Oh shoot, it looks like the service already started. I wish I could have heard Taylor share her testimony
I’m glad we spent time with Oscar and Christina at their house, though. It was so nice of them to invite Jen, Rashelle, and I to their house only because they were concerned that there wasn’t enough time for all seven of us to shower back at the church
Hygiene is so important to Argentines. I don’t like that …
It’s amazing how I felt more accepted by this church, this body of Christ, this group of people who were once strangers — yet now feel like family — than ever before
This is what Christ calls the body to look like
They accepted us immediately, and were eager to know our testimonies and what the Lord was doing in our lives
They said they had been awaiting our arrival. This weekend they have cooked fresh bread, served us copious amounts of Mate, and gave us the last of everything they had
Their servant hearts are so admirable. I wish I could exemplify Christ as much as these people do
It’s pretty hot in this church…Oh good, we are moving up to where the fan is. Nights feel as if they are the warmest time of day
This worship band is pretty cool. They seem really moved by the Spirit
Oh good, Vanessa is going to translate the message. She’s so cool!!!! I’m thankful we met her from YWAM. She has a lot of wisdom to share
The pastor looks so serious. He is dressed really nice, too
Oh, that’s right. They call him “apostle”
Not sure how I feel about that. Weren’t there only 12 apostles? I don’t know, maybe this guy is using the term more loosely. I’ll look it up later
This is a cool message. He is preaching about surrendering to the Lord. It seems like he really wants us to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. That’s pretty cool. Pretty new for me, though
He keeps declaring that the Holy Spirit fill this place. Ugh, once again I’m challenged with the constant tension in my mind between feeling the Spirit’s presence and trusting the promises of the Lord in times of “spiritual dryness”
Wow. He is really getting into this message
I actually am not really feeling the Spirit’s presence even though he is praying specifically for that. I’ve felt it every other time I’ve talked with members of this church, though
Hmm, I guess the service is over now
Oh wait, it’s not over. He is asking us to move into a circle
There is a lot of prayer in this service
Okay. Focus, Alli. I also wish to feel the Spirit’s presence
Oh my goodness. There is a woman on the floor
WHAT!
WHY IS SHE ON THE FLOOR???
Okay, I’ve got to calm down. There is such a thing as being slain in the Spirit
OH MY GOSH ANOTHER WOMAN IS ON. THE. GROUND.
Alright this is getting pretty wild.
Okay, okay. Quick. Think of Biblical references to back this up. Is this Biblical?
Things I know: Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was devoted to the worship of the Lord. One time, Moses couldn’t even enter the tabernacle because the glory of the Lord had filled the tabernacle. He certainly experienced the presence of God. I’m sure he was knocked to his feet a few times.
Well, I just finished reading Deuteronomy, and it does say that Moses’ relationship with God was unique. It might have even said something about there having never been another prophet like him. It says God demonstrated His power through Moses
But then there is the New Testament. Jesus totally gave us the gift of His Spirit
In Acts, it says we have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we have power. When the disciples received that power, they had some pretty crazy abilities, like speaking in languages they didn’t even know
Acts says God has poured out His Spirit on all His people. We will have joy in His presence!
Ok, I believe that these things can actually be happening.
Wait. What is the pastor doing?
He seems to be almost commanding people to fall
It seems as if he is doing this for his own gratification?
He nudges the people, and they fall to the ground
I don’t think they are falling because he pushed them, but it almost seems as if they are falling because he commanded them to
Oh no
He is coming my way. I can’t fall just because everyone else did
God, where are YOU in this?? I don’t feel your presence at all right now
Okay he is praying over me. Nothing is happening. I don’t feel anything. Okay, he is gone
Oh my gosh. Left and right. People are just falling
What is the motivation behind this for these people? Is it okay to demand from the Lord to feel His Spirit? Why do they yearn to feel Him? Do they just want the feeling? Do they trust Him even when they feel nothing?
Is this just my Baptist coming out in me?
The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity. He exists, and His power is real. And it is true that I had been neglecting Him prior to the race…. but this practice of faith is very new to me
A CHILD was just slain in the Spirit! Maybe 12 years old. This is CRAZY!
Maybe I don’t have an issue with this, other than not getting good vibes from the “apostle”
Still not sure where his intentions lie
Okay, I think it is over now. Oh, just one more final prayer
Now someone is speaking in tongues. Of course
Alright, I do know the rules on this one. Paul explicitly says tongues should edify the church. If no one is here to interpret, is it necessary?
Wow. Faith renewed. The women of the church made us the most thoughtful gifts. They are praying over us. Their hearts are clearly striving for closeness and intimacy with the Lord. I don’t doubt that, that is for sure. Christ shines through them
Time for dinner
At midnight. Man, this service was long and super thought-provoking
The World Race is a crazy time. This is truly pushing me to dive further into who God is, who others think he is, but more importantly, who the Bible SAYS He is
