Burn.
That’s the prophetic word I received for this year. What does it mean? Not entirely sure just yet, but I know the Lord will reveal it’s meaning to me throughout this season. I believe it has to do with the burning inside of my soul to love Jesus, be more like Him, and to burn so hard that those around me catch the flame, too. That the light burning in me never ceases.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16
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It has been a couple of weeks since we arrived to Colombia and God has already worked in numerous ways.
On Wednesday night, literally the second night in Medellin, I was sent out with about 15 others from my squad to evangelize in a certain part of the city a few blocks away where it is filled with many homeless people, drug addicts, prostitutes, and transgenders. Before heading out, we were told safety precautions, and put on orange vests, and got in a van and headed to share the Good News with the lost, the poor, and the needy.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10.
Sensing so many dark, evil spirits around me, I stepped out of the van.
Not gonna lie, arriving there, I witnessed what seemed like hundreds who were in desperate need of a savior, in need to know that God loves them and that He wants His sheep to turn to Him so He can restore them and give them life everlasting. Despite all going on, in that moment, I believed and new 1000000% that I was in God’s hands, living in the Spirit and by the Spirit and that His Spirit can cast out any demonic powers, heal the sick, transform the heart, because He has given His children authority in the name of Jesus Christ.
Pacing down the streets, I asked Britt, one of our squad leaders, if she received anything from the Lord. She responded, “I saw a man in a red shirt and a black hat.” As she was telling me this, I turned my head in the direction of where we were headed and spotted a man with that. exact. description. I quickly responded, “You mean like that man right there heading this way?”
His name is Joann. He seemed shy and hesitant at first, but he was willing to listen. Noticing he had a limp earlier, Britt asked if he needed any prayer for healing in his feet. He said, “Yes, my feet have been hurting from walking so much.” And so we laid hands and began praying for him to be healed, and during the prayer our translator, Valorie, told us that he doesn’t feel his pain anymore. I looked up and he was shook. He kept twisting his feet and legs in different ways, trying to come to the realization of what just happened, noticing the pain was gone! Praise Jesus. (Wow, God, Ok. I see You… You really do miracles). After that, the conversation continued and the Lord opened his heart and he gave his life to the Lord. Joann was healed that night. Joann gave his life to the Lord that night.
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These past couple of weeks have been filled with meetings, Vacation Bible School (VBS) prepping and executing, including spending hours knocking door-to-door in the neighborhoods around us to gather children to come to the VBS services, prayer walks, evangelizing in the streets of Colombia, interceding, church services, music nights at the cafe, sessions, and much time spent in community with those around us.
Also, this past weekend, a team of about 20 of us went to Manatiales.
**Friday. We filled our big hiking backpacks with food for the families. Thinking this would be an easy hike, little did we know we would be facing super steep inclines and having to carry these pretty heavy packs all at the same time. But, it was worth it. Aside from the amazing views, the children and families we met were so full of joy. We were even able to pray for some of them. It is amazing how people that don’t have much have the most joy. I pray they each encounter the true Source of joy.
**Saturday. We had a program for the kids from the morning until about noon. We taught them about the story in Matthew when Jesus fed the 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish. When we give Him all that we have and obey what He asks of us, He can multiply it and use if for His glory.
Be in prayer for the squad as we continue to build Kingdom here in Colombia. For safety, for boldness, for obedience to the Spirit, for those we have encountered and will encounter, and ultimately for God to use us for His glory.
This is just the beginning and only a small glimpse of what God is going to do through us, and I personally cannot wait to see what is to come. Brothers and sisters, Jesus is alive and there should be a fire that burns so bright in us that we can’t contain it and it spreads like wildfire to those we encounter.
“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:24
Soli Deo Gloria
