Hallelujah It Is Finished!

This has been one of my favorite weeks thus far. This week we learned about ministry; what it is and what it isn't, and God gave us several "random" opportunities to apply what we had learned.

Ministry is made up of mostly two things: a choice to serve, and a flow of the Holy Spirit through you, in order to meet a need.

We learned soo much this week that I can't even begin to write it all here, but one of the topics we covered that really impacted me was learning that there is a difference between what God is doing IN me, and what God is doing THROUGH me.

What God is doing IN me is my personal relationship with Him. It's what is He speaking to me personally, like how He comforts and reassures me to speak out against the enemy's lies when I feel overwhelmed. It is also what area's of my life is He growing me in. Right now that would be killing my pride, and teaching me about healthy confrontation and communication in relationships.

What God is doing THROUGH me is when the Holy Spirit gives me an encouraging word or tells me to pray for someone, and I act in obedience and give them encouragement, or pray for them. Or if He prompts my heart to serve, and through His strength I pick up trash, or teach children about how to share the gospel, or lead worship on Thursday mornings.

This week there were two specific times where I could really tangibly see the Holy Spirit using me and the rest of my team to meet needs in the body of Christ.

Wednesday nights are usually crazy. We have class all afternoon, go straight to dinner, we quickly put away all the tables and chairs to get ready for worship the next day, then run and grab our dirty clothes from the week and pile into the vans headed for the laundry mat. These nights can be hectic, sometimes stressful, and even frustrating if we allow the enemy to sneak into our thoughts and conversations with each other. This particular night I was getting frustrated, and I could feel an ugly complaining and stressed-out spirit in me. We arrived at the laundry mat and I quickly prayed, "Father calm my heart and mind, and let me glorify you".

Not even 5 minutes into the laundering process, we met our new friends; Scott, Monica and Brandon, and Kayla and Justin. They are homeless people living in tent nearby, and were washing their clothes at the same laundry mat as we were. We spent the next two or more hours pouring into them, speaking life and encouraging them, singing "Amazing Grace" with them, and praying with them. God through us broke down lies, and built up truth and hope in them, and even restored relationship between Scott and his mom. I got the opportunity to pray for his mom over the phone and Scott requested I sing Amazing Grace again for her, so I did hah.

God built unity in His church and in His children that night as we left them with our love, and with the $30 or so dollars we had on us that God told us to give to meet their immediate needs. We hugged them, and prayed hand-in-hand one more time before our team had to leave. We hopped into the van with an even greater fire in our bellies for speaking out the gospel than we had before, and with a joy that can't be explained.


Two days later, Friday night rolled around and our class of 7 along with 3 of our school staff headed to the One Thing Conference to help out with whatever they needed. We were assigned children's staff and we had an incredible opportunity to pray over and just talk and encourage the next generation. It was a huge blessing. But it was the worship time before children's church that really highlighted that night for me.

Our SOMD team stood in the back of the packed out church so we could leave quickly to get to the children's center when the kids were dismissed. Worship was amazing, the music was awesome and the lyrics were powerful, but most of all, I could absolutely feel the presence of God in that room. I knew He was breaking chains and changing hearts in that moment. As I was sing-screaming, dancing, and jumping my heart out in worship, I glanced over and saw a young guy standing in the back with crutches and could feel the tug of the Holy Spirit asking me to pray for Him, I happened to look over at my friend Wyatt and he pointed at the young man and I nodded, "yeah, let's do it."

So we walked over, got his name, and then asked Moses what had happened to his leg. He told us he had torn a ligament in his knee and we could see it was incredibly swollen. Wyatt and I asked him if we could pray and Moses said yes. We prayed simple prayers, those of children who know they are loved by their Father and know that He loves to lavish His love and to heal. As we continued praying for him the worship band began playing the song, "I believe in the God of miracles" and I could feel that God wanted to heal more than just this guy's leg.

Pretty soon the rest of our team joined in, and we laid hands on him, praying for healing not just for his leg, but for his heart and spirit. We told him that God wants to heal him from the inside out, that he is so incredibly loved by His heavenly Father and that Jesus paid the price for everything in his past; it is finished, it's done! By this time Moses was hunched over weeping and our team began just praising God for who He is. Moses was able to take his knee brace off and slowly walk around, and his pain dramatically decreased and we are believing that God will continue to bring Moses complete healing. But more exciting than the healing God does in the physical, is what He does in the spiritual. We serve a God who cares for every soul, He doesn't just bind up physical wounds, He is the healer of our hearts; and Moses' heart was one of the many healed that night.

I also had the opportunity to pray for Moses' girlfriend, Genesis, and encourage her in her faith and her identity as a daughter of God. Then the worship band confirmed what God was doing, not only in Moses and Genesis' lives, but in the lives of that whole room with "Hallelujah it is finished, hallelujah it is done, hallelujah King forever, and we thank you for the cross." AMEN.

So I know this post was a long one, but this week was exciting and I wanted you all to experience it with me. Keep praying for more opportunities like these to further God's kingdom on earth. God is alive and on the move and it's amazing!! Thanks for reading. :)

This is us praying together with our new friends at the laundry mat.

This is our team on the way to the One Thing conference.

This is Miriam, Wyatt, and I at our YWAM Orlando booth at the One Thing conference.

If you want to be apart of my ministry and join my support team, you can make a donation here.

If you would like to receive weekly prayer updates and requests you can email me at: sacree01@gmail.com

When God Writes My Story In Calligraphy Much Better Than I Ever Could In Pencil

This week we talked about leadership.

Our YWAM Base leader, Michael Berg, taught us on what it takes to be a pioneer and an effective leader. We looked at the core values of our specific base; that we are God-led, family oriented, integrity based, and characterized by faithfulness and fruitfulness. We talked about how God entrusts ministry to those who are faithful, available, and teachable.

We also discussed the 8 Hearts of an Effective Leader; someone who intercedes for people, someone who initiates discipleship and relationship, someone who tenderly cares, but who also can empower people to do it on their own. Someone who values transparency and is willing to be vulnerable, someone who is walking above reproach in all they do. Someone who has a shepherd's heart and is always willing to serve. I walked away from this week feeling prepared, but also challenged by the amazing qualities that I desire to grow in.

On the last day of class, as we reflected on the past week, we were challenged with studying Genesis 16. The passage is about Abram and Sarai and how they got tired of waiting on the Lord to fulfill His promise of a son, so they took matters into their own hands, and enter Hagar and Ishmael. Much pain and suffering was caused because of their choice to "help" God fulfill His word. I had never thought of it this way before and I began to consider how many times I've tried to "help" God fulfill His promises to me, just because I wasn't willing to wait for His timing.

The dictionary definition of the word "wait" actually means to anticipate, look forward to, long, yearn, expect, or to be ready. Yet how many times when we think of waiting on the Lord's timing do we yearn, long for, or even anticipate His timing? This really hit me.

I prayed and asked the Lord if there was anything else He wanted to say to me about the topic, and I saw a picture in my mind of three writing utensils: a pencil, a pen, and a calligraphy pen. Then He explained to me how the pencil is practical, it writes things down. But it also can be erased easily and isn't very visible. Then there's the pen, it also gets the job done; it's practical, efficient, and permanent. Then. Then there is the calligraphy pen. It's not exactly practical or efficient, but it's beautiful. It definitely takes longer, more concentration, and often times a lot of practice. But the result is well worth it.

I've been struggling this week with waiting on God's timing, especially with the finances for my ministry development school, as I still need a lot of money. Sometimes it feels impractical to wait, or not very efficient, and sometimes I have to fight the urge to "help" God fulfill His promise that He is my provider. But I know He is writing my story in calligraphy, and He is doing it much better than I ever could in pencil.

"For I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Romans 8:28

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

If you would like to be apart of my journey through my prayer email chain you can contact me here: sacree01@gmail.com


If you would like to join my support team and help me financially through this season you can donate here.  


Payment for a student/Winter SOMD/2016

When I Don't Understand, But I Know the One Who Does.

This week was heavy. But the kind of heavy that makes me rejoice over the work that I know God is doing in my mind and in my heart.

This week our teaching topic was on Grief and Trauma Processing and how to effectively bring the comfort of Jesus to people who are deeply hurting. We looked at the signs and stages of grief and trauma, what scripture says about it, and how to help people process what they've been through in a healthy and healing way that points them to the ultimate healer, Jesus. We also looked at our own life and asked the Lord to reveal any unresolved painful experiences so we could bring them before God and let Him softly cleanse and heal our wounds because we know that God uses healed people to heal people. 

It's amazing to me that the same God who hears our joys, hopes, dreams and laughter, at the same time hears the screams and cries of every abused child, widowed mother, and broken heart. He hears it all, He sees every tear and also rejoices over every triumph. He cares about the big and He cares about the small. 

This week has been full letting God hold my hand while I ask the hard questions, those questions that sometimes we feel like we aren't allowed to ask. God, why do innocent babies die? Why do good people go on the mission field and not make it back home? Why are children born with diseases and special needs? If You desire to heal then why is there still sickness? If You desire life, then why is there so much death? If You are a provider then why do millions of people go hungry every day? These are the very real questions that were burning in my mind this week. And I think He really does want us to ask. He wants us to open up those places of our hearts where we don't feel like we have it figured out, and I still don't have all my questions answered; and that's totally okay. Because at the end of it all, I know this for sure: He really is good, He really does care and He is trustworthy, and it's okay that we don't know. He's willing to walk us through it.

Life sometimes can throw us really hard unexplainable circumstances, but we serve a God who lives outside of time and outside of circumstance. He loves us. So, so deeply. There are some things we can't explain in this world, and sometimes people tell us things they are going through and we just don't have the words to respond, and that's okay. We weren't called to have the perfect words every time. We were called to love, and sometimes that just means being there and admitting that we don't really understand; but we know the One who does.   

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:18-19

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that you family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In His kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen." 1 Peter 5:7-11

If you would like to be apart of my journey through my prayer email chain you can contact me here: sacree01@gmail.com

If you would like to join my support team and help me financially through this season you can donate here. 

Payment for a student/Winter SOMD/2016

He's a Good, Good Father

Our first week here has come and gone. We spent most of the week in class learning about funding our ministry from Andy Miller. We also learned what our community responsibilities (chores) will be for the quarter as well as getting settled into life with new routines and new roommates and classmates. It's been a good first week here in YWAM Orlando. This blog post will be short, but I wanted to share with you guys something that God revealed to me during a morning worship time here on the base.

Every morning before we get into our studies, we spend an hour together worshipping Jesus and sharing the things He is placing on our hearts. Friday morning we were singing about faith and my friend Eivind shared about responding to God with child-like faith and letting go of all of the "toys" so we can fully embrace our Father.

I immediately got a picture in my head of a little kid at preschool playing with the toys waiting for dad to come pick him up. Dad comes through the front door, but little Timmy is too busy with his toys and doesn't see what he's been waiting for, the return of his father. So dad whispers, "Timmy.." and he catches little Timmy's attention. I know that voice. Timmy's eyes light up and he quickly scans the room for his father's loving arms. He runs towards his father but his arms are full of toys. He can't fully embrace his father.

I think there are two lessons to learn here. First is that we need to pay attention to our Father's voice. Sometimes its a faint whisper but we need to always have ears to hear him calling. And second is that we have to let go of sometimes really "good" things in order to fully embrace everything our Father has for us. We have to trust that He can and will provide everything we are letting go of and everything we need.

"You're a good good Father, it's who you are, and I am loved by you. That's who I am."

If you would like to be apart of my journey through my prayer email chain you can contact me here: sacree01@gmail.com

If you would like to join my support team and help me financially through this season you can donate here. 

Payment for a student/Winter SOMD/2016

When God Matches Wanting People with Willing People

So I’m here! 

I made it YWAM Orlando for my SOMD (School Of Ministry Development). Yesterday was my full first day here and I can already tell its going to be a great semester. We have spent the first few days going over what the next few months will look like, and getting to know the students and staff in my school, as well as my seven new roommates. But I wanted to tell you about how God was working in and through us even before we reached the campus just three days ago. 

So me and my crazy friends decided it would be fun to do a road trip across America from California to get to our school in Florida. It was a long, crazy, tiring, and fun few days, but God orchestrated something on that first day that I will never forget.  

After driving all day, we were just a few hours from crossing the boarder into Arizona on I-40 when we lost our back right tire. My friend Josh pulled over safely and discovered the tire shredded from the weight of our luggage and probably from all the snacks. I mean, you can’t have a road trip without an ample supply of peanut butter M&M’s. Obviously. 

So Josh quickly put the spare tire on and we got back on the road. We didn’t make it 20 feet before the rear tire went completely flat. So Josh called AAA and after about 3 hours, our tow-truck driver filled our tire and then gave us a lift to the next town with a tire repair shop in case we needed a new tire. This is when we realized this was no accident.

Jonathyn, one of the students in my SOMD, sat up front to chat with our tow-truck driver, Tim. One thing that I know about our team is that there is one thing we can’t help but talk about; and that is Jesus. Knowing this, Zoe and I started praying for Tim and Jonathyn’s conversation immediately. We prayed that Jonathyn could clearly communicate the words God was giving Him, and that Tim’s heart would be all ripe and mushy to listen to the Holy Spirit’s tug. 

After listening to Tim talk about his life and work for a while we realized that he believed in God and he prayed, but he didn’t understand how personal our God really is. Jonathyn started to explain to Tim how personal and intimate his relationship with God is, and how the Holy Spirit speaks and works in his life, as well as the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross and what that meant for Jonathyn’s goal and motivation in this life on earth. 

Tim listened with eager ears, leaning in to every word Jonathyn was saying. When Jonathyn began spilling from his heart his passion about Jesus, Tim took his hat off and began tearing up. “Do you want a relationship with God like what I’ve been describing to you?” Jonathyn asked. Tim replied with a faint and emotional, “Yes.” Jonathyn continued to speak words of life and encouragement over Tim and prayed for him several times before our hour and a half tow ride was over. I sat in the back seat amazed and in awe by how God works, it was so clear that He had ripened the harvest for us and that He placed us there as willing workers to watch God draw in His son, Tim. 

We made it to our repair shop and Tim unhooked our car. His eyes were red and watery and you could tell his heart was overwhelmed and speechless from the love of Jesus. We knew Tim would’t be the same after this. We said goodbye and got back into our car, full of joy from the opportunity we just had to be the love of Jesus to this 22-year old tow-truck driver.  

This is exactly why I’m obeying God by coming to Orlando, Florida to do my SOMD. For these exact moments. Living for Jesus is a lifestyle of servanthood and willingness to speak up about this amazing God we serve, and right now I’m serving and learning in the amazing environment that is Youth With A Mission. But that’s not the end of the story.

After we were dropped off, we realized the tire shop was closed and wouldn’t open until the next morning, so as we were weighing our limited options we felt peace about continuing to drive the car, as least until the next town to see if another repair shop would be open. We ended up driving it the rest of the way to Florida, checking the tire pressure every few hours to make sure it was holding up, and it was TOTALLY FINE. Our spare ended up holding up better than the other three tires! 

I am convinced that God pulled us into that moment with Tim on purpose. There was Tim, getting ready for another tow call, knowing God exists, but not understanding how LOVED he is by his Heavenly Father, or the PURPOSE that God has given him, but wanting truth desperately. And there was us, tired and slightly annoyed by the inconvenience of the tire incident, but willing to obey with the passion and love for Jesus and God’s children on the tip of our tongues. And there God made a match; of the wanting and the willing.

I’m so humbled that God would pull us out to be apart of His heart for all people. You guys, God is drawing ALL people to Himself: millionaires, bankers, stay-at-home moms, families in foreign countries, and tow-truck drivers. He wants us to be apart of it, and that blows my mind. 

I also learned that Jesus is pretty amazing at repairing flat tires. ;) To Him be the glory!!

If you would like to be apart of my journey through my prayer email chain you can contact me here: sacree01@gmail.com

If you would like to join my support team and help me financially through this season you can donate here. 

Payment for a student/Winter SOMD/2016