Hi, friends!
As promised, my goal this week is to write 1 blog for every day of debrief. So much happened in Bolivia – I am processing it moment by moment.
The Lord revealed gifts to me that I didn’t know I had.
He showed me things I have never seen.
He brought me into a season of “whoa.”
So, here’s Episode 1 of a series.
I titled this one: Confirmation Hearing.
In Bolivia, we spent time in Santa Cruz, the country’s largest city. It was a beautiful and spread out city. It had areas in the center that felt very urban, and outskirts that felt very rural.
When we arrived into Bolivia, our host was in Pando (a small town close to Brazil).
He was there for a youth camp that we intended to go to but weren’t able to because of travel times/costs.
We headed to Santa Cruz, and he let us stay with his friend, Edley.
The first few days were restful and sweet as we spent time with Edley and her family.
Edley and her husband Miguel are incredible followers of the Lord that own ‘homes’ – one for girls, one for boys, and one for young men.
These homes house kids and teens who don’t have a safe home. This can be because of abuse, drug use, or simply a space that doesn’t foster healthy development.
Altogether, Edley and Miguel house close to 100 children. If you feel led, support them here.
We had the opportunity to spend time at each of these homes, and it was incredible.
One of the sweetest memories I get to walk away with happened at the young men’s home.
This home is full of individuals who have lived lives connected to drugs, alcohol, gang activity, and danger.
BUT NOW, these young men spend time daily praying, worshiping, working, and fellowshipping.
They live in a home where the presence of God is evident.
Praise God, am I right?
When we entered into the home, I saw a young man sitting down, and the Lord immediately gave me a vision of him.
I saw this young man, years into the future, standing on a stage.
It was clear in my vision that he was a pastor, and I saw his family on the front row.
A wife, children, friends.
I saw him speaking with authority, boldly proclaiming and sharing the love of the Father.
He was leading a congregation of individuals that were just clinging to the truth He was sharing.
I walked out of that moment with the Spirit and was so at peace for this young man.
I was praying and discerning whether or not I was called to share this vision with Him.
Fast forward a couple hours, and we were sharing with the young men in their daily time of prayer.
I was translating, and the ‘sister’ at the home (one of the leaders), was sharing specific prayer requests for each of the young men. She was asking for prayer for comfort, faithfulness, and boldness in the Spirit.
She got around to the young man I had the vision of, and she said, “I would love if you could pray for him as he pursues a career in theology. He wants to be a pastor.”
I LIT UP. The Lord whispered, “share now, daughter.”
I was speaking so fast I couldn’t keep up with my own Spanish.
I explained the vision with excitement, and his eyes welled with tears.
He said “Amen, that’s what I want.”
That day, we shared hours of conversation about dreams, visions, and the way the Lord is directing his life in this moment.
A couple weeks later, we had a huge get together where we had the chance to sit with the children from all three homes, as we saw brothers and sisters united and spending time together.
It was so precious.
I spent time with my friend, Farid, and we reflected on the truths the Father has for Him.
Toward the end of our conversation, Farid gifted me a bracelet that He made.
He said I could wear it and remember our moment of sharing sweet promises from the Lord.
I will miss Farid.
There’s something so sweet about when the Lord confirms that you hear His voice.
Tuning our ear to the voice of the Lord is a process, and really, all it takes is trust.
Trust that you are hearing Him.
Trust that He is speaking with intentionality and truth.
And when He prompts you to share, please share.
Freedom comes when we sit with the Lord in obedience.
All my love,
Hannah Beth
