I'm leaving YWAM for IHOP...

All Things New

I used to wonder how long it takes a person to grow up. I know now….. 

19 days. That’s how long I’ve been on staff here at YWAM. I still have a LOT of growing up to do, but I think a big chunk of it is over now! Ha-ha.

I’ve opened my first checking account, going really well with the budget that God gave me, opened a savings account because God told me to, and I now have a 9-5 job for the first time in my life! And it only took me 21 years to get here! ;) So this is what life is really like when you’re not a “student”….instead of sitting in class learning all the time, you’re running around with your head cut off learning all the time!

 I guess I should fill everyone in on what I’m doing here. I work in the hospitality department on a missions training base. What does that mean? Well…there is a hotel here on base; so I’m helping people get a room, gently nudging people out of a room if they’ve stayed too long, and cleaning the rooms when people (finally) leave. I’m keeping a toilet tally: in the last 19 days, I’ve cleaned 23 toilets. I get to drive a pink golf-cart, yes I said PINK (with hot pink flowers, and a lavender honker-horn……..my boss is from Brazil). I’ve helped decorate and redecorate and redecorate again pretty much every bathroom on base. (Mostly writing scripture verses on the mirrors) Man…I could go on for hours. I’ve baked about 400 cookies… (Seriously! Probably more too!)  And I’ve had more divine appointments in the last 19 days then I’ve had in months!

It’s absolutely amazing! I love working here! I know I’m exactly where God wants me to be and I’m growing up so much. I’m teaching like 4 people how to play the guitar! And they all want to learn so they can play worship songs…no other reason. It’s totally equipping people to do ministry! I LOVE IT! I’ve played songs over people; and I’ve listened to them as they’ve processed what God was doing in there lives. I’ve seen people cry when I tell them something that I feel God wanted to say to them. I’ve helped people write music to songs that God has given them. And those words are POWERFUL! I’ve been a part of bringing more life back to the WHOLE base by making the base look beautiful instead of like an old poverty stricken “missionary encampment.” You wouldn’t believe how many people have thanked me for really simple, but beautiful things I’ve helped create.

One man even camp up to us and said, “I was in the bathroom just now, and I read the scripture on the mirror. I felt like I should have a quiet time right then and there! Thank you for what you ladies are doing.” That was so honoring to hear.

Sometimes when I think about Sudan or the Middle East, I wonder how scrubbing approx. 1 ½ toilets a day can really make a difference. But I know it is. If one part of God’s creation is taken care of as God would have it…with wisdom and stewardship and honor…it’s walking in the opposite spirit of destruction and death.

I find myself being the servant of all. (Literally…the hospitality dept. serves the needs of the whole base, and I serve the needs of the whole hospitality dept.) But being the servant of all has become an honor to me. God has changed my whole perspective on servant hood.

Being a missionary is NOT about doing all the flashy things like: healing people, praying for people, and going to exotic countries around the world. That may be part of it for some people. But being a missionary is REALLY about being like Christ…the Greatest Servant of All. I’m humbled and honored to have this opportunity.

Thank you for being a part of it, even just by being my friend. Without the love that I’ve received from you all, I would have never had the courage or strength to do what God has asked of me. I’m truly grateful for you all!

I love my life. It’s not easy…but I didn’t sign up for easy when I became a Christian. I signed up to be life Christ….man, I love Him.

A girl on a mission…..

Rachel<><

Currently Listening Woven & Spun By Nichole Nordeman see related

My focus is Eternal!

I want to know Christ! And the power of His resurrection! I want to know Him in His suffering. I AM already crucified with Him. For too long I've held on to the right to be heard...the right for blessing...the right to feel sorry for me...the right to serve myself and my own lusts...the right to HEAR GOD'S VOICE.

I lay down my rights! If the Lord chooses to bless then praise Him. I don't deserve it. If He chooses to test the praise the Lord, He is the Potter I am the clay. Through fire or through green pastures...The Lord is my Shepherd...I am my Beloved's and He is mine.

The same power that hung the stars in the sky...that raised Jesus from the dead...that power lives in me. I don't have to travel to heaven to bring it here...Jesus already baptized me in it. The throne room of God is inside my heart! WHO AM I TO SAY I CAN'T???? Who am I to say GOD can’t!? Thank you, Lord, for bringing that to my attention. I have done more than just doubted God...doubt I can handle, just come against it with faith. But UNBELIEF is a different story. That's a moral issue...it’s a sin. Doubt is intellectual:  I don't understand how God will do what He said...but "thus saith the Lord"....so I believe He will. Unbelief says, "God may have said that...but He's not doing it. I don't even believe He WILL!"  (Forgive me Lord for unbelief.)

A few weeks ago, God told me the same thing He told Peter... (Luke 22:31-34) "Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”
34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

I went through that……that sifting. Thank the LORD that He prayed for me…that my faith should not fail. And it hasn’t. Yes, I have denied Him. But now He is asking me… “Rachel, do you love me?” (Agapao-love as a matter of duty.) “Rachel, do you agapao me?” Then the third time… “Rachel, do you Phileo me?” [Phileo-love, to be fond of, to be a friend to, to have affection for, “specifically to kiss (as a mark of tenderness)”] Agapao is a head love…Phileo is a heart love. Lord…you know all things. You know that I phileo you. “Feed my sheep.” Yes Lord…

I will praise God…from whom ALL blessings flow!

I will sing to my King, raised from below

I will know the suffering of Him who died

I will with Christ be crucified

He has redeemed my life from the grave

My Jesus, my God is mighty to save

He has set me free from sin and the law

In His precious blood is power and awe

You may take my life and destroy my flesh

But in my Saviors arms I will rest

In the arms of my

El Shaddai

I am loved , I’m secure, I will stay, I am sure.

Rachel<><

Prayer request….I’ve been under a lot of spiritual attack. I think there is a point of attack when it gets to be so much that your soul just shuts down. I feel rather shut down now. My strength to resist and “stand firm” is fading. It’s getting harder to hold up this shield of faith….there are a lot of arrows in it…weighing it down. And more arrows are on the way. Pray for me, for spiritual awakening and life. And pray whatever verse God gives you to pray over me…there is power in the Word spoken and prayed over me. Let me know what it is too…I could use the encouragement.

Thank you.

Rachel<><

Currently Watching Bicentennial Man By Robin Williams, Embeth Davidtz, Sam Neill, Oliver Platt, Kiersten Warren see related

I gotta joke to tell!!!

So this Buddhist walked up to a hotdog vender and said, "Make me one with everything."

Rachel<><