Focus Topic: Divine Appointments
Focus Scripture: Psalm 32:8
Focus Team Members: Michele Romaniello, Heather Todd
Prayer: God, Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Please guide each team member with Your eye today. Allow them to see things only as You see them. Provide them situations and interactions that only You can supply. Be with Michele and Heather today. See what they need from You today and meet them in the way that only You can. Provide them with divine appointments that testify to Your power and love for the people of El Salvador. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
BRANCHHHHHHHHHHHH.............................
If you haven't guessed it already, the word for the day is BRANCH. This was not a random selection but a life-saving bellow uttered by any and all of our team at various times. Let me start at the beginning of our day:
We knew we were headed up to a nearby region called Puerto Rios. We knew that we were working with a church there. We knew we were doing programs (as we have done for the last two days). We knew we were distributing 150 bags of food (like we did yesterday). What WE DID NOT KNOW is.....
1. We would all be climbing into the back of a pick-up truck (or cattle truck, depending on your opinion). And, when I say all, I mean 18 team members, 2 interns, 1 pastor (Pastor Julio), 4 nationals, 150 bags of food (or 1500 pounds, depending on your opinion), a sound system, 2 coolers filled with our lunch, 2 coolers filled with water and gatorade, and 2 five gallon water jugs. Angela asked, "Is there a weight limit for this thing?"
2. We would be traveling (in the aforementioned cattle truck) up a steep incline (straight up a mountain), on roads that we aren't sure should be called roads. Wide, rocky, rut-filled foot path might be a more accurate description.
3. We would encounter large spiders and spider webs in the trees that hung over the aforementioned foot path.
4. We would, at times, not be able to ride standing up in the cattle truck because the incline was too steep and we would have to walk. Which wasn't so bad because all of us packed mountain climbing gear AND we are ALL in phenomenal shape (NOT!)
So, we come to number 5 of what we did not know:
5. Apparently, tree trimming is not a valued occupation here in El Salvador because many of the trees, on the side of (and over) the wide footpath that we drove up, had not been trimmed in this century so the branches hung over the road. Which, if inside a vehicle, isn't a problem. But, with 23 people standing upright (most of the time) in the back of the cattle truck, screaming the word, "BRANCHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" (or as Nelson, one of our team leaders and a national would say, RANCHHHHHHHHHH) prevented the decapitation of many team members. Some got sense knocked into them because someone forgot to yell the word for the day.
On a more serious note: our day in Puerto Rios included doing a program near the church and then traveleing further up the mountain to a neighborhood and school. As is usual with this ministry, the gospel is preached and many children accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. We enjoyed a special privilege at the school as we were allowed to pray over all of the teachers. After ministering at the school, we came back down the mountain to the church where we did another church service (our students presented the drama, "Everything" again) and passed out the food. Each of us were able to hand (5) bags of food to a family. All of us carry the food into the church and up the hill (assembly line style) to where the people were in line to receive it.
After the food distribution, we had our team devotion inside of the Puerto Rios church. Each team member shared reflections on the week so far. Many of the adults (Kim, Marco, & Diana) commented on how amazing our students are who are on the trip (Devon, Nicole, Allie, Christopher, Georgie, Nikki, Bri, Christine and Angela). They (the students) have shown such love for the children we meet; hugging them, high-fiveing them, holding them, and praying what I am sure are powerful prayers over them. I have to say that our whole team have shown great attitudes and a willingness to serve whenever asked. Marco and Mical are asked to translate at every turn and do it gladly. George and Rick have carried our sound system over hill and vale and back again without complaint. We aren't sure which of our capable and caring nurses has cried over the children more, Michele or Heather, but both have loved on each one they have met. I was impressed by Kim's mean soccer skills as upon our arrival in Puerto Rios, she jumped into a game that the kids were playing. I don't think we've met a child yet that Diana hasn't hugged. And, me, between praying over the kids we meet...well, I just keep counting....ever vigilant in making sure we leave with the same number of team members that we came with! :)
Of course, our nationals and interns (those who go with us everywhere and do everything we do) are such an inspiration to all of us - especially our students. They see how they serve quickly, readily, and with a smile at every turn, living before our eyes what it means to be a servant.
Tomorrow we head to another area for a full day of programs (our last day of ministry). Then, on Friday we are going to the beach for our day off. We are all healthy, safe, and having the time of our lives. Thanks so much for all of your prayers. We need them. Pray for strength and good health; we are trusting the Lord for both. We look forward to your comments - so don't be afraid to post!
We love and miss all of you! Thanks for reading.
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
We knew we were headed up to a nearby region called Puerto Rios. We knew that we were working with a church there. We knew we were doing programs (as we have done for the last two days). We knew we were distributing 150 bags of food (like we did yesterday). What WE DID NOT KNOW is.....
1. We would all be climbing into the back of a pick-up truck (or cattle truck, depending on your opinion). And, when I say all, I mean 18 team members, 2 interns, 1 pastor (Pastor Julio), 4 nationals, 150 bags of food (or 1500 pounds, depending on your opinion), a sound system, 2 coolers filled with our lunch, 2 coolers filled with water and gatorade, and 2 five gallon water jugs. Angela asked, "Is there a weight limit for this thing?"
2. We would be traveling (in the aforementioned cattle truck) up a steep incline (straight up a mountain), on roads that we aren't sure should be called roads. Wide, rocky, rut-filled foot path might be a more accurate description.
3. We would encounter large spiders and spider webs in the trees that hung over the aforementioned foot path.
4. We would, at times, not be able to ride standing up in the cattle truck because the incline was too steep and we would have to walk. Which wasn't so bad because all of us packed mountain climbing gear AND we are ALL in phenomenal shape (NOT!)
So, we come to number 5 of what we did not know:
5. Apparently, tree trimming is not a valued occupation here in El Salvador because many of the trees, on the side of (and over) the wide footpath that we drove up, had not been trimmed in this century so the branches hung over the road. Which, if inside a vehicle, isn't a problem. But, with 23 people standing upright (most of the time) in the back of the cattle truck, screaming the word, "BRANCHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" (or as Nelson, one of our team leaders and a national would say, RANCHHHHHHHHHH) prevented the decapitation of many team members. Some got sense knocked into them because someone forgot to yell the word for the day.
On a more serious note: our day in Puerto Rios included doing a program near the church and then traveleing further up the mountain to a neighborhood and school. As is usual with this ministry, the gospel is preached and many children accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. We enjoyed a special privilege at the school as we were allowed to pray over all of the teachers. After ministering at the school, we came back down the mountain to the church where we did another church service (our students presented the drama, "Everything" again) and passed out the food. Each of us were able to hand (5) bags of food to a family. All of us carry the food into the church and up the hill (assembly line style) to where the people were in line to receive it.
After the food distribution, we had our team devotion inside of the Puerto Rios church. Each team member shared reflections on the week so far. Many of the adults (Kim, Marco, & Diana) commented on how amazing our students are who are on the trip (Devon, Nicole, Allie, Christopher, Georgie, Nikki, Bri, Christine and Angela). They (the students) have shown such love for the children we meet; hugging them, high-fiveing them, holding them, and praying what I am sure are powerful prayers over them. I have to say that our whole team have shown great attitudes and a willingness to serve whenever asked. Marco and Mical are asked to translate at every turn and do it gladly. George and Rick have carried our sound system over hill and vale and back again without complaint. We aren't sure which of our capable and caring nurses has cried over the children more, Michele or Heather, but both have loved on each one they have met. I was impressed by Kim's mean soccer skills as upon our arrival in Puerto Rios, she jumped into a game that the kids were playing. I don't think we've met a child yet that Diana hasn't hugged. And, me, between praying over the kids we meet...well, I just keep counting....ever vigilant in making sure we leave with the same number of team members that we came with! :)
Of course, our nationals and interns (those who go with us everywhere and do everything we do) are such an inspiration to all of us - especially our students. They see how they serve quickly, readily, and with a smile at every turn, living before our eyes what it means to be a servant.
Tomorrow we head to another area for a full day of programs (our last day of ministry). Then, on Friday we are going to the beach for our day off. We are all healthy, safe, and having the time of our lives. Thanks so much for all of your prayers. We need them. Pray for strength and good health; we are trusting the Lord for both. We look forward to your comments - so don't be afraid to post!
We love and miss all of you! Thanks for reading.
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Cold Dark Showers
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we haven't had hot water since we arrived; plus, the lights in the bathroom haven't worked either. BUT, we are all well.
Today was a powerful day of programs. I wish I could describe for everyone the sense of Christ's presence and love that fills the space where the team ministers. To see each of our team hold and hug a child; to put all of God's love into that hug. Words fail me.
Late this afternoon, we did our first food distribution. Before we gave out the food, Pastor Julio allowed our students to do a skit set to music called, "Everything." You could hear a pin drop as Bri played a girl tempted by men (Herbert), money (Nicole), alcohol (Odie), anorexia (Heather), and cutting (Allie). Finally, pushed to suicide she is rescued by Jesus (George). What was special about this skirt was our students asked if we could do it and Pastor Julio approved. Hopefully on Sunday, when we minister in both services, I pray that the same willingness to be used by God is evident.
After the program (did I mention Marco got to share his testimony?) we each handed out bags of food. I can only share from my heart but it was a humbling experience handing food to these beautiful, warm, and generous people.
Tomorrow, we trek straight up the mountain for a full day of programs/ministry and giving out more food. We feel your support and your prayers giving us strength and effectiveness.
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Today was a powerful day of programs. I wish I could describe for everyone the sense of Christ's presence and love that fills the space where the team ministers. To see each of our team hold and hug a child; to put all of God's love into that hug. Words fail me.
Late this afternoon, we did our first food distribution. Before we gave out the food, Pastor Julio allowed our students to do a skit set to music called, "Everything." You could hear a pin drop as Bri played a girl tempted by men (Herbert), money (Nicole), alcohol (Odie), anorexia (Heather), and cutting (Allie). Finally, pushed to suicide she is rescued by Jesus (George). What was special about this skirt was our students asked if we could do it and Pastor Julio approved. Hopefully on Sunday, when we minister in both services, I pray that the same willingness to be used by God is evident.
After the program (did I mention Marco got to share his testimony?) we each handed out bags of food. I can only share from my heart but it was a humbling experience handing food to these beautiful, warm, and generous people.
Tomorrow, we trek straight up the mountain for a full day of programs/ministry and giving out more food. We feel your support and your prayers giving us strength and effectiveness.
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Arlena
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Focus Topic: Unity/Peace
Focus Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8, Isaiah 54:17
Focus Team Members: George & Kim Mickel, Rick Pacitti
Prayer: Father God, I come to You today on behalf of our missions team. You say in your Word that praying brings Peace. I pray today that each team member will seek You today more than ever before and, as they do, that You would bring them a peace and unity that will bind them together. I stand on your Word that says that “no weapon turned against you will succeed.” Jesus, put a stop to every weapon Satan would try to send against this team. I lift George, Kim and Rick to You today, asking that You would touch them in a special way. Give them peace and allow them to be examples of Unity within the team. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Focus Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8, Isaiah 54:17
Focus Team Members: George & Kim Mickel, Rick Pacitti
Prayer: Father God, I come to You today on behalf of our missions team. You say in your Word that praying brings Peace. I pray today that each team member will seek You today more than ever before and, as they do, that You would bring them a peace and unity that will bind them together. I stand on your Word that says that “no weapon turned against you will succeed.” Jesus, put a stop to every weapon Satan would try to send against this team. I lift George, Kim and Rick to You today, asking that You would touch them in a special way. Give them peace and allow them to be examples of Unity within the team. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Focus Topic: Health
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 53:5
Focus Team Members: Christopher Mickel, Georgie Mickel
Prayer: Jesus, you are the Great Healer. As you walked on the earth, died on the cross, and were resurrected, you were, are and always will be the greatest example of healing. I pray that today and throughout this trip, you would be the Great Healer for our team members and those they encounter. Touch Christopher and Georgie in a special way today. Meet each of their needs that they have today, God. Strengthen them and empower them to be vessels of your power today and throughout the rest of this trip. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 53:5
Focus Team Members: Christopher Mickel, Georgie Mickel
Prayer: Jesus, you are the Great Healer. As you walked on the earth, died on the cross, and were resurrected, you were, are and always will be the greatest example of healing. I pray that today and throughout this trip, you would be the Great Healer for our team members and those they encounter. Touch Christopher and Georgie in a special way today. Meet each of their needs that they have today, God. Strengthen them and empower them to be vessels of your power today and throughout the rest of this trip. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Monday, July 20, 2009
"Man, This Is Really Messing Me Up!"
That's the quote of the day - by Rick Pacitti. We've had a long day of ministry (which I will tell you about in a few minutes) but I wanted to tell you about yesterday.
After our training in the morning, we had the afternoon to relax. We spent most of it at the lake. The Kings Castle Ministry campground sits on a huge lake (formed by a volcano that erupted over 2,000 years ago). The ministry has a dock and a rather infamous trapeze that you can swing off of and into the lake (it's about a 20 ft drop). It was a gorgeous day and many of our team took a real leap of faith and jumped into the water via the trapeze. I probably should not name names BUT....Rick was the first to walk right up to the edge of the dock and jump in. Many others - Kim, Angela, Georgie, Michele, Heather, Chris, Nikki, Christine, and Marco - all jumped (some several times). Others of us were too chicken or too wise (depending on your point of view) to jump.
Last night, after dinner, we made our trek up to the Prayer Fortress. Since 1998, prayer has been lifted up from the prayer fortress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. It is a sacred place and we sensed the Lord's presence immediately when we stepped on the grounds. We had a powerful time of corporate prayer and then, prayer for one another - in preparation for our ministry this week. We know that we cannot minister in our own strength but only in the anointing and power of the Lord.
This morning, we got up and ate breakfast at 6:30am sharp and headed off to our first ministry stop at 8am. The ministry of Kings Castle is based on "spectacle evangelism;" the concept that we do dramas and dances to create a spectacle (which, by the way, we are AMAZING at) so that crowds will come, laugh, sense the love of Christ, and hear the gospel. When we arrive in a neighborhood, we walk around inviting people to the "la programma." Once a crowd gathers, all of us do a couple of dances; then, half of us stay in the program to do more skits and dances and half of us go onto the bus to pray. After the gospel is presented and the audience is asked if they want to accept Christ, all of us come around the children to pray.
The source of the quote for today came after our first program of the day when we were asked to pick up one child, hold them and love on them, and pray over them. We've been told by those who live here that many children experience abuse and violence in the home. So, any opportunity that we have to smile, hug, and play with them is really an expression of Christ's love for them. Many of the team were so overwhelmed by the love of God for these children, they simply wept as they prayed. And, when we got back on the bus, many of us were wiping tears from our cheeks. Rick said, "Man, this is really messing me up!"
We did a total of three programs in the morning; ate lunch and then did a quick two song program for the kids who are a part of the feeding program. Next, we worked in the warehouse all afternoon packing 300 bags of food that we are distributing tomorrow and Wednesday. This is the food that many of YOU helped purchase. Every family will receive five pounds of beans, five pounds of rice, two pounds of corn flour, and a bag of oil. THANK YOU everyone for your generosity! We can't wait to show this practical expression of God's love to the families in this community around the lake.
We enjoyed a 45 minute break and then, we went off to church to minister another program. We had a great experience worshiping the Lord with fellow believers and I (Pastor Arlena) was asked to greet the people on behalf of Kingsway (so you said hello to a wonderful church body here in El Salvador).
Tomorrow is a full day of programs and then the food distribution at 4pm (6pm EST). Continue to keep us in your prayers. We certainly need them. We are tired but SO glad that we have this opportunity to minister God's grace, love and peace to everyone we meet.
A word about our blog posts and pictures: my (Pastor Arlena) ability to post text is somewhat limited so the "Dustin, We Need You!" post was put up by Jan, via an email from Marco's phone. Marco is uploading pictures to his facebook page and Pastor Bryon is copying them and posting them on the blog. That's about the best way we can do it! Thanks for your patience. But, feel free to leave a comment. I check the blog frequently throughout the day so if you want to say hello to anyone - feel free!
We love and miss all of you but we're busy being messed up by God! More tomorrow!!!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
After our training in the morning, we had the afternoon to relax. We spent most of it at the lake. The Kings Castle Ministry campground sits on a huge lake (formed by a volcano that erupted over 2,000 years ago). The ministry has a dock and a rather infamous trapeze that you can swing off of and into the lake (it's about a 20 ft drop). It was a gorgeous day and many of our team took a real leap of faith and jumped into the water via the trapeze. I probably should not name names BUT....Rick was the first to walk right up to the edge of the dock and jump in. Many others - Kim, Angela, Georgie, Michele, Heather, Chris, Nikki, Christine, and Marco - all jumped (some several times). Others of us were too chicken or too wise (depending on your point of view) to jump.
Last night, after dinner, we made our trek up to the Prayer Fortress. Since 1998, prayer has been lifted up from the prayer fortress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. It is a sacred place and we sensed the Lord's presence immediately when we stepped on the grounds. We had a powerful time of corporate prayer and then, prayer for one another - in preparation for our ministry this week. We know that we cannot minister in our own strength but only in the anointing and power of the Lord.
This morning, we got up and ate breakfast at 6:30am sharp and headed off to our first ministry stop at 8am. The ministry of Kings Castle is based on "spectacle evangelism;" the concept that we do dramas and dances to create a spectacle (which, by the way, we are AMAZING at) so that crowds will come, laugh, sense the love of Christ, and hear the gospel. When we arrive in a neighborhood, we walk around inviting people to the "la programma." Once a crowd gathers, all of us do a couple of dances; then, half of us stay in the program to do more skits and dances and half of us go onto the bus to pray. After the gospel is presented and the audience is asked if they want to accept Christ, all of us come around the children to pray.
The source of the quote for today came after our first program of the day when we were asked to pick up one child, hold them and love on them, and pray over them. We've been told by those who live here that many children experience abuse and violence in the home. So, any opportunity that we have to smile, hug, and play with them is really an expression of Christ's love for them. Many of the team were so overwhelmed by the love of God for these children, they simply wept as they prayed. And, when we got back on the bus, many of us were wiping tears from our cheeks. Rick said, "Man, this is really messing me up!"
We did a total of three programs in the morning; ate lunch and then did a quick two song program for the kids who are a part of the feeding program. Next, we worked in the warehouse all afternoon packing 300 bags of food that we are distributing tomorrow and Wednesday. This is the food that many of YOU helped purchase. Every family will receive five pounds of beans, five pounds of rice, two pounds of corn flour, and a bag of oil. THANK YOU everyone for your generosity! We can't wait to show this practical expression of God's love to the families in this community around the lake.
We enjoyed a 45 minute break and then, we went off to church to minister another program. We had a great experience worshiping the Lord with fellow believers and I (Pastor Arlena) was asked to greet the people on behalf of Kingsway (so you said hello to a wonderful church body here in El Salvador).
Tomorrow is a full day of programs and then the food distribution at 4pm (6pm EST). Continue to keep us in your prayers. We certainly need them. We are tired but SO glad that we have this opportunity to minister God's grace, love and peace to everyone we meet.
A word about our blog posts and pictures: my (Pastor Arlena) ability to post text is somewhat limited so the "Dustin, We Need You!" post was put up by Jan, via an email from Marco's phone. Marco is uploading pictures to his facebook page and Pastor Bryon is copying them and posting them on the blog. That's about the best way we can do it! Thanks for your patience. But, feel free to leave a comment. I check the blog frequently throughout the day so if you want to say hello to anyone - feel free!
We love and miss all of you but we're busy being messed up by God! More tomorrow!!!
Blessings,
Pastor Arlena
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