As news spread across America about the wildfires in Maui, we have been postured in prayer for our friends and family affected by this devastation. We've come together and lifted up prayers to God on behalf of the people affected by these wildfires. Missionary staff here at YWAM Tyler, Kaina and Brandee Lee are from Hawaii and give us a feet on the ground testimony of what's happening.
In a recent interview to see how we could come alongside the people of Maui, here is what they shared with us⏤
It is well with my soul . . . Really?
I’ve heard these words many times. Something about them stands out to me, but can I say it is well with my soul and really believe it is? Loving God is one thing, but living with Him fully enthroned can be difficult sometimes because it's not about me anymore.
It’s hard. I desire. I fear. I feel.
Is God calling you to step out in faith and apply for a Discipleship Training School (DTS), but fear keeps kicking you in the guts? What if this turns out to be the biggest mistake of your life? What if you're asked to do something way out of your comfort zone? What if you don't fit in? Run out of money? Or fail everyone's expectations? What if you're not really hearing God's voice after all? Something is gnawing away inside your head saying, "I just don't think I can do this!"
"Well, I don't want to kill myself anymore!" That was not the response I was expecting to hear when Mia was asked at a staff meeting interview how going through discipleship training and serving at our mission affected her life! As we applauded her answer, I realized a lot was packed into that simple arresting statement.
The chilly air in the theater lobby reminded me I should have brought a hoodie to stay warm. As my wife, and the 16 year old young man we invited to watch this film with us strolled past the marquee, he asked, "What kind of movie is this, anyway?" That's fair. The photos of hippies and what looked like a Jesus type character decked out in psychedelic garb made it clear this would not be a Liam Neeson thriller.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is commonly known as 'America's Poet,' and the recent film by Sight & Sound, brought the story behind the beautiful Christmas song to life. Watching Longfellow's story unfold on the big screen was a fascinating experience.
Word quickly spread among our missionary staff about the quality and story of the movie and quite a few went to see it. We realize people are searching for hope during this Christmas season. Pain and loss can debilitate even the strongest person of faith. How do we overcome when our painful discomfort seems more than we can humanly bear?
Fred Markert visited us at YWAM Tyler this past weekend and brought a convicting message we want to share with all of you. A portion of the notes from the message are here, and the audio clip.
There is hope for America. All is not lost. However, there is something we as the church must consider...
When war erupts we cry out, "God, what can we do?" Right now, there are solid ways to impact this crisis. Mercy Works, a ministry arm of YWAM Tyler, has sprung into action to help. I caught up with Debbie Lascelles, director of Mercy Works, to find out how we can use this window of opportunity before it closes.
After a dozen or so trips to McAllen, TX, and crossing over to Reynosa, Mexico, several times, Aimee has witnessed firsthand the heartache and the hope of immigrants at the border.
In critical times of persecution and seeing those we love die because of their faith we can be at peace knowing Jesus is Lord over Afghanistan.
Every one of our staff who has gone to the Border has heard and seen difficult things. Cartels kidnapped a married couple with a young son and held them captive for eight days without food or water.
"To better the future we must disturb the present." - Catherine Booth
