A couple weeks ago we had our end of Month 1 team debriefs in Nelspruit, South Africa at a super fun hostel called Old Vic's, owned/managed by a very colorful and now dear friend named Dave, or “Crazy Dave” as he would say. It was an amazing time of relaxation for the squad. Coaches flew in to be with all of us, share some wisdom, have some one on ones and lead team debriefs (check ins).
We were coming off a crazy month in Mozambique. I wasn't expecting anything less given my last experience and blog- http://kristenpfund.theworldrace.org/?filename=and-then-there-was-this-one-time-parental-advisory-advised
This time was no less intense. Instead of casting out demons in people we were called to reclaim land (something I didn't have much practice in)that had been cursed by the neighboring witch doctors. This might sound cray cray- real witches? Yes! Every night between 12 am and 3 am these people pray and chant to unknown gods and satan, sometimes offering promises to these beings that they couldn't keep unless death was involved. Super dark stuff.
This effected us in so many ways- around 3 am is when the darkness that they called out to would attack. As we were sleeping we would experience nightmares, which would wake us up to see shadowy dark visions and or feel things shake our beds or even hold us down. Obviously this made for some restless nights. During the day we would feel eyes on us, making us feel like we were not alone.
At first individuals would feel like they were over reacting/ giving away to fear. It wasn't until we started talking (safety in numbers) did we realize that we were not alone and others were feeling the same way. What did we do in response? Prayer walk- we started calling out what was available in Heaven and asked God to bring it to earth. If these witch doctors were calling death to earth, well we will call on our even higher power… Jesus Christ who conquered death on a cross (back then a cross was a symbol of a curse)and was 3 days later raised to walk amongst the Jews and Gentiles again before ascending to heaven. We prayed for peace and love to be planted in the soil, for salvation to reign, for life and blessing, healing, His power and forgiveness. His covering and protection- more of Him, more of Him.
The 1st night a group of us got up at 3 am and prayed prayed prayed all over the lands. The next day- we got more accounts of negative happenings. Part of me started to doubt… why didn't anything change? Maybe it had. Just my finite human mind/body couldn't see it yet. The following night we prayed again- this time starting at 12 am (thinking if the witchies are going to be praying to their gods, we are going to put a stop to it by praying to the God of Abraham, Issac & Jacob)planning to take shifts throughout the night. What happened? Well the first group met to pray and felt a new peace. A peace the surpassed their understanding. They prayed out of obedience for the presence of the Lord to increase and cover the land- to take root and His love to outpour over the grounds within the gate and around the neighborhood. That night everyone slept completely sound- there were no sounds of chanting, no nightmares and everyone slept unbelievably well. In the morning crickets and song birds were singing melodiously- a sound we had not heard since arriving. There was a new peace that had swept over the land. The Lord had come to rest and take hold of the land that was His. The rest of our time there was completely filled with love, peace and new spiritual safety. We rejoiced and thanked the Lord for reclaiming the land. We didn't cast anything out… just called for more of Him- more love, His Spirit, life for those who don't know Him yet and His care to bless the people who were cursing us, for Him to block the enemy and fight on our behalf and HE DID! We all rejoiced and marveled at the power of the Lord's great LOVE.
By the end of the month…it was time for a rest and debrief was just the spot. Old Vic's was so hospitable. Some relaxed by the pool, went out to dinner, ordered breakfast, went to an African' football game (soccer) and safari. Us squad leaders did some of that… but for the most part were using this time to meet with the coaches, planned morning and evening sessions for the squad and met with teams to lead debrief. In the end we took a retreat ourselves… it was a lot of work, but so rewarding. It was during one of our debriefs that one of my squad mates and friends opened up to say that she wanted more- more from the Lord and that it was available to her. God wanted to give her more and had it ready for her. During her confession of her most recent revelation I felt the Holy Spirit asking me- “What do you want? What do you want? WHAT DO YOU WANT?” The voice got louder and louder. God was asking me to ask for the impossible, ask for Him to show up in crazy ways, especially when it comes to my future.
Yes I still have 3 months of squad leading… I am still at the beginning and I am focused here, but God has been asking me to ask Him for the world. He wants me to big big dreams, so only He can fill them. I've spent some time praying about this and presenting my requests. Basically all I know is that its got to be wild- way bigger than me, a challenge and hopefully in a place where I can come home to California a few times a year. I miss my family, I miss my friends. The life surrendered to the Lord can be challenging and difficult most of the time, but I know that I am living the best life I can live. I'm doing what is fulfilling- pouring into people, relying on the Lord for my every need and seeing things in the natural and supernatural that I never would have without Him. The Lord has more and freely gives more than anything in this world can give. Its a blessing to walk in that and know that its not just for me, but for all of His children. If you are wondering if you are one of His… check your heart beat. The beat proves that you are one of His perfect creations. He considers you His child and is waiting for your acceptance of His invitation to live life with Him. To experience an eternal, never changing, crazy love designed uniquely for you. All you have to say is “ok," and in time, He will give you the trust you need to fully believe.
