Updates will come from the team as regularly as possible.

From my heart,

Pastor Arlena

More Pictures

2009-07-28T17:02:00.007-04:00

After a Stopover in Miami, HOME!

2009-07-28T16:45:00.014-04:00

Hey everyone! We made it!!! Although delayed over 12 hours in Miami, we landed in Philly on Sunday morning around 10AM. We quickly picked up our luggage and headed outside to be greeted by Frank and Miguel, who immediately took us to church. Almost half of the team stayed for the 11 (kudos to Pastor Bryon for preaching a great "last minute" sermon) and were welcomed home by our church family. I even had a chance to greet the congregation (but I didn't tell any stories from our trip; I wanted to save that for our team service). Speaking of team service, we are officially ON for Sunday, August 2, 2009. So, if you want to hear all about the trip from team members - don't miss the 9 or the 11 at Kingsway.

Here are some of my pictures, posted for everyone's enjoyment:

Fun in the Sun at Lake Ontario

2009-07-24T20:52:00.003-04:00

Hello Kingsway friends and family!

Today was our day off and we spent it at Atami Beach. When asked where Atami was (on the Pacific or Atlantic ocean), George Mickel replied, "I have no idea. We could be on Lake Ontario for all I know." That really made me laugh so I decided it would make a great title for tonight's post. Kim (George's wife) suggested that the reason for his gaffe was that he was hit in the back of the head with a BRANCHHHHHHHHHHHHH two days ago when we were in Puerto Rios. :)

We enjoyed the warm ocean, fun water slide, and the powerful tidal pools; all while surrounded by black beach and huts with hammocks hung in them (four in each). It was a great day at the beach, even though the current was EXTREMELY strong. Normally, we tell everyone that they can go into the ocean up to their knees. This morning, however, after being in the water for about an hour we decided just to make it off limits to everyone. It was too powerful and we didn't want to risk injury to any team member.

In a few moments, we will be attending our farewell service. They have one for every team. This is when the missionaries and the team we have worked with all week share with us the results of the ministry that we have done all week. Plus, they spend time thanking us and praying over us. Last year, we didn't know what to expect and we were simply overwhelmed with the gratitude shown to us. We think (and know) we have been so blessed and then the wonderful people who are a part of Kings Castle Ministries find a way to bless us even more.

We can't wait to share with you all that God has done this week - in and through us. We hope you will be at either the 9am or 11am service at Kingsway (see more on that below).

Please pray for our safety tomorrow as we travel. We leave the campground early (7:30am) because we are going to spend some time at the market (cheap, but good souvenirs) before we arrive at the airport at 11am. Our flight takes off from San Salvador at 2:05pm. We have a two hour layover in Miami and then we leave for Philadelphia at 8:40pm. We land at 11:24pm and anticipate being back at the church around 12:30-12:45am early Sunday morning. Special thanks to our van drivers (Frank & Tim) for picking us up so late at night! That's right, folks - if we aren't getting home until 1:00-1:30am and we will be in service just 7 hours later - surely you can join us too?!!??

Thanks for reading this week. I hope you've enjoyed the posts. I've enjoyed sharing all that has happened with you.

Blessings and see you Sunday morning,
Pastor Arlena

Saturday, July 25, 2009

2009-07-24T18:18:00.002-04:00

Focus Topic: Safety

Focus Scripture: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members: Nikki Mickel, Angela Pacitti, Christine Ventrella

Prayer: Father God, You have surely sustained our team through this trip. I pray for safety as they travel home. Be with them as they begin and end their journey home. Place them on the right flights with the right pilots and be the hand that guides them safely home. Thank You for all that You have accomplished through this trip. Keep watch over Nikki, Angela, and Christine today. Be everything that they need today. Give them opportunities as they move through the airports to speak into the lives of people they meet. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Friday, July 24, 2009

2009-07-24T07:43:00.002-04:00

Focus Topic: Wisdom

Focus Scripture: James 1:5

Focus Team Members: Marco and Mical Ortiz

Prayer: Jesus, You say if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask. I pray today that You would flood our team and its leaders with Your wisdom; that they would hear Your voice and follow it. I pray that You would grant them wisdom in every situation they face today. God, be with Marco and Mical today. Speak to each of them today in a new way. Allow them to see You and understand You in a way that they never have before. Use them to pour out Your love and wisdom on every person they meet. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

5 + 13

2009-07-23T23:15:00.004-04:00

A late hello as I post this around 11:15pm EST. We've had a long day (13 hours) filled with programs (5 to be exact) but the Lord has been with us and we have been so very blessed.

We left at 8am this morning and spent the entire day in a nearby town called El Congo. Our first stop was a school that we visited last summer. We ministered to the 1st-4th graders. Then, we went to a preschool and shared an abbreviated program with some precious preschoolers. We ate lunch at a Texaco gas station (one of the nicest bathrooms I've seen in El Salvador) and once again made our way back to the school which was our first stop earlier in the day. This time, though, instead of 1st-4th graders, our audience consisted of 5th-9th graders. Pastor Julio asked our teens to once again do the drama "Everything." Many of us felt this was a divine appointment (our prayer focus for today) and we prayed passionately for these preteens to accept Christ. Not many of them asked for prayer, but we feel that seeds were planted that will one day yield a harvest of faith in Christ. Next, we trekked back to the preschool for a full length program with some rambunctious preschoolers. At the close of this program, Pastor Julio asked if we were up for one more program. I was pleased when every team member opted for another program instead of going immediately to our dinner destination of Pizza Hut.

This time, we traveled into a neighborhood of El Congo. We set up the sound equipment and went off in four different directions to knock on doors and invite people to see the program. Again, our students ministered through the drama "Everything" and we saw an amazing response to the altar call. We had a extended time of prayer and we saw so many people touched by the presence of the Lord. We stayed longer than we intended but the Lord's presence was so rich on that street corner, we just couldn't stop praying over the kids. We are all glad that we decided to add the fifth program of the day.

We ended the day with a treat - Pizza Hut. It was such a fond memory for many of our students who went on the trip last year that they couldn't stop talking about to everyone else. Our team leaders arranged for us to go and with everyone chipping in a few extra dollars, we were able to treat approximately 20 members of Pastor Julio's church: children, preteens, and teens who are part of the Kings Castle discipleship program. Going to Pizza Hut was a special memory for them as well so we were happy to do it!

Tomorrow is our fun day - a day at the beach. We've all been looking forward to it but are a little sad that the ministry part of our time here is over. This Sunday, when the team does both services at Kingsway, you'll get to hear how this week has impacted each of us. You won't want to miss the 9 or the 11 this Sunday, July 26!

Thanks so much for your prayers! We continue to enjoy good health and strength. We are definitely tired but refreshed in our souls because of all that God has done and is doing here in El Salvador and in each of us.

Blessings,
Pastor Arlena