Can You See?

"Where there is no vision, the people persish.."
Proverbs 29:18a

I was on the elliptical at the gym today, and my mind was all over Africa. (I tell you this, because normally at the gym I am thinking, "How much longer?" Today, though, God was obviously interrupting my normal mental workout process with more important stuff!) Instantly, the above verse popped into my head. The King James version of the Bible uses the word vision, but the NASB and the NIV translate it as revelation. The original Greek word is hazon, which means a message from God with a possible focus on the visual aspects of the message He has laid upon your heart.

As we prepare to go many miles across the sky and sea to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it's important that we ask the Lord for a vision or revelation, corporately and individually. I sense Him prompting me to ask Him for a specific vision, and I also encourage you to sit for a while in quietness-- praising Him, beholding His presence, and asking Him for a vision, too. When we move forward with that new revelation, it helps us to focus in prayer. It also can greatly build our faith, because when we get there in the middle of it all--we will see Him and how deliberately and personally He was moving us along to accomplish His purpose. And, ultimately, He will be glorified, as we stand amazed once again at His greatness!

So, what or who do you see? Feel free to share if you are led or maybe the Lord just wants you to keep that between you and Him, for now. He's just that way sometimes. As for me, I need to purpose to sit still, which can be a ridiculous challenge, but I'll let you know what transpires. I know that I see sweet smiles on dark faces and me sitting on a step with another in conversation, an embrace...but I think there's something more. I think I'll keep asking and reaching.

"The secret of the Lord is with those fear Him; and He will make them know His covenant."
Psalm 25:14

Love to you all~
(Jen Maddox)

Ideas???

I'm the type that has to have ideas down on paper to wrap my brain around them so I'm going to write some things out that we discussed at the last meeting and open it up so that everyone can add in their thoughts for the teaching time with the girls and items to take. We are still not sure if we're only teaching the Wellington girls or the whole school. Chris any news on that?
Teaching Ideas:
1.What God thinks of woman from a biblical perspective using scripture and female biblical examples bringing in the theme of value.
2.Teaching them Bible Study methods.
3.Have the girls draw one of the fruits of the spirit But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness or a virtue from the verse Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and then they have to focus on that fruit or virtue that day and share in the next group time what the Lord taught them through that focus.

Things people said they are taking or want to take:
Shanna mentioned journals
Lora and Presli Sports Bras
Many or all of us feminine protection
Nail polish?
The flat iron was a hit with the girls when Wendy went last month so I am for sure bringing mine

Ok, let's see those ideas roll out on your blog. I know we have amazing ideas that will love the girls well and glorify the God of the Universe who has gone before us and prepared the way.

Love,
Karla

What Makes You Tick?

I'm the one on one type. My friends tell me I have a non-existent small talk tank. I love knowing someone's story because I feel I get to know them through their life experiences. I know these kids at Wellington Orphanage have stories that are beyond what I can even imagine. Some will want to share and some will not, but my heart and ears will be ready for whatever they want to share with me. I feel I have this love in my heart ready to pour out onto these amazing beautiful lovely girls. I'm going to Sierra Leone to love and to teach them that perfect love only comes from Jesus (and do whatever the Holy Spirit prompts me to do while I'm there.)
Another thing that is important to me is that we are connected as a team. I think if we know each other as well as we can over the next few weeks it will help us work well together and for the kids. I can't wait to get to know each of you on a deeper level, what makes you tick, what gets on your nerves, what might scare you about this trip and what totally lights your fire.
My fear...roach bites. Lights my fire...giving my heart away to the kids.

Karla

Here We Go!

Ok team, we are just shy of a month away from being on a plane that's headed for Sierra Leone, Africa! Our desire for the team is that the Lord would prepare our hearts by uniting us in the process as we share with one another in simple ways, whether it be little things about ourselves, thoughts about the upcoming trip, something special that the Lord has laid upon our hearts, a passage of Scripture, prayer requests, etc.

Praying for another person is one of the sweetest, most meaningful ways to connect with someone; a few of my most treasured friendships have been seeded and sustained through prayer across many miles for many years. So, bring on your prayer needs and praises, and we will be lifting them up to the One Who is intently waiting and listening. In addition, it would be really cool to have specific verse(s) that we commit to be praying together over the that kids we will be meeting in just a few weeks.

We will try to give you daily promptings to spark conversation or insight. Please know that this blog--this space--is all yours. The Lord has selected you to be a part of this amazing journey. What a privilege it is to join Him where He is already at work, and how wonderful it is to be co-laborers with Him..and with you! May He be glorified!