Will eh? - Team REV217 - October 2009 - L Squad aka Super Soakers!

Ghana, Wanna, Shanna

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After 16 hours of plane, 3 hours of layover, 2 hours of buses, we arrived in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. On the 8^th, we met up with all nearly 30 of the potential ministry leaders and moved into our "hotel." (I learned very fast that you can call any building with multiple rooms, a hotel). Next day, my logistics partner, Andy, and I spent 8 hours in the African heat (35 C) trying to figure out visas for the next countries, what would have taken 3-4 hours tops back home. It seems no one knows where anything is. On the 10^th, my team and I left the "hotel" at 7am to get to the bus station that is maybe 30 km away. With the traffic and the road conditions, it took us nearly 1.5 hours. Then after a 15-hour bus ride (thank God for a/c!) that zigzagged West then East, with several pit stops that looked like refugee camps, we arrived in northern Ghana, a small city called Navrongo. There at 2am, we were met by our host Pastor Emanuel and his French wife, Maryanne.

Initially, some of the girls thought Northern Ghana would be slightly cooler. Surprise! Northern Ghana's day time temperature = 42 C. Night time= 32 C!! Hurray for heat!! I'm trying to convince myself that I'm in a sauna, and normally you'd have to pay lots of money for a sauna. I fully expect to ruin 80% of my clothes and other belongings this month alone.

As far as I can tell, Evangelism is top on our priority this month. Through 1-1 speaking, preaching, music and drama, sharing the Gospel is our main job description. Please pray for open hearts and minds. The people of Ghana are amazingly hospitable and loving despite how much or little they have. I've already fallen in love with the children.

INTERNET IN GHANA IS VERY VERY SLOW.... AND SPARSE.. :( THE LAST TWO BLOGS TOOK 30 MINS JUST TO UPLOAD!

Can You Speak More Srowry Prease?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Did you hear about the soccer game between Bangkok and Phuket? It was a "Thai" game!

It's been somewhat tough posting a lot of blogs, b/c in a sense, there wasn't THAT much to write home about. Our team taught English in the mornings to 5 students, then to two classes in the evening. I was in charge of one of the evening classes along with Brad. At first, we had 6 people signed up from a local moped shop. The first day, only 2 showed up-one salesman Anan, and his female friend, Yim. I believe this was God's doing. Having 6 people with 6 diff levels would make it harder to teach. Plus, it became 2 on 2 rather than 2 on 6 when we got to share personal stories and testimonies. We got to share bible stories, about Jesus, and on our last night, they let me pray for them. They were very receptive, and I believe that we have planted a seed in their hearts.

On one weekend, we got to visit a wedding in a Lahu village, one of the hill tribe villages in Northern Thailand.

We shared one large room between all the guys and girls plus a few others, ate local foods, which I loved (do I ever not love food?), played games and sang songs with the local children, prayed over them, and observed a traditional Lahu wedding presided by a Korean minister who spoke perfect Thai. They also had slaughtered a cow and two pigs for the wedding meals, which I opted out to witness. I did, however, try the raw pork meat dish. Now, I've been told that raw pork meat = death, but I figured it's as fresh as it would ever be, and the locals eat it, so how bad could it be? We eat sushi, don't we? I didn't hate it, but it's not something I'd go to a restaurant, just so I could order it.

After two weeks of speaking in ways Thai people understand better, my English has gone from an 8/10 to 6/10. I mumble, I can't speak gooder than last times, and say things like "Thank you God for letting us do Engrish teachings."

Shout Outs!

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A few congrats are in order...

1. Canadian Men's and Women's Hockey teams! 2010 Gold Medal winners!! Sa-weet! I missed every single game, but oh well! Got to see a few clips from the Gold medal game, so I'm happy!

2. Jon & Judy's baby, Jayden!! (born back in December, I'm a little late)

3. Happy birthday to Gibby!! Who just may be my fav person in the world right now. :D You've been my teacher, ear, shoulder, partner, wingman, et la femme canadienne tres magnifique! (j'adore francais terrible)

(insert image of your fav person here)

4. Happy belated to Maryanne (feb 13), Yvonne (15), Justander (15), Weston (17), ABS (18), Vince Man (22), and Fox (29)!!

5. And I'm sure I won't get a chance to in Africa, so.. Happy Early birthday Velxie (Mar 5), Courtney S (6), Jess Sit (7), Asako (11), Cmak (ides of March), Mich (21)!!

Only 4 more days in Thailand, then we're off to Africa!!

In The Name of Jesus, Breathe!

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The following blog is from Dan Snyder, one of the amazing men at training camp, who helped our squad prepare for the World Race. This is nothing short of a miracle.

They met for the first time in the Atlanta, Georgia airport back in May 2009. Matt Patch, Austin Anglea and Dan Snyder: instant brothers with much in common. After training camp the three of them had dreams and visions of the Lord using them together. Even though they'd talked about it with each other, none really knew what it could possibly look like.

In November 2009, Matt, Dan and Austin were baptized together in the Jordan River by their brother, Aaron Bruner. As they prepared for the baptisms, they reminisced about the dreams and visions the Lord had given them and how He was going to use the three of them in His Kingdom to do huge things (read Aaron's blog about it here).

It's now Feb. 26, 2010, and the three have gathered in Jinja, Uganda.

Austin was in town purchasing bus tickets for his team as Dan and Matt took a boda boda, or a motorcycle taxi, into town to do some work on the Internet.

Little did they know that God was about to use these three transformed men--one a former teacher/coach, another a former realtor, and the other a former cop--in a mighty way. Just one to three years ago they were living for themselves, living the American Dream, the party life. Today they were living for the Kingdom.

As Matt and Dan rode towards the town of Jinja on the back of the boda bodas, they saw a man surrounded by a group of people, laying on the ground to the left of the road. As the bodas slowed, the man, who was covered in blood, came to his feet. He'd obviously been hit by a car or thrown off of a boda, but seemed OK. The drivers kept moving.

As the boda bodas came around a slight bend in the road, Matt and Dan noticed a motorcycle laying there. Its pieces were strewn across the road. As the bodas slowed, a young girl of about 7 years old came into view. She was wearing a pink dress and her face and arms were covered in blood, but she at least was standing.

But just past her, a group of about 15 people were surrounding something else on the road. The boda bodas stopped in front of the group and a small boy, also about 7 years old, came into view. His body was laying in the middle of the road.

He was lifeless. "He's dead," they thought. A man shaked the boy, trying to bring him back to life, but he lay limp.

Dan and Matt pushed through the crowd to get to the boy who had a four inch bleeding bulge on his forehead. His mouth and ear was spilling blood. Matt prayed as Dan looked around for a ride to get the boy to the hospital.

It was then that Austin arrived on another boda boda that was coming from the other direction. Austin jumped off of the motorcycle and immediately ran to the boy. "The kid's dead," Dan told him. Dan told Austin that someone in the crowd was willing to take the boy to the hospital. The two of them and another man carried the lifeless boy's body to the car.

"Do you feel a pulse or see him breathing?" Dan asked Austin. Austin stopped his prayer mid-sentence, looked up, and simply responded, "No." As they lay the boy in the backseat of the car, Austin pulled his sweatshirt off and put it under the boy's head. As he did this, the boy's chest started to rise and fall.

He was breathing.

The prayers for the boy continued as Dan, Matt and Austin climbed back on boda bodas. Matt and Dan rode to the hospital to pray over the boy again. The doctor on duty said the hospital didn't have the necessary medicine to stop the bleeding and swelling in the boy's head.

Matt and Dan decided they'd have to buy the medicine. They ran across the street and bought some, ran back, and gave it to the doctor. They prayed again.

Meanwhile, Austin hopped back on his boda boda along with the boy's friend and the driver on a mission to find the boy's parents. They drove along back roads, through clothes hanging on lines, and finally arrived in the boy's village. His parents weren't home, but they managed to find neighbors who agreed to tell the boy's parents about the emergency.

A few hours later, Dan and Matt were at the hospital again to pray for the boy once more. They found him, his mother, and his close family friend there. They were told the boy, Trevor, and his sister, Precious, were both hit by a boda boda. And they both survived.

The family is Christian and the family friend who was there is a pastor. Dan and Matt explained what had happened, that Trevor hadn't been breathing when they'd first arrived, but that his breathing came back after they started praying for him.

As they prayed for him again, Trevor began to move his fingers and his eyes started to flutter. His mother, Sarah, thanked God and thanked them for praying for her son.

They promised to keep Trevor and Precious in their prayers, and walked away knowing they'd experienced the miraculous ability of the Lord and prayer.

Austin:
I remember becoming irritated as it was taking a ridiculous amount of time to buy the tickets for the team. But it was no accident for it was the Lord delaying me for what was soon to happen! After my time spent in town I headed back on the motorcycle taxi. I looked ahead and saw a crowd of people and as soon as we pulled up close I saw Dan in the middle taking charge of the situation, and by the look on his face I knew something was wrong. I tapped my driver and told him to stop, I needed off! I remember seeing the boy laying in the middle of the road saturated in blood, Dan looked at me and said, "he's dead." Going up to the boy he was lifeless, as his eyes were open but glazed over, he surely looked dead. There was a man there trying to massage his chest trying to get his heart working. Not knowing what else to do, I put a hand on the boy and began to pray in the Spirit as Dan figured out a car to put the kid in.......we carried Trevor to the car while all three of us continued to pray and then the car pulled off to take the boy to the hospital. As quick as that, it was done.....riding back home on the taxi after we went and told the people in the boy's village, I began to cry thinking about the whole situation, but then I began to think how God aligned the three of us in order to be there for that boy, and I began to rejoice! God has a plan for that boy and he wanted him to live, and how grateful the three of us are to be a part of what God wanted done that day.

Matt:
Once we pulled up I was scared, shocked, and felt useless. I was looking at a lifeless child. A million things started to create a wall in my mind. Then God busted through all of the feelings and said, "hold on, I'm bigger than that... pray." So, I did. I walked away from today realizing that being in God's will is just that... being. I can't do anything. However, in Christ I can do everything. All I have to do is "be". Did I raise the dead today? No. I witnessed the beautiful gift of life that was being stolen given back. Glory be to God. How wonderful and amazing He is to let us be a part of His plan, His miracles... His son Trevor's life.

Dan:

once we pulled up and i saw trevor i thought without a doubt that he was dead...just the way he was laying on the pavement, i could tell. as i got closer and saw his forehead, the blood coming from his ear and mouth and his half opened, glazed over eyes...i just knew he was dead. in retrospect though, i have no idea if he was dead. to be honest, i thought about praying but quickly replaced that thought with, "i've gotta get him to the hospital" and started working to find a driver to get him there. i looked over at matty and saw him praying on the side of the road...and then out of nowhere austy showed up...to think of all the different variables that went into the three of us being there at that exact moment...it's unbelievable. anyways, i didn't think about praying again until i heard austin praying as we carried trevor to the car. i immediately started praying and a few seconds later, after all three of us were praying, trevor started breathing. i didn't realize it as it was happening but god put the three of us in this situation for a purpose...he had aligned it...it blows my mind...three different guys...all doing different things amongst the chaos to help this boy...trusting our god...praying with all that we had...and trevor lived. i know we didn't act any differently then most people would've but the lord put the three of us there for a purpose...to experience his miracles and the indescribable power of prayer...and trevor lived...that's the kind of god i am willing to give my life to.

*As of 2/27, Trevor is still alive but they doctors are concerned about the trauma to his head, please keep him in your prayers*

*thanks to Marissa Villa for typing the details of this story*

Self-examination

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What god's been teaching me:

When I was little my mom gave away my puppy an uncle gave me. At the time, we were living in an appartment, and didn't know how to take care of a puppy. We didn't want it to poo/pee everywhere, so at night times, we kept it in the bathroom, with the lights off to save electricity. It would bark all night. One day when I came home from school, my puppy was gone. My mom had taken the puppy to her grandmother's, which was more than an hour away by train. I was devastated, and cried forever. I think from that point on, I started to take care of things. Without realizing, I started to do things for people, or try to take care of those I loved, in fear that they'll leave me or that I'll lose them otherwise. I was afraid of abandonment.

I didn't have a very long childhood. I grew up too fast. My father never commented on good things I did, but if I were to do something not so good, I'd hear criticism. I craved approval. One way was by growing up fast. I got many comments from adults like, "oh, he's so mature," "he's like an old man/scholar," or "he's so grown up." I learned how to behave like an adult very quickly, especially around adults. I believe I did this to hear approval from an adult, b/c I wasn't getting it from my dad. I never got a full childhood. Becuase of this, I act like a 12 yr old a lot of times. I'm still trying to have a childhood, despite being in the late 20's.

How's that for playing psychologist?

Chasing Miracles

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With the halfway point of the World Race just around the corner, you can't help but reflect back on the first half. (I remember reading the Leaf's mid-season "report cards" the Toronto Sun would publish. Most players would get C's and D's, where Mats Sundin would always have an A.)

Month 1- Guatemala: bio-sand water filters, mal-nourished babies, construction.

Month 2 - Nicaragua: orphanage.

Month 3 - Thailand: land clearing, school visits.

Month 4 - Cambodia: office admin.

Month 5 - Thailand: teach english.

While these are all nice things, a large part of us feel like we're missing out on bigger things. All of us want to see and do more. We want to see people healed, lives changed, individuals come to Christ, even see dead raised. WE WANT TO PERFORM AND WITNESS MIRACLES. We want stories that will make you go, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME??" Results that are tangible, and not just "we made someone feel good for 2-3 weeks." All of our ministry and Godly transformations have been for the most part, inward. Our team has grown to love each other dearly, and have amazing respect for one another. We've grown spiritually and personally in leaps and bounds. And for that we PRAISE OUR GOD.

We've had different teams on our squad share such stories. A lady who needed a cane to walk a few minutes before having to stop to rest, can now walk all the way to the church without a cane. A very old man with little years left in his life, asking to hear more about God so that he may receive salvation. Chronic stomanch pains, gone. If I had a better memory, I could share more what my squad shared in our last debrief.

It's as if I were playing right field, and all the hits were going to either left or centre fields. The other outfielders are making spectacular diving catches, throwing out runners, hitting home runs and stealing bases. All I'm doing is laying a sac bunt, or taking a walk. At the end of the day, however, my team wins. Am I okay for my team to have an amazing game and have us win as a team than have me make awesome plays? Even if on the World Race I do not personally witness miracles, will I still choose to serve God?

The creator of the universe, the God of the miracles in the Bible and life alike, will choose to do what He chooses to. All I can do is do the little things that have been asked of me, and pray for opportunities to be used in His Glory. We pray for God to use us, but in the meanwhile, we need to be patient. We don't need to see miracles for us to love God, but we do desire more.

Chiang Rai, Apple Pie!

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My team arrived in Chiang Rai, Thailand (noted A on map), a 10.5 hr bus ride from Bangkok. We are staying here for 3 weeks for ministry at a local church before flying to Africa for the 3rd leg of the World Race!

From what we know of, we will be working with the pastor at the church to teach english, run various programs, and visit schools to perform skits, sing songs, etc. It kind of reminds me of what Manistry was back in December, minus the construction and tent camping and playing soccer. We've also been tentatively invited to some pretty cool things like a wedding in a hill tribe village, visiting an elephant farm, and a waterfall among others. There is also a night market every night that probably has knockoffs and cheap food, which I'm sure my team and I will frequent during our stay here.

I want to wish everyone back home a happy belated Valentine's day! I had the privilege and honour of taking out the two non-married girls on my team, Nicole and Jess, for a day out in Bangkok. I have to admit, we had a blast!! I love these girls, but in a World Race way, of course! ;) And don't remind me to not tell you about how I did not drop my pants in the biggest and busiest mall in Bangkok for a photo op. :D haha

I also want to re-dedicate myself into blogging more frequently, even if it's a short blog for a quick update. A lof of people have invested their time, money and prayers into me and the World Race. When one makes an investment in a stock, they would want to know how their stock was doing. They'd follow the financial news, the stock reports, etc. This is no different. I am your investment. I owe it to my investors how their stock is doing! :) Thankfully, we have wifi available here, so I don't have an excuse!

Speaking of blogs, Weston Belkot, one time team leader, and now one of our 3 new squad leaders, has won blogger of the month for our squad!! If you thought my blogs were great, you should check out his! He also makes fun videos. :)

You're in Cambodia When...

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

...you pay in $USD and get your change back in Riel

...people drive cars and ride motobikes they way they line up-crowd up, inch forward, creating space and a massive jam all at once

...traffic laws are only strong suggestions

...you have to look left, then right, then left, right again, maybe once more to the left, just to cross half the street

...a child says he wants to be a cop because it's an easy job

...if you talk to one tuk tuk or motobike driver for more than 12 seconds, 3+ more will join to figure out where you're trying to go

...when said drivers give each other directions by drawing an invisible map on the ground with their feet

...your motobike driver will bring you fine to your destination, but when you want to go back, the same driver will not know how to, and ask for directions

...a map to a motobike driver is as helpful as a typewriter to a fish

...a motobike helmet doubles as a welding helmet and triples as a drink holder

...a can of coke costs 50 but a diet coke costs $1

...a third of the women wear PJ's everywhere

>>>>>>>>>>>>

After 18 hours of bus and vans with questionable a/c, our squad is in Hua Hin, in Southern Thailand for a week of much needed debrief. We'll be joined by our amazing coaches Ms. Patti and Mike. I'm looking forward to our time with them!! :) These individuals work tirelessly for our squad. I'm sure they're jetlagged to the maximus each time they visit us, but they never show it.

Our team will be headed back to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand for month #5. One more team will be in Thailand, three teams will be headed to Vietnam, and two will return to Cambodia.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I celebrated my birthday in Asia for the first time in 20 years. While 14.5 hours of it was travelling on a bus, my super teammates made sure that it would be a special day. They made it the best birthday ever! I felt like I was on the amazing race, having to complete (pretty outrageous) tasks to receive various gifts. Some tasks were cute, some were embarrassing, but some were flat out enjoyable! ;) Thanks REV217!! And thank you to everyone for their birthday wishes!! Forever 27, woot!! :D haha

Meet My Barber II

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Friday was my last day that I got to see Touch. In between sleeping in by an hour(!!!), applying for Viet visas for Team 180, fixing one last broken table at Destiny Rescue, greeting Team 180 to their hostel and taking them to lunch at the mall, going back to Destiny Rescue to finish fixing the table, saying good-byes' to the men at Destiny Rescue, going to pick up Jess to take her for Visa photos, only to find out on arrival that I don't need to anymore, going back to the Vietnam embassy to pick up the passports, and moving my bed back upstairs at my ministry contact's house, replacing a broken plug head, installing a hook for hanging a mosquito net, I got to visit my Cambodian barber, one last time.

One thing I didn't mention in the last blog was that one time when we were talking, a beggar came to me asking in Khmer for some money. Touch immediately told me "nevermind" then got up. I thought he was going to ask the beggar to leave, but instead, retrieved his own money and gave it to the beggar. A man who has very little to live on, chose to give up some of it to help someone else in need, and so that I wouldn't be bothered!

Before going to see him, I prepared a small note for him. I wrote that God will take care of him and his future, if you trust and follow God, quoting Jeremiah 29:11. I couldn't afford much, but I also included a $10 bill in the note.

He was wearing a nice pair of jeans, and a styling dress shirt-a visible upgrade from his normal cheap dress pants and loud dress shirt. He had dressed up for our final day. While he finished with his customer, God put it in my heart to pray for him. I wanted to pray to God for him. But usually when I think of praying for a non-Christian, I get really nervous, and most of the times, I back out. This time, it never occurred to me that it might be awkward. I was at complete peace.

We talked for about an hour, random things really. He also asked me to tell my team how he'll always have us in his head, heart and eyes. Before it was time to go, I gave him the note, and asked if it was okay for me to pray for him to my God. He agreed.
After a sad good-bye, we waved until we were out of sight, as I rode off on the back of a motobike. Earlier tonight, he sent me a text:

>>>

Hi will. Thank you so much for meeting of last day and you had bought a water melon for me it's a very sweet one .

I had read your latter and i saw the money 10 dollar thank you very much every day i didn't pay for anything who was not important . I want to saved some moneys in order to buy a new big dictionary becaused my small old one didn't have a lot of difficultied words. So i can completed my wish by your money thank ! And when i read your latter i felt that my tear want to dropped you are very good .

You always gave the strength of my mind friendly with me bought everything for me i always felt so happy when you came to see me every day . Today i think i couldn't sleep when i closed my eye i saw you in and i felt so lonely because i couldn't see you mored . But nevermind i had your address ,i shall be write to you i hope my latter will be in your hand .

Take care brother g ood luck . Goodbye.

<<<

I want to thank everyone who encouraged me, supported me, and prayed for my final time with Touch. My only regret is that I never got to bring him a Khmer-English bible! But it is my prayer that he will seek one, and by God, he will receive one, the way Brother Yun (aka the Heavenly Man) did!!

Meet My Barber

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I hope that my last few blogs doesn't make it seem like all I'm doing in Cambodia is feeling depressed about the situations here, past and present, and wondering what I'm actually doing on the race. All of us have been working hard, and while I've been busy with logistics, I do have this to share.

We have been fully submerged in ministry--Brad replicated children's story books in Khmer (Cambodian language) using tech/computer skills, Erika interviewed children after children with love and joy, Jessica's been snapping amazing photos and creating promotional pamphlets and videos, and Nicole's been creating beautiful crafts and jewelry for supporters--for the most part, I have been a busy bee preparing visas, transportation and the squad debrief in Thailand next week.

Because of that, I've felt that I was missing out on "ministry." Two weeks before, I had just shared how ministry isn't just our work in an existing ministry, then going home at the end of the day. Then I went to get a haircut.

Meet Touch (yes, it's not pronounced the way we read it. It's more like tush, but not like "he's got a cute tush"). He's a barber who was thrilled to have an English-speaking customer for the first time when I showed up. He was grinning ear to ear while cutting my hair using manual clippers and baby powder in his run-down barbershop, because he got to practice his speaking with me. I saw it as an opportunity not to convert, but to minister to. I told him that I'd come see him every day so that he can practice speaking English.

The first day I wrote him a simple letter about who I was, where I'm from, and things I like. I asked him to write one back, and I would help correct for spelling and grammar.

He wrote me a two-pager, which he took 4 hours to write. His letter is typed word for word at the end of this blog.

After a few days, I felt that he was young, but very sincere. After 3 days of going to seeing him, he invited me to come over to his home to meet his family. There, I showed him pictures from the race, and he shared his family photos. I met his mother, one of his sisters (he has 7 siblings), her children, and various neighbours who peeked to see why there were tourists in a poor village. (Thanks Jess for coming with me!)

He then asked me if I had anything to share. From our previous conversation he knew that I was a Christian, and we are here to help people in need. He even pointed to a church that a friend goes to, but he's never gone, since he works every day, including Sunday.

I took a breath, but with genuine love I told him that God will take care of us, if we follow him. I told him that God wants you to obey his commands and love him and trust him, because he loves us. God has a plan for all of us, including Touch. I told him that if he wants to find out more, he can ask me questions.

I can't say that this is what will bring him to Christ. But this is the first time I genuinely wanted to share the Gospel with someone, and without someone telling me I should, or because sharing the Gospel with the locals is part of our ministry schedule this month.

Tomorrow is probably the last time I will see him. We exchanged mailing addresses so that I can write him once I'm home. I asked for his permission in sharing his picture and letter with my friends. Oh, for a haircut and a full shave including nose-hair trim, he charges $0.75. He only wanted 50 cents from me, but I gave him a dollar.

I ask that you take the time, even for a minute, just to pray for a seed to be planted, his heart to be moved, and the desire to know God personally enters his thoughts. Thank you.

Hello,

My name Touch I am 22 years old. I was born at the borderland between Cambodia and Thailand when Cambodia was wared in 1975 to 1979. Do you know will? My family will goes to live at THE U.S.A during only once month more by the UnitEDNATION that time might be in 1992. But when the wared end in 1993 Cambodia government call for all the Cambodian people in Thailand must be came back to Cambodia. So my parents moved to Phompenh City as yet. I am very sorry to came a way from the special occation. But it's only in the past I think we should to think about the Present. Nowadays my family is very Poor buy it's a general story for some of the familys in Cambodia.

In one day I saw some foreigners walked before my hairdressing, that is your team but I am afraid to speak to you all. But do you know? I'm very liked the foreigners when I see them everywhere in Cambodia. And I really wanted to help them all the thing if I can. One day one great day for me when I am sitting in my hairdressing I saw you with your friend finded the Tuk Tuk soon after I had spoken English with you. I feel so very pleased to help you, especially I had cut your hair and thank you very much for most prices. I just know your thing when I see your letter but you had told me already but that time I can know a little bit because you speaked fast. Sorry. And I really like your work. It's a good heart of you all that is my favourite to I'm very want to join with you all but knowledge is weak I study Khmer only seven grades because I'm poor don't have much money for study.

I but nowadays I am trying to study English every evening by myself at home but before I start I used to study at school may be two years and from that time to Presenly may be four years. But I think I can't because I have no much time as you see that. I am a simple barber that start work from the morning to the evening non stop for a little money to complete the lack in my family. But I have one dream also someday in the future I shall be complete my wish I want to make the normally interpreter in order to help all the foreigners like your groups.

Oh! Speaking about the sport I like football like watching and Playing but do you know there are two sports I like. One is motorcycle and race car but these two sport I only to watch don't play. I like to travel too especially to the Uropean but I don't know someday. And I like to watch movies like Hollywood or case history especially cartoon movies. And at the end I hope that you will be understand my letters and hope you won't be forget me when you go back home and when you want to visiting Cambodia again you can call my phone number ### ### ### or address hourse number ###A Trie distric Streng meanchey Phompenh Cambodia. Please help to correct me

THANK YOU!

From me TOUCH 27/1/10

Heal our Hearts, O God!

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

80 percent of the people in Cambodia are under age 30. . .

How many people would need to be slaughtered before the world notices? How many people-more importantly, who-would need to know before the world reacts?

In 1975, shortly after the Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge, run by a French-educated Cambodian native, took control of the country. Then they decided to cleanse its nation from any and all Western influences. They chose the worst possible way to do it.

First, they deceived its people that the US army was preparing to drop bombs in their capital city, Phnom Penh. After the mass evacuation, the Khmer Rouge took over the city and began their cleansing. They arrested anyone with higher education such as doctors, teachers, and lawyers. If you didn't seem "pure" enough, i.e., had Western influences, you were taken away.

Pol Pot used Toul Sleng (aka S-21), a school where he used to teach, as his detention and torture centres. A place once used to teach and inspire children now brought fear, isolation and confinement. Classrooms were turned into cells, and barbed wire blanked the buildings. When I entered the school, I could almost hear the screaming. I even saw dried blood on the classroom floors. Here, people were tortured to confess their non-existent crimes, and driven outside of the city on trucks to what is now known as the "Killing Fields."

Men and women and young children were led to separate pits. One by one, the victims were forced to kneel by the edge. To save ammunition, farming equipment such as pick axes, shovels, hammers, and wooden clubs were used to carry out the executions. The lifeless bodies simply fell into the pit. After a pit was full, they sprayed chemicals to prevent the stench of rotting corpses to avoid suspicion from nearby villages, and to "kill off victims who were buried alive."

Babies were treated differently. One depiction suggests soldiers would grab infants by a leg, and swing it against a tree, bashing its head for a quick and simple death. The crushed bodies would be then tossed into a separate pit. Another depiction shows babies tossed up in the air, while another solder would point his bayonet up, and skewering the falling bodies.

By the time the world realized, reacted, and brought an end to Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, nearly 2 million people were executed-almost a 3rd of its nation. During their reign, the Khmer Rouge managed to fool not only its country, but much of the world.

A photo exhibit at S-21 genocide museum displays a 2-week trip a group of Swedes were invited on, to show the world how the Khmer Rouge was helping its country. The exhibitor now regrets and admits that the "trip was a mistake since they became a part of the propaganda of the Khmer Rouge." He, like many at the time, was tricked to seeing only what they wanted the world to see.

Even as I type this, my head hurts, my stomach turns, and tears flow down my face. The effects of the Khmer Rouge are still evident today. There are still many graves not yet excavated. Half the city seems to be under construction. Too many are living in poverty, struggling to make a living.

After something like this, what is one to do? What is a Jesus follower to do? Pray? Feel bad and say "I'm sorry your country went through this?" I don't have the answer. All I can do is realize that a single vision can change a country, even if for the worst. I do not want to lose faith in humanity. All I can do is hope and pray that God is sovereign. God cares. God cries. God also loves us so much that He does not abandon a nation, or a single person. In the end, God is victorious. He will bring peace, I know it. I see it. I feel it.

-More pictures HERE (opens in new window)

-Special thanks to teammates Nicole for pix, and Erika for research!

My Heart Breaks

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Early in our ministry, I got a chance to walk to a nearby slum village, looking for children who should've been in school, but weren't. I was told that the kids tend to skip, b/c they were used to sleeping in, and being unsupervised. Some of them have never been to school, so they don't like feeling stupid b/c they can't read or write and others do. What I saw at the village (that's a very polite way of saying it), hit me like a brick wall. It was the worst living conditions I've seen anywhere, including World Vision commercials on TV.

First there is the poverty. This "village" is a system of poles and platforms and boards, all raised about 3-6 feet off the ground that is the sewage water. During the rainy season, this water rises. When it does, so does fecal matter, garbage, and the disease-carrying mosquitoes. I don't want to forget to mention the foul stench.

The home owners require rent in full each time, or you get charged 10% interest. You're not allowed to pay by day, or week. And when you live poverty, you simply cannot afford to save up money. When you can't pay the rent in full, 10% interest is added to the following month's rent. Eventually, you're forced to leave. (I believe that Cambodia is under a large facelift, especially of its capital, Phnom Penh, and this is a very indirect way to push the impoverished out of the city.) The walls and roof are rusted corrugated metal sheets, and the "streets" are full of cracks and openings, constructed of whatever material is available over flimsy poles that sway with each step that make you wonder just how many children fall through each week.

And my God, the children!! Most of the kids in the village don't have shoes. The dirt ground paved with rocks, broken glass, metal, garbage, feces, construction debris, you name it. What you also see a lot on the ground are playing cards. Almost everyone gambles--from parents, to young adults, to children. I'm talking about 7 yr olds. Whatever money they have, they gamble it. The most appalling fact is that the adults and children gamble together! The kids pick up everything the adults do: swearing, fighting, smoking, aggression, etc.

While most of the children are sponsored to go to school, some are still more accustomed and like their "old" lifestyle of sleeping in, no school, swimming in rivers, and gambling. Kids that have worked in dump sites to make money, have already experienced independence and an adult social life, all before the age of 10. When these kids are brought to school, they have trouble adjusting, feel stupid compared to those who are younger and literate.

Whether you're eating at a restaurant, or near a tourist attraction, it's not uncommon to have people come beg for money. Sometimes they're someone with a physical disability. Sometimes it's a mother with two small children. It doesn't matter who, it never fails to break your heart. It always make you feel like crap.

I feel helpless. I feel useless. I feel defeated. Is what I'm doing here, really making a difference? I ask God what I'm supposed to do. What am I doing here? I know I'm here to do bring God's Kingdom, but what does that mean? What does that look like for me while I'm here?

This is under most of the houses: Garbage, fecal matter, sewage water.

You can see the kids and adults gambling together.

Several different groups of ppl were gambling.

This is one of the "nicer" units. Lots of room. Most are much smaller, and have anywhere from 7-10 people living inside.

Dedicated to AIA'ers

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This post is for everyone, but more for those who happened to be involved in, or have experienced Athletes In Action. Last month in Thailand, the men had the privilege of partnering up with Ray Ward of Deeper Still Ministries, International and Weelapong. Wee uses soccer as an effective tool in bringing children, locals, schools and non-believers to the Light of Christ. He is currently looking for monetary support as well as for missionaries to partner with him in his vision. After living with him for 3 weeks, all I can say is that this man gets it. He If you'd like to hear more after reading this blog, please contact me using the CONTACT link, or leaving a comment with your e-mail. Thanks!

The following is Ray speaking of Weelapong--his story, testimony, and ministry. It has been edited for length:

When we first met Wee we asked him, "What has God called you to do that so passionately guides you to minister the youth everyday in your village?" He shared where he had come from: a life of alcohol, drugs and gangs. Because of Thai laws you must send children 7 (years) and older out of the village for education. The Thai government's heart is to help and to see the Karen be educated, but what happens is the children go to live in or near big cities in crowded children's homes and in a lot of cases separated from family.

Weelapong, now 36, was one of those kids who was sent to the next major town to stay and learn as a young man, and entered into the same lifestyle and then quickly spiraled downward. Thinking he could change it himself, he joined the Thai military, saying "this would be the thing that can help me start to be better." Needless to say, it grew worse.

One day he went back to his family's village where there happened to be a speaker from America who had come to share Jesus in his village. The speaker came over to him and started to pray and prophecy over his life. Wee accepted the Lord and was filled with the Spirit. That day things changed; he was able to walk with the Lord's strength out of his bondages and into freedom with Christ.

God gave Wee a vision also to see 20-30,000 Karen Hill Tribe youth coming together to worship God. Wee has been walking towards this vision for 7 years now, and what that looks like is: Youth evangelism in schools, villages, cities, and in the homes in which the children are sent when they need to go to school. Wee has put together many championship soccer teams and finds one of the best ways to disciple kids is to teach them how to play soccer for competitions.

He has built amazing relationships with teachers, government officials and the police, bringing them to work together to provide better opportunities for the children's future. Wee puts on sport camps, goes into all city schools, and provides his home as an alternative place for kids to come and live whose parents struggle financially to send their kids to the schools. This opens a great door for discipleship.

Wee has recently opened a youth center and home in the same town, giving the kids a place to come to have fun and also be discipled. It is important to say that most of the funding in his ministry comes from him working, and is not enough to support the full vision or get his youth center fully functioning. Wee would also like to see more community sport camps be put together with the goal of helping kids meet Jesus and staying off the streets.

No, YOU Khmer

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After more than 10 hr of travelling, we crossed the Thai-Cambodia border by bus and foot, and arrived in Siem Reap. We were totally spoiled by a really nice place to stay for two nights (we got a fantastic group rate with a pre-existing relationship from a previous WR team). It was a much needed time of rest, sleep, and of course, our new squad leaders, Jory, Katie, and Weston, and new team leaders in Tim, Matthew, and Celeste. All teams stayed intact, save for one team whose one member was pulled to lead another team.

We also got to visit Angkor Wat, considered one of the 8^th Wonders of the World, and the biggest temple in the world. It's where Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider. It's fairly big, so it's kinda hard to believe that it was lost for a number of years.

I'm also aware of Khmer Rouge, and the Killing Fields-the biggest genocide in recent human history, that ended no more than 10 years ago. There are still mines in rural areas, many of which are still off limits, many people with missing limbs, museum/schools depicting and explaining the horrible tragedy that was one person's way to "cleanse the nation."

Our ministry in Cambodia is called Destiny Rescue, which runs a school and a daycare. Students come from 3 separate slum villages (more on this in the future), and they have sponsors (mostly in Oz) that provide schooling, food, and medical care for the children.

My team is working solo this month, and we're covering anything from teaching material prep, fixing broken things (me), organizing a LOT of stuff, and catching up on supporter's updates (letters and pictures, etc). Our ministry contact, Pat (a Kiwi) has graciously allowed us to stay at her house so that we can save money on lodging and travel to the ministry site! We're the first WR team to come, so we're hoping to set a great example for future teams to come. :)

In Cambodia, traffic lights are mere suggestions, use USD$ b/c their currency, Riel, is so worthless ($1USD=4200R), and speak Khmer.

Tears for a Nation

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever cried for an entire country? I've heard of countries with persecution, no human rights,

PLEASE DO NOT POST COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG, OR EMAIL ME RIGHT NOW FOR SPECIFICS. THIS IS A VERY SENSITIVE ISSUE WHERE I'M STAYING, AND WHILE IT MAY BE HARD TO BELIEVE, THERE IS A CHANCE CERTAIN GOVERNMENT AND SECRET POLICE MONITORS SUCH INFO.

Imagine being forced into joining the military or imprisoned for life. Imagine having to choose to join the military that you are against, to protect your family from rape and persecution from that same military. Imagine having your daughter or sister, no matter the age, forced into work as prostitutes or in bars in Thailand. Imagine being told where to build a church, if at all, then have the government tell you when and what you can have in the service, and for how long. Everything is controlled. Nothing is a choice.

Tonight, I wept for a nation I've never been to, or know anything about. I prayed, I felt the heart of God broken for the people of that nation. I felt a righteous anger in what has been taking place for more than 50 years. I prayed that God would send people into this country. I spoke freedom and peace for the people that live there. I prayed for eyes to be opened, for those with power to be physically slapped and realize the corruption and greed they're drowning in.

Although I don't have much background info, I cannot explain why I felt such sorrow for the nation that has so much beauty in its country, natural resources and peoples. The country I am referring to is @ and is spelled this way to avoid easy searches by this country's government. If you enter this country, you are shadowed by the secret police, to monitor your behaviour, who you come in contact with, and where you stay, etc. This is very serious. We never mention names because you do not want to jeopardize any of our contacts, the ministries, and the years of work put in already.

Once I'm back home, or at least out of Asia, I can share more. But for now, please pray for the hearts of the said country and its government. I've already heard stories of small victories within the military, and I pray for more.

Manistry Videos

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The first video is by one of the amazing men we have on the squad, Weston. The 2nd is just a fun one from youtube. :)

The squad is off to Cambodia tomorrow. Please pray for us, as we'll find out our new squad leaders, some possible leadership changes, and maybe, MAYBE team switches. Anything could happen. Pray for safe travels, too!

Manistry

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the 3^rd month, the men will be serving separately from the women. The women will head into red light districts to reach out to prostitutes, girls who work in bars-women who do not have options. While our ladies tackle this physically, emotionally and spiritually daunting task, the 15 men on our squad will have what's called "Manistry."

For the most part, that entails taking a red-light bus 9 hrs to arrive at 5:30am and not having anyone pick us up for 2 hrs, then driving up 4.5 hrs the next day to another city in 2 pick up trucks with all our luggage through winding mountain roads, to arrive at dusk, set up tents in the middle of a land of palm and banana trees-land purchased only a week before us arriving, with only light coming from our headlamps, waking up in dampness from the morning dew, clearing the dead tree limbs, about 200 dead fallen coconuts (no exaggeration), chopping down huge dead trees, have ants and bugs get in every imaginable things, pulling dead weed from a dried up pond, pumping water back into that pond from the river, then burning up ALL dead things in bonfires that became infernos, digging two holes 6 feet deep that would be septic tanks for bathrooms for the refugee camp that would take in both Burmese and Thai children, then walking about a 100 m through cornfield to arrive at a river to shower with 14 other men, some losing their soaps in the current including me, then after dinner, share our thoughts and pray with the men, only to head back into your tent that isn't as clean or dry or warm as you'd like it to be.

It's not all as glamorous as I describe it. One night we had to endure eating at a buffet with endless meats you cook at your table for the equivalent of $3. Another time, we hiked to a giant secluded cave that only a few know about or visited. The gov't tried to make it a tourist destination, but because the only road in is through a small village, the villagers would always remove the signs to the cave so that visitors would not be able to find it. This cave is pretty much a tunnel with river rushing through it. Thankfully when we were there, the water was only a few feet deep. But during the rainy season, it can rise up to 5 feet or more. Inside you see the most interesting rock formations, bats, exotic spiders, but only if you bring a light source, because it's completely dark.

We also found ourselves playing soccer against what seemed like 20 Thai kids on a full sized field. It was the most difficult game of soccer I've played, especially when the sun set, and all I could see was 20 feet ahead of me, never really knowing where the ball was until it was coming at your head.

Please pray for the work we're doing. The land we're working on used to belong to animists, who are people who worship spirits in animals, trees, water, etc. We're physically and spiritually taking back the land that was used ungodly and claiming it in Jesus' name. It may sound dumb, but when you worship and pray over the land that you're working on, whether it be land, or workplace, you are bringing God's kingdom.

My next blog will talk about a prophecy spoken over me.

Korean in a Karen Village

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever seen those people with long necks with golden rings? They're one of 2 different tribes of Karen (Kaa-ren) in Northern Thailand: Boh and Sgaw. We had a chance to visit a Sgaw Karen village (not the long necks) for a Christmas party and their Sunday service. Almost the entire village of 200-300 was Christians. It was an amazing thing to realize. They're living in the most remote part of Thailand in the mountains, many of them looking like they belong in an article of National Geographic, yet they have God in their lives.

When we arrived for the Sunday service, we were told that apart from explaining who we are and why we're there, one of should give a message. We circled up and prayed for God to speak to us who that person should be, and of what. While we prayed I thought about things I could potentially share. When we were done, no one had gotten a strong conviction. I said, "I'm not strongly convicted, but if no one else is willing, I am." And so I was selected.

While I wasn't sure I should, I figure, I came half way across the world, supported by friends and family and other supporters to serve people, and preach the Gospel. I don't want to sit on the sidelines to be an observer. Not that it was the main reason, how many of us could say that you visited a remote mountain village in Northern Thailand and shared a message to 200+ Karens, a group of people I didn't even know existed 2 weeks ago?

My message was simple, a bit of my testimony and an experience topped off with an analogy on sin. Since I had asked God to tell me what to speak, I wasn't shocked that my full outline didn't materialize. My fav part was from a cheesy analogy I came up with while weeding in Nicaragua, where sin = weed. It's easy to pull out a weed when it first starts to grow. But when you don't pull out a weed and let it grow, it become harder to pull out since the roots grow deep and wide. It also become difficult to distinguish what is weed and what is good crop, especially if you don't have farming experience. If you let it grow even longer, it overpowers the good crop so much all you have left is the weed. To pull out a weed that's been growing way too long, you have to dig deep...real deep.

I know it's past, but I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas, and wish all the best in 2010!! Go Vancouver Olympics!

Jesus Hugged Me...for Realsies

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What can 2 weeks do?

A month and a half into the race, although I felt gradual growth spiritually, it was nothing worthy to write home (or blog) about. Two weeks ago, I looked down the mountain and I can see just how much God's brought me up already. It did help to have a Costa Rican pastor named Angel prophecy over you as well.

Ever since then, with the help of my amazing team REV217, I've been really pursuing the calling on my life, as well as my personal relationship with God. You might think, I thought Will already had a relationship with God?' But like in any fruitful relationship, it's not only about the initial commitment, but the growth that follows.

>>Fast forward to the squad debrief session this week in Jinotepe. At our first session, we were not only worshipping God, but resting in His Presence. We've all worked very hard, and it was a chance to be still for a rare change. Most were laying prostate on the floor, while some, like me, sat on chairs. With my eyes closed, my hands open on my lap, the eyes of my heart opened, even if for a brief moment.

I began feeling pressure on my chest area, and had some difficulty breathing. I thought it was all the tension stored up catching up, or the lack of sleep, or the small breakfast. Then although my eyes were closed, I could see clearly into the room. I saw someone hugging me very hard, and realized it was JESUS HUGGING ME so hard that it was making it difficult to breathe. Am I losing it? Am I trying to convince myself of these things?' I rationalized that if I were to lean forward and bend my torso over, the downward pressure on my chest should at least subside (all the while still seeing Jesus hugging me). When I did, the pressure only increased b/c now Jesus was upside down, and was holding tighter not to fall down!

This is the first time I've had any type of experience like this, and I hope it's not last. When others have shared their Jesus encounters I'd often think really? How do you "SEE" that?' But now I have one, and I've no doubt some of you are asking me the same thing.

My next blog will share a bit more on pursuing a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. Perhaps it can explain a little more on this for you.

More Than Words

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This blog is a continuation of the previous post, "Jesus Hugged Me."

I've been encouraged to speak the words, I love you God.' It's not something that I've said often or really mean or feel it when I've said it. For me, God's mostly been someone I try to obey, respect, honour and fear, much the way I was with my earthly father.

When you speak words such as "I forgive you" or "I love you" even when you're not sure you feel it, it releases a lot of things. It's not convincing yourself of something, but allowing your head to grasp what your heart can and need to do.

Going back to that same morning, after JESUS HUGGED ME, I sat down on the floor, and started to say, "I love you God" over and over. All of a sudden, I started picturing my dad, and felt how much he missed me, and how much he cared and loved me. Although none of us had ever said it to each other, and probably never will, I knew he loved me. I kind of knew this before, but never really REALIZED it until that moment. I started weeping. This isn't something I like to admit.

It's ironic that in my video, I had used the song, More Than Words by the Extreme. You need to do things to show what you mean, but also, words can mean so much more when spoken.

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I mentioned that in the 2 weeks, I've experienced a lot. The same can be said for my time with the kids at Cicrin Orphanage. The last day we were leaving, I realized just how much I had grown attached to them. After our bus left for the ferry back, I was asked to pray for our travels back. What I did was sob. Did I mention that I don't like to admit that I cried?

These kids are in great hands. Helen, the director, has an amazing heart for the kids, and the kids are not forsaken, and not alone. The last night our two teams prayed for Helen. While praying, I asked God for a vision or words for Helen. What I saw was this: in every child at the orphanage, I saw a huge red heart. And I saw all the crops they have in their fields, and each plant also had a huge heart. The kids and the crops will produce great harvest, not only in the physical sense, but in spiritual.

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I am en route to Thailand via LAX. Please pray for our travels. I had a quick scare when I got off our flight in MIA, and I had left my passport on the plane. They wouldn't let me go back for security reasons, but had someone go get it for me. 2 hrs later, I missed my connecting flight to LA, and now I'm on the next flight into LA. Good news is that I won't be missing my flight out of LA to BKK. Praise God. :P

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K, now we're all safe and sound in Bangkok, at the YWAM base here. All flights were good since LA!

Nicaragua Video!

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All teams have arrived in Jinotepe for a 4-day debrief session before leaving for Thailand. As promised, here is a video I made of our month in Nicaragua, mostly of the amazing kids at Cicrin orphanage.

I hope you like it!

3 blogs in 1 week?!? O_o

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

End of month two is fast approaching, with debrief on deck on Dec 3^rd. We'll fly out of Managua to LA on Dec 8^th, then after a few hrs, we'll fly to Thailand and arrive on Dec 10^th.

I guess most of you are desperate for more awesome pictures and miraculous stories. For pictures, you'll see most of them on my video that I'm working on, maybe even with some videos. As for miracles, well, I think since NOTHING is impossible with God, nothing that happens is really a miracle. But I do have one that can be classified as one to share.

>In my last blog I noted that I had spoke prophetically over my teammates of REV217. For one of the girls, I had the words, "fire and passion" for her. (Later I found out Brad also had said she was passionate.) Back at training camp, she was given the name "Pearl" as well. She had a bit of trouble understanding why she was given such words from me. The next day she just happened to toss her ipod on to her bed, and it shuffled to an album titled "Pearls of Passion"-Coincidence?

A few nights later, squad leader Andi (who is an amazingly beautiful woman of God-I'm so glad she's with our teams here) shared some prophetic words to all of us. And she had the word "fire" for the same girl! Total confirmation. Several people had spoken the same word(s) to her at diff times. Do you think God speaks? Only when you're willing to listen.

>One night, REV217, team Jubilee and squad leader Andi met up to pray for what we deducted was spiritual attacks. Almost all of us had one time or another experienced headaches, extreme fatigue (even after ample rest), several nightmare type dreams, and personal attacks such as insecurity in oneself. God spoke. Some people were shaking, some were praying in tongues, we laid hands on people, and blessed and spoke life into one another. I prayed for one person, with my right hand on his shoulder and left hand in the air, to be empowered by God. I felt my left forearm and hands start to shake and feel numb and nowhere else on my body. Another girl we were praying for, I had my hands on her feet. She shouted "no more, no more!" in regards to the lies she had been told and told herself. While praying, I felt a rush of something come out of her, and into my head. I began to feel dizzy, but I held on tight. I prayed on, "you are a daughter of the God most high. You are completely free. Whatever is not of Him needs to go back to hell in the name of Jesus Christ" among others. After a little while, the dizziness was gone. The next day, not one person had a bad night's sleep, or a bad dream. God moved. There is power in prayer. There is power in Christ.

I'd be the first to tell you that I'm not some extreme charismatic Christian fanatic. We were not exorcising demons that night. We were merely speaking life into ourselves, and telling the lies to get out of us, and praying for protection in Jesus' name. What happens when we do that is not of us, but the Holy Spirit moving through us and in us.

I want to thank everyone for their continued support. There is a ton of work we're doing here, despite visible or tangible results I can share with words. All that I or any of my teammates are doing isn't possible through your giving and praying. God Bless.

D'Ya Miss Me?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

D'Ya Miss Me?

Wow, where do I begin? I guess I should first apologize for the lack of blogs since arriving here in Ometepe Island. You know when you've got so much to share, you just don't know how? Almost every day, I've got tons of things I want to share with people back home, but at the same time I have trouble. And not having internet access within 5 mins from your bed doesn't help either. But here we go, hang on to your hats, folks, I may go just a tad too fast.

I've been sleeping in my tent INSIDE my room b/c as beautiful as this hot hot hot tropical island is, there is nowhere else in the world that I've been to that has this many bugs. Gnats, ants of a dozen kinds, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, termites, just to name a few, along with newts/salamanders EVERYwhere. And I'm not exaggerating. At least one of these peeping toms watches me every time I shower. And I think they like it. For about a week, I had a mysterious rash on both my forearms and the inner parts of my calves. Very bumpy and scratchy, but thanks to some pills and cream, I'm good. I just don't know what caused it. I've gotten so many bug bites-and of course I scratch so much they bleed and scab repeatedly-I feel like bug bites with my leg, than leg with bug bites. (kinda like, would you like some coffee with your sugar?)

Speaking of sugar, one of the kids here is Sucre. We also call him Azucar, which is sugar in Spanish (btw, Spanish and French have tons of similarities). One day, we were playing Nicaraguan baseball and the girls were cheering for him big time. I've never seen a kid seem so happy to have ppl cheering for him. He played so much better, and happier, and it was really amazing to see what a little bit of enthusiasm did for that kid. If you're wondering what "Nica baseball" is, it's having trees as bases, not enough rules to confuse/upset an umpiring enthusiast, but enough to make the game fully enjoyable, baseballs with the leather cover torn off, chasing hits into garbage pits, no balls and strike counts, no age or gender or skill limit, and kids having a blast playing the 2^nd greatest game in the world. If you haven't guessed it, soccer is #1. :P And when it comes to soccer, every Nicaraguan boy OR girl, save for those under the age of 3, will school me any time of day. I mostly play goalkeeper that way I don't look as bad. Haha

Although this is my first orphanage, it is pretty darn amazing. To plagiarize Matt Rock, who appropriately rocks as a brother to me and the girls, There is such a joy here; honestly, this place just has a vibe to it that screams peace and redemption, and we felt that the moment we stepped foot on its grounds. Later, we came to find out that this property used to be a type of training/housing for child soldiers during the Nicaraguan civil war/revolution (but no, I don't know which side used it). And to think, now it is being used to love orphans and teach them about their Father in heaven...and THAT, my friends, is redemption!

The kids are amazing, even if they are obsessed w/ matching all of the WR girls with the guys, even Brad and Erika who are already married to each other. It's a joy working in whatever tedious, seems-redundant, dirty, difficult jobs for these kids, such as weeding a field, mowing grass fields with machetes, helping out in the kitchen, or gutting/cleaning tilapia for the first time. Blisters anyone? I've developed a bit of a soft spot for them, whom, it seems, have all call me by different names. As it stands, my name is Chino Guillermo Bruce Lee. I had Jacky Chan for a while, too, but I asked them politely to refrain from calling me two different martial artists. Oh, I'm also "in love" with Jessica "Alba" Johnson. Sorry ladies back home who are waiting patiently for my return.

After the 2^nd day here, God showed me that I can't speak Spanish. Duh! I prayed that I'd still be able to communicate with the kids somewhat. I put in a lot of effort of learning words and/or sentences, and lo and behold, I can understand and speak simple sentences! Not to boast, but it's amazing how much I've picked up in such a short period of time. If the kids speak slowly enough and as if I were a 3 yr old, I can understand almost everything they say, and I can give what I think is a proper response. It's pretty cool. I would actually like to learn Spanish after the race. It's too bad that in 2 weeks, we'll be in Asia.

I am not posting any pictures here or on facebook b/c I'm working on a slide show/video and I don't want to give away the photos yet. :) Also, if you haven't yet, check out the blogs of my teammates-I've got some pretty good writers on my team. While you're at it, send some money to Brad and Erika. And just for the heck of it, send me some money too. Thanks! ;)

God Is Interactive

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(This blog is dedicated to Christine, Janet, Lacey and Shea for no apparent reason but that I am praying for them. I also stole the title from Bethany Holland's blog)

What do you do when someone shows up at your door and says, "you want On November 19^th, a pastor named Angel (pronounced, Anhel), spoke this to me through two helpful translators:

"You will be a prophet of God. God will use me in the nations, and I will prophesy in Jesus' name. I need to let God use me, and to let Him lead my heart in all things."

WOW. What do you say to that? Is "thank you appropriate?" It's like having Ted Williams tell you that I will bat over .400. It's like having Natalie Portman ask me on a date. It's like having rice and/or beans for every meal for 2 weeks, then having pancakes out of nowhere. It's like having a Central American pastor tell you that you're a prophet of the Lord most High...nm.

I mean, I've had dreams in the past, and if something remotely resembled some iota of it happened in life, I'd think that's pretty neat. My awesome, fearless, and totally ripped leader Brad encouraged me to spend more time w/ God on this. And so the next few days, I did. On Monday night, my team had a very intimate time with God. During the meditating, I asked God that if I am to start prophesying in any form or fashion, I'd do it with uttermost humility, and to give Him all the credit and glory. I also asked that if I were to start, I want to start with my teammates. Whenever I thought of someone on my team, I got visions and words. Back at training camp when we did something similar to this, it was something we did together for all of us. This time it was just me and God. Afterwards, I shared with everyone what I had seen and heard.

I testify that all of this happened, and there's no reason for me to make up any of this. If I really wanted to make up such a story, it would've included robots, me winning the showcase show down, saving a group of moderately attractive coeds from a burning bus and eating 30 chicken wings. In all seriousness, I share this with you b/c I want you to hear it. I want you to ask me about it.

Prophesying isn't picking the winning lottery numbers or predicting the future. It's relaying on the message God's given to you for others, and speaking life and truth in to them. I'm still processing, and like with most things, such as a spiritual gift, practice makes perfect.

What does all this mean for me? I don't know, except that I will be prophesying in the nations in the name of Jesus Christ. I will continue to pray for what was spoken over me. I want what God wants for me, and be good at it.

1 down, 10 to go

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So Oct is over, and month 1 of 11 is finished. In that month I...
-fed mal-nourished babies and children
-jumped across a sewage "river" only to walk right back in it
-dug trenches and laid pipes
-built and replaced bio-sand water filters
-joined a pick-up soccer game w/ local kids
-played freeze tag
-played soccer and vball with orphans
-pushed cars out of flooded sewage water
-worshipped God in Spanish
-learned to never assume
-saw how incredibly creative God is
-saw what super obedience looks like
-have teammates pour love into me
-make several mistakes
-really appreciated e-mails from a current world racer

26 hrs in 4 days later

My team, along with team Jubilee arrived in Ometepe, which is an island on the Nicaragua Lake, a 2-hr ride East from Rivas. I just gotta say, next time, Id gladly pay the extra $ for flying rather than taking 7 different bus rides to travel for 26 cumulative hours over 4 days. :P

Were at Cicrin (see-k-rin) Orphanage, that currently houses 12 girls and 8 boys., and a 19-month-old girl. The people are just as nice in Guate, but the air is cleaner, and where were currently at (along the lake), the view is breathtaking. Ometepe Island has two volcanoes: Vocana Concepcion, which is active, and Maderas, non-active. I look forward to climbing them in the near future.

You can kiss your family and friends good-byes and put miles behind you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.
--Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth

Its been about a month and there are definitely things I miss, such as playing organized sports 5 times a week, being able to get cleaned up and stay clean for more than 45 mins, not getting unexplainable rashes all over my legs and/or arms, or eating whatever I feel in the mood to eat.

There are two main things our two teams are involved with here. The first of course is the orphanage and the kids. We dont get to see them too much, except for meal times and a bit of free time here and there, because they go to school. But we make the most of it when we do.

The other is a church the orphanage is involved with. Were helping with constructing a building that will be used for their feeding program for that church. Currently, they feed kids from ages anywhere from 3 to maybe 13, at the pastors house. Usually the younger kids come eat first and the dishes are washed for the older kids who arrive a bit later. When the building is finished, all the kids will be able to go there to eat.

Good-bye Guatemala!

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a quick blog before we head into Managua, Nicaragua. It sounds like internet access is scarce, so this might be the last one for a while.

This morn, we left Guatemala City, save for Mike Sanders, Melina and Josh. Mike started having violent vomiting last night around 1am, and did not stop until about 3:30am. I happened to be up dong some logistical stuff and helped him as much as I could, before he finally went to a clinic/hospital in the early morning. They'll get results tomorrow on whether he has Malaria, Dengue Fever, or Salmonella. When he's healthy enough, all three will join their team.

In the movie, Gladiator, one servant character says something like, "Some things I do because I want to; some things I do because I have to." I'm learning to do exactly that, and it's not easy. I'm also learning whether it's me that needs to change, or need to challenge the other party that I have issues with.

It's been a blessing to see all of L squad again. We'll all leaving tomorrow morning at 5am on a 12 hr bus ride through Honduras, then to our destination, Managua. One team will be going to Costa Rica. My team will be with Jubilee and squad leader, Andi. I don't know if I'm more excited about going to a country that loves baseball, or serving with team Jubilee and/or Andi. :) I guess that's a question I'd dwell on any day of the week.

Lastly, I am on "No Shave November." Thanks for all your e-mails, comments, donations, and prayers. Miss you all!

When Heroism Calls...

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, it poured. I mean, it rains hard almost every day, but it poured. After maybe 20-30 mins, the three-way street our hostel is on flooded. I have to admit, it was quite a sight to see. When a car would drive by, it would sed waves of this nasty, sewage, garbage, dirt water into stores and homes.

I could tell this happens more than once in a blue moon, b/c shops had these boards inserted into concrete grooves in the door frames. Sean and I stepped out to get closer pictures and immediately get a wave of water to our ankles (not to mention regret having come outside).

Then a small p/u truck stalled in the middle of the three-way. Buses, cars, and tuk-tuks neared, all trying to manouever around the "sitting duck."

I rolled up my jeans as high as they would go and walked in the most disgusting water (if you can call it that) to the truck. I began pushing as hard as I could, but whenever I'd get some momentum, the driver would apply the brakes, trying to crank the ignition. Sean, then came in the water and shouted, "neutrales" enough times until the driver understood.

Soon the truck was out of water, and after a few more turns of the ignition, it puttered away. On lookers who had just witnessed an Asian and a black man push a Guatemalan truck out of flood water all applauded and cheered.

It was only when Sean and I made our wade back to our hostel that the three ladies across the street shouted, "otros, otros!!" pointing to a freshly stalled truck in the three-way.

REV217

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As of this morning, our team, Hot Mess officially became REV217. Without getting into too much detail, I'll tell you that Christine has gone back home in true obedience. This does not mean that we're weaker in any way. We are all behind in her decision and very proud of the way she humbled herself, shared with what was on her heart, and blessed us through this experience.

Christine, I will miss you, but I am rejoice in the plans that God has for you back home. I am excited to see how you will affect your family, friends, and supporters back home. Thank you for all that you did for our team, squad, and me. God bless you!

REV217 comes from Revelations 2:17, which reads:

"Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it." NLT

Our team will stay together with Brad as our new leader. He was always on my list of potential leaders I'd like to have since training camp, so it's not a huge shock to have him named to take over the team. He brings wisdom, white-boy rhythm, humour, and lots of other great leadership qualities.

Please continue to pray for our new team, and Christine, for our new journies ahead. October is now over, and in 6 days, we'll be leaving for Nicaragua.

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Last night wasn't Halloween, but I dressed up for it for the very first time. I was a cowboy. The toy guns, holsters, and shriff badge was $2. We also ate Guatemala candy. :)

From My Eyes and Heart to Yours

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I did not come here just to do nice things for others. I am not here just to feel bad for people in need. I did not come here to just have fun or feel good about myself. As hard as it's been at times here--not everything is exactly as they were supposed to--I know that God is here. I am not here to do X amount of ministry so that my supporters feel their monies are being well-spent.

What Breaks Your Heart?

It breaks my heart to see stray dogs starving to death, dogs that follow tourists around hoping for any food. It breaks my heart to say 'no gracias" to childeren no older than 8 when they come around with things to sell. It breaks my heart to see elderly women, nearing death beds, on the streets, begging for money.

The following is from New Life & Peace Ministries church in Antigua, Guatemala, where my team Hot Mess and 180 attended last Sunday.

Guatemala is the land of the eternal spring, with breath-taking scenery and jam-packed with intriguing tourist sites; but few know the real Guatemala--its face of poverty and sorrow.

Civil War and hardship have taken their toll on Guatemala, resulting in a thrid-world country, with high death rates and limited medical aid for the poor. Even with ten years of peace, it is far from peaceful; it is a land where the rich thruly live, leaving the poor hopeless and depressed. The Government is only now starting to get back on its feet, from the years of corruption that have deeply penetrated government offices.

There are countless amounts of abandoned children; some who are fortunate enoughh to make it to an orphange, yet many remain, left to scratch out a survival on the streets. Alcoholism is a large problem in Guatemala, and remains the primay reason for child abandonment. There are many hopeless cases, where the parents give their children to orphanages, not being able to feed them or take care of them.

The rural mountain children who are privileged enough to have parents are not much better off. Their families are poor, often cruel and violent and force the children to start working at a very young age in order to survive. The high infant mortality rates causes parents to have more children in hope a few will survive to help them support themselves. Many of the children that do live to a decent age are burdened with these sorrows, keeping them from breaking free from their property.

There is hoppe for Guatemala, hope that can be brought about by Jesus Christ, caring hearts and spiritually responsible Christians!

(If you'd like to donate or lend me a laptop/netbook with ms office, please let me know. Having one would make the WORLD of a difference. :D)

Hands On

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dug trenches on Wednesday. It was for electrical wires and water pipes. Levi from Sharing His Plan had some property he was working on building cheap and affordable housing. He's building a training centre, a model house, and a few others.

Including yesterday, we had 10 of us work a total of 10 hours or so to finish. Had our WR teams not shown up, he would have had to do it all by himself. It was through our main contact, Carol and Forrest, from Servants 4 Him ministries that we got connected with Levi. All of our contacts have been tremendous. From feeding us, to giving up lots of tips, to taking care of our sick racers, it has truly been a blessing. (more pix to come. it's hard to work and take pictures, but i'll try to steal some from my teammates)

Thursday, we worked on the bio-sand filters. It's quiite a simple yet ingeneous thing. You replicate how the earth naturally filters dirty water in a concrete box about 1x1x3. It was developed by a company out of Calgary, so props! :) We built and poured concrete into 4 forms.

The great thing is that you provide the ppl with clean drinking water, and get to tell them also about the living water that Jesus provides. It's a great way to improve the lives of families and share the Gospel.

I really admired that Carol and Forrest do not just sell these water filters, b/c that would eliminate opportunities to outreach. They often build it with them, teach them about health and hygeine, and do lots of follow up.

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The weather's been pretty good. Around 20C for the most part, except hot temps during midday. We've been accessing internet at Luna de Miel, a French crepes shop. The owners are French, so I get to bust out my Francaise every now and then. :P

We've had 3 squad members experience vomitting and diarrhea, aka, "the teapot." I've been good, except minor cold symptoms like runny nose. Please contine to pray for our health, and our finances (including mine :P).